THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
Another perspective suggests that your judgment has been rendered. Consider the outcomes of wickedness. The illumination of his intellect has faded, his conscience has become clouded, and he finds himself a captive of immorality. Just as a blind individual may fall into a pit, he too, lacking the reverence of God, traverses life engulfed in iniquity—not merely in moral pursuits but fully immersed in transgression; he disregards both Gehenna and the impending judgment, choosing to dismiss these considerations as constraints, surrendering himself like an unanchored ship to perilous winds and turbulent seas, with no one to steer his soul. Observe how the immoral experience punishment through their own vices.
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What could be more lamentable than an untamed horse, an unburdened vessel, or a sightless person? Yet, more unfortunate than all is the man who has extinguished the light of divine reverence within himself and has surrendered to wrongdoing.
The pagan does not believe in judgment and is in the same predicament as you, as he too is aware of those who have contemplated it: notwithstanding that they speak of a separation between body and soul, they accept the concept of judgment. The clarity of the issue has resonated so profoundly that few, if any, remain ignorant of it, including poets, who all concur regarding judgment and its inevitability. Thus, neither the pagan nor the Jew doubt this, nor does any person. Why then do we delude ourselves? Consider this: What will you say to God, who has uniquely crafted the heart of each one of us, who knows all that resides in our thoughts, who lives and acts, penetrating our being more profoundly than any double-edged sword? Speak truthfully: do you not acknowledge your own sins? Is there anyone who does not chastise himself for his sloth? How did such profound wisdom arise spontaneously, where the sinner finds fault with himself? This is truly the work of great understanding. You hold yourself accountable; has the One who endowed you with this mind abandoned it to chance? Therefore, we can conclude this: no one living righteously, whether a pagan or a heretic, disbelieves in this judgment; nor does anyone steeped in severe wickedness, barring a few, accept the word of resurrection. The Psalmist indeed states, “Thy judgments are far off from him.” Why is this? Because “At all times his ways are ruinous.” “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!” (1 Cor. 15:32). Can you see that such sentiments are characteristic of those of low standing? Those words that refute resurrection arise from the practice of indulgence. The soul cannot withstand the judgment of conscience and acts like a murderer: first, it casts itself into situations that evade detection, and then it commits the crime; when confronted by the judgment of conscience, it hesitates to act, knowing yet feigning ignorance, lest it be tormented by guilt and fear, thereby weakening itself for the act of sin. Similarly, those who transgress understand that wrongdoing is harmful and frequently pause in their misdeeds, unwilling to acknowledge their wickedness, even as their conscience admonishes them. However, let us not linger on these matters. Judgment and resurrection are assured, and God will not disregard such significant acts. Therefore, I implore you, let us distance ourselves from evil and cling to virtue, so that we may embrace the true message in Christ Jesus our Lord.