Jesus said to the crowds, "When you see a cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain–and so it does; and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot–and so it is. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time? "Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison. I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny." -Luke 12:54-59
Jesus often spoke about Hell, and being cast out of the Kingdom, where there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth, for all of eternity. If Hell is forever, then what is Christ speaking of that we will be turned over for judgment, imprisoned until our debt is paid, and then freed when our atonement is complete? Jesus even foretells the doubt many have of His mercy. I have experienced myself, that it isn’t cut and dry, Heaven or Hell. The enemy hands us over to the Judge, convicted by sin, and in His mercy, Jesus gives us an opportunity to pay off our debt to Him, so that when we’ve paid the last penny, we will be released, worthy to be in the presence of the Most Holy Trinity.