It also had to do with willingly being eternally damned for the sake of others (which also isn't the case with Christ, as the Bible teaches that he was resurrected and will return as King of Kings.)
Doesn't the Bible teach that some people will be better off in heaven than others? And don't you think that this influences the behavior of Christians?
People are influenced by their believed self-interest. This includes Christians. That's not shocking. It's human.
Let me rephrase. I believe that Christ descended into Hades (Acts 2:31.) I do believe Hades/Hell are one in the same, though I’m not willing to die on that hill.
I don’t think I misunderstood you. I think you’re saying people, including Christians, can mostly act in their own self-interest. I am saying that Christ is the one who broke that mold. He didn’t endure His suffering to gain entrance into Heaven, to stay out of Hell, or to get a better place in Heaven.
I did not, and won’t, argue that Christians aren’t ever motivated by their own interests – of course we are! I am contrasting Christ with the rest of humanity.
In response to “Doesn’t the Bible teach that some people will be better off in heaven than others? And don’t you think that this influences the behavior of Christians?” The funny thing here is I never said anything to the contrary. I said we don’t do good works to get into heaven or to get out of hell.