— Ven. Dr. Chiadikobi Levi Emmanuel
By Don Peter Okoro, JP-UN
The Vicar of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, DCC Nkwo-Nnewi, Anambra State, and Founder of Jesus Healing Ministry, Ven. Dr. Chiadikobi Levi Emmanuel, has stated that the greatest torment of hell will not merely be the fire, but the overwhelming regret of rejecting God’s countless attempts to save one’s soul.
The cleric made this assertion during an exclusive interview at his vicarage with the multiple award-winning journalist, Don Peter Okoro.
According to him:
«”I believe that the worst thing that can happen to any person is to enter hell. There is tremendous suffering there, but I believe the greater pain will not be the fire itself. The greater pain will be regret. At that point, a person’s eyes will be opened, and he will realize that God did everything possible to get his attention, yet he continually rejected Him through pride, arrogance, and unbelief.”»
Speaking further on the danger of self-glory and the popular notion of being “self-made,” Ven. Chiadikobi emphasized the biblical concept of grace.
He noted:
«”The world celebrates independence, personal ambition, and self-glory. While diligence and responsibility are important virtues, the danger lies in believing that success is achieved without God. Such people often say, ‘I achieved everything by myself. My intelligence, hard work, and discipline made me successful.’ Some even boast that they do not need God or anyone else.”»
The cleric pointed to 1 Corinthians 4:7, where Scripture asks:
«”For who maketh thee to differ from another? And what hast thou that thou didst not receive?”»
He explained that every gift, opportunity, ability, and achievement ultimately comes from God.
«”Christianity does not promote laziness. The Bible encourages hard work, excellence, and responsibility. However, we also recognize the place of grace—God’s unearned favour and empowerment. Grace does not replace labour; rather, it empowers and multiplies it.”»
Referencing the Apostle Paul, he added:
«”Paul said he laboured more abundantly than the other apostles, yet he quickly acknowledged that it was not by his own strength, but by the grace of God working in him. Favour is for labour, and labour must meet grace. Otherwise, one may receive the grace of God in vain.”»
Ven. Chiadikobi further explained that God constantly seeks to draw people to Himself through numerous expressions of His mercy and goodness.
«”Jesus stands at the door of the human heart and knocks. God sends blessings, miracles, deliverance, promotions, protection, and countless acts of kindness. He speaks through the conscience, through circumstances, and through His Word. Often, He grants people benefits they do not deserve, all in an effort to draw them closer to Himself.”»
Drawing from Christ’s parable of the barren fig tree, he said:
«”The owner wanted to cut down the tree because it was unfruitful, but the gardener pleaded for more time and added manure around it. Many people are like that tree. Despite their rebellion and wickedness, God continues to show them mercy, granting them opportunities, blessings, and additional time to repent. Yet many still ignore His call.”»
Concluding his message, the cleric reiterated his conviction:
«”That is why I believe that the worst thing that can happen to a person is to enter hell. But the greatest pain in hell will be the regret of realizing, too late, that God gave countless opportunities for salvation, yet those opportunities were rejected.”