What about hell?

Without naming names, a handful of prominent theologians have decided that a loving God will not punish anyone. Therefore there is no hell.

Granted, this is not a popular topic. Most of us do not like to talk about or try to defend eternal punishment. I’ve sat in Bible studies where the subject came up and the subject was quickly changed. If anyone had anything to say, it was usually an explanation that life here ended for those who had not put their faith in Christ, but God would save them as they drew their last breath.

Here is what Jude has to say about it:

Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day— just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire. (Jude 5–7)

His first example of destruction might be interpreted as physical destruction yet the word could also be translated as “perish” and carries the sense of being totally lost.

As for the angels who are kept in eternal chains, the word “eternal” means “always” — at least until they stand before God on His day of judgment. Since they skipped out on their assigned place, they cannot be declared innocent. Unless God shows mercy, they haven’t any hope. Jesus indicated their fate when he talked about people who refused to care about others (sheep vs. goats):

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’” (Matthew 25:41)

There is no possible out for the last example. The word translated “eternal” means just that, “everlasting” and is used more than 70 times in the New Testament to describe things that have no end. Eternal life is one of them as is the life of God. While our finite minds have a tough time with the concept of never-ending, this is about the God who has no beginning or end, about the life He gives those who follow Christ, and about the fate of those who have rejected that life.

And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. (Daniel 12:2)

Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. (John 5:28–29)

As I understand sin and the holiness of God, it seems obvious that God has the right to toss all of us into an eternity separated from Him. Apart from His mercy and grace, eternal punishment is justice for my sin and for any who reject His offer of redemption.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

The question should not be: Why does a loving God punish sinners? But: Why does a holy God even bother with any of us?

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Lord Jesus, I don’t even like thinking about the fate of those who reject You. This is such an unpopular idea and yet Your Word speaks of it. What else can You do with those who refuse Your gift of forgiveness and life? You do not force it on anyone. You said, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.” (John 3:17–20)

I’ve no idea why You drew anyone, including me, to Yourself. I’m just glad You did and glad that there is a way of escape for all who are willing to say yes to You.

Today’s thankful list . . .

- eternal life in Christ, a free gift for me, costly for God.

- God changed my heart to love Him instead of rejecting Him.

- mercy and grace when I don’t deserve even the least of His mercies.

- every other good and perfect gift from God.