H2O Church
This is part 7 of this series, focusing on the question, "How can God be loving if Hell is real?"
The issue of Hell is one of the most challenging topics to talk about with someone who is exploring their spirituality and curious about Christ. It feels judgy - it feels condemny - it feels unloving. So why is it so clearly laid out in Scripture?
C.S. Lewis, Christian theologian, said the doctrine of hell is “one of the chief grounds on which Christianity is attacked as barbarous and the goodness of God impugned.”
So let's explore a half dozen observations that help us re-frame Hell in the context of scripture.
1. Hell is a place of Divine Justice.
There is something deep in each of us that longs that such a place exists. When we encounter stories of abuse - of evil - of manipulation - of the crushing of a little one's soul - we long for justice!
Yet some would say that the very existence of such a place causes them to question Jesus' compassion.
–Bertrand Russell had this to say:
“There is one very serious defect to my mind in Christ’s moral character, and that is that he believed in hell. I do not myself feel that any person who is really profoundly humane can believe in everlasting punishment.”
Since Jesus is the most humane person to ever live - perhaps this view is missing something!
Jesus' attitude toward those who cause suffering to others IS starkly in contrast to those who suffer!
"But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.": Matthew 18:6 NIV
This is somehow comforting to my heart in light of the devastated souls I encounter due to trauma inflicted on them by others!
2. Jesus spoke about hell as a real place
Matthew 13:42 ESV
Matthew 25:41 ESV
Most religions hold to an understanding of hell - not only Jewish, Christian, Catholic and protestant denominations! Also Islam - Buddhism - even Hinduism.
3. Jesus primarily talked about hell with the religious hypocrites but spoke of Grace with seekers.
Jesus didn't seek to scare people into believing!
Luke 16:19-31 ESV
4. There is a sense in which hell is OUR choice.
God didn't create hell for us -
But if a person says, "God, I don't want you!" ...
J.I.Packer writes: "Scripture sees hell as self-chosen . . . Hell appears as God's gesture of respect for human choice. All receive what they actually chose, either to be with God forever, worshipping him, or without God forever, worshipping themselves.”
The essence of hell is relational. It is WHO ISN’T THERE IN HELL THAT MAKES HELL HELL.
5. Hell reveals the incredible danger of living for yourself and keeping God out of your life.
God made you to be loved by Him.
If people want a world without God, He allows that.
That’s called Hell.
6. God can be good and hell can still exist.
Only a good God would make a way for us to be with Him at great personal cost.