The Reality of Hell, Part 2 of "Heaven and Hell"Sample

God does not want people to go to hell

“As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live.” (Ezekiel 33:11)

God is almighty. Nothing in heaven or on earth happens against His will. He is in control. And yet, God chooses to give people a large amount of responsibility and freedom. This sadly results in many turning their backs on the Lord God and acting wickedly — against His revealed will.

The book of Ezekiel is filled with warnings to the people of Israel, who ignored God’s laws and did all kinds of wicked things. God would not let them go on sinning forever. He urged them to repent and stop doing evil things, but if they did not, He would punish them. Sadly, most people ignored these warnings and faced the consequences.

The Israelites were not the only ones. Looking down on humanity in general, God concludes that everyone has turned away from Him and no one does anything good (see Psalm 53:1-3). And since God is completely good and just, He can’t tolerate evil. He will punish the evildoers. That’s right and necessary. But what God really wants is that “whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

Do you believe in Him? What do verses like John 3:16 evoke in you?