Hellfire and Brimstone: Interpreting the New Testaments Descriptions of Hell
15 Sobering Reminders About Hell (And What It Means for Us)
I know Hell isn't a popular topic these days. "Why would a loving God cast people in Hell?" is what I often hear. The real question should be, "Why would one reject God's message of being redeemed and sharing eternal joy with Christ?" The answer to that question is that they simply love their sin more than they love God.
God has sent prophet after prophet calling for us to turn to Him so that we might live a wonderful life. We reject it. He has shown us all sorts of marvelous signs and wonders. We quickly dismiss them. He clothes and takes care of us. We complain for more. The angels fear to look upon God's glory and holiness. We treat it as nothing. And finally, if that wasn't enough, to top it all off He sends His Son who leaves the glories of Heaven to atone for our sinful behavior. Many poo-poo that idea. And you think there will not be eternal punishment for such behavior? HA!
The historical view of the Christians throughout the ages has been a literal Hell. I see no reason to change this view especially in light of the warnings in scripture.
I’m not quite clear as to what you think Hell happens to be. If there was no punishment in rejecting Christ, then why bother preaching Christ at all?
One of the disconnects many folks have is their internalization of the word, “punishment”. Punishment can mean all sorts of things. It can be a spanking. It can be the death penalty, or a fine, or death. And punishment is meted out for a variety of reasons and purposes. Believers are “punished” all the time by God in this life as a purification.
But if one refused Christ or is never given the opportunity to hear about Christ, their fate is the same - their “punishment” is death. We spread the gospel to make people aware that there is a better way.
I’m not quite clear as to what you think Hell happens to be. If there was no punishment in rejecting Christ, then why bother preaching Christ at all?
It’s been the message of the bible since Adam ate of the fruit. We are saved. What are we saved from? Death.
There are many who would rather suffer Hell than to live with Christ. That is just how evil we are. To think any other way is not to understand our nature.
[Mat 13:38 The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the Evil One,
Mat 13:39 and the Enemy who sowed them is the Devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. ]
Correct. These verses show all are not “God’s children”. An erroneous theology taught by John McCain and others.
You have to be adopted-in. It’s a personal choice.