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How Can God Send People to an Eternal Hell? (2)

Sermon by  Thomas Thornhill Jr

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Last week, we began addressing a very challenging problem.   It has to do with the nature of God and eternal punishment.   Many use the concept of eternal punishment for sin to reject the God of the Bible, or God all together.   So, as we seek to give an answer for our hope, how do we address this? First, to answer it for ourselves, and secondly, as we try to reach others.

In our last lesson (Found Here) , we focused on the nature of God, which is where the bulk of the answer to this questions is found. We noted: 1) The argument does NOT disprove the existence of God, but it does address His character; 2) God is holy – and as such, He is above and separated from sin; 3) He is righteous and just – which will be manifest in His judgment of sin; 4) We need to comprehend how terrible sin is and realize that we are sinners.   It is because of our sins, that we will face the wrath of God; 5) In considering all of these qualities, we need to let God be God, and realize that our understanding of Him is limited to what we have been told. In other words, we cannot fully comprehend the qualities of God in human terms; 6) And in this, we need to factor in our limitations – are we trying to define His justice and righteousness and holiness based upon what we WANT it to be?   And in so doing, are we completely impartial? 7) Consider the love of God – God has demonstrated His love in sending Jesus to die for us and provide ANOTHER way for our sins to be dealt with.   It was a way determined “before the foundation of the world” which is WHY it can be factored into God’s system of justice and righteousness.   With love, Jesus died for our sins – Romans 3:23-26, 5:6-9, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Isaiah 53:6, 1 Peter 2:24.   While we do not fully comprehend HOW the process takes place in heaven, we know that because of that act of love, our sins can be forgiven and we can be delivered FROM the judgment and punishment of hell. Something else to consider – is the eternal reward of heaven truly deserved?   How many have a problem with that part of God?

Tonight, we want to briefly address the nature of hell and make a few observations.

1.   The nature of hell
   1. Hell has been described as – the consequence of rejecting God’s will and authority.   It is a place where God will NOT be.
      In fact, perhaps the most powerful description is this will be eternal separation FROM God. 2 Thessalonians 1:9, Matthew 7:23, 25:41, etc.
      This is something man does not comprehend nor fully appreciate.   Think about it – separated from everything that is pure and good, that is right and wholesome, that which is joyful and brings us true peace.
   2. It is a place of torments – Matthew 25:30 – a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth;
      Mark 9:44ff – a place where the worn (maggot) doesn’t die and the fire is not quenched;
      a place of eternal darkness;
      Matthew 25:41 – a place so terrible, we should not wish it upon even our worst enemies.
      This is one of the challenges of profanity – especially the words society has deemed to be LESS offensive – the ones associated with eternal damnation and God.
      One note about these descriptions – they are physical descriptions describing a spiritual place.   Consider that Jesus spoke more of hell than any other NT writer.   He often referenced “Gehenna” – which was at that time “the garbage dump” of Jerusalem – the worst place around.   And it had a history of human sacrifice and other atrocities (2 Chronicles 28:2-3, 33:6). So ungodly was the place in ancient times, it was defiled by King Josiah (2 Kings 23:10). Jesus found the most detestable place that Jews in Jerusalem could imagine and used that to describe the place of God’s punishment.   And with it He used various descriptions of pain and sorrows. But the point is to emphasize how terrible judgment will be for those who reject God.
   3. It is eternal – Mathew 25:46, 18:8, Revelation 20:10, 2 Thessalonians 1:9, Jude 7, etc.
      The wording used, as we see, is used often in its description.
      Many try to reduce the meaning of these passages, but to do so is to twist the texts. And often their arguments are based upon their perceived concept of God and His justice. We have already addressed that.
      Also consider Matthew 25:46 – the word for everlasting life is the same as everlasting punishment.
   4. Summarized, hell is a place so terrible we ought to do everything we can to avoid going there.   If God’s punishment were anything less, what incentive would men have to surrender to Him in TOTAL obedience?
   5. All who are there had the opportunity to avoid it – salvation is available to all.
      Revisit sin for a moment. There are some who say we HAVE TO sin.   That is false. When we sin, it is always by choice.   Remember, man was created upright (Ecclesiastes 7:29, Genesis 1:26-27).
      When we sin, it is our choice!
      James 1:12-16 – we sin when we give into temptation.   God does NOT tempt us to sin (though we are tested).  Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 10:13 notes there is a way of escape.
      We WILL sin – Romans 3:23, but it is ALWAYS by our choice.
      Also, consider that God does not want anyone to go to hell – 2 Peter 3:9 – not willing that any should perish.   1 Timothy 2:3-4 tells that He desires that all be saved.
      But having said that, He is NOT going to force anyone to go to heaven. Nor will He force anyone in this life to submit to Him.   It IS about a WILLINGNESS to obey Him.
      Recall, Romans 2:5 – it is your hardness and impenitence that will bring about His wrath.
      2 Thessalonians 1:8, it is your refusal to obey the gospel that will incur His wrath.
      Ezekiel 18:29-32, Yet the house of Israel says, ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ O house of Israel, is it not My ways which are fair, and your ways which are not fair? “Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways,” says the Lord God. “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord God. “Therefore, turn and live!”
      In these descriptions we find that all who are there, place themselves there by their unwillingness to submit to God.
   6. How can I be happy in heaven, knowing my loved ones are eternally lost in hell?
      1. This becomes another personal challenge that keeps some from obeying the gospel.
      2. Exactly how this will happen, I cannot say – BUT we are promised that in heaven there will be no sorrows or tears in heaven – Revelation 21:4.     The wiping away of tears would include that fact that nothing sorrowful will happen in heaven, but it could also include sorrowful memories while on earth (things that brought about sorrowful tears), or both.
         The point is, in some way, God will remove these sorrows.
         Recall 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:5 and Romans 8:18, For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
      3. And indirectly there is the consolation that even if our loved ones are lost, according to the story of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:22-31), where the rich man awakes in torments and does not want his loved ones there, so it would be with those we know.
      4. Finally, remember again the character of God – He is a God of justice and righteousness.   And His ways and thoughts are not our ways (Isaiah 59:8-9). His is a divine justice.   None will be there that did not put themselves there.

 

These are some answers to dealing with these difficult questions. While not perfect, because of our limited human understanding, they give us some direction and consolation to continue trusting in our God.     And, even though we cannot fully comprehend the mind of God, by faith we accept the goodness of God and that His judgment will be just.

But here is the ultimate point to consider – will you allow this to reject and rebel against Him and assure His wrath when you do stand before Him?   I fear that if you do, you will have all of eternity to regret it. BUT, it doesn’t have to be that way. You can surrender to Him and let the blood of Jesus do its work.   How can we help you in this?