I’m sure there are many explanations as to the ‘why hell?’ question. I just wanted to share a little something that came to mind when thinking about this not easily understood issue. I’ve puzzled over it many times before, but you know how it goes when something suddenly clicks into place. This is often because since the last time you thought about it, you have read more scripture and have deepened your knowledge and understanding of the things of God.
So, here it is. Since God originally created us to live forever, we cannot be extinguished. We, by our sin ruined the whole thing and death was introduced (Genesis 2:16-17). But this death is the first death, when only the body dies. We then face judgment.
“But now, once for all time, he has appeared at the end of the age to remove sin by his own death as a sacrifice. And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.” (Hebrews 9:26-28)
We know that there is a first death because a second death is mentioned (Revelation 20:14). We know the first death is not the end, since there is a second one. The second death is also not the end, since it says the torment goes on forever (Revelation 20:10). The lake of fire was originally made for the Devil and his angels, after they had fallen (Matthew 25:41), but now those that don’t take up Gods offer and trust in Christ for salvation, go there forever too (Revelation 21:8).
So, the point is, mankind was meant to be eternal; all were made in God’s image; all live forever once born; the fall introduces death, because of the sin of Adam; now all have sinned and deserve judgement; but, Jesus made a way for us to be saved from judgement by taking the punishment upon Himself at the Cross; those who believe this have discovered the way to forever-life with God and escape judgement, because Jesus is our advocate before the judgement seat; those who do not, continue on their pathway to the inevitable, because they also cannot die, thus the second death is the final judgement; there is no second chance and there is no way back.
“If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve.” (Joshua 24:15)
It’s not that God is unfair. It is that God is ‘just’ and sin must be paid for. He made a way of escape though, because He is merciful, a way through Christ, which sadly most will ignore.
The Roman Road:
The Roman Road:
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
“For “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”” (Romans 10:13)
“If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10)
“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)
Take the Roman Road to salvation and find life!
Explore Further:
- Is Death the End of Existence? A Dave and Tom Classic.
(Sign up below so as not to miss my next article)
Walking With the Word : Paul Curd 