So...what happens to your faith if Hell is not the forever Hell that was advertised?
1. I won't be motivated to witness to people (they're all going to see Jesus eventually, right?)
2. Some people just need to go to Hell (Hitler, child abusers, tax cheaters).
3. I won't be motivated to remain faithful to Jesus (where's the prize if everyone makes it?).
4. Hell having a limit just can't be right. All the Bible scholars I know wouldn't believe it.
5. Where is the "fear of the Lord" if there is no everlasting punishment?
6. ____(fill in the blank with your comments)_________
*C'mon, you have better reasons than these. Share your reasons and we'll talk about it this week.
1. I won't be motivated to witness to people (they're all going to see Jesus eventually, right?)
2. Some people just need to go to Hell (Hitler, child abusers, tax cheaters).
3. I won't be motivated to remain faithful to Jesus (where's the prize if everyone makes it?).
4. Hell having a limit just can't be right. All the Bible scholars I know wouldn't believe it.
5. Where is the "fear of the Lord" if there is no everlasting punishment?
6. ____(fill in the blank with your comments)_________
*C'mon, you have better reasons than these. Share your reasons and we'll talk about it this week.
3 comments:
Great questions. Thanks for this blog. Isn't it necessary to put sinners in fear so that they won't be so bad? Isn't the fear of Hell what we need to be in people who would otherwise be rapists and murderers and theives.
I don't want to discount the value of fear and its ability to bring life and blessing. Actual fear can help a little one not walk out on a dangerous road, etc. God, however, does not need an eternal Hell to accomplish this. Fear of losing your job can bring someone to Christ. For some, no fear would be enough.
Perhaps the more helpful question is "what is in keeping with the character of God (and scripture)? An eye for and eye, a burn for a burn, a time period in Hell for a life lived in rebellion to God?
The knowledge of Hell not being etenal strengthens my faith! I now do not have to agonize over loved ones burning in torment forever! And I can rejoice knowing I will someday see them all again. And in reply to Infant, I don't see the fear of Hell keeping people from being murders, etc.
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