Posts Tagged ‘hell’

Why would a good God send people to Hell?

Posted: March 15, 2025 in Devotional
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I am not a theologian and for that reason, I get frustrated when I don’t know the answers to specific questions raised about God. The title of this blog post is, ”Why would a good God send people to hell’?  and I have had that question brought up many times and for years it has frustrated me. Why? 

Because it is a great question! How could God allow that to happen? Good people in hell make no sense. But, over time, I have begun to understand more about God’s character, which in turn has clarified some answers.

When I want to get to the root of a “why” question, I go back to the source to find the answers. How could God allow good people to go to hell? To me, we need to begin with God and who HE is to try and answer this question. 

A.W Tozer, a real theologian, said it this way, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us”.

There must be reasons about His character and why He acts or behaves as He does rather than just what I see here on Earth. What I’ve discovered is some reasons cause God to be who He is.

Let’s start with Holy. If you really understand this word and how it applies to God, you will second-guess everything you do or say. I never really understood this word but yet when applied to God, our Creator, all the reasons are clarified. Here is what I mean; God is the most perfect and holy being in our universe and it is His perfect, holy, character that decides what is right and wrong. That perfection He puts forth into us is His morality and then into our world which is how humans are to behave. 

In other words, that is how inherently we know that killing is bad and helping our neighbor is good. It is in our DNA. Yet why is there so much killing in this world? The answer is simple… Satan is still alive and operating as the prince of this world…for a time.

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  1 Peter 5:8

Satan is working just as hard to distract you from God as God is trying to get your attention.

Think of it this way: God’s absolute Holiness binds Him and compels Him to respond in a particular manner which means, simply put; GOD HATES sin. He hates to see it, smell it, or even be around it (read Mark 9:42-47). But yet you and I are His children and we absolutely reek of sin. We are born into it, and without the saving salvation of Jesus Christ, we actually stink to heaven.

Let me summarize quickly at this point:

    1. We learned God is perfectly Holy

    2. Holy means God must behave according to His perfect character.

    3. Holy means God can’t be around sin.

Now, for those of you who did not know, God did solve the problem of sin for us by sending His blameless son Jesus, to take our place as a sacrifice for our sin committed.

So understand things this way, because God is holy, He MUST judge everyone according to His perfect character and because He is perfect, His judgments are fair and right.

Let’s keep going. As mentioned previously, Jesus came to this earth to solve the sin sacrifice issue for you and me but He is also the most loving person who ever lived, yet it is He who teaches us the most about the reality of hell and the consequences. Why would He do this? 

Because Jesus knows Hell is a very real thing and He doesn’t want any of us to suffer the inevitable consequences of our rebellion against God. 

Rebellion? What am I talking about?  

Rebellion is having sin in your life and NOT doing anything about it…living in sin is rebellion against God…why? Because God is holy…

Do you see a pattern?

Heaven and Hell are or will be, defined by our relationship with God. Heaven means enjoying the amazing gifts of a Father and more importantly, being with Him. Hell is the absence of His blessings; love, communion, presence, beauty, etc.

Simply put; Heaven is being with our Holy God and Hell is being apart from Him.

Think about that for a moment. The closest thing to Heaven on earth is to have a relationship with Him and to feel His presence in our lives. 

Hell on earth is the opposite of everything GOD.

So now that we understand a little more about the God we serve I must make this statement to you and ask this question; 

Now that we truly understand how holy God is, we shouldn’t be asking the question why would a good God send people to hell…the real question should be…

How can God allow anyone into Heaven?

The bottom line…going to Heaven or Hell is a choice WE get to make while here on this earth. 

God doesn’t send good people to Hell…they get to make that decision for themselves…

Until next time guys…

Is Good Enough, Good Enough to Get into Heaven?

Posted: January 28, 2024 in Heaven Bound
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Over the last year, I have found myself in conversations with different friends discussing Heaven and the different journeys we are taking to get there. What is clear to me is each of them has a very different viewpoint on how to get there and the direction we each are going is also very different. I think the most concerning takeaway I have gleaned from these conversations is the fact that many of them have a diluted idea of what God says in His word about this very topic. They believe strongly in the idea that being Good Enough, is good enough, to get to Heaven. 

You have probably heard this a thousand times but how could God send a good person to Hell?

If you live your life well, meaning you haven’t killed anyone or you haven’t wronged anyone, and although you are apart from Christ, why would living “that kind of life” sentence you to Hell?

Let’s begin this short blog by ensuring we are all on the same page with this one fact. You, me, Billy Graham, even Mother Teresa; there is absolutely no path available for any human being to earn their way into Heaven. With ALL of the amazing things that Mother Teresa did, literally saving thousands of children’s lives through her efforts…those actions were not good enough to get her into Heaven.

Billy Graham preached for over 50 years and I would say millions of people came to know Christ through his many years of ministry. Do you think that punched his ticket into eternity?

Think of it this way…No matter how amazing of a person you are on this Earth, there is NO version of a “better me” or a “better you” where we can achieve something that earns our gift of Heaven. All of us are born into this sinful, unclean world with no way of saving ourselves, and people who rely on “goodness only” as their life plan are going to be disappointed. Trust me.

Paul said, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” He also said, the wages of sin is death” Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23

The bottom line is, that is why Christ came. God knew we couldn’t do this on our own, so He sent Christ to pay the price we couldn’t pay. When we think that just being good enough is enough, there is an arrogance to that mindset which is the opposite of what is needed. God requires humility from us. We need Him, He doesn’t need us. But, He loves us and that is the difference.

If you hear just one thing from me today, please hear this, our human version of “good enough” is NOT good enough. Being just a good person is NOT good enough.

You and I need rescuing from this world but we can’t simply go along in life thinking good enough is good enough, because it isn’t. 

You are probably NOT hearing this from many people but please hear me today-

The key is, recognizing that you can’t get to Heaven on your own and that you need to receive forgiveness from Christ first…if you do, it will help ensure your stay at God’s Heavenly Hilton…and your own eternal life. I know these are hard words, but please know they are the truth.

Until next time Guys-

THE GLAMORIZATION OF HELL

Posted: November 8, 2020 in Something to think about
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We certainly don’t have to look very hard anymore to see Hell glamorized because it is everywhere…all around us…RIGHT BEFORE OUR EYES. Movies, combined with television shows, and the music scene are ablaze with explicit shows or songs pouring out and our kids are blindly singing the lyrics, completely ignorant of what they mean. It doesn’t end there.

  • Do you realize there was a movie made called “Hellboy” from Hollywood where the lead character is someone from directly from Hell sent here to fight bad guys? Only in Hollywood could someone imagine a character from hell and then turn it into something on-screen so that kids think is desirable.
  • Did you know there was a television series, that aired in primetime called “Lucifer” solely about the experiences of the devil? According to Wikipedia, Lucifer abandons Hell for Los Angeles where he runs his own nightclub named ‘LUX’ and becomes a consultant to the LAPD. What do you think people thought about Satan after watching that show? Do you think it’s possible this show made the devil look good?
  • Did you know there have been so many movies and TV shows made about demonic possession that now they just insert them into the category of horror films? Can you imagine you and your friend’s binge-watching horror movies but instead learn you are watching satanically influenced movies? Someone is working overtime to get our attention.

All of these examples slowly change what we think about satan, hell, and what is happening.

THINK OF IT THIS WAY

One of the methods a conquering force will use to take over a cultures’ population is by completely infiltrating the younger generation and applying a slow and gradual exposure to their own opposite agenda by making it seem impressive or desirable. Prolonged exposure will indoctrinate, compromise, dilute and ultimately convert the target…which probably won’t be you, the adult, but rather someone you care deeply about…like your son or your daughter.

Daily exposure will eventually cause their natural spiritual defense system to be compromised. In a phrase, your child lets their guard down and that is all satan needs. He will use ANY opening, no matter how small, to gain a foothold.

HELL IS STILL A BAD PLACE

If you are like me, most people grew up thinking Hell was a terrible place; And its leader, satan, was pure evil and his demon minions were also really bad. Now YOU may still feel that way BUT, because of what I mentioned above, there is a growing group of people in America who don’t. WHY? because they aren’t completely convinced Hell is such a bad place.

As I said…movies, television, and even satanists are further emboldened in our world right now. And, combined with America choosing compromise versus what this country was founded on…literally, Satan does not have to hide anymore. Moreover, because of the proliferation of social media, our kids are exposed to an unending supply of evil content and over time, they become dependent and want to consume more. Day-after-day, they are drenched in Satanic propaganda and because they desensitized to what they’re seeing, there are no internal alarms inside them going off. What do you think is going to happen? I have given you a verse below for the answer.

SATAN HAS AN ENDGAME

Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. 1 Peter 5:7

During my lifetime, I know satan has been working to fulfill his plan but now it looks like he has a sense of urgency. He has always been here, using his subtle tactics to persuade you into refocusing your attention on his earthly pleasure. Now during COVID 2020, he is operating out in the open where we can see him plainly and I don’t see many people rebuking him or calling out what they see. From my vantage point, satan actually appears to be welcome in some areas of this country and that has emboldened him even more.

When lawlessness is welcomed or encouraged, satan is empowered.

WHY AM I TELLING YOU THIS?

If the information I am sharing is new to you, then consider this your warning. PLEASE open your eyes and see the reality of what is happening each night on the news. 

Don’t reject this warning, but rather acknowledge, get on your knees and pray to Christ Jesus for your family and our nation.

This is not a political blog, but spiritual-

Until next time guys-

Are you really Working?

Posted: February 20, 2016 in Something to think about
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working-out-loud

The last installment of this 3-part series involves the story of the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25. When these last 3 posts are woven together, they give us a true understanding of what our role as faithful Christians is to be while we wait for Christ’s return. In this parable, you see the characters are working diligently and with initiative while waiting for their master’s return. That is our job too as we move through our own lives…we must be working all the time WHILE we wait. Let me explain further…

On a quick side note, one sharp difference though is that we are not called to drop out of our lives and plant ourselves on top of a hill top and wait for Christ’s return…no. We are told to be careful prudent planners with an eye for the future. Remember what Christ said in Luke 14:

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish’ (Luke 14:28-30 NIV)

The Parable of the Talents is the one that commends faithful work while the master is away as well prudent planning. The rich master travels far away and gives each of the 3 men a portion of his wealth to manage while he is away. Two of them proceed to take the initiative and double their masters money while the third one buries his portion.

When the master returns, he rewards the first two with great opportunity. He says to them both, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”

But the third guy, who had just one talent to take care of, was a different story altogether. As mentioned, he did not invest his talent but rather decided his best course of action was to hide it and return it to his master when the time was right. As the master said in his anger, “Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest!” But, he didn’t even do that.

While the master was away, two out of the 3 men immediately set to work, without being told, by trading and investing their masters talents. They worked hard while he was away and I would imagine, stressed somewhat at times as the market swayed back and forth, always striving to improve their situation. They did not rest but continued working faithfully until their masters return.

The third guy had a different mindset. He decided to do what HE wanted to do while the master was away. Maybe he convinced himself that by burying the money, he was avoiding financial risk? Whatever the case was, he simply was evading his duty. The money the master gave him would never make any profit.

Finally, I think the hardest part for me to grasp about this story was this third guy’s lack of responsibility and his complacency on his requirement of giving an account for the money he represented while the master was away. He just didn’t care or thought that day would never come? I am not sure. But what is worse was his attempt to blame the master for his own poor management when he was called to give an account. He was caught in his pattern of doing absolutely nothing and ultimately, he would pay a very stiff price.

Jesus tells us in this parable that the third guy is cast into the imagery of Hell:

“And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:30 NIV)

I say imagery because this same language is used in other parts of the Bible to represent Hell and the torture that it there…and will be for those unfortunate souls who will enter there.

Guys, this is a very simple story but yet represents a very clear picture of what we are supposed to be doing while we wait for Christ’s return. I urge you to NOT become complacent and forget that Christ is even coming back. I understand the importance of what you are doing or may be doing in the future, weddings, grand children, vacations etc. but all of that pales in comparison to eternity…your eternity.

We all have one job while we are here and that is to stay faithful to Him until He returns. That job requires effort and focus on your part. You cannot do this while on autopilot…it will not work.

Guys, I encourage you to plug into your local church or men’s group and refocus on your top priorities while we all wait…I assure you that this positive decision will be the best one you ever make in your life…

 

Until next time guys…

 

Why would a good God send people to hell?

Posted: October 7, 2012 in Devotional, Heaven Bound, Inspirational
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I am Not a theologian and never will be and for that reason, I get frustrated when I don’t know answers to certain questions raised about God. The title of this blog post is, ”Why would a good God send people to hell’? I have heard that question brought up to me many times before and for years it has frustrated me to no end. I mean really? How could God allow that to happen? Good people in hell makes no sense. But then as time has passed, I have begun to understand more about who our God is, which in turn has clarified some answers.

When you ask questions using the word “why” you need to go back to the original source and determine what you don’t understand…How could God allow good people to go to hell? To me, we need to begin with God and who HE is to try to answer this question. There must be reasons why He acts and behaves as He does rather than just what I see here on Earth. What I’ve discovered is there are reasons which cause God to be who He is…I’ve just never investigated them before…

Let’s start with Holy. I never really understood this word but yet when applied to God, our creator, all the reasons are completely clarified. Here is what I mean; God is completely Holy and good and it is His character that decides what is right and wrong. That perfect character He puts forth is what dictates our world and how we are to behave. In other words, that is how inherently we know that killing is bad and helping our neighbor is good. It is in our DNA. Yet why is there so much killing in this world? The answer is simple… Satan is alive and well and he seeks to devour all that he can:

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Satan is working just as hard to distract you as God is trying to get your attention.

Moreover…God is a very Holy being and He is bound by that holiness to react in a certain manner…that means He HATES sin… He hates to see it, smell it or even be around it (read Mark 9:42-47). But yet you and I reek with it? We are born into it and without the saving salvation of Jesus Christ, stink to the outskirts of heaven of it…Have I made my point?

Let’s summarize quickly at this point:

1. We learned God is Holy

2. Holy means God must behave according to His perfect character.

3. Holy means God can’t be around sin.

Now, for those of you who did not know, God did solve the problem of sin for us by sending His blameless son Jesus, to take our place as a sacrifice for our sin committed.

So try to understand things this way, because God is holy, He MUST judge everyone according to His perfect character and because He is perfect, His judgments are fair and right.

Let’s keep going. As mentioned previously, Jesus came to this earth to solve the sin sacrifice issue but He is also the most loving person who ever lived, but yet it is He who teaches us the most about the reality of hell. Why? because Jesus knows hell is a very real thing and He doesn’t want us to suffer the inevitable consequences of our rebellion against God. What is that rebellion you ask? Rebellion is having sin in your life and NOT doing anything about it…living in sin is rebellion against God…why? Because God is holy…

Are you beginning to see a pattern here?

Heaven and hell are actually defined by a relationship. Heaven is enjoying the amazing gifts of a Father and more importantly, being with Him. Hell is the absence of His blessings; love, communion, presence, beauty etc.

Simply put; Heaven is being with our holy God and Hell is being apart from Him.

Think about that for a moment. The closest thing to Heaven on earth is to have a relationship with Him and to feel the His presence in our lives.

Hell on earth is simply the opposite of everything GOD.

So now that we understand a little more about the God we serve I must make this statement to you and ask this question;

If we truly understood how absolutely holy God is, we shouldn’t be asking the question why would a good God send people to hell…the real question should be…

How can God allow anyone into Heaven?

Bottom line…going to heaven or hell is a choice WE get to make while here upon this earth. God doesn’t send good people to hell…they get to make that decision for themselves…

Until next time guys…