Troubling Ideas

It seems like the concept of eternal judgement has been a big part of the national and local conversation recently. In going through the Apostles' Creed, the idea that Jesus descended into Hell caused a lot of people to come up with a lot of questions. Not only did people have questions about Jesus, our Lord and Savior, descending into Hell, some struggle with the concept of Hell in general.

I have long noted that the toughest thing for Christians and non-Christians alike is to reconcile the idea of a loving and benevolent God — which we serve — with the suffering and evil they see in the world. It's equally as tough to reconcile that view of God with a concept like Hell. Some simply cannot do it.

Some like to believe there is no Hell. Some argue it's a figurative place. But, by that logic, I think you'd almost have to dismiss the idea of Heaven, too, though that is often not brought up in constructing this argument. Pastor and author Rob Bell has brought this idea to the forefront recently with his book that outlines a stance that essentially eliminates the idea of Hell. It has rankled conservatives and garnered praise from those that want to serve a loving God that accepts us for who we are and what we do.

The problem is that just isn't a position I find supported in the Scriptures.

I was watching a video from Francis Chan recently where he talked about watching people arrive at his church Sunday and wondering how many of them would be in Heaven, and how many wouldn't. It was a funny thing to hear someone say, and it's obviously not something we like to think about. No one wants to think that a friend or loved one that's departed this would is in Hell. But the truth is, we can't know anyone's heart. Only God serves as their judge. But the Bible is clear that there will be judgement.

Jesus, during his earthly ministry, alluded to the fact that some would come to him on the day of judgement and he would tell them he never knew them. While that sounds harsh, it's the reality for those that fail to accept his offer of salvation through faith. In Revelation 20, it talks about all men being judged and those whose names are not found in the book of life receive a "second death," eternal separation from God.

While no one wants to dwell on the idea of Hell, or who might end up there, I think that it should serve as a reminder of how important it is to do everything we can to spread the truth of the Gospel. The stakes are real because the consequences are real.