Hell Is Real
Last night at our wednesday night student service "Common Ground", I gave what I call is one of those IN YOUR FACE messages, that we RARELY do anymore. It was a gut check for many students and for myself as well. The Topic. HELL. So many students and adults alike, never seem to talk about their eternal destination. So last night was competely different from many perspectives.
I read a bit of John Piper Blog a few days ago and I was puzzled about how some theologians are drifting away from the interpretation that hell is a literal place. The main objection to hell seems to be on moral issues; basically that a loving God could not justifiably punish people for all eternity (a very long time) for things done in one's lifetime (a relatively short time). That it would be unjust, not to mention downright wicked for him to do that. Those who choose not to believe in an eternal hell tend to slowly slide more toward the idea of annihilation, that at some point, everyone not in heaven will simply cease to exist. No eternal life, but no eternal death for them either.
The people arguing back and forth are certainly smarter than I ever wil be. I thought about my mesasge last night as I was lead to say things that honestly, I’m not comfortable with either. Like the words, " eternal punishment". Who is? But just because I’m not comfortable with it doesn’t mean it’s not reality check time. I think the thing that clinches and helps me understand the hell thing a little bit is actually not the meanness of God - but it’s Gods' goodness. Thinking of all the stupid things I did when I was much younger caused me to reflect on the things that I did that changed the outcome of who I was to become and it also changed the direction of someone else with my own actions. Isn’t it interesting that the “badness” of the act (sin) changes with the “goodness” of the one the act is committed against? This is why I believe in a literal hell. Hell is so bad not only because of the bad things we do - it’s so bad because God is so good.
God isn’t an awkward 6th grade girl. He’s God. He’s the Creator and Perfect Sustainer of the entire Universe. God isn’t defined by good; good is defined by God. That’s how holy, righteous, and good He is. When we wrong Him, IT'S A BIG DEAL. It’s so big because He is so good. If God were just a vindictive deity floating out there in hyperspace somewhere or someone waiting to zap us from heaven, then maybe sin would be a little bit justifiable. Some think that God is a jerk and has a chip on his shoulder or has the BIG HEAD. Who cares if they wrong Him?
For you people out there who either deny God or could care less about Jesus, I will end with this. God who wrapped Himself in flesh and walked, talked, and died for us and among us.
For me, that's good and because that's good, hell is so, so real. When Jesus comes back again and claims what is rightfully his, I wish you guys the best. I won't be here and unfortunately you will.

till next time
tc
romans 5:1