Nowadays, many people don’t believe in the absolute truth as it is given in the Holy Bible. We have heard for quite some time that this is the explanation for the decline of morality and all things good in American society.
Twice recently I have encountered people who have an idea that is becoming popular in some Christian circles: “universalism,” and its accompanying belief that there is no hell. I want to attempt, with God’s help and for His glory, to refute that false doctrine, or to at least to point souls to where they can find the truth for themselves.
Universalism is the idea that eventually all will be saved, possibly even the devil; and the belief that there is no hell is an attractive one for those who do not want to go there but do not want to take God’s way out. They remind me of those who promote the false belief of evolution. Some scientists have actually admitted that the reason they must believe in evolution, instead of God being Creator of the world, is that, if they believed the Bible, they would have to do what God said to do.
Jesus gave more information about hell than anyone else in the Bible, talking about hell three times more than He even talked about Heaven! He informs us in Luke 16:26 that the place is separated from God and His people by a great gulf or chasm. In Matthew 25:41-46 Jesus tells of the time when people will be separated in two groups, one entering into “life eternal,” the other group being banished to “everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.”
In other passages Jesus describes its hellish characteristics in detail. In Luke 16:23, He says it is a place of torment. In Mark 9:43 the Son of God speaks of hell’s unquenchable fire. Mark 9:48 records that it is a place where the worm does not die, and in Matthew 13:42 He says people will gnash their teeth in anguish and regret. Hell is also a place of “outer darkness,” Matthew 25:30, and a place from where one cannot return to earth, even to warn his loved ones, Luke 16:19-31.
Many have questioned, “How could a loving God send people to hell?” God does not “send” people to hell. It is just the place they must go if they do not receive Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as their own personal Saviour. God’s desire is for all to be saved (II Peter 3:9), and His plan for the salvation of man is shown in John 3:16-18, where Jesus declares, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.”
However, it is clear that not all will receive everlasting life with God, as Jesus continued, “He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
Verse 16 reveals the great love and goodness of God, in that He has provided a way of escape. The awesome wonder of God’s wonderful plan of salvation is shown vividly in detail in a thoughtful, prayerful study of the Book of Romans. I call Chapter Five the “Much more” chapter. Seven times we find the words much more, more than that, or all the more, as Paul explains how we have peace with God, we have access into His grace, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. By Christ’s blood, we are saved from God’s wrath, and we are “saved by His life.” In addition, Romans Chapter Eight is so full of the truths of God’s granting to us the new birth, with our becoming “sons of God,” being “transformed into the image of His Son,” being “more than conquerors”, and being in a position where we can never be separated from “the Love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
To combat the idea of everyone, even the devil, being saved from the judgment of God, from everlasting punishment, we must consider the fact that “God is the Judge, so justice will be done.” (From J.I. Packer’s Knowing God) Would it really be just for God to pardon those who sinned greatly, hurt many, and who were never remorseful, never repented? And the devil, the enemy of every child of God, the author of every evil ever done, certainly should never be forgiven.
One challenge given me concerning this subject was information given in two scriptures: Acts 24:15 and John 5:28,29, where we are told there will be two resurrections, “both of the just and the unjust.” But the second scripture makes it clear that “they that have done good,” will go unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”
To conclude the debate, agreeing that God’s Word is Absolute Truth, I refer the reader to one of several similar passages: Revelation 21:7-8, He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be His God, and he shall be My son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
God is great, and good, to be feared, yet to be loved. We believe on His Son Jesus Christ Who suffered, died, was raised from the dead, and ascended to Heaven. Now He, and the Holy Spirit, both intercede for us. They, the Godhead, watch over us, provide for us, comfort and guide us, as we look to God for all kinds of help in this world. The Holy Spirit even leads us into all truth, as we ask Him in faith. Our great Hope of Glory, to be revealed in us, (Romans 8:18) when Jesus comes, is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27).
Live for Jesus! He’s coming soon!
You may contact me at lagnesrussell@gmail.com or 601-635-3282.
