A FRESH LOOK AT " HELL "

 

I WANT TO TAKE A FRESH LOOK AT  “WHAT HELL IS” – THE LOCK IS ON THE INSIDE.

One of the biggest challenges when addressing the topic of hell is that many of the common beliefs about hell are not found in the Bible.

That is because HELL has been so influenced by culture, opinions, and misinformation that many of the common beliefs about Hell look nothing like Hell in the Bible. THAT’S A PROBLEM – AND -THE PROBLEM

Hell Is Separation From God 

The most basic principle the Bible teaches about Hell is that it is separation from God. Hell is a place where people who refuse to follow God are separated from those who choose to follow him.

Hell Is Our Choice

Jesus paints a very interesting picture of Hell in many of his parables. It’s not a prison full of convicted sinners thrown against their will.

 Rather it’s a place where people who willingly reject God reside. Jesus makes it clear that EVERYONE is invited into the Party, into Heaven. But some people will choose to reject the invitation.

In other words, God is very gracious and patient wanting everyone to come in. Jesus makes it clear that all people have the choice to enter into heaven. We often think of Hell as a place with a lock on it. AND I THINK THAT’S ACCURATE. BUT THE LOCK IS ON THE INSIDE.

 Hell Exists Because Of Love

NOW HEAR IS OUR FRESH LOOK - HELL IS GOD’S LAST ACT OF MERCY. It’s about love.  GOD HAS GIVEN US FREE-WILL with the hope that we will choose him and experience the depth of love. But the double-edged sword is that we might choose someone or something else. 

That’s the primary picture Scripture gives of HELL: Eternity  Apart From God. Those who reject God will get what they want. Life without GOD. That’s what they wanted. So that’s what God gives them because he loves them. 

WHAT IS HELL - HELL? IT’S GOD’S FINAL ACT OF LOVE.  – HELL IS YOUR CHOICE – THE LOCK IS ON THE INSIDE.