Not One of My Travel Destinations!

I was reading Extraordinary by John Bevere this morning and came across something interesting and worth sharing.  You might already be familiar with this, but his approach was unique:

I know that many people are troubled by the question, “Why would a loving God send men and women to hell?”  There are several facets to the answer.  First, keep in mind that hell was not created for men and women but instead for Satan and his cohorts.  Jesus made this clear when He said to those who didn’t live for Him, “Begone from Me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels!” (Matthew 25:41).  This important fact makes it clear why God had to purchase us back.  God indeed is love, but He is also just.  He never lies or bends the rules, so to speak.  If He did, He would no longer be God, for God “cannot lie” (Titus 1:2).

Man was legally condemed to hell because he turned himself over to the lord of sin, Satan, in the Garden of Eden.  Once he did, he became a slave to sin and was doomed to its consequences — the same fate of his new master.  If God were to lighten the punishment for sin on man’s behalf, then He would not be just or fair to Satan.  Satan could then rightly accuse God of bending the rules for humankind, thus behaving in an unjust manner.  God cannot be partial in judgment because His character is the foundation of who He is.  As a result, humankind had to receive the exact same judgment as Satan and his angels.

The book goes on to explain God’s reason for sending Jesus to earth.  It is worth reading about.  If anyone wishes me to continue sharing this section of the book, just drop me a comment!