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Not One of My Travel Destinations!
Posted on May 5th, 2012 No commentsI 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!
5 responses to “Not One of My Travel Destinations!”
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Thanks for the post, it definitely cleared up some confusion for me. Realizing this is kinda scary…but knowing our God is a just God, puts a calm over me.
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jadijohnson May 5th, 2012 at 18:52
I’m glad it helps. To be honest, I didn’t know all of this before I read it this morning. I figured some other people might not be aware of it, either. Thanks for commenting on it!
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jcerney May 6th, 2012 at 05:43
I would like to know more. I’m fearful for people I love to be doomed to this existence.
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jadijohnson May 6th, 2012 at 06:21
That makes two of us!! I know my two sisters are saved … and that is it. The thought of being separated from my sweet babies for eternity puts a deep sadness in my soul. I pray for them every day.
I’m going to church this morning, but I’ll type more of the section this afternoon. It actually was comforting.
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jcerney May 6th, 2012 at 07:46
I looked in Alcorn’s book Heaven and he has his own opinion on page 348 but admits it’s not backed by Scripture, however, he does use this Scripture reference in speaking of the New Earth, “He [God] will wipe away every tear from their eyes…neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain.” Revelation 21:4,ESV
We just have to trust God on this one!
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justjump May 5th, 2012 at 16:11