How Can a Loving God Send People to Hell?

In the journey of faith, one of the most profound questions we encounter is: How can a loving God send people to hell? This question challenges our understanding of God’s nature and his justice, prompting deep reflection and discussion within our community.

At the core of this question lies the concept of free will and divine love. God offers His love and salvation to humanity. However, many reject this offer until it's too late. This narrative illustrates a crucial point: just as doors in life can close, so too can the opportunity for accepting God's love, resulting in eternal separation from Him, known as hell.

This subject is not only biblical but was also emphasized by Jesus, the Apostles, and church fathers. It’s important to recognize that the centrality of the biblical narrative is not humanity but God Himself. "In the beginning, God..." sets the stage for understanding that everything belongs to Him, including the right to judge creation. From this perspective, hell is not merely a punishment but a rightful state for those who choose to reject and rebel against God's central place in their lives.

One objection many raise is that the concept of hell seems like an overreaction by God to human sin. However, viewing hell through the lens of God’s holiness, justice, and grace reveals its necessity. Hell highlights the severity of sin and the extent of God's holiness, reminding us that sin against an infinite God bears infinite consequences. Moreover, it emphasizes that God's justice ensures that evil does not prevail, and His grace is magnified in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who bore the wrath deserved by humanity.

Our discussions on hell serve to deepen our appreciation for God’s immense grace and mercy. Recognizing the gravity of our sin and the holiness of God leads us not to fear but to a profound gratitude for the sacrifice made on our behalf. The real question shifts from "How can a loving God send people to hell?" to "How could a holy God allow sinners into Heaven?" This points us directly to the grace available through Jesus Christ, who reconciles us to God.

In conclusion, while the doctrine of hell may be challenging, it is essential for understanding the full narrative of Scripture and the nature of God’s justice and love. We invite you to reflect on these truths and consider the path of your own worship: is it directed towards the fleeting things of this world or the eternal love of Christ?

- Adapted from the sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 7/21/24.