BGEA: I believe it's wrong to say God will send some people to heaven and some to hell.

I respect you, but I believe it's wrong to say God will send some people to heaven and some to hell. I believe in God's love, and I think some day every person will share in the joy of heaven. — T.B.

Suppose you had a very serious illness, and you went to the doctor and asked him to treat it. Then suppose he gave you a prescription that would cure your illness—but you refused to take it. Who would be to blame if you failed to get better—the doctor, or you? I think you know the answer.

In the same way, the whole human race has a very serious spiritual "illness." It is a disease of our souls that the Bible calls sin. It is so serious, in fact, that it has put us on the road to eternal separation from God—which is what the Bible calls hell.

But listen: God loves us—and because He loves us, He has provided the remedy for our spiritual disease. The remedy is Jesus Christ, who took the punishment we deserve when He died on the cross for us. This is why the Bible says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23). Yes—salvation is a free gift!

But what if we refuse it? What if we fail to accept the remedy God has provided? Who, then, is to blame if we continue on the road away from God? The answer is clear: We are. In other words, God doesn't send us to hell; we send ourselves. Don't gamble with your soul, but by faith accept Christ so you can know—beyond doubt—that you will go to be with Him in heaven forever.

3 Comments

Vic says 9.10.2012, 7:23 p.m.

God respects free will. He grants us the choice of how we will spend eternity. Some choose to "go it alone". They are in rebellion against God. The verses you have chosen say that God is not willing that any should perish. But you can if you want.

Jerry says 5.29.2012, 00:27 a.m.

1 Timothy 2: 3-4 says "God our Savior, who will have all men to be saved and to come into the knowledge of the truth". 2 Peter 3:9 says "The Lord is...not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance". The key word is ALL.

Dave says 10.13.2010, 6:29 p.m.

1 Timothy 4:10 (for for this are we toiling and being reproached), that we rely on the living God, Who is the Saviour of all mankind, especially of believers.If Hell is real, did Jesus fail in His mission? He said, “I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world” (John 12:47).