by Pastor Wes Gunther
Taking a look at any poll on the subject of Heaven and Hell quickly tells us that the vast majority of people believe in a Heaven (or at least an after life) but very few actually believe in a Hell. It is often stated today that “a loving God would not send anyone to Hell”. Hell sounds horrific, and it is. Hell seems out of character for a God of multiple chances and a God who would die Himself to save His people. However, the Bible clearly teaches the existence of eternal torment. So, why did God make Hell?
1. Hell was made for Lucifer and his angels. (Matthew 25:41) God made Hell for the eternal torment of Lucifer, the fallen archangel now known as Satan and for his angels that fell with him. They, in pride, defied the Almighty God and were cast out of Heaven and will find their ultimate destiny in Hell. Hell was not made for Man.
2. Hell is the result of Justice. Hell is the result of mankind’s rebellion against God. Man was made perfect and placed into the Garden of Eden. He had one simple command: “Of the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, thou may not eat”. Adam and Eve defied God’s command and followed the temptation and advice of Satan, thus following Satan and rebelling against God. A sin nature has passed down upon all men because of Adam’s sin and we are now “of our father, the Devil”. Sin is the reason for punishment. A Just God cannot tolerate sin. A Just God must punish sin.
3. God died Himself to save mankind from Hell. God Loved Adam and Eve and God still Loves us! Therefore, God Himself came to earth in the form of a man, lived a perfect life, and died in order to save mankind. Saved from what? Saved from the effect of sin, the hold of death, and an eternity in Hell. God is the one who provided a way of escape from Hell.
4. Hell is the contrast to Holiness. God is Holy. Our culture has lost sight of the Holiness and reverence of an Almighty God. The Holiness of God is the opposite of sin. God cannot tolerate sin. The Glory of Heaven is contrasted with the awfulness of Hell.
5. Without Hell, a life in Christ would be less significant. If there was no Hell, a life in Jesus Christ would have little apparent value. Why should I be a Christian? Why do I need to be Saved? If I just ceased to exist when I died than putting my faith in Jesus Christ would not be significant. But, because there is a Hell and life is fragile, I better put my life in Christ in order to save my soul from eternal damnation.
6. God gave man the ultimate Choice – Choose Him or Choose Hell. God gave man the ultimate choice. They can either choose His free gift and live with Him in a utopian state forever, or they can choose their sin and follow Satan for eternity. It’s one or the other – no middle ground. Our culture today wants options. They want multiple choice – A, B, C, or D. God has only given us two. If we choose His way – Heaven. If we reject His way – Hell.
