Hell (part 1)

I was having a discussion with my bible study group this morning on life after death.  Someone had brought up the idea that we must have amnesia in heaven if we are to tolerate the loss a family and loved ones who face judgment outside of Christ.  How could we be happy in heaven if we have loved ones suffering in eternal judgment?  This is a worthy question, and not too pleasant to answer.  I do not like the idea anymore than the next person, but if the gospel is true, there are people we know and love who will not enter the fullness of Christ kingdom.

First, I think we have a problem with the concept of eternal punishment because we do not see ourselves in juxtapose to God’s goodness.  We evaluate ourselves amongst ourselves; God is goodness, and scripture reveals that there is no darkness or falsehood in him.  Humanity is not complete in goodness; we have goodness, but it is weak and corrupted.  We are all in darkness; some are in greater darkness, but if some are better than others, it is only because they are lesser devils and not greater saints.

We will be judged not by the measure of the worst but by the measure of the best.  God will not judge on a curve because his righteousness is not bent.  His law is perfect and reveals that we are not; his law reveals his perfect character and there is no other standard by which to judge.  The Apostle Paul argues in Romans chapter 1 and 2 that either by our own conscience or God’s law we are guilty of violation after violation.  We stand condemned by divine law, but even if God were to lower his standard of judgment and judge us according to our own conscience, he would still find offenses.

Christ has come to reconcile us to the Father, to himself, and to the Holy Spirit; the one true God.  We have been offered redemption, forgiveness of sins, and the eternal love of God.  This offer is to every soul without exception of race, color, or sex.  All offenses obliterated by his sacrificial atonement on the cross.  Without him we die in death, and with him we die into life.  If anyone is foolish enough to stand before the Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and rely on the own righteousness, then they will receive the perfect and complete reckoning of every offense.

The problem is not with God’s justice, but with our decision on how we will enter into his eternal presence; with Christ, humility, and hope, or with a scarred and mangled righteousness. If we have loved ones who forgo the grace of God, it is they who have refused his mercy for his law.  He must Judge or see Christ, there is no other options.
I will continue in the next post.

TOTT