Seeking The Narrow Way

Billy Graham:  "I think that hell essentially is separation from God forever.  And that is the worst hell that I can think of.  But I think people have a hard time believing God is going to allow people to burn in literal fire forever.  I think the fire that is mentioned in the Bible is a burning thirst for God that can never be quenched."  Pope John Paul II: "Damnation consists precisely in definitive separation from God, freely chosen by the human person, and confirmed with death that seals his choice forever."  The pope also said eternal damnation is "not God's work but is actually our own doing."

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The one glaring error among all of these comments concerning hell is their gross misunderstanding of the sovereignty of God with regard to salvation (as to who goes to heaven or hell).  "So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires" (Romans 9:18).  Also, their complete ignorance of scripture's clear teaching regarding the eternal torment of both body and soul in hell (Matthew 10:28).  Furthermore, hell is populated with both demons and human beings.  "For the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it" (Matthew 7:13). 

 

These well-known preachers have utterly perverted the clear teaching of God's Word, especially regarding the gospel of salvation and the doctrine of hell.  This is why the Bible warns us of false teachers.  Is is not easy to discern false teaching because there is always an element of truth within it.  Satan used that tactic with Eve in the garden of Eden, and he continues to do the same thing in the church today.

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The thought that anyone in our outside the church today should flee from the wrath to come is almost absurd, even though the Bible speaks far more of His wrath and fury than of His love and tenderness.  "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness" (Romans 1:18).  If you think you are in charge of your salvation by "believing" the facts of the Bible or "accepting" Christ as your savior, then you are suppressing the truth regarding scripture's clear teaching on the gospel.  God alone will have mercy on whom He chooses (Romans 9:15-18).

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Most people do not see that they are in danger of hell.  Most in the church have confidence in their actions and do not believe they need to "flee from the wrath to come" (Matthew 3:7).  Dear reader, do not suppose this warning is directed to someone else; it is directed to you and me!  If you think you can summon the God of the universe to save you anytime you desire, you are worshiping an imaginary god and are suppressing the truth of the gospel.  As God says in Psalm 50:21, "You thought that I was just like you; I will reprove you and state the case in order before your eyes."

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The wrath of God is a divine character attribute each of us needs to meditate upon.  If you are unwilling to prayerfully meditate on the wrath of God for who He is in Himself, then this directly reflects your heart's true standing and position towards a perfect and holy God.  "The prudent sees the evil and hides himself, but the naive go on, and are punished for it" (Proverbs 22:3).  If you have a cavalier attitude of hell and to not take this seriously, it is most likely that you will be going there.

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As created beings we have an aversion to pain, suffering, or any circumstance that is unpleasant.  Hence the gospel message of today focuses on all the "pleasantries" and "goodies" of God for fear of alienating "wanna be" converts and to garner more people to put money in the offering plate.  Reader, do not be so gullible as to believe that everything you hear in church regarding the gospel is true.  Be as the Bereans and search the scripture to see if what is said is true or not.  Pray to God that He would reveal the truth of His Word to you before it is too late.