Ever wondered why some people talk about ‘sin’ and hell so much?
The answer may not be what you think…
People who talk about hell generally don’t do it because they want to – far from it – they often feel scared and would rather say nothing about it.
It’s not because they think you will like it or like them for it – far from it – they often no it will be taken offensively.
It’s not because they are religious or have to – most of the groups that have to go out getting people to join their religion (i.e. JW’s, Mormons) don’t even believe in hell!
It is not because they will feel better about themselves or get a reward. 1 although that may be the motive of some Catholics
And it certainly is not because they hate you, in fact, it is because they actually care about you…a lot!
You, see, you might have heard or believe things like:
- God is all loving
- God forgives everyone
- God hates the sin but loves the sinner
- Everyone is going to heaven.
But people who know what God has said, people who have an understanding or revelation of the Bible, know that these things do not present the truth that people need to hear.
The Bible says that the wrath and anger of God rests on all sinners and that if they die in that state, the just, righteous judge will do what is right and send them to hell.
That’s right, far from God forgiving everyone, the Bible says that His righteous anger rests on everyone that has sinned, does sin or are born into sin. Is that you? Let’s see:
ARE YOU A GOOD PERSON?
Have you ever told a lie?
Like telling someone you hacked their computer when you didn’t?
That makes you a Liar.
Have to ever stolen anything?
Like taking money after threatening someone to release private (false) information?
That makes you a thief.
Have you ever looked at a woman (or man) with lust?
Jesus said if you do this you are an Adulterer
Have you ever used God’s name (including Jesus) as a swear word?
That’s called blaspheme and is very serious – dragging His Holy name to an utterance of disgust.
That’s only 4 out of the 10 Commandments – God’s perfect standard.
If you have violated them at all, ever He will send you to hell.
Remember His power, He spoke and created the Sun & all the stars.
He knows every sin you have ever committed – and will not let anyone guilty go free.
Warning people (you) is the only loving response – but it is not easy.
In fact it feels horrible and is much easer to avoid. Only those who love you more than they love themselves will ever share this profound truth with you.
You need to know the reason why you are condemned: because you have broken Gods law.
Those who are willing to tell you about the reason for your guilt, and show yo the only way out are people who care about you. They care more for your soul than you do, and they care more about you than their own feelings or friendship with you. They knowingly put that on the line to share with you what they know to be true.
If you start to feel angry when this happens – GOOD! Let that anger rise up & see what is underneath – it will likely be feeling of guilt and conviction.
If you become concerned about the eternal state of your soul – GOOD!
Because then, and only then, will God’s only remedy for sin make sense…
This is why one of the most famous preachers said:
“Preach 90% law and 10% grace”
– John Wesley
Because as you hear the law of God, His Spirit has a chance to convict you of your sin. To awaken the conscience He gave you. Yes the one you have ignored and deadened through many, many things can suddenly come back to life. You can feel deep sorrow for things you have long thought were ok.
I can clearly remember when this happened to me. Despite being involved in the drug scene, I spent hours weeping over sins that seemed nothing in comparison: Lying, dishonouring my parents, rejecting God, sinful relationships etc.
In that moment, everything changed. I could see that:
God was actually real
My sin was actually against Him
Jesus paid for every sin
God loved me despite my sin
I pray you would have the same experience…but it can only come if a God botherer actually follows what His Master has said.
You broke the law, the penally is death, eternal death. But Jesus paid the price for you…What do you need to do?
Turn from your sins and Trust that what Jesus did on the cross paid for you.
Without doing this, you will face the anger of God on Judgment Day, steeped in your own sin, with the knowledge you have rejected His offer of Eternal Life – paid for by the blood of His only Son.
Ouch!
Conclusion: We need the grace of God, the forgiveness paid for by Jesus!
PRAYER: Lord, make the sacrifice of Your Son real to us. Help us to see truth and help us to share truth with others.
NOTES: I
Footnotes:
- 1although that may be the motive of some Catholics