We are all sinners. It is the nature with which we are born and is reinforced by the rebellious choices we make in disobeying God. All of us deserve the wrath of God and He would not be unjust to condemn us all. God in His grace and mercy, however, has made provision in the cross of Christ for sinners to be saved.
Who will be condemned? “in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thess.1:8)
They are “those who do not know God.” Now, they may know about God, but do not know Him personally. Here is how Jesus described the saved, “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (John 17:3)
The condemned are also “those who do not obey the gospel.” The Gospel is faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ that will save us. We obey when we receive Christ as Lord and Savior.
Some think God will not cast sinners into hell because God is love. But, His love means He hates sin. Love cannot be coerced, so a loving God will not force us to love Him back. A good judge must punish criminals or he is evil.
What is the punishment?
There will be painful tribulation, “since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you,” (2 Thess.1:6). Even as they have made the people of God suffer, the wicked will reap what they have sown. The punishment fits the crime.
There will be infernal retribution, “in flaming fire,” (2 Thess.1:8a). This is hell—the Lake of Fire. “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Rev.20:15).
There will be eternal destruction, “These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord,” (2 Thess.1:9). A million years later, the wicked will still be in hell, and a trillion trillion, and forever.
But, you don’t have to go there. Call upon the name of the Lord, and you will be saved (Rom.10:13).
No comments:
Post a Comment