Jesus warned all not to go to hell (Mt.18:8-9; Mk.9:43-48) but also taught how most would (Mt.7:13-14). He said we ought to fear Him/God who is “able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Mt.10:28; 25:31-33,41,46). But the question is, is God justified in sending people to hell?
Q. Is God somehow guilty too because he made man and man is evil?
A. God created man in his own image which is proof there is no inherent wrong in man as there is none in God (Gen.18:25; Deut.32:4). “Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment” (Job 34:12,10). “The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works” (Ps.145:17). God is good (1Chr.16:34; Mt.19:17; Rom.2:4). Our good God also made man in his own image “very good” but man corrupted himself (Gen.1:26,31; 6:5,11-12). “Lo, this only have I found, that God made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions (devices)” (Eccl.7:29).
Q. Didn’t God create some people only to condemn them?
A. No. God loves all people and wants them all saved (Jn.3:16-17; 1Tim.2:4; 3 Pet.3:9). Jesus died for all to save all (Heb.2:9-15). Going to heaven or hell is a choice. Everyone has the choice of obeying the gospel, living right, and going to heaven (Ps.127:1; Mt.7:24-27; 2Tim.1:9-10). Or, one can choose to live their life in opposition of God’s will in sin and go to hell (1Jn.3:4; Rom.6:23; Rev.20:14; 21:8). “For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves and live ye” (Ezek.18:32). God sets before us, “…the way of life, and the way of death” (Jer.21:8), but we make the choice.
Q. Why did God make hell if it was not his intention of sending folks there?
A. Hell was not made for man but for the devil. It is a terrible place and should be a deterrent not to go there (Rev.14:10-11; Jude.1:22-23). However, those who follow the devil will also receive his eternal reward. “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Mt.25:41,46). “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness” (Rom.6:16). God also made an eternal home in heaven for those who follow him (Mt.25:34,46; Jn.14:1-3; Heb.11:13-16).
