It's hot. Here in Texas, August is blazing and with what seems like 99% humidity daily. The subject of heat leads me today to explore the concept of hell. Did you k
now that a recent study showed that while 74% of the people believe there is a heaven, a lesser amount, 59% think there is a place called hell.
It is interesting that many of our churches teachquite differently about the subject, if the subject is even taught. One article I read stated that pastors are fearful about preaching about hell because they may be seen as irrelevant. The Catholic view, as stated by Pope John Paul II in 1999, stated that "hell is a state of those who freely and definitely separate themselves from
God." Some conservative evangelical churches believe that hell is a literal place where there is eternal punishment. In fact, the Southern Baptist Home Mission Board study of 1993 estimated that 70% of all Americans were going to hell because they had not had a born again experience.
According to Alan Bernstein, author of "The Formation of Hell", historical concepts of hell follow from ancient Hebrew views of afterlife. After Babylonian captivity, the Hebrews believed that those who prospered yet tormented others would be punished after death. The Jews were exposed to Zoroastrianism during their exile and learned the concept of an eternal battle between good and evil. Even the Old Testament concept of "Sheol", the realm of the dead, had its roots in mythology and a sense of afterlife reward. The Bible is clear that there is a place called hell. The books of Matthew (chapters 5,10,18,23) Mark 9, Luke 12, James 3, and Revelation 20 all give reference to hell.
Maybe we have avoided the concept because it is such an unpleasant topic. We would much rather think of God's goodness and Jesus' love than think about anything opposite. In fact, I am of the belief that people generally want to think the best for people. I know at funerals, the last thing any loved one wants to think is that their beloved didn't go to heaven. I have also found that a majority of people don't want to seem judgmental in light of death. In fact, who are we to pronounce anyone else's destination. I certainly would never want to be considered "the gatekeeper" and I believe only God has that right. But, because scripture clearly speaks of afterlife and hell, albeit arguable in nature, it must be considered a reality.
Finally, I think the bigger issue is this. Christians must realize that our battle is to follow Christ at all costs. I have been amazed how often the idea of Satan or evil has been dismissed in the Church itself. Isn't it ironic that the first healing Jesus performs in Mark 1:23 is healing a man with an unclean spirit in the church. Yes, there in church was a possessed man in need of healing. Is it no wonder that Satan wants to gain a foothold in churches around the world? Ask any pastor and you will find many who have encountered individuals who "want what they want" not what God wants. Even Peter is told he is serving Satan when Jesus rebukes him. No, selfishness is not necessarily evil, but when it comes to following Christ, it is. Isn't that why the rich young man in Mark 10 could not follow Jesus? I think so. And, in today's culture, I think selfishness is epidemic. Maybe the path to hell is paved with selfish intentions?
Is hell hot? Is it cold? Is it eternal? Is it...? These are all questions that can be argued, but I encourage you to focus on God and the work to be done while here on earth. For example, I know there are penalties for robbing banks, thus I have made my mind up to
never worry about that. To me, hell is a nothing to worry about if we are seeking to do God's will today. So stay cool, the Good News is clear, you are loved and you are forgiven, go now and serve the Lord!
