| Hell (Part 3) So... just what is the mindset of those for whom the threat and terrors of hell are necessary? Think of hell as a place of torment prepared for the devil and his outlaw angels. There is ample evidence in the Bible to show that hell was not intended for man. In fact, the Bible clearly states that God is "not willing that any should perish (go to hell) but that all should come to repentance..." (II Peter 3:9b). The fable that suggests that Satan is in hell right now is a myth; he is terrified of his eventual banishment to hell. In the book of Revelation, as the return of Christ draws near, Satan is described as knowing that his time is short and seeking to deceive as many as possible in his effort to take them with him to hell. How does he do this? Deceive how? He must begin with the mind. The mind, in concert with the will and the emotions comprises what is called the "soul" of man. The original Greek text is the word PSUCHE which is where we get the word psyche, or the root word of psychology. Satan's method is to trick the psychology (the soul) of humans in a plot to keep them from receiving Jesus Christ. In short, the only sin that there is no forgiveness for is that of rejecting Jesus. If you see this as a scare tactic of God or religion to get you to live "a moral life" then you are already deceived by Satan. Because fear of hell and living a moral life is not what saves you anyway! He is master of those kinds of psychological games, playing one side against the other. He will use whatever means available to keep you under his power and away from God, distracted from the truth by focussing your attention on the wrong issues, temptation and the like. What is it that makes vulnerable to his ploys? Pride. It is pride that keeps a person from receiving Christ. Whether that be pride of self-accomplishment, being your own boss, or just ignorant, self-willed, stubborn pride, that is the pride that will keep you out of heaven. Understandably there is "earnest-minded skepticism" and God expects that. That is part of the evaluating phase of all thinking individuals. The good news is that if you are seeking the truth with an honest heart and willingness to learn, God will reveal Himself to you. You don't have to go to hell, that's even better news! "God is not willing that any should perish but that all should repent..." He gives us the desire to please Him when we turn down pride and open up our hearts and minds to seek Him. |