Thoughts on Hell.....

[Ron Arndt]

John of Japan

No John, there are lots of good, moral people who live their lives as good people, but choose not to be Christians. They accept a different belief system whatever it may be. Some give to charities, hospitals and do great things, such as Mother Teresa of India, who was a devout Catholic.

Many of these same people never trusted personally in Jesus nor wanted to, yet they led decent moral lives til they died. The rich young ruler in the bible was an excellent example of this type.

 

[donnA]

There are good moral people all over the world, but by man's standards of goodand moral.
Isa 64:6
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;

Jer 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

God's opinion of good and moral, is Jesus Christ.
Anyone not in Him will not be considered good and moral, by God.

Joh 3:18
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Theres going to be plenty of "good" people in hell.

 

[John of Japan]

Originally posted by Ron Arndt:
John of Japan

No John, there are lots of good, moral people who live their lives as good people, but choose not to be Christians. They accept a different belief system whatever it may be. Some give to charities, hospitals and do great things, such as Mother Teresa of India, who was a devout Catholic.

Many of these same people never trusted personally in Jesus nor wanted to, yet they led decent moral lives til they died. The rich young ruler in the bible was an excellent example of this type.

Ron, DonnA hit the nail on the head. Those folks are moral by human standards, not by God's.

I urge you to study carefully the Sermon on the Mount and other passages (such as Matt. 15) where Jesus taught specifically that it is what is in the heart that determines the righteousness of the outward act. Remember "Man looketh on the outward appearance, but God looketh on the heart" (1 Sam. 16:7).

When you look at charity by a lost person, that person with his "deceitful above all things and desperately wicked" heart is thinking such selfish, sinful thoughts as, "I hope this will make me look good. Maybe the boss will be impressed that I gave so much. I hope I get some credit with God for this."

The only worthwhile motive for human actions is to please and glorify God. We were created for His glory. Therefore, any action taken without that motive, even if it be a life of outward dedication and sacrifice, is sinful.

 

[donnA]

Only when our acts of righteousness, or good and moral deeds, are done through faith in Jesus Christ can they be righteous and acceptable to God. We are acceptable to God only because of Jesus, no other reason.

 

[partialrapture]

Originally posted by shannonL:

The "fire" mentioned in the Bible concerning hell, lake of fire is a literal fire.

I DISAGREE BIG TIME, "HELL IS NOT THE LAKE OF FIRE"

Please understand that this is an important mistake by most, concluding that since they both have fire and will punish those that deserve it they are the same, this is incorrect.

First:
Revelation 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them : and they were judged every man according to their works.

Second:
Revelation 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire . This is the second death.

All that are in hell at this time will come out to stand be for the great white throne of God and whosoever is not found written in the book of life will then go to the lake of fire along with hell.

I will add this implies that some who were in hell will be found written in the book of life and not thrown into the lake of fire.

hell is completely separate and different when compared to the lake of fire

God give wisdom

 

[Hope of Glory]

"HELL IS NOT THE LAKE OF FIRE"

Please understand that this is an important mistake by most, concluding that since they both have fire and will punish those that deserve it they are the same, this is incorrect.

This cannot be repeated enough! A clear understanding of this principle would clear up much confusion surrounding so many subjects.

In fact, I think I'll repeat it again:

"HELL IS NOT THE LAKE OF FIRE"

Please understand that this is an important mistake by most, concluding that since they both have fire and will punish those that deserve it they are the same, this is incorrect.