Yet, many "bible believing" Christians present God as if He was a judge who did such things to every unsaved soul who faces Him in judgment. Does God really toss all lost souls into a giant frying pan, with the "thermostat" set to HIGH? If you believe this, you need to pray, read the bible, and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I am NOT saying God does not condemn people to hell, but I am saying His judgment is fair and based on circumstances which pertain to the lifestyle and deeds of each individual brought before Him.
Even in old testament times, God demanded justice when people did wrong. The "eye for an eye" concept was not to protect the victim, it was enacted to protect the OFFENDER! It did help deter crime by insuring a penalty for various offenses, but it also MADE SURE the person who did wrong was not punished beyond measure. If a criminal cut off the arm of an innocent victim, his punishment was the loss of his arm. In short, the concept LIMITED the degree of punishment so it did not exceed what was just and fair in each particular case.
While SALVATION is entirely of grace and NOT according to our works, the degree of punishment an unbeliever undergoes IS based on their works. (the record of the offenses) ALL lost people go to hell, but their level of punishment will vary greatly. The key is, people who fail to seek salvation and remain unforgiven, will by default be placed into hell. Once they are there, they must suffer the consequences for the things they have done wrong in life here on Earth. Since God will determine the degree of their punishment, you can BE SURE it will be fair and measured to fit their individual profile.
I do not dispute the fact that hell is full of fire, and great suffering, but I also know it is like a prison operated by a good warden. (not by the devil. as many assume) Some people will endure horrible torment, but not all those present will receive the WORST punishments. The bible speaks of some receiving FEW stripes, while others receive MANY stripes. The bible states in many places, the lost will be judged ACCORDING TO THEIR WORKS. If God punished all equally, He would not be fair and righteous Himself.
The book of Jude mentions the sexual perverts from Sodom and Gomorra are still actually UNDERGOING the punishment of eternal fire. These people were evil to the core, and they would attempt to have sex with almost anyone they met. (male, female, and even angels!) The rich man mentioned in the 16th chapter of Luke was tormented by flames, yet he could actually carry on a conversation while in hell. Have you ever tried to talk to someone who was burning at the time? Be real, such a person could not do anything but scream out in agony. Hell does have a thermostat, and it is God who determines "how high" it is set for each prisoner.
Even if a person is not actually placed into flames, it would be a HORRIBLE PLACE to spend eternity. How would you like to live in a hot place for eternity, without water and the other things we take for granted today. (surrounded by the WORST people who have ever existed on Earth)
When the lost see the beautiful New Jerusalem, and the awful place known as hell, they will weep realizing what they have neglected to obtain. Salvation is a gift, but no one receives a gift they refuse to accept. Even the "lowest setting" on hell's thermostat will make a harsh environment to spend eternity in. The rich man begged Abraham to send someone to WARN his brothers of what they faced, and Abraham told him they simply need to read the scriptures to see how bad it really is. Don't discover the reality of hell by personal experience, read and heed what God says about salvation before it is too late for YOU...
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