John 9:42-48

Why does God send people to hell?

He doesn't!

The Lord counsels us, guides us, directs us and reminds us over and over again.   He warns us, models for us, commands us, and offers us a grand reward.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Mark 9:42-43 And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believes in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell.

These words of Jesus are not threats, they are warnings. He is not condemning, he is cautioning. God does not want to see any of his children enter into hell.

I doubt the picture we have in our mind of someone cutting off their hand is literally what Jesus meant, but it is that serious. It’s an illustration of our God’s great forgiveness if we are sincere in our repentance.

His love is extreme, just as our dedication to him should be. When we do wrong, we must not only sincerely confess and repent, but do something about it that causes us to change and not repeat the offense. Sometimes that means making an extreme transformation in our life that may be very difficult at the time.

We may wonder what God is waiting for. Why doesn't he come and fulfill his promise right now? This world is a mess. It may be wise to take advantage of God’s delay. 

2 Peter 3:9  The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

2 Peter 3:14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace with him.

Read/Listen to John 9:42-48