5 While he was talking, a shining cloud came over them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased—listen to him!”
(Matthew 17:5 GNT)
Lord Jesus, some people are trying to tell us that there can’t be a hell because God loves us too much ever to put anyone there. I have travelled that road myself in the past. Oh, Lord I am sorry that we have discounted your life and death in this way. The truth is that your Father loved us so much that he created a means by which everyone can be saved from hell. Your passion is not wasted, Jesus. If had to die to rescue me from whatever hell is, I don’t want to go there, and it frightens me.
We hear you calling, Father. Heal those who can’t respond, and show us how we can communicate the urgency of your invitation without leaving out either the love or the danger. Amen.
Adrian Plass. The Unlocking; God’s Escape Plan For Frightened People. Bible Reading Fellowship. 1994. p.80
14 As Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the desert, in the same way the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. 16 For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its savior. (John 3:14-17 GNT)
‘Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. 48 When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. 49 This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50 and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
51 ‘Have you understood all these things?’ Jesus asked.
‘Yes,’ they replied. (Matthew 13:47-51 NIV)
4 ‘I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Matthew 12:4-7 NIV)
