By Pastor Scott Denham of Harvest
Fellowship,
Clarinda Herald Journal Publication Date : 05/16/2007
“Some evangelists preach 'hell-fire and damnation' to scare people into
accepting Jesus—isn’t there a better approach to this subject?”
First of,
let me say that I seldom hear messages on the wrath of God. It has been trendy
to preach the positive messages of the Bible, while ignoring the negative
messages, such as hell and damnation. This misrepresents the nature of true
apostolic preaching. However, this is an important topic to address, seeing
that what you say is a perception shared by many.
At least
twelve times in the gospels, Jesus refers to hell, that place reserved for the
devil and his angels, and those who spurn God's offer of mercy through Christ
(Matt 25:41). The Scriptures teach that a just and holy God has every right to
condemn forever, not only unrepentant sinners, but all of mankind.
Even so,
the promises offering the favor of God eclipse the threats. Paul speaks of this
in Romans 2:4 when he writes; “God's kindness leads you towards repentance.”
Thank God, that through faith in Christ we can be saved, forgiven, and spared
eternal punishment (Eph 2:8; John 3:16). It is due exclusively to His amazing
grace that sinners like us can be pardoned and privileged to share eternity in
His presence.
Both the Old and New Testaments
exhort people to follow God by promising good to those who respond and
threatening punishment to those who do not. Proverbs 3:33 says; “The LORD's
curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.”
Both the positive call and the negative warning are employed by God to draw men
to their Creator.
If this seems unjust to you,
consider for a moment, how children are parented. Most will note those families
who provide no negative consequences to their children for bad behavior. Their
kids are hellions! Conversely, if children live under the threat of punishment
without loving affirmation, the potential for emotional difficulties is great. Good
parenting strikes a wise balance—offering on the one hand, rewards for good
behavior, and punishments for bad behavior. Should we expect anything less from
our Heavenly Father?
Both positive and negative reinforcements
are equally loving since they seek the highest good and blessing of the child.
God, in His love, warns you of hell—because He does not want you to go there.
He also extends His mercy through Christ that you may enter into His blessing,
for all eternity.
--Pastor Scott (www.askpastorscott.com)