I hear variations of a certain statement on a regular basis, sometimes even from Christian leaders, and it always makes me cringe. The statement: “A loving God won’t send anyone to hell.” I cringe because it’s true, but it’s also misleading. God doesn’t “send” anyone to hell. He has made salvation available to any who choose to believe. But the flip side of this is those who choose not to believe have condemned themselves to eternal separation from God—i.e., hell. It truly is a choice we make. To say God sends people intimates that He is a giant puppeteer pulling our strings. He does send the Holy Spirit to pull at our heartstrings, but ultimately we can refuse His tug. That’s our free will. You see, God is loving. That’s why He sent Jesus for all. But He’s also just. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved; reject the Lord Jesus Christ…and you’re eternally lost.
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