Common Objections: Hell
"Why does a loving God send people to hell?"
Romans 3:23–24
“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus”
When we consider the nature of God, it’s essential to recognize His holiness, righteousness, and justice. These attributes reveal His perfection and set the standard for what is right and just. The question isn’t “Why does a loving God send people to hell?” the question should be, “Why doesn’t he?”
God is infinitely holy, and our sin separates us from Him. Romans 3:23 tells us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. Our rebellion against God deserves punishment. However, God’s desire is not to condemn us but to reconcile us to Himself. He extends grace because of His love for humanity.
Grace is unmerited favor. It’s receiving something good that we don’t deserve. God’s grace is astounding because it reaches out to sinful people. The apostle Paul, who once persecuted Christians, experienced this grace firsthand. He wrote, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
Justice demands payment for sin, but God’s mercy provides a way out. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, willingly took our punishment on the cross. Through faith in Jesus, we receive forgiveness and eternal life. This isn’t because we deserve it, but because God is both just and merciful.
When we make ourselves the central focal point, we struggle with these questions. Indeed, when we see God as an accessory to our lives, we miss the bigger picture. Instead, let’s shift our view to the magnificent God who created the universe, sustains life, and offers redemption. When we grasp His greatness, our questions find answers in His character. Let’s live with gratitude and astonishment that He extends grace to us at all.
There’s never a moment in my existence where I’m good. There’s never a moment, not my very first breath, where I have God in His rightful place. And so, hell is not this horrible thing that God does to these good people who are in the center of the whole thing. That’s not what it is. Hell is actually the rightful state of everyone who has ever been born because everyone who was ever born rejects and rebels against the One who is central. - Paul Tripp
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Praise to Your holy and righteous name! You are both a compassionate Father and a perfectly just Judge. I thank You for the incredible gift of Jesus, who bore my sin upon His shoulders, granting me forgiveness and redemption. Your grace and mercy overflow in my life, even though I am undeserving. I am profoundly grateful for Your boundless love.
May our lives reflect Your goodness and faithfulness, drawing others to know You.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.