It’s a question you have probably heard—or maybe asked yourself: “How can a loving God send people to hell if they’ve never had the chance to hear about Him?”
Those who ask the question get the first part correct: God is a loving God. According to the Bible, when you encounter God, you are immersed in a relationship with the Ruler of the universe, who cares more for you than your spouse, father, mother, or anyone. Those who don’t get that don’t know Him yet.
His love is so great—He wants every person to be with Him, even after they die! Understanding that takes a big leap to accept. Until God enters into their life, they will never get it. Nevertheless, this blessed truth stands for all eternity! He allowed His only Son—Jesus—to die on a cross to pay for your mistakes (sins) so you can be restored to a relationship with the Ruler of the universe. Scripture says, “God loves the world—(yes, you!)—so much that He gave His only Son, so that anyone who believes in Him, will live forever … (with God)!”
So why do some people miss out on this eternal gift, simply because they never heard about it? It does seem unfair and a long way from a loving God. The answer may be hard for some Christians and churches to hear. After Jesus died and rose again from the dead, He went back to heaven. Before He left the earth, He told His followers to introduce people to this God of love who appeared in Jesus.
Why would a perfect God leave the eternal destiny of people in the hands of imperfect followers? I think it was because God wanted Christians to have the privilege, the amazing experience, of introducing others to the King of the universe, who will change their lives forever. The Bible says Christians are ambassadors for Jesus.
Here’s the awful news. In all these centuries, the people of God have never gotten the job done, so people all over the world die someday and go to hell. Some of these people live a few houses away from a Christian church and never had a Christian lovingly invite them to consider Jesus!
If you want to vent your anger, ask why 90% of churches in the U.S. are declining or growing at a pace slower than their communities. Don’t blame God. It’s Christians who don’t get the job done.
So, if you are a Christian reading this, and someone asks about why a loving God hasn’t reached some people, think about what God is saying to you. Then think about what you’re going to do about it.
Photo (c) KevinCarden/Lightstock
