Answers

By   •   August 10, 2006   •   Topics: ,

Q:

I think it's wrong to say that God is going to judge us when we die. In my view, God is kind and merciful and loving, and in the end everyone's sins will be forgiven. To me, this is the true message of Jesus.


A:

Let me ask you a question: Do you honestly believe that all those tyrants who killed millions will never be held responsible for their crimes? Do you honestly believe that child abusers and drug dealers and those who oppress the poor, and all the others who bring misery and death to our world, will never be held responsible for their crimes? I hope not.

And would it shock you to discover that no one in the Bible spoke more about judgment and Hell than Jesus? I suspect it would—and yet it’s true. He warned that someday God will say to all those who have ignored His laws, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41). God is holy and just, and someday all the evils and injustices of this world will be judged.

But this isn’t the whole story! God also is kind and merciful and loving (as you say), and He yearns for us to know Him and be with Him in heaven forever. That is why He sent His only Son into the world. Jesus Christ came for one reason: to save us from our sins. He did this by taking upon Himself the judgment and punishment we deserve.

The Bible says, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Don’t turn your back on Christ, but by faith open your heart to Him and trust Him alone for your salvation.