Devotion - Thursday, March 5

The advantage to writing every day is I have plenty of opportunity to cover a wide range of topics.  The worry is that if someone picks up on one message, but not others, they may form partial conclusions as to what my theological system is like.

One topic I avoid is the issue of "Hell."  Those who have participated in Bible Studies with me have probably heard my views on this topic.  I want to ask you to realize that a few lines here cannot do justice to the topic.

John 5:29 is one of the verses which I have to keep in mind, because it speaks a differing message that what God has lead me to think about "Hell." This is one of the verses which implies a double resurrection - one to life, and one to to judgement.  

Rob Bell released a book a few years back titled "Love Wins."  In it, he voiced my convictions regarding hell.  He asked "If God gets what God wants, and what God wants is for all to be saved, then wouldn't that be what happens?"  (Paraphrased)  

Karl Rahner, Roman Catholic theologian, said his devotion to scripture meant he had to acknowledge there is a Hell, but that his experience of God lead him to believe no one was condemned to be there.

Hell is too often used as the threat to motivate allegiance.  This is, in my opinion, clearly a misuse of the biblical verses on hell.

Too often, avoiding Hell is the defining trait rather than seeking Heaven.

Hell is an interesting topic.  It is far from being a simple one.