I suppose that bumper sticker was supposed to be funny, or it was bragging about the owner’s debauchery. But to me, it was a very sad thing to see. Here’s what it said; “Hell was full, so they sent be back!” But do you know that hell is nothing to joke about. It a horrible, terrible place…a real place. What made me sad was that this person, whoever they be, is perfectly content with the idea of going to hell.
There is an illustration Jesus gave in the Bible about hell. It’s found in Luke Chapter 16:19 - 31. First of all, in this parable, or illustration, Jesus makes it clear that we are not annihilated when we die. Christ assumes in this passage the direct opposite of annihilation. He knows that humans are not annihilated at death, nor indeed ever, for he speaks of things that take place immediately after death. It is not because of our good deeds that we go to heaven; it is through the forgiving power of Christ.
Still, if we are followers of Christ, we make a big mistake if we think, “Well, now that I am a follower of Christ I can just do anything I want.” Through our whole lives we should be learning about God’s direction for our earthly life. Now let me assure you that this doesn’t mean you live a pathetic, dull, uninteresting life. It is an exciting and wonderful way to live. Being a Christian is fantastic - better than anything else on earth. It is also true that none of us can conceive how terrible hell will be; and, it is so sad to think anyone would go there, because living for Christ is the most wonderful thing that any human can ever do.
This is Carl Ramsey and that’s Another View of the News.
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