Friday, April 24, 2009

Why would God create hell?

This is the best explanation of why there is a hell I've encountered. I've heard the descriptions of separation from God, the pain of loss and great suffering. But the idea of why still never hit home until I read what F.J. Sheed had to say about it. I think sometimes we forget with God that many things are a mystery, and we must always keep this is mind. If there wasn't the mystery, we would have to wonder where faith fits in our life. But Sheed points out that when one dies loving themselves (a selfish love) to the hatred of God, what is God to do with this individual. God lets him/her go to their own place. At least that is the way I understand Sheed's point. God's creation of hell comes down to their desire to isolate themselves from His love. Obviously he/she can't be in heaven because that would mean close union with the God he/she hates. I guess in a way the individual creates their own hell. Or maybe chooses hell would be a better statement.

The above also brought home to me the fact that no matter how I've ever tried to justify sinning, the reason I've sinned each time comes down to one thing. That being my own selfishness. Self is the seed of every sin that takes root and flourishes. Thankfully we're told - be not afraid! We have a merciful and loving God, who sent us a Savior and Holy Spirit to guide us to the light of His truth.

4 comments:

Pat W. Kirk said...

My understanding from several pastors is that Hell was created for the devil when it is all over. When we reject God, by default, we choose the devil and will follow him into his pit.

As you point out, God gave us every chance by sending His Son to die in our place. We choose Heaven or Hell.

Christopher Scott Stevenson said...

Well said! and very interesting. I always tell people that we choose hell or Heaven, God does not "put" us there, both Heaven and Hell. To day we create our own Hell that makes a lot of sense. Yes I agree sin is being ALL about yourself, what you want to do... the "if it feels good do it" mind-set. Sin will ALWAYS lead you to hell and I am not talking about hell after you die... there are plenty of people living in hell in this world right now, some are even enjoying it! Thanks Heartfelttheheartlook for sharing. God Bless - Chris Stevenson

Heartfelt Heartlook said...

Pat and Fast Track ~ thank you for visiting and your comments.

May God bless you both and hold you always!

Heartfelt Heartlook said...

Oh Yeah and Fast Track, I so get the sin will ALWAYS lead you to hell and not after you die...
Such a good point!