The Decision of a Lifetime

F. F. Bruce once commented that there are but two reasons why people have such difficulty with the Holy Scriptures: (1) because they do not understand what they are reading, either because of contextual, historical, or literary styles; and (2) because they understand all too well what they are reading. The passage below, from Romans fits well into the second category because it is remarkably clear as to its intent and focus.

To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.... - Romans 1:7, 18-21

It forever establishes a profoundly abrupt truth: namely, that the living God Who loves those who love and honor Him is also an angry God, dangerous, with wrath against the unrighteousness and ungodliness of those who do not honor or respect Him.

"But how can a loving God be angry with me? Will God send me to hell?" one may well ask. At first glance it appears to be a legitimate question. But there is a fallacy of composition within the question; it begins with the erroneous assumption that God sends people to hell. Jesus tells us that hell was created for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41). Scripture also tells us that God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to a saving knowledge of Christ (2 Pet. 3:9).

What sends a person to hell are evil deeds coming from an unrepentant heart. One needs only to peruse through the Bible to find clear pictures of the results of life spent apart from God. It would be safe to say that because of His love for fallen man, Jesus spent more time warning about the recompense of the wicked than of the rewards of the righteous.

So should we. In our efforts to present Christ to those around us, inevitably some conversation will be about heaven or hell, salvation or perdition. We must be ready to give an answer for the hope that is within us so that, if at all possible, we may yet snatch many out of the fire. We must ever be vigilant to become all things to all men so that by all means we might save some.

My anxious prayer for those in this life is that they will meet Him as Lord and Savior rather than Righteous Judge. It is indeed a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Let us therefore strive before the altar of mercy on behalf of friends, loved ones, and enemies alike, that they may find grace and mercy, seeing that heaven's peace and perfect justice has kissed a guilty world in love, and provided a better way.