Why do unbelievers go to hell?

[Henry]

I would like help to think about this. Why do they go to hell? Because God said so? He said that the wages of sin is death. Are we then not dead when we die physically? It seems not.

What else can die? Our souls? Is it the second death when our souls die?

Isa 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Is God fair if the physical death of Christ is all that is needed for redemption, while unbelievers have to die twice, first physically and then spiritually by spending an eternity in hell?

Something does not add up and it bothers me. Is my logic failing me?

[th1bill]

I would like help to think about this. Why do they go to hell? Because God said so? He said that the wages of sin is death. Are we then not dead when we die physically? It seems not.

... God made man in His image and since God is a spirit being with no extension in time and space, that rules out the idea that we physically look like Him. God is a triune being, God, the Father, God, the Son and God, the Holy Spirit. Likewise, man is also and we are body soul ad spirit. The first death spoke of in scripture s the expiration f te bodies we are now resident in. The second death in the Bible alludes t the eternal separation of yourself from the presence of God as the unsaved exist there forever.

What else can die? Our souls? Is it the second death when our souls die?

Isa 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Is God fair if the physical death of Christ is all that is needed for redemption, while unbelievers have to die twice, first physically and then spiritually by spending an eternity in hell?

Something does not add up and it bothers me. Is my logic failing me?

... No, your logic is just misplaced. You are attempting to fit God into your idea instead of studying Him to determine the character of God.

[Henry]

... No, your logic is just misplaced. You are attempting to fit God into your idea instead of studying Him to determine the character of God.

Would you please point out where my logic is misplaced. If Christ's physical death is payment enough for our sins, then why is the physical death of unbelievers not sufficient punishment? Why do their souls have to be condemned to hell?

Christ dies physically <> Unbelievers die physically plus they die spiritually God cannot be a righteous judge, if this is true, IMO.

[TrustGzus]

Hey Henry,

What do you think should happen to them? Or where should they go when they die?

Grace & peace to you,

Joe

[thepenitent]

I would like help to think about this. Why do they go to hell? Because God said so? He said that the wages of sin is death. Are we then not dead when we die physically? It seems not.

What else can die? Our souls? Is it the second death when our souls die?

Isa 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Is God fair if the physical death of Christ is all that is needed for redemption, while unbelievers have to die twice, first physically and then spiritually by spending an eternity in hell?

Something does not add up and it bothers me. Is my logic failing me?

I think you're asking the wrong question. The REAL question is "Why does God bother to save anybody?"

[th1bill]

Would you please point out where my logic is misplaced. If Christ's physical death is payment enough for our sins, then why is the physical death of unbelievers not sufficient punishment? Why do their souls have to be condemned to hell?

Christ dies physically <> Unbelievers die physically plus they die spiritually God cannot be a righteous judge, if this is true, IMO.

... First of all we need to establish the simple truth. I have, in my last post given you the fact that man is an eternal creature, an existence without end. So lets look at the death of Christ who, being God in the flesh (John 1:1-5) is seated on the Throne in Heaven, next to His Father. He has to ceased to exist but is living, in the glorified body, in Heaven.
... Now, let's look at my situation. I've already had Heart Surgery and twelve other surgical procedures and on top of that I have a very advanced case of MS that with some complication will soon kill me. The very moment I pass over I will be be present, in Heaven, with Jesus ad all the other saints that have gone before me. I will go to Heaven for no other reason than because Jesus died on the cross one day about 2000 years ago and I decided to accept His atonement for my sins.
... One more truth here ad this should explain it all. When God created Adam, He create him in His image, making Adam an eternal being. Every human being that has ever lived or ever will live on this planet are the eternal descendants of Adam and because they are created in the image of God, they will never cease to exist. Now, just like you and I, they all have had or do have the right to choose to go to Heaven and, failing to chose Heaven, they, by default, choose to go to Hell.

[moonglow]

Would you please point out where my logic is misplaced. If Christ's physical death is payment enough for our sins, then why is the physical death of unbelievers not sufficient punishment? Why do their souls have to be condemned to hell?

Christ dies physically <> Unbelievers die physically plus they die spiritually God cannot be a righteous judge, if this is true, IMO.

We ALL die physically though...the difference is spiritual life or death. When Jesus returns there will be no more physical death:

Revelation 21:4
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Jesus didn't just die on the cross for our sins...He was basically tortured to death. He also didn't just die, but rose from the dead...overcame death so we might live spiritually and one day also physically forever.

What He did in part (there is so much more then just Jesus dying for our sins) is a free gift to those who will receive it...but unbelievers refuse to accept His payment on their behalf...so in that they have to pay the debt themselves.

I think some on here are responding incorrectly to your post..the topic isn't about what happens to them in hell but why they are sent their to start with...correct?

They are there because they want to be there...that is what it comes down too. The bible tells us God puts the knowledge of Him in all of us...and Jesus said when He is lifted up on the cross He would draw all people to Himself. So Christ draws them at some point in their life...God makes them aware of Him...at this point the 'gift' of salvation is being offered. The Holy Spirit may put into a Christian to speak to this person about Christ...the gospel message. At this point the person can take the gift offered...thank God His Son paid his debt for him and accept salvation. If the person refuses for whatever reason...the gift will still stand for a long long time...once they die though they have died in their sins...which brings spiritual death. They are saying they do not want to be in Heaven with God....God would never force people to be there when they don't want to be. Many people totally hate and despise God...forcing them into Heaven would be hell for them...so God gives them what they want...to be separated from Him.

While Jesus paid for our sins He will not force people to take this free gift...they have to want it. The whole relationship should be based on love going both ways. Yes God so loved the world He GAVE His only begotten Son. But if the person doesn't love God back...then their is no relationship.

I can give a present to my son...but he can say, well I don't like it, take it back..and reject it. Then he does not have the gift. Just like a nonbeliever, they do not have the gift of salvation....so they cannot be with God when they die...apparently they don't want to be either or they would have accepted the gift...

Does that help you understand a little better?

God bless

[tt1106]

God reveals himself in more ways than just the Bible. It really takes alot of work, to not seek him during our x number of years on Earth. In the end, God revealed himself in the Bible to offer us salvation.
God is righteous, therefore, the unrighteous cannot be in his presence.
God offers us the means to fellowship with him forever. Is that not enough? He cannot change his nature, and his nature will not allow unbelievers to be in his presence. He is HOLY. The truth is out there for all who seek. If you choose sin and iniquity, which you know are sin and iniquity, simply because God gave you the moral law, then you will not be able to fellowship with him.

[fuzzi]

Hell is nothing more than eternal death as has been mentioned by a few on other threads. No eternal damnation can emanate from a loving God.
What is the point of keeping the incorrigibly wicked in existence, just to torment them? Sounds fiendish to me. Eternal death sounds more just.

This has already been answered in the 'annihilation' thread, in a reply to your post there. (http://bibleforums.org/showthread.php?t=177336)

Bottom line: people who reject Christ go to Hell, and eventually into the lake of fire, to be there eternally. They are not destroyed.

Why do I believe this? Because Jesus said so, in both Mark and Matthew.

You can choose to ignore God's word, but that doesn't change what He said.

[Joe King]

How can you accept Christ's sacrifice if you don't believe in it. It seems pretty cut and dry. Faith and works go hand and hand, unbelievers have neither.

From the outside, it may seem like God is 'insecure', but that's not the case. Free will means a choice has to be made that isn't coerced. God has "done his part" it's up to us now. On a side note, I do believe that God reaches people who haven't heard of Christ and if they respond to him, they will be saved.

Atheists and the false religions love to bring up that point, but since we know God, we also know of his character. I don't believe that God will deny anyone of the choice that we all are making now. That doesn't mean we should stop prosyletizing either. God is a perfect judge. We are not.

[Henry]

How can you accept Christ's sacrifice if you don't believe in it. It seems pretty cut and dry. Faith and works go hand and hand, unbelievers have neither.

I do believe that unbelievers are condemned to hell. What I really am trying to do is to ascertain the extent of Christ's suffering from the Bible.

[moonglow]

I do believe that unbelievers are condemned to hell. What I really am trying to do is to ascertain the extent of Christ's suffering from the Bible.

You want to know how much Jesus suffered? I am not sure what that has to do with your first post...

[Vhayes]

I'm confused by what you're asking, I guess.

Jesus paid for every sin that was ever committed and ever would be committed by every man, woman and child ever born. Sin is not the issue any longer. The issue is whether you accept the gift of salvation or decide to prove to God the Father you can do it on your own because you are "worthy" by your own merits.

John 3
16 - "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

God so loved the world - not just the Christians.

I John 4
14 - We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.

The Savior of the world -

I Timothy 4
10 - For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.

A gift is only effective if you accept it.

Is this what you are asking?
V

[Henry]

You want to know how much Jesus suffered? I am not sure what that has to do with your first post...

It should become clear from the equation in my second post on this thread. In the Old Testament there are indications that Christ would suffer in hell, but did He really? I am careful however not to make assumptions when it comes to the Word of God. I do not assume that He suffered in hell, neither do I assume that He did not. I want to see what God's Word says about the matter as I do believe the answer is in there somewhere.

[moonglow]

It should become clear from the equation in my second post on this thread. In the Old Testament there are indications that Christ would suffer in hell, but did He really? I am careful not to make assumptions when it comes to the Word of God.

Ok I read your second post and you said this:

Henry:

th1bill

... No, your logic is just misplaced. You are attempting to fit God into your idea instead of studying Him to determine the character of God.

Would you please point out where my logic is misplaced. If Christ's physical death is payment enough for our sins, then why is the physical death of unbelievers not sufficient punishment? Why do their souls have to be condemned to hell?

Christ dies physically <> Unbelievers die physically plus they die spiritually God cannot be a righteous judge, if this is true, IMO.

I am afraid that doesn't clear up anything...sorry. It doesn't give me any more information to what you are asking about. Jesus never suffered in hell...where do you read that in the OT? I know some pastors teach this but its simply not true. There is a passage in the NT that says He preached to those in hades..not suffered.

1 Peter 3:18-20 (New King James Version)

Christ’s Suffering and Ours

18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 19 by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.


Ok I found this article...maybe it will help clear up some things for you..here is part of it:

Did Jesus go to hell between His death and resurrection?
Some have the viewpoint that Jesus went to “hell” or the suffering side of sheol/hades in order to further be punished for our sins. This idea is completely unbiblical. It was the death of Jesus on the cross and His suffering in our place that sufficiently provided for our redemption. It was His shed blood that effected our own cleansing from sin (1 John 1:7-9). As He hung there on the cross, He took the sin burden of the whole human race upon Himself. He became sin for us: “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). This imputation of sin helps us understand Christ's struggle in the garden of Gethsemane with the cup of sin which would be poured out upon Him on the cross.(read the rest at the link)

If that doesn't help or isn't what you are looking for let us know..

God bless