Bible Studies

Does God Send People to Hell Just Because They Do Not Believe?

by Michael Edwards 
03/20/17
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Many times in my life I have heard unbelievers criticize God, claiming God is unworthy to believe in and petty because he sends people to hell just because they do not believe in him. Presented in this context, I must admit God does sound petty. But is this the correct context? No. It is just the opposite.

It is true that the only unforgivable sin is unbelief (read HERE for more on that). If we are honest about all of the various sins we have committed and will commit in our lifetime, God who is just and hates sin shows mankind incredible favor when the only unforgivable sin is unbelief. This is something we can choose to correct at any time. Just an honest examination of the evidence HERE shows how reasonable it is to believe God exists and that Jesus is who he claimed to be. God has made it so easy to be saved. Unfortunately, many unbelievers have set their mind and will so against God, it not longer matters to them if it is the truth.  Their pride will not allow them to honestly consider the evidence and see themselves in truth, acknowledge their sin and humble themselves under the savior. Their hearts are hard. 

So what is the correct context when we consider unbelief as the only unforgivable sin? Simply that people will not trust the advice of someone, they do not believe. If you do not believe me when I give you directions, you will not follow them. On the other hand, if you do believe me, you will. The same is true with a person's relationship or rejection of God. The unbeliever does not believe God, so they will not trust his advice to flee to safety in Christ for the day when God will judge the world in righteousness. Therefore, they will be caught up in the judgment, a casualty of war if you will. God's advice is always for the benefit of mankind.

We see examples in the Bible of Adam who did not believe God's warning. Adam did the one thing God warned him not to do for his own benefit. We see the ark that anyone could have gotten on and been saved from God's righteous judgment, if they would have believed God. We see in Genesis 19:14, even Lots son-in-laws were offered the chance to flee God's righteous judgment of Sodom and Gommorah, but they did not believe Lot's warning, thinking he was joking they remained and perished. The same thing is happening right now, many refuse to believe and be saved.

Think of it this way. Mankind has set the God-given world on fire with our personal decision to sin. Things are getting progressively worse as men use the sins of others to justify their own sins. As one man does something more heinous, other men are emboldened to do likewise. The blaze is getting further and further out of control. Jesus is banging on the door and warning all to flee to him for safety, for salvation. The day when God will judge the world’s sin in righteousness is coming.   

because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” Acts 17:31 ESV

Those that believe him will do as he advises.

and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:15 ESV (repent means “change mind” – change mind from unbelief to belief and be saved)

Those who do not believe him, hear the warning too, but refuse to take action. In the end, their unbelief will have led them to make the wrong decision. Where they end up will be their own choice.

He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Luke 3:7 ESV

You can have peace with God, believe him and trust in the savior today. Go HERE.

Why does God do this for mankind? One reason is that we were made sinners without a choice.

Read Here: We Are Not Sinners Because We Sin, We Sin Because We are Sinners,

If You Believe You Have Been Saved

We Need Jesus for Righteousness, Not Happiness

What About Those Who Never Hear of Jesus or the Gospel

Many more New Covenant studies here: NEW COVENANT ARTICLE LINKS