Gospel Journey

Why is separation eternal?

Each day we will also ask a question. If you haven't read the devotional for today, please do that first. Then come back here and tell us what you think.

Why is separation eternal?

A popular pastor in America recently mused that hell is probably not eternal, because it doesn't make sense to him. He says that he thinks a person should get another chance, or God is not merciful. But Matthew 25:46 says that punishment is eternal.

There are several reasons why hell is eternal punishment, but here are a couple to consider:

1. As we looked at in today's devotional, you sin against an eternal God, therefore, the crime was an eternal crime. An eternal crime calls for an eternal punishment. Consider if you pushed me. What would happen? Most people would laugh and probably nothing would happen to you. Now, walk up to the President and push him. While some people may laugh, you will be in serious trouble. You see, we often punish crimes, not just based on the crime committed, but who it was committed against.
2. Hell is not a correctional facility. Some people see our current jail system as an allegory of God's punishment. Yes, there are some crimes a person is locked away for, and the government tries to rehabilitate the criminal. But there are other crimes committed, where rehabilitation is not the goal, punishment is. God gives people an opportunity to repent in this life. If they don't, the time after your death is not designed as a spiritual rehabilitation opportunity, but punishment for violating God's standards and then rejecting His forgiveness.

posted by danny2 @ 5:47 PM