Why does hell exist?

[renniks]

God so loved the world does not mean he loves every separate individual, otherwise the passage wouldn't make sense.

So, God only loves the physical world, not people? lol.

 

[SPF]

I can't remember the reference, but the Bible says we all came from dust and "to dust we will return." So I think we will all be cremated.

Sooo, you're basing a belief upon a verse you cannot find, and therefore clearly have not studied to make sure you're interpreting it correctly. How strong is your belief system if this is how you operate?

 

[Jonaitis]

Yes it does.

God so loved every single individual that every one believing may be saved? No, it doesn't make sense. "Whosoever" isn't in the original Greek, that's a translation error.

 

[Dave L]

Will you quote the verse?

“What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction? And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, even us, whom He also called, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles.” Romans 9:22–24 (NASB95)

 

[Jonaitis]

So, God only loves the physical world, not people? lol.

It is speaking in general terms, that God so loved mankind that he sent a Savior.

 

[renniks]

It is speaking in general terms, that God so loved mankind that he sent a Savior.

So, then mankind, only includes a few people here and there, apparently?

 

[zoidar]

God so loved every single individual that every one believing may be saved? No, it doesn't make sense. "Whoever" isn't in the original Greek, that's a translation error.

It doesn't matter. It means the same thing. God loves everyone, that everyone that believes will be saved. Who did God send Jesus to according to this verse, to the world or to those who believes?

 

[Jonaitis]

So, then mankind, only includes a few people here and there, apparently?

In this chapter, Jesus is talking to a Jewish teacher about eternal life. In this verse, Jesus shows that salvation is a gift to all the world, not just to Israel. This is what "world" is implying.

 

[renniks]

In this chapter, Jesus is talking to a Jewish teacher about eternal life. In this verse, Jesus shows that salvation is a gift to all the world, not just to Israel. This is what "world" is implying.

Then it would be all of mankind.

 

[Jonaitis]

It doesn't matter. It means the same thing. God loves everyone, that everyone that believes will be saved. Who did God send Jesus to according to this verse, to the world or to those who believes?

Does God love those whom he eternally punishes in hell? Isn't that where his wrath is poured out on? You cannot reconcile the idea that God loves the one whom he abandons outside the kingdom to weep and gnash their teeth in outer darkness.

God sent Jesus into the world to save sinners, yet he knows whom he came for.

 

[GodLovesCats]

Sooo, you're basing a belief upon a verse you cannot find, and therefore clearly have not studied to make sure you're interpreting it correctly. How strong is your belief system if this is how you operate?

Well, obviously I know "from dust" is based on Genesis 2:7.

 

[Jonaitis]

Then it would be all of mankind.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." - Romans 1:16

Greek representing Gentiles here.

 

[renniks]

Does God love those whom he eternally punishes in hell? Isn't that where his wrath is poured out on? You cannot reconcile the idea that God loves the one whom he abandons outside the kingdom to weep and gnash their teeth in outer darkness.

God sent Jesus into the world to save sinners, yet he knows whom he came for.

God gives them what they wanted, separation from him. Of course, he loves them and offers them salvation, but he doesn't force it.

 

[renniks]

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." - Romans 1:16

Greek representing Gentiles here.

Bait and switch. World means world, all of humankind.

 

[GodLovesCats]

God is not the creator of all things in that he didn't create sin. He does not hate Satan and his demons, but hates their sin. Thus, he created hell so people with sin have a place to go instead of heaven. I guess I don't get your logic.

My logic should be easy to understand. If God does not want anyone to suffer, why would He send people who have no way to even know Him to hell?

Yes, God does hate Satan.

 

[zoidar]

“What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction? And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, even us, whom He also called, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles.” Romans 9:22–24 (NASB95)

It says nothing about how God created...

 

[Jonaitis]

God gives them what they wanted, separation from him. Of course, he loves them and offers them salvation, but he doesn't force it.

I don't know how you define God's love, but it isn't in terms of human affection, but rather an action that involves blessing an individual/group. You cannot experience the 'love' of God in hell. It is not an act of benevolence, but instead a displaying of his wrath toward sinners.

 

[Jonaitis]

Bait and switch.

What are you talking about? I'm simply cross referencing.

 

[GodLovesCats]

God is punishing wickedness because he is loving. Wouldn't you want to punish murderer of your child?

Not by throwing him into a raging wildfire nobody can burn out.

 

[Jonaitis]

Here is the important thing: God displayed his love toward his enemies by sending a Savior.

"For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life." - Romans 5:10

It is in Christ where God loves the sinner, but outside him there is only wrath. We must preach to all people to know the love of God in Christ, and if they are unwilling to submit they remain abiding in that wrath. Those predestined to eternal life were chosen in Christ (Ephesians 1:4-5), meaning they were loved beforehand in the person and work of Jesus Christ. If you savingly believe, you are among the elect that God singled out for his own glory.