Ask Dr. Youssef: How could a loving God send anyone to hell?

QUESTION:

“How could a loving God send anyone to hell?”

ANSWER:

The answer might surprise you: God never sends anyone to hell. All who end up in hell are there because they have rejected God’s grace—His goodness and mercy extended to undeserving sinners like you and me.

Most of what we know about hell was revealed by Jesus Himself. He described it as a literal place of eternal punishment (Mark 9:43-44; Matthew 10:28; Luke 16:22-31). Designed for Satan and the fallen angels (Matthew 25:41), hell will also be the destination of those who reject God’s free gift of salvation (Revelation 20:12-15). Jesus clearly warned against hell and even described it in detail.

At great cost to Himself, our loving Father made it possible for everyone to receive eternal life in heaven with Him. He sent His only Son to die on the cross so that we would not have to endure hell’s punishment. The Bible says, “The Lord . . . is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). God has no desire to send anyone to hell, but He will not send us to heaven against our will.

Is it arrogant to teach that Jesus is the only way to heaven? I certainly don’t feel superior to anyone when I preach that message. I feel humbled that God chose to show grace to a sinner like me.