“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” – Isaiah 55:8
In your contemplation of the concept of hell, questioning God’s judgment, you might find yourself saying, “I just disagree with God on this!” Isaiah 55:8 gently reminds us that our thoughts and ways are not aligned with God’s. The vast difference between our finite understanding and God’s eternal perspective becomes evident.
Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not to rely on our limited understanding. It’s a call to surrender our perspectives, acknowledging the vast difference between our thoughts and God’s sovereign wisdom. Our understanding is confined to the present and the visible, while God sees with an eternal perspective that stretches beyond our comprehension.
Trusting God doesn’t mean we’ll always comprehend His ways, especially when it comes to the challenging concept of hell. Yet, we are called to trust in His character, His justice, and His love, even when our understanding falls short.
In Matthew 10:28, Jesus underscores the importance of both trusting and fearing God. He urges us not to fear those who can harm the body but cannot touch the soul. Instead, we are to fear the One who has the authority to destroy both soul and body in hell. This fear is not a paralyzing terror but a reverence for the divine power and justice of God.
As we delve into Jesus’ teachings on hell, we realize that He spoke about it more than any other person in the Bible. In Matthew 8:12, hell is described as “outer darkness” with “weeping and gnashing of teeth.” In Matthew 13:41-42, it is likened to a “fiery furnace.” Matthew 5:22 refers to “hellfire,” and in Mark 9:43, Jesus calls it an “unquenchable fire.” These vivid descriptions underscore the seriousness and gravity of the consequences of rejecting God’s salvation.
While it might be uncomfortable to contemplate, trusting God involves accepting His revealed truths, even when they challenge our understanding. Embracing His wisdom and fearing His authority lead us to a place of humility and reverence.
Today, as you grapple with the reality of hell, choose to trust in the One who sees beyond our limited perspective. Let your trust be an anchor, and your fear a reverent acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty over life and eternity.