We spent a good amount of time earlier in the month discussing the reality of hell. And in the midst of that discussion, I didn’t want to skip over talking about the reasons why people end up going to hell. There are three specific reasons I want us to look at. We’ll discuss the first reason today and then move on to the other two reasons over the next couple of days. For now, let’s dive into the first reason why people end up in hell. For many, they rather remain in sin than repent from their sins.
In John 8:11, Jesus speaks to a woman caught in adultery and tells her, “Go now and leave your life of sin.” This interaction encapsulates the essence of repentance – turning away from sin and choosing to walk in obedience to God’s commandments.
When sinners choose to remain in sin and refuse to repent, that refusal is what leads to destruction. It’s not that God desires to condemn anyone to hell; rather, it’s the consequence of rejecting His offer of forgiveness and redemption.
Repentance involves acknowledging our sinful nature, confessing our wrongdoing, and turning to God with a sincere desire to change. It’s a deliberate choice to turn away from sin and embrace God’s way of living.
But why do people choose to remain in their sin? Often, it’s because of pride, stubbornness, or a love for the pleasures of this world. Sin can be enticing and addictive, offering temporary satisfaction at the expense of eternal consequences.
However, the reality is that sin ultimately leads to destruction. It separates us from God and prevents us from experiencing the abundant life He offers. As the apostle Paul writes in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Examine your hearts today. Are there areas of sin in your life that we’re holding onto? Are you clinging to your own desires and refusing to repent? Let’s humbly come before God, confessing our sins and seeking His forgiveness and cleansing.
God’s grace is sufficient to cover even the darkest of sins. He stands ready to forgive and restore all who come to Him in repentance. Let’s choose repentance over sin, knowing that it leads to life and freedom in Christ.