You Can't Avoid Hell Without Jesus

For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord God; so, turn and live.
(Ezekiel 18:32)

God offers me eternal life so that even when my mortal life is over I will live again at the resurrection. What price do I have to pay to live again in the afterlife? That’s the best part! The offer is free, the expense has been paid, my afterlife can be secure, but it is totally up to me to accept or reject. God will not force anyone to follow him. He wants me to come to him freely, out of love and gratitude for him, without reservation, and not only for fear of eternal punishment. The Father has given us a way, through his Son, to be saved from an eternity in hell. If my only motivation for seeking salvation is to avoid that eternal punishment, but I have no love for God, I’m wasting my time and I’m not going to be saved. He knows our hearts.
What am I turning from? Before I was saved, I thought I was a good person. I didn’t believe in God or heaven, but I thought if he was real, I would be good enough to go there. After all, I never murdered anyone, I never robbed a bank, I never committed adultery, so I was a lot better than some bad folks. The trouble with that thinking is, I’m using the wrong standard. God is who we're measured against, not other people. Looking back, I know I wasn’t a good person at all. I harbored hatred in my heart. I lied when it would benefit me. I took things from work or stole time by leaving early. I fantasized about other women even though I was married. Any one of those failings in my life would have sent me to hell when I died. What am I turning to? I had to turn from my old sinful life and turn to Jesus. That’s called repentance, and it’s the first thing required of me for salvation. I must renounce every sinful thing in my past and give my heart to Jesus.
Many people choose to reject the offer asking the question; if God is so good and loving why would he send good people to hell? It’s not God who sends you there, you choose that eternal destination of your own free will. You may not realize you are making that choice but if you ignore the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that’s the choice you are making. Hell will not be full of people who Jesus hated; hell will be full of people who hated Jesus. All who turn from their sinful ways and submit themselves to Jesus will live forever with him. You have to make the choice in this lifetime. It’s too late after.




O God, your name is above all other names. It is by your will that the whole universe holds together. Can we do anything but bow down and praise you for your handiwork? Father, please bring your kingdom to reign here on Earth just like you reign in heaven. Thank you for your Son, Jesus, whose sacrifice and shed blood saves us from the pits of hell. Unbelievers don’t understand why you would care enough about them to suffer and die such a horrible death to save them. We, who have accepted your offer of salvation, know why. You are the embodiment of love. Your love for us knows no bounds. You do not want a single person to go to hell when they pass from this life. In an effort to save them from that terrible fate, you willingly died on the cross. Your death paid the price for everyone’s sin. It’s like you paid for everyone’s passage on the train to heaven, but we have to reach out and accept the boarding pass. Soften the hearts of as many as who will to see the love behind your sacrifice and turn to you. It’s in the precious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen!
Location: Holley, NY 14470, USA

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