Many “modern,” "progressive" Christians reject the notion of a Hell (except for men like Hitler, of course!) as being incompatible with a loving God. They argue that an all-merciful God would never permit His creatures to suffer forever.
But Hell is far from a cruel and mean-spirited punishment inflicted upon innocent or mildly evil humans. In reality, it is one of the greatest signs of the mercy of God.
God cannot let anyone enter heaven defiled by sin. Heaven is a place only for the perfect, because only the perfect would wish to see God, revealed in full power. The imperfect soul would be too aware of his or her imperfection to enjoy the presence of God, unveiled in glory. Quite literally, those in a state of sin could not bear to be present with God in His infinite majesty.
God also created man with an immortal soul. He destined us for eternal union with Him – and He created every single human being towards that end. He gave each and every human the gift of immortality, so that we could enjoy eternal union with Him forever.
God never takes back His gifts. When He gives to His creatures, He gives freely and without restraint. As Scripture states: "For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." (Romans 11:29) God cannot take back the gift of immortality from His rebellious creatures.
But all gifts become curses to those who reject God. And a person who has rejected God completely is saddled with the burden of living forever in a miasma of hatred and pride.
But all gifts become curses to those who reject God. And a person who has rejected God completely is saddled with the burden of living forever in a miasma of hatred and pride.
That soul cannot enter heaven, because he or she would not be happy there, in a place where God is forever praised and he or she is not. The soul cannot go to Purgatory, because he or she refuses to be purged of his or her sin. The soul cannot remain on earth forever once the body dies.
So where does the hardened soul go?
In his mercy, God created a place where a soul that rejects Him could go. That place is Hell – a place completely lacking in love and mercy. It is a place without the presence of God – which the hardened sinner demands.
The absence of God is what the rebellious soul demands above all else. The rebellious soul sets himself up in the place of God. Strange as it is to say, the rebellious soul is "happier" in hell than heaven - for his will is done.
The rebellious soul chooses Hell over Heaven.
Many people ask why God would create a place where only misery and hatred exist. The terrible truth is that God created such a place precisely because many of His creatures have chosen that place for themselves. And God will not force them to do otherwise. His mercy is too great for Him to force Himself upon us.
"Mercy" of Hell?
ReplyDeleteYou speak of the rebellious soul, but you're rebelling with language to score a few hits.
What a horrible title.
You would have done better to write a post about the "Mercy of Purgatory."
Your title makes your entire post seem useless and flawed, when in actuality, it's got great stuff in it.
God bless your blog.
Thank you for your post and criticism. After examining the title, I agree that the former title of this post was misleading. As you can see, I have changed the post's title to make it more clear. I apologize for any confusion caused, and I appreciate your charity and fraternal correction. Please continue to pray for me, as I will for you. God bless you, as well.
ReplyDeleteThere was another post here, which I was asked to delete. However, there was a question raised which deserves some attention.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous wrote:
I'd have to argue with the "In his mercy, God created a place where a soul that rejects Him could go."
I think this had more to do with God's infinite justice than it does His great mercy. Maybe we should draw a distinction here, at least for the passers-by.
2 comments:
1. In God, all the attributes are one. We, with our limited intellects, often cannot see how God's mercy is consistent with his justice. However, in God, His mercy is his justice.
2. I am submitting this question to a trusted priest for further review. If I find I have written wrongly, I will note it in this post.