Sin and Hell

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”—Romans 6:23 (ESV)

Did you know that sin does not send you to hell? It’s true! But when I first heard it put that way, I immediately thought, “What hell are you talking about? Of course, sin sends you to hell—and there’s only one hell you need to be concerned with!”

God’s Word refers to hell as a lake of fire. Think about how water feels when you’re in a pool or bathtub. Water feels like silk against your skin. It will saturate your hair; your pores absorb it; you can close your eyes (or not), and it will fill your ears/nose. Water is refreshing, embracing every inch of skin that you expose it to. 

That’s how I imagine this lake of fire will feel on skin, and I don’t mean refreshing. A full sensation of immersion that consumes every pore and hair follicle with a level of pain and anguish that leaves us feeling like we’re burning alive. For. Eternity. With no access to actual water for relief. 

Not a light-hearted Christmas message, I know, but stick with me—it’s going somewhere so very simple that it’s glorious! 

At Christmastime, we tell our kids Santa is not going to bring them anything if they don’t straighten up—or, at the very least, he might bring them a piece of coal. Not only did I hear that every Christmas, I said it to my kids. 

I now think about that threat in the same context as the many times I heard I would go to hell if I didn’t start acting right. I needed to get it together, or I wasn’t qualified for Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.

That type of “encouragement” was only effective in creating a mindset that I had better have my life together if Jesus was going to care about me. I had to act a certain way, do certain things that would keep me in His favor. But, as I matured, I came to understand that mindset was based on acts/performance and displayed the orphan-based thinking of earning my way into His heart and heaven.

As an orphan, I was only equipped to use myself as the reference point for my behavior, thoughts, deeds, etc. But the problem with this line of thinking is that I could easily consider myself in right standing. 

There is never a time in life that we should use ourselves as a reference point. If so, we’ll never learn the heart of the Father. God is the Creator of all life, therefor it is He who is the unmovable reference point. Anything we could perform, offer, or consider a sacrifice are filthy rags when held up to Him. If you stop there, you’ll miss the heart of the Father.

This Father does not require you to earn anything. He gives freely. To anyone who will ask.

I’m so grateful I didn’t simply take someone else’s word as gospel. Instead, I kept talking to God, pressing into His Word, and returning to Him as soon as I realized I had strayed from His best. In doing so, I learned that the God of the Holy Bible isn’t a God who manipulates with rituals. He is never harsh with discipline nor will He ever leave me—especially when I can’t get it together.

To choose Him meant choosing a completely different value system where love is His highest goal and relationship with me is His heart. Choosing Him meant freedom, companionship, and a deep, consuming love. No strings attached.

Despite my inability to get it all together or straighten myself out so I could be worthy of God’s love, He has always left His door open to me. Even when I find myself outside of the best that God has for me, He quickly receives me back into His safety and provision.

God is the type of Father who not only warns us about a lake of fire, He also has the solution that saves us from that fiery pit. Solutions found in His open door, His outstretched hand, a cross, and His shed blood—a crimson red that overtook the darkness of sin. 

The cross of Jesus reunites us with God, but Jesus’ resurrection gives us eternal life with Him. Whenever you hear the Word of God, consider it a lifeboat passing by. Imagine the outstretched hand of Jesus reaching for you, offering to pull you out of the fiery water and into the boat with Him.

And that, my sweet and precious friend, is why sin does not send you to hell. Not choosing Jesus is what sends you to hell.

NOW LIVE LOVED and THRIVE!

Self-Reflection

These questions are in no way a substitute for healthcare professionals or any level of professional counseling. I’m an advocate for taking care of oneself mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. These questions reflect my heart, NOT my profession.

This questionnaire is an opportunity to journal your thoughts and feelings. It can serve as a launching pad on which to evaluate your heart condition as you understand it. My hope is that you will take the truths you discover about yourself and hold them up to the Light to evaluate them against who God says you are.

• Is it hard to believe sin does not send you to hell but rather not choosing Jesus? Explain.
• Does it seem too easy, like you’re getting away with something? If so, why?
• Would you feel better if you had to “pay” for your sin vs asking for forgiveness? 
• What is your biggest challenge when it comes to believing Jesus is enough?
• What does living out a personal relationship with Christ look like to you?
• How intimate are you with Jesus? How close do you let Him get to you?
• List 3-5 things you are especially grateful to Jesus for.

Talk to God about your answers. Give Him praise, ask Him questions and then listen for His gentle response.

Take Action

Use God’s word to take control over the traumas in your life.  Whenever you feel terrorized by your thoughts take them captive by replacing them with the truth of God’s promises in His word.

Here is a scripture for you to print, cut and carry with you and/or post in places where you will see it often. Ground yourself in God’s truths not Satan’s attacks. Encourage your heart and mind every time you are reminded of His great love for YOU!

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”—Romans 6:23 (ESV)

Read God’s word and say to yourself: God has given me a heads-up that sin separates me from Him. He’s provided a way so that I’ll never be separated from Him. 

Take a moment to reflect on how sin separates us from God and His best. Now give thought to how choosing God as your King will turn everything around for your best in life and the afterlife.