Romans 9 contains what appears to be a preposterous statement; it is so audacious that Paul affirms in three ways that he is speaking the truth, that this really is what he longs for and wants (Rom. 9:1): were it possible to pray for his own damnation in exchange for the salvation of his kindred […]
Read More A consideration of HellRecently I saw an article about the nature of Heaven and Hell in which the author made this summary statement about the nature of Hell: …the torment in the lake of fire will be physical, mental, and spiritual torment, but…all of it will be tolerable. None of it will be unbearable. See Matt 11:22, 24. […]
Read More Is Hell tolerable?J. I. Packer answers this basic question: HT: Justin Taylor.
Read More What Is Hell?Some helpful articles from the last week: You may have made a resolution this week about your Bible reading for this year. Here is some good counsel for “How to read the whole Bible in 2014” (including a variety of Bible reading plans) by Justin Taylor. I’ve also posted several plans for our church here. […]
Read More Grab bagIn a sermon titled “The Dark Garden,” Tim Keller explains how he came to understand that a god without wrath and Hell is not as loving as the God we find in the Bible. Because Hell exists, our comprehension of the magnitude of God’s love is expanded. Because [a cup of poison] was the method […]
Read More Because Hell exists, God’s love is more comprehensibleIt has become somewhat popular in certain spheres of Christendom to be apologetic about Hell. Not only do unbelievers ignore or even scoff at the realities of Hell, but even believers are prone to minimize what awaits those who reject Christ. But the Bible is unapologetically clear about the eternal future of the unredeemed (see especially […]
Read More Eternity for the unredeemedToo many people presume that God is too loving to condemn them — or anyone — to Hell. Yet Scripture asserts that God’s judgment is sure. It will come and it cannot be avoided. Consider Peter’s logic in 2 Peter 2:4-10: If [a better translation is “since”] God condemned the fallen angels to Hell (v. […]
Read More God’s judgment is sure…and His grace is greatSome helpful articles from the last week or two: Ten “Wives Speak Out” about their role in marriage and their practice of submission in their marriages. I find myself gravitating more to biographies these days — and here are two new ones on theologian Charles Hodge that appear interesting. Kevin DeYoung takes a closer look […]
Read More Grab bagThis week I counted the number of open tabs in my web browser. It was over 40. Time for a Grab Bag, me thinks. Many more churches are being proactive in providing biblical counseling for their people and the community (check out the GBCM webpage and the GBC biblical counselor training page as examples). Capitol […]
Read More Grab bagThis morning I was getting a few things ready for the day when my daughter said, “I suppose you’ve already heard this, but Osama bin Laden was killed last night.” “Yes,” I replied, “I saw the headline in the newspaper earlier…” That comment provided fodder for a brief discussion around the breakfast table that focused […]
Read More Grief, hell and bin Laden at the breakfast tableFound recently around the internet: A new album from Sovereign Grace — “Risen.” You can listen to every track — and then purchase it as a download for only $5. What I’ve heard so far sounds good. There is much digital ink being spilled (digitized?) over Rob Bell’s latest book. Many good and biblical responses […]
Read More Grab bagJust because I have life this moment does not mean that I am guaranteed life in any future moment. For the believer, this is a comforting statement because he can be happy with life here and he is happy with life in eternity (which is Paul’s point in Phil. 1). For the unbeliever, this is […]
Read More The uncertainty of the continuance of lifeThere has been much discussion lately in the Christian blogosphere about Hell and its duration (more comments coming at a later date). As Desiring God noted this morning, this is not a new discussion. And it predates DG’s conference in 1990 by many centuries as well! Paul Tripp continues his thoughts about the grace of […]
Read More Grab bagRecently seen around the Internet that I found interesting: I might tweak some of his counsel at the end to be a little more Biblical, but I agree with his observation that “Busyness is the new spirituality.” Nine Marks produces an e-Journal every two months that is always helpful and thought-provoking. This month the theme […]
Read More Grab bagPastor and blogger Joe Thorn recently wrote about five commonly held myths about Hell. These false beliefs are common (much too common), and his brief responses are helpful. Read them here: Hell is a place where Satan reigns. Hell is where sinners party. Hell is temporary. Hell is the absence of God. Hell is for […]
Read More Myths about hell
Words of Grace 