Posted on November 19, 2017 by Apologet
I have just a discussion behind me. The discussion turned to the question of how to get rid of the fear of hell. Many atheists, and some Christians, have participated.
Can you do that? Should you do that? Should one be afraid of hell at all? Is it even possible to believe in a god who throws people’s souls into a lake of fire where they are tortured forever (or something like that)?
Strangely, the question is becoming more and more apparent.
In his article “In order to communicate the gospel we must rediscover it …” in the magazine -Communicatio Issue 2/17 Manuel Schmid writes the following:
First of all, it is difficult to overlook that while Jesus might outrageously challenge his fellow human beings, he has never resorted to threats, commotion, and moral pressure to win them over.
He goes on to say that it is important to risk the content of our gospel again and again to receive it. (for me, a euphemistic paraphrase of redefining the gospel).
Wait a moment. Was not there something?
In Luke 12: 5 Jesus says:
But I will show you whom you should fear: fear the one who has power after killing to throw into hell; yes, I tell you, this one is afraid!
That was probably wrong.
Man Jesus! Can not you stick to our postmodern world view, which we have painted so beautifully? Do you always have to spark in between? Could not you erase the verse?
So if somebody comes to “receive” the gospel again, then I always have to think of Galatians 1 somehow.
But even if we or an angel from heaven would preach a gospel to you that is different from what we have preached to you, let him be damned. As we have just said, I say again: If anyone preaches a gospel to you other than what you have received, let him be damned.
Paul can not behave himself again and must curse culturally sensitive postmodern people who want to “receive” their gospel again, this lout. You do not do that.
Or who knows? Maybe he does it out of love? Just as Jesus warns against hell for love? A love that is not too bad to deliver an unpleasant truth, if need be. Not easy for anyone.
Source: Logos Blog