Why do people go to hell?

I have mentioned before that I am an avid reader. It’s been said that “leaders are readers,” and I think that’s true. In addition to the never-ending supply of books (many of which I review here), I also subscribe to over 40 blogs that are posted on a regular basis.

One of those blogs had a post that caught my eye today. In his post, “One White Lie Will Send You to Hell For All Eternity” and other stupid statements, Michael Patton wrote this paragraph:

It is important to understand that hell not is filled with people who are crying out for God’s mercy, constantly hoping for a second chance. People are in hell because they have the same disposition toward God that they had while they were walking the earth. They do not suddenly, upon entrance into Hell, change their nature and become sanctified. They still hate God. People are in hell for all eternity, not because they floated a stop sign, but because their fists are still clinched toward God. They are not calling on His mercy. They are not pleading for a second chance. They are in hell for all eternity because that is where they would rather be. It is their nature. As C.S. Lewis once said, “The doors of hell are locked from the inside.”

Now this is very much a different view of hell than most people have. Many people can’t believe that a loving God would even create a place like hell, much less send people there. And that at the same time as saying that he wants everyone to come to repentance and be saved (2 Peter 3:9 and 1 Timothy 2:3-4).

So what do you think? Why do people go to hell (if they do)? And how do you back up your reasoning?

6 thoughts on “Why do people go to hell?”

  1. Interesting and thought provoking!! In Matthew 13:42, 50 it states "They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." I have always wondered if this was pleading to God for a second chance or showing how they feel toward God! This gives me something to continue thinking. Thanks for sharing Daniel 🙂

    Becky 🙂

  2. This is interesting. With this in mind how do you explain Luke 16:19-31. Would it be the "fighting, answer the door syndrome"?

    1. Daniel Goepfrich

      Great question!

      I looked at the story of the rich man in Luke 16. Just as interesting as what the rich man in hell said is what he didn't say. He specifically asked for cool water and a messenger to his brothers.

      What he didn't ask for was forgiveness, salvation, or to be released. That seems to suggest at least that he understood why he was there.

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