By David J. Stewart
Psalms 9:17, “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.”
In 1963 the U.S. Supreme Court removed and banned the Bible and prayer from all public schools. The devastating consequences today 50-years later are blatantly obvious in the number of Americans who don't believe in a literal Hell. ...
Many Americans don't believe in hell, but what about pastors
By Greg Garrison, Religion News Service
August 1, 2009
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Just when it seemed to have cooled off, the topic of hell is back on the front burner — at least for pastors learning to preach about a topic most Americans would rather not talk about.
Only 59% of Americans believe in hell, compared with 74% who believe in heaven, according to the recent surveys from the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life. ...SOURCE:
Many Americans don't believe in hell, but what about pastors? - USA TODAY
Isn't that sad? Only 59% of Americans today believe in Hell. Furthermore, I guarantee that most of those people don't believe in a literal Hell that burns with fire and lasts forever. The following article evidences what I say, that is, that people increasingly are speculating that Hell doesn't last forever...
Belief in hell dips, but some say they've already been there
by Charles Honey
Religion News Service | August 14, 2008"In a pluralistic, post-modern world, students are having a more difficult time with (the idea of) people going to hell forever because they didn't believe the right thing," says Mike Wittmer, professor of systematic theology at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. "That's the biggest question out there right now: `Would God send someone to hell if they were someone as good as me, but didn't believe what I believe?"'
It was easier to believe in hell 20 years ago when missionaries tried to convert people in far-flung places, Wittmer says. In today's global village, many live next to good, non-Christian neighbors and wonder why an all-powerful, loving God wouldn't eventually empty out hell, Wittmer says. "I've noticed in the last five years how that view is making inroads even in conservative churches, whereas five years ago it wasn't even uttered or discussed," he adds.
Americans' optimism and tolerance for diversity complements a growing view of God as benevolent, not judgmental, other experts say. "They believe everyone has an equal chance, at this life and the next," said Alan Segal, a professor of religion at Barnard College and the author of "Life After Death: A History of the Afterlife in Western Religion." "So hell is disappearing, absolutely."
SOURCE: Pew Forum: Belief in hell dips, but some say they've already been there
My friend, the Bible says that Hell lasts forever (2nd Thessalonians 1:8-9). Everyone either dies IN THE LORD (Revelation 14:13) or IN THEIR SINS (John 8:24). Once a person dies without Christ in their sins, all hope is gone. Their fate is sealed for all eternity. They must go to the Lake of Fire and be punished for eternity for their sins.
Just because someone doesn't believe in a literal Hell that burns with fire doesn't mean that it's not true. Many legends and folklore tales speak of damnation and eternal torment, which has led many people to disbelieve in the reality of Hell, dismissing this Biblical doctrine as a fairytale. The big question is do you accept the Bible as God's inspired Words? Do you believe that God authored the Bible or mere mortal men? Do you believe that the Bible is our Final Authority or do you think it's a manmade manuscript not to be taken too seriously?
In a survey released by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, just 59
percent of 35,000 respondents said they believe in a literal place called hell.[1]Only 17% of Americans think that being born-again is required to get to Heaven.[2]
Amongst 18-29 year old Protestant Evangelicals in the U.S.,
only 51% said they read the Bible even once a week.[3]
I am fully convinced that the Bible is God's inspired Word. I don't believe that the Bible contains the Words of God; but rather, that the Bible is the Words of God. I believe the Bible is inerrant, infallible, preserved, perfect, and inspired!!! Specifically, I believe that the King James Bible (also called, the Authorized Version) are God's preserved and inspired Words for the English-speaking world today. It is no coincidence that English is quickly becoming the global language, being taught in every nation. God knew what He was doing when He wrought the miracle of the Authorized King James Bible. We have God's Words today in 2012. Beware of all the modern corrupted Bible versions which come from the Greek manuscripts from Alexandria, Egypt (popularized by heretics Westcott and Hort in the 19th century).
That is how it works friend. You can either receive Christ's payment for your sins; or you'll have to pay for your own sins in the fires of torment and darkness forever. A trillion years won't even be the beginning of Hell. Do you realize that? Only a fool would ignore such a great threat. Do you realize what's at stake? Are you willing to risk spending eternity in Hell when you can freely go to Heaven simply by believing the Gospel?
The Gospel according to 1st Corinthians 15:1-4 is that Jesus Christ DIED, was BURIED and RESURRECTED three days later. Jesus shed His precious, literal, physical blood to pay for our sins (1st Peter 1:18-19; Hebrews 9:12, 22-24). Jesus paid your sin debt, even though He owed no debt. God freely gave His only begotten Son for our sins (John 3:16; Romans 8:32). Thank you Lord. Salvation is by grace through faith PLUS NOTHING!!! Won't you receive Jesus as the Christ now?
“To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man...” —Colossians 1:27-28
