Sometimes when one is feeling challenged about his religious beliefs, he’ll ask, “Do you think I’m going to hell?” One’s faith is a very personal matter. For some people, suggesting that their faith is insufficient is crossing a line. However, a cursory glance at the Bible reveals three important facts.
First, man will spend eternity in one of two possible places: heaven or hell. If one isn’t going to heaven, that only leaves one other option. Second, we know who’ll go to each place. The saved will go to heaven, while the lost will go to hell. Third, we know what we have to do to be saved. If one dies without having done what the Bible says he must do in order to be saved, what other logical conclusion can be reached?
Jesus recognized the fact that certain individuals were lost and were going to hell (cp. Luke 19:9-10). Jesus commissioned His apostles to take the gospel to those who were lost and destined for hell (Mark 16:15-16). His apostles shared this conviction. In Acts 2:40, Peter exhorted his listeners to “save yourselves from this perverse generation.” Did Peter think they were going to hell? Yes, he did (cp. Paul, 2 Corinthians 5:20).
Regardless of what you or I think, unless one submits to the will of God he’s lost and destined for hell. If I didn’t love you, I wouldn’t be concerned about your soul. If you’ve sincerely obeyed the gospel, then I can have hope for you to live eternally. If you haven’t obeyed the gospel, or are unfaithful to the Lord, then I can’t have hope for you. You need to consider the state of your eternal soul and, if need be, obey the gospel!
Adapted from Heath Rogers