Part of the Clarity Series: Building a Christian Worldview
In 1829, George Wilson was convicted of robbing a U.S. mail carrier and sentenced to death. However, public outcry led President Andrew Jackson to issue Wilson a pardon. But Wilson did something unthinkable—he refused it. The case went to the Supreme Court, and Chief Justice John Marshall wrote these striking words:
“A pardon is a deed… The value of the pardon must be determined by the receiver. It has no value apart from that which the receiver gives it… Therefore, George Wilson must die.”
The pardon was real, but Wilson’s refusal sealed his fate.
This story helps frame the difficult question we’re exploring in today’s Clarity post: Why would a loving God send people to hell?
It’s a hard question—one that makes us uncomfortable. We recoil at the thought of eternal separation or torment. Even for people we disagree with, the idea of hell is almost too much to bear. If we feel this way, how could God possibly send anyone there?
But maybe we need to rethink the question. In a sin-corrupted world, suffering is already normal—death is the natural end for everyone without divine intervention. Even the universe is winding down toward decay. So perhaps the better question is this: Why does God offer a way out?
And if He does…Why do some reject His pardon?
To answer that, we need to explore three questions:
1. What does the Bible say about hell?
2. Why is hell necessary?
3. How do we avoid it?
1. What Does the Bible Say About Hell?
Hell is not a peripheral idea in Scripture. Jesus Himself spoke about it often—especially in connection to judgment.
In Matthew 25, He describes the final judgment and says that those who fail to live out His values of compassion and justice will go to “eternal punishment,” while the righteous will enter “eternal life.” Hell is described as exclusion (being thrown out), darkness (separation from God’s light), and destruction (Matthew 10:28).
Hell wasn’t originally made for people—it was created for Satan and the rebellious angels (Matthew 25:41). But those who reject God’s character and refuse to bear His image end up there as well. It’s not about a single mistake—it’s about a life lived in rejection of God’s grace and authority.
While theologians debate whether hell involves eternal conscious torment or ultimate destruction (conditional immortality), the central truth remains: Hell is real. And it’s tragic.
2. Why Is Hell Necessary?
Let’s consider two reasons:
First: Hell is justice.
Imagine watching someone abuse your child or grandchild. You would do anything to protect them—and demand justice. God’s love includes justice. He doesn’t ignore evil.
Sin corrupts creation, and part of restoring all things means dealing with evil—removing it from His New Creation. Hell holds spiritual beings and people accountable for unrepentant rebellion. It’s not about cruelty—it’s about protection and justice.
Second: Hell separates rebels from the Kingdom.
In Luke 19, Jesus tells a parable of a king and ten servants. One servant refuses to serve the king and is ultimately grouped with the rebels.
This story isn’t just about punishment. It’s about allegiance. God’s New Creation is for those who recognize Jesus as King. Hell is not arbitrary; it’s the logical outcome for those who refuse God’s rule.
We understand this in our world. Treason has consequences. So does rejecting the Lordship of Jesus.
3. How Do We Avoid Hell?
The answer is simple—but not easy. Declare Jesus as King.
This is why repentance, confession, and baptism matter so much in the life of a Christian. We turn away from our old lives, publicly acknowledge Jesus as Lord, and pledge our loyalty to Him.
Then we live that out—day by day—aligning our lives with His.
What about those who’ve never heard about Jesus?
Romans 2 suggests they may be judged by what they do know. But Scripture consistently shows the clearest path is through hearing, believing, and following Jesus.
That’s why we support missions, preach the gospel, and share our faith—we want people to be confident in their salvation.
Why Do People Reject God’s Pardon?
Why would someone—like George Wilson—refuse rescue?
Because, at the heart of it, they want to be their own authority. They don’t want a King. They want to do what seems right in their own eyes—just like in the days of the Judges.
God honors that choice. He gives people what they want—even when it breaks His heart.
Why would someone—like George Wilson—refuse rescue?
Because, at the heart of it, they want to be their own authority. They don’t want a King. They want to do what seems right in their own eyes—just like in the days of the Judges.
God honors that choice. He gives people what they want—even when it breaks His heart.
Our Calling: Love People into the Kingdom
Our role is not to judge and condemn but to proclaim and love.
We don’t weaponize hell—we weep over it.
Hell is the result of not wanting Jesus to be King.
If we reject Jesus as King, we can’t be part of His Kingdom—and we won’t experience the joy of His New Creation.
Your Challenge: Do two things this week:
Our role is not to judge and condemn but to proclaim and love.
We don’t weaponize hell—we weep over it.
- We pray.
- We share.
- We hope.
Hell is the result of not wanting Jesus to be King.
If we reject Jesus as King, we can’t be part of His Kingdom—and we won’t experience the joy of His New Creation.
Your Challenge: Do two things this week:
1. Pray for someone who needs Jesus.2. Reaffirm your loyalty to King Jesus.
Next in the Clarity Series:
Stay with us as we continue exploring how a Christian worldview helps us face life’s toughest questions with confidence, compassion, and clarity.
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