Hot as Hell
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I enjoy listening to young theologians. I’ve heard some interesting discussions and gained valuable insight and perspective from them. The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines theology as “1) The study of religious faith, practice, and experience; esp.: the study of God and God’s relationship to the world . . .”
I recently had two young theologians riding in the car with me – my two 6 year old grandsons Taet and Noah – who were buckled in their car seats. Their conversation caught my attention when out of the blue they began a theological discussion after Taet finished singing a song. |
“Satan was a powerful angel in heaven,” said Taet. “I think he was the music and worship leader there. But because he wanted to be God, he was kicked out of heaven. A third of the angels were kicked out with him. They live in hell.”
Noah added, “Yes and it’s hot as hell there and if you dig a ditch too deep, you’ll dig down right into hell and it’s really dark there.”
Taet continued, “Everything bad and evil is in hell. Everything nice and good is in heaven.” Noah replied, “Yes and it’s not dark in heaven.” “Because God can see in the dark,” said Taet. “I can see in the dark, too,” said Noah. “Not like God,” said Taet. “When I get to heaven I’m not going to dig.”
I listened in amazement to these young theologians. It’s not as important what you or I personally think or believe concerning theology as it is to make sure that our theology lines up with the Word of God – the Maker of heaven and earth – the One who arose from the grave victorious – who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life of theology. Jesus taught more on heaven and hell than any other individual in the Bible.
Jesus revealed that Satan is the father of lies and a murderer from the beginning. (John 8:44-45; 10:10) He saw Satan fall from heaven like lightening. Satan’s future and the destiny of all his followers is eternity in the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:11-15) Jesus taught that hell is a terrible place of punishment. (Luke 16; Matthew 5:22) Those in hell will be in torment forever. (Mark 9:44, 48)
Jesus also gave us wonderful glimpses of heaven. He is preparing a place there for all of His children. (John 14) In heaven there is no night for the Lamb, God’s son, is the light. (Revelation 21:22) Nothing bad, evil, or unclean will be in heaven. (Revelation 21:8) God invites all who will repent and believe in His Son as Lord and Savior to come to heaven. “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ Let anyone who is a thirst come. Let anyone who desires, drink freely from the water of life” (Revelation 22:17 NLT).
These young theologians were correct in much of their theology – even at such a young age. Jesus made it clear that to get into heaven, one has to humble himself as a little child and believe. “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the kingdom of Heaven . . . Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father” (Matthew 18:8-14).
God doesn’t want anyone to go to hell. He has made provision for all to be forgiven of sin and become a citizen of heaven. But the choice is yours. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
Is your theology based on God’s Word?
by: Cliff Sanders