How Could He Do That?

Q. It seems that my wife can not believe that a loving God who gave his only Son, to pay for the sins of man,could condone the act described in Rev.21:8-9. She rejects “fire and brimston threats” and queries whether there is a deeper meaning to all this.

A. God is loving to those who’ve accepted the death of His Son as payment for their sins. But this sacrifice was so costly to Him that He’s angry with those who’ve rejected it.

Through out the Bible He has made it clear that He hates sin. He’s also made it clear that he loves us enough to save us, if we agree to be saved. He doesn’t want any of us to be lost, but He can’t force us to accept salvation. This has been made so clear that He sometimes equates unbelief with disobedience.

Refusing the pardon He purchased for us is the ultimate act of disobedience and puts unbelievers outside of His saving grace. It’s as if He’s saying, “I’ve thrown you a life preserver. If you don’t want to take it, that’s your decision, but you’ll drown with out it.”

As for the unbelievers in Rev. 21:8-9, they will have lived under the personal rule of the Lord and seen His Kingdom first hand, but will have rejected God and joined forces with Satan to try and over throw Him. In other words, they will have declared war against Him. Like any declared enemy combatant, they’re legitimate targets for destruction. There’s nothing symbolic about it.