God’s justice

I find it sad that Rev Dr John Cameron (Letters, 2 April), instead of writing a positive Christian message at Easter, takes the opportunity afforded by the confusing statements about Hell from the Vatican to make the situation even more confused.

Contrary to what Dr Cam- er on asserts, the hebrew scriptures do speak of continuing human existence after death, albeit in the vague, shadowy state of Sheol.

Occasionally, as in some of the Psalms and even in the book of Job, there are confident statements of a future hope of life in God’s presence. They also speak of god’ s justice in dealing with the incorrigibly wicked who escape judgement in this life.

In the further revelation of the New Testament we are given a fuller picture of human destiny. The Lord Jesus Christ clearly taught that he came into the world to give eternal life to those who would believe in him and follow him, while those who refuse to believe and change their sinful lives would be eternally separated from God, which is what Hell is.

He gave his life on the cross to set us free from the guilt, punishment and power of sin. His rising again from the dead guarantees eternal life and future resurrection to all who trust in him. That spurs us on to serve him and our fellow creatures out of love while we are in this world. We may safely leave to him the judgement of those who refuse to believe. The Judge of all the Earth will do right. (REV DR) DONALD

M. MACDONALD Blackford Avenue, Edinburgh