No one is safe

Dear editor:

The letter of Lloyd Hoffman (Oct. 22) was right on target! I hope many of your readers took note that no one is safe — even in our city. The Bible warns us that everyone has an appointed time of death (Hebrews 9:27). I wonder how many of those murdered in Las Vegas and New York had ever thought about their eternal destination when they would die?

According to Genesis 2:7, God knew us before we were conceived. He gave us the breath of life and we became an immortal soul, never to be destroyed, whether it exists in heaven or hell (Luke 16:19-24).

Why does the Bible contain more about hell than heaven? God created the abyss of hell for the rebellious angels and not for mankind. However, man has also rebelled against God and, unless He forgives them, they will also go there — forever! Hell is vividly described as a place of utter darkness (Matthew 8:12; Jude 13); a place of wailing and gritting of teeth (Matthew 13:42); a place of no rest (Revelation 14:11) and no forgiveness (Matthew 12:42); a place where the tormented blaspheme God (Revelation 16:11) and then pray to Him; and where the lost do not want their loved ones to go (Luke 16:27).

What types of people will be escorted to this terrible area? Romans 1:18-32 and Revelation 21:8 say those who turn the truth into a lie; women lusting after other women, and men lusting after men; those who do not believe in God; murderers, idol worshipers and who practice witchcraft, etc.

I have always maintained the belief that there are no true atheists due to mankind’s moral and spiritual character. Everyone has an intuitive belief in God, although this truth is denied among many for fear of being chastised by their peers. But when they are faced with mortal danger, they call out for help from God. Man’s moral and spiritual natures know there is a God who approves or condemns all acts of right or wrong. This is what is known as the conscience, which does not cease to exist at death; it is the inner voice of God in all of us.

There is a nonbiblical belief that God sends the disobedient to eternal punishment in hell. Man, not God, is the director of his own life and destination if he continues to refuse to obey the commandments, accepting his forgiveness of sin through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and the blaspheming of the Holy Spirit (Luke 12:10).

How can the unsaved person escape from being delivered to hell when they die?

• Admit to themselves they are sinners (Romans 3:23) and deserve punishment (Romans 5:12).

• Repent of sins against God and turn away from living a sinful lifestyle (Ezekiel

33:11).

• Believe that Jesus Christ gave His life to pay the penalty for sin (Romans 5:8).

• Trust Jesus as Savior (John 1;2, Romans 10:9).

• Become an active witness and win others to Christ (James 5:20). Donald Cunningham Hot Springs