Thoughts about Hell and Bell

Posted by on 7 April 2011 | 0 Comments

Here's what I am thinking about this week...

A Rabbi in Jerusalem has asked permission to perform an animal sacrifice on the Temple Mount during Passover which occurs in two weeks.  Guys, it's coming.  I know that many of you don't think we should take this prophecy literally.  Maybe not this year, but God's Word is clear on this sign (Daniel 9:27, Matthew 24:15).

Here's a story that will keep the end times meter a buzzin.  Renewed efforts have begun to give Palestinians a portion of Jerusalem and, of course, the peace initiative includes dividing the land That is what the Bible predicts will eventually take place.  According to Zechariah's prophecy, the battle over the division of the land and the city of Jerusalem is set to continue right through to the tribulation period (Zechariah 12:2-3). Joel Rosenberg is reporting a Palestinian State as early as September. 

I have been thinking a lot this week about Rob Bell's new book, "Love Wins." I read through it once and really enjoyed it.  I'm going to do a second read this week and jot down my comments in the margin.  My initial thoughts..... this preacher loves well.  And that is a very good thing!  Second, he has asked hard questions I have asked in silence.  I can't imagine any person not struggling with the wrath of God and everlasting hell.  But, from my perspective the Bible teaches it.  Romans 1 teaches that God's wrath is demonstrated when He allows human beings to pursue all kinds of sin, which eventually will destroy them. The Book of Revelation teaches the 7 Bowl judgments are God's undiluted wrath to be poured out on unrepentant men at the end of Daniel's 70th week.

For the time being, Bell gets a pass from me, at least for a while.  My daughter attended his church for four years while at Calvin College, so I got to sit under his teaching as well as listen to his sermons on the internet. He is the real deal.

Rob Bell Comes Clean!!!

Questions:  Do we break fellowship with good people over their belief of hell?   Is Bell's view of Jesus' work on the cross pretty sound, but just a little too all inclusive? Why would we discard someone who is true to the gospel in preaching Jesus Christ as the only way?  Are we ignoring his position on the essential doctrine and dividing on a minor doctrine?  Hmmmmm. Lots to digest. BTW, I have always thought my father probably was in hell.  Not that he wanted to go, but he made so many really bad choices throughout his short life.  Even though his priest told me that my father had made a good last confession, I just couldn't come to terms with his death bed confession.  Upon finishing "Love Wins", I shut the book and began thinking about who will be there to greet me when I arrive in Heaven. For the very first time I had new hope that allowed me to imagine my father as a part of that group, waiting for me to get there.  Powerful thought.  If you have lost a loved one, and you are unsure of their standing before God, rest assured that Jesus is looking for ways to get them in, not keep them out.

Blessings,

Donnie