"While the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." ~ Matthew 8:12

How can a God who claims to love us send people to spend eternity in hell? How can God be described as loving if He sends people to a place described as a lake of fire?

I often hear nonbelievers ask, "How can someone believe in a God who sends people to hell?" They use this question to justify their disbelief. My response to them is, what is God supposed to do with these people?

Most of us believe we are loving people, so why do we send people to jail? Why do we segregate criminals and confine them in a place of their own? Why do we imprison murderers, thieves, and pedophiles away from us? Would you want them to live in your neighborhood? If we're honest, our answer would be no. We all want to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

So why should we expect anything different from God? God is trying to protect His Kingdom and those that reside in Heaven. He is creating a Kingdom of peace, truth, and love for those who choose to be with Him.

I know what you're thinking: what about people who aren't criminals? What about those who have lived decent lives, where the worst things they've done are lying, stealing something minor, dabbling in illegal drugs, or failing to be loving all the time? Should hell be their punishment? Some might think that the only thing they've done wrong is deny God. Should they go to hell for that?

God is a holy God; His Kingdom is perfect, and no imperfection is allowed. It's hard for us to understand this because we are imperfect—living in an imperfect world. We have to accept imperfection or convict ourselves. Humanity usually measures its wrongness by others and not by God's perfect standard. God has a standard, and it's perfection, and for all creation to exist—God cannot allow imperfection.

Look at it this way: if you had a loved one with perfect health, not one blemish, would it be acceptable to add even 1% of cancer to that person's body? How much more unacceptable would it be to add sin to God's perfect Kingdom? A skilled vinedresser will prune away an unfruitful branch to save the health of the rest of the vines, and this is what God does.

If you want to live in an imperfect world, you should be happy because you are living in one now. But you should not be upset at God for wanting something different from this broken, fallen world of death and desiring to bring us into a world of truth, love, and peace.

Why Does Hell Have to Be So Bad?

Look at our jails—observe what happens when you gather people who refuse to follow the rules of society. The jails become even more terrifying. Now, imagine an entire area filled with rebellious people, along with Satan and his demons. In jails, some people have the hope of being released, but in hell, there is no hope. When hope is gone, imagine the desperate rage that would ensue.

God doesn't send people to hell; we send ourselves there. All we need to do is accept God into our lives to avoid hell, but many of us refuse to submit to Him and His rules. By not submitting to God, we are selfishly rejecting perfection and a life of peace with both God and our fellow humans.