Erasing Hell: What God Said about Eternity, and the Things We Made Up

by Francis Chan

have distanced myself from traditional forms of “church” in pursuit of what I believe is more biblical. I don’t believe God wants our church life to be centered on buildings and services. Instead, God wants our churches—whatever specific forms our gatherings take—to be focused on active discipleship, mission, and the pursuit of unity.

I’m not going to hang on to the idea of hell simply because it’s what my tradition tells me to believe. And neither should you.

true.

But if it is true, if the Bible does teach that there is a literal hell awaiting those who don’t believe in Jesus, then this reality must change us. It should certainly purge our souls of all complacency.

God has the right to do WHATEVER He pleases.

Jesus preaches hellfire against those who have the audacity to attack a fellow human being with harsh words.

Whoever calls his brother a fool may find himself guilty of hell.

He gave us these passages so that we would live holy lives.

Yet there are three places where racial division still persists: bars, prisons, and the American evangelical church.

And with that, Job arrived at the most important point: It’s not about figuring out all of the mysteries of God, but embracing Him and cherishing Him—even when He doesn’t make perfect sense to us.

I can’t think of a better way to end this book than to point you to the words of Paul, who urges us to be reconciled to the God who loves you more than you can possibly imagine: We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God … behold, now is the day of salvation. (2 Cor. 5:20–21; 6:2) God extends mercy to all now, He wants us to know Him now, He urges all of us now to be reconciled to Him through His Son Jesus Christ. The door is open now—but it won’t stay open forever.