Below is a response from a reader based on an earlier article from Biblical Christian Worldview.

“A strict Calvinist friend believed in Reprobation, the doctrine that all those not elected to salvation were predestined to damnation. However, he warned against preaching this to non-believers, for rather obvious reasons.

“All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful.” 1 Corinthians 10:23.

The Question

There are many theological paths we can follow from the brief statement above. Setting aside the issue of predestination vs. free will, the broader context of our discussion centered around the question of whether the subject of “damnation” was an appropriate topic to present from the pulpit, much less in one-on-one evangelism.

As a Biblical Christian we know the penalty for sin must either be paid for through the atoning work of Jesus Christ (Heaven-bound), or by paying ourselves (Hell-bound). This is the harsh reality of our worldview, something we rarely discuss with brothers and sisters, much less volunteer to those who might disagree.

So, is there ever a time when talking to unbelievers about the downside for those who reject a faith in Christ as our Savior and Lord?

My Response

Joel Osteen is sometimes referred to as “the Cotton Candy Preacher.” He is popular because he is a good showman and preaches a prosperity form of the gospel message. He intentionally leaves out the downside of the Bible (sin) and other areas that might turn folks off. Scripture offers some direction to your point….

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

Acts 20:26-27 – Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all of you, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.

Matthew 5:18 – For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.

I think that in a public setting (preaching or publishing) one needs to offer a broad view of the “whole counsel of God” to those willing to listen. But, within the confines of one-on-one divine evangelistic appointments, i agree with you that Christians should not put a roadblock in the way of the gospel unless they have a clear calling to do so.

A Clear Calling to Talk about Hell

Mature Christians know the well-worn phrase that, “Jesus spoke more about Hell than Heaven.” Christ did not shy away from the eternal reality of life after death. However, Paul, in his evangelistic message to the Corinthians also made the point that we need to consider our audience.

1 Corinthians 9:21-23 – To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

In 1741, Jonathan Edwards offered a well-known sermon entitled, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” to his congregation in Enfield, Connecticut. That sermon was the catalyst for the First Great Awakening.

Imagine how well that condemnation would go over today in the Northeast!

Point being, we need to be aware of our audience and our priority should ALWAYS be sharing the Good News, the message of the gospel, the Great Commission of God’s love and grace, and our need for faith and hope. However, as a pastor responsible for his flock, one must preach the full complement of Scripture.

Finally, even on a one-on-one basis, this past week i was directly asked by a reader if those who do not accept Jesus, go to Hell. I gave her a sound, grace-filled answer that focused on salvation, not punishment…. but I did answer her question.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words

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