With a Subtitle: Should sermons and divine appointments include the subject of Hell?

A brief Excerpt: Should sermons and divine appointments include the subject of Hell?

The Author is: Jeff Hilles

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.