Choosing Hell

Given a choice, who, in their rift mind would take the punishment that rightly belonged to someone else?  Mothers would, lovers would, close friends would, people who love deeply would and do offer to take the place of one they loved. 

Moses even offered to be sent to hell in the place of Israel (Ex 27:37) and the apostle Paul asked to take their place centuries later the apostle Paul made the same offer (Rom 9:3).  Can you imagine asking God to send you to hell in the place of another?  If you deeply love another, for instance your children or spouse, you very likely could.

But, could you imagine choosing to take the curse of God earned by your enemy?  Could you imagine, for instance, asking God to curse you in place of the Muslim Jihadists who seek to destroy us?  Who, in their right mind, would make such a choice?

Jesus did!  He "redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us" (Gal 3:13).  And, this he did "while we were God’s enemies" (Rom 5:8).  Can you imagine?

Can you imagine being asked to care for your enemies like Jesus does?  Did you know God actually does ask that of you?  "You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy .’  But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven" (Matt 5:43-45).

Jus' Askn.