QKAG: Issue # 39

PAST ISSUE # 39
Questions Kids Ask About God

Question: Who ends up in hell?

Answer: Hell is the place where God will punish Satan and his followers - and all those who refuse to follow God. We don't know exactly who will go there because we don't make that judgment, God does. But God has made it possible for everyone to escape punishment in hell. He gives everyone the opportunity to go to heaven. That's why He sent Jesus to die on the cross. When Jesus suffered and died, He took our place - He paid the penalty for our sins. So if we trust in Jesus, we can escape hell and go to heaven. It sure would be great if all our friends, family, and neighbors would end up in heaven. Let's tell them how to get there!

Key Bible verses:
Matthew 10:28; John 3:16-18; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Revelation 20:15, 21:8

My views:
I think it is wrong for Christians to tell non-believers that they are going to hell. I consider it cursing to tell someone that he is going to hell. Our duty as Christians is to share the good news with non-believers that Jesus has died for their sins (Mark 16:15-16). If the person whom we are sharing rejects the good news, he has placed his fate in God's hands. We should not try to force people to believe in God or strike fear in them with stories of hell. Instead, we should pray and ask God to convict their hearts so that those who have rejected Jesus will come to repentance and submission to God. Related topic in Issues # 18, 19, 31 & 37.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of eternal life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. I rejoice that You have forgiven my sins so that I can be with You in heaven when I die. Father God, I am sad that many of my love ones and friends do not believe in Your Son as the only way for salvation. Right now, I want to pray that You will convict them to repent of their sins and come to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Because You are loving and merciful, I believe You will grant salvation to... (list name of relatives and friends). Thank You, Father God for answering my prayers according to Your sovereign will and timetable. Please accept my prayers for the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Last words...
"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare." (2 Peter 3:9-10)
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Source: 101 Questions Kids Ask About God, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc