A Letter From Hank Hanegraaff

[jabcat]

On the Christian Research Institute website, "The Bible Answer Man" states on hell;


Dear Partner in Truth,

Do you believe in hell?

It's a serious question. In the last few weeks, debate has erupted all over the Internet about Rob Bell's newest book, Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived. The pastor who has been dubbed "the most vibrant, central religious leader of the millennial generation" has opened the door to Universalism, the idea that everyone will eventually end up in heaven.

So you can be sure the issue of hell is on the minds of millions right now . . . and you and I had better be prepared.

Because hell is a problem for a lot of people. Over and over again I'm asked, "How can a loving God condemn anyone to hell forever?"

And while many non-Christians tell me this is the reason they can't believe in the Christian God, the doctrine of hell isn't a stumbling block only for them. More and more Christians are sliding into either Universalism or Annihilationism, the idea that the souls of the unsaved simply cease to exist. It's no surprise that this view of God has arisen side-by-side with pluralism and the emphasis today on God's love to the exclusion of His justice.

The doctrine of hell is frightening and terrible, and about the furthest thing possible from today's attitude of "tolerance." But you and I know we can't choose to believe only the doctrines we like. We know that God's ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8), and we must search His Word for the truth ...because truth matters, and never more than when even our fellow Christians are tempted away from the basic doctrines of our faith.

On my CD Answers for Today: Hell & Our Loving God, I share three reasons, rooted in Scripture, why hell is necessary—reasons you can use with Christians and non-Christians alike. I'll rush you a copy of Answers for Today: Hell & Our Loving God as my "thank you" when you support the Christian Research Institute with your gift of any amount this month.

I hope you know how important your gifts and prayers are. The Christian Research Institute is entirely supported by God's month-by-month provision through people just like you. We do this on purpose, because we know that relying on His provision is the best way to stay close to His will. Your gift today of $25, $50, $100, or whatever you feel your heart moved to give, will join with the gifts of others to produce the Bible Answer Man broadcasts and help create more Scripture-centered resources like Answers for Today: Hell & Our Loving God.

With Easter just a few days away, I want to share one small "sneak peek" from the CD with you. Ask yourself this: If there is no eternal torment, if even the unsaved will either be annihilated or end up in heaven—why would we need a Savior? What would He be saving us from? I can't imagine God would send His Son to suffer more than the cumulative suffering of all humankind—to die a humiliating death bearing all our sins on His shoulders—if the worst future that could await us was a peaceful oblivion.

So you see, out of a desire to be "fair" and "compassionate," those who deny the everlasting torment of God's righteous wrath against unrepentant sinners in hell have actually cheapened God's love and undermined the greatest, most loving sacrifice ever made!

As you celebrate Easter this year, I pray you'll be filled with awe and gratitude as you contemplate the full horror from which Christ has rescued you—and be motivated to help rescue others. In the immortal words of Jonathan Edwards' sermon Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, "If we knew that there was but one person, but one, in the whole congregation that was to be the subject of this misery, what an awful thing it would be to think of. If we knew who it was, what an awful sight would it be to see that person."

Please, send your gift of support today, to help more people establish their faith on a firm foundation and escape the terrors of hell. And when you do, don't forget to request your copy of Answers for Today: Hell & Our Loving God on CD, to learn more Bible-based answers to the world's "tolerant" objections. Thank you for being my partner in ministry!



...because Truth matters,

Hank Hanegraaff
President

[jabcat]

I had posted once to Hank about the mistranslations re: hell and aion, etc...maybe he didn't read it. 

[shawn]

I read the same points over and over again.  If no hell, what did the death and resurrection of Jesus accomplish...save us from?  Do we have to believe in eternal torment or eternal seperation in order to believe Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was significant?  The reconciliation of all of creation isn't enough?  To bring all of creation unto himself through the blood of the Cross isn't big enough?  That somehow defiles our salvation?  I can't understand that reasoning. 

[jabcat]

I know Shawn.  I've actually been struggling with something related today.  Some facebook family/"friends" are posting how they hope hell's hotter for Bin Ladin, that he burns in torment, whatever.  It's got me thinking today about our blindnesses, and this thing of "then why did Jesus have to come if there's no eternal hell?" is just part of the frustration.  I need to remember God's in control.

[jabcat]

Today on a Christian friend's fb thread about hoping hell's hotter for Bin Ladin, I posted this scripture; 

Lamentations 3:31-32   For no one is abandoned by the Lord forever.  Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of his unfailing love.


It appeared to have been removed within about 15 minutes.   :sigh:

[Taffy]

Today on a Christian friend's fb thread about hoping hell's hotter for Bin Ladin, I posted this scripture; 

Lamentations 3:31-32   For no one is abandoned by the Lord forever.  Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of his unfailing love.


It appeared to have been removed within about 15 minutes.   :sigh:

I too read  a similar posting and the fever going on--- missed your post Bro--- is the saul really dead in US? :sigh:

[Aleax]

I read the same points over and over again. If no hell, what did the death and resurrection of Jesus accomplish...save us from? .

Today I took a good honest look at my life and realized the answer, or at least part of the answer is: we need to be saved from ourselves

Edit: Sorry, I could've quoted you better. Now it looks like as if you supported ET. Let me fix it... there.

[shawn]

If no hell, what did the death and resurrection of Jesus accomplish...save us from?

Today I took a good honest look at my life and realized the answer, or at least part of the answer is: we need to be saved from ourselves.

I can't give you a big enough Amen to that one.

[jabcat]

Today on a Christian friend's fb thread about hoping hell's hotter for Bin Ladin, I posted this scripture; 

Lamentations 3:31-32   For no one is abandoned by the Lord forever.  Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of his unfailing love.


It appeared to have been removed within about 15 minutes.   :sigh:

I too read  a similar posting and the fever going on--- missed your post Bro--- is the saul really dead in US? :sigh:

Many "churches" are, at least in a veiled way, quite militaristic.

I was thinking today how at the First Baptist where I used to be a member, soon after 9/11, there were little round "targets" with Bin Ladin's picture and "bullet holes" in them in the bottom of the urinals.   :sigh: again

[Taffy]

I read the same points over and over again. If no hell, what did the death and resurrection of Jesus accomplish...save us from?

Today I took a good honest look at my life and realized the answer, or at least part of the answer is: we need to be saved from ourselves.Edit: Sorry, I could've quoted you better. Now it looks like as if you supported ET. Let me fix it... there.

:thumbsup:  :icon_flower:

[jabcat]

absolutely, from ourselves - the sinful nature.  The beast sitting on the throne

[shawn]

Today on a Christian friend's fb thread about hoping hell's hotter for Bin Ladin, I posted this scripture; 

Lamentations 3:31-32   For no one is abandoned by the Lord forever.  Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of his unfailing love.


It appeared to have been removed within about 15 minutes.   :sigh:

One of my FB pastor friends, wrote that he was sad to see people of faith celebrate over the death of anyone, even a mass murderer.  He told us we should celebrate life (something to that effect).  I have to agree.

[jabcat]

my bad, but it's a thread I started so I guess I can hi-jack it.  but we got 2 threads running in this one lol   :laugh2:

[shawn]

Many "churches" are, at least in a veiled way, quite militaristic.

I was thinking today how at the First Baptist where I used to be a member, soon after 9/11, there were little round "targets" with Bin Ladin's picture and "bullet holes" in them in the bottom of the urinals.   :sigh: again

Seems to defeat the spirit to which we are called.  We are not called to hatred, or war.  We are called to love, forgiveness and service.  I can't imagine the pain of those who lost loved ones in that horrific event on 9/11.  It hit us all in the heart.  So, I won't judge those who have a visceral response to his actions or his death.  I have no idea how I would react to something like that if it hit family or friends.  But, I do know we are called to more.

[shawn]

my bad, but it's a thread I started so I guess I can hi-jack it.  but we got 2 threads running in this one lol   :laugh2:

True, my apologies for encouraging your bad behavior.   :happygrin:

[jabcat]

Agreed.  Surely we shouldn't judge the people, but hopefully it's OK to "judge" (lovingly point out) the spirit that's at play and the resultant works/outcome - and suggest a good alternative - perhaps a sharing opportunity. 

[jabcat]

my bad, but it's a thread I started so I guess I can hi-jack it.  but we got 2 threads running in this one lol   :laugh2:

True, my apologies for encouraging your bad behavior.   :happygrin:

:rolllol:

[shawn]

Agreed.  Surely we shouldn't judge the people, but hopefully it's OK to "judge" (lovingly point out) the spirit that's at play and the resultant works/outcome - and suggest a good alternative - perhaps a sharing opportunity.

Agreed, and a fine line I have been treading all day.

[micah7:9]

I find the "The Bible Answer Man," gives the answers people want to hear. I listen to his program and dont believe that many who call in questions, study very much on the question they ask, but they accept Hanks answer and settle in. I just stopped listening to the program. Is he saying here that should you want to get the answers to this question about hell that you must pay for it?
"Please, send your gift of support today, to help more people establish their faith on a firm foundation and escape the terrors of hell. And when you do, don't forget to request your copy of Answers for Today: Hell & Our Loving God on CD"

[WhiteWings]

I wonder if people who write such articles really believe they write.
Much of the flock is dumb. They just follow. They have opinions that are based on nothing. That extends to the whole society. Not just religion.
But the teachers study a bit more. They know what UR is about. In much of their articles they are simply lying. People don't have to agree. Many honest studiers simply don't agree. Absolutely noting wrong with that. Not speaking your mind makes you a sheep (or liar).
They really know a fair deal of what Gary teaches. I bet they understand most of it too. They just believe differently.
Then just say so and don't invent fake facts.
They are just like Goebels who has all sorts of interesting "facts" about the Jews.
OTOH sheep don't want to be confused with facts. They want to hear what they believe. They even pay tithes for a life without thinking...