2nd.Thessalonians 1:1-12 "Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST: grace unto you, and peace, from GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. We are bound to thank GOD always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of GOD for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulation that ye endure: which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of GOD, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of GOD, for which ye also suffer: seeing it is a righteous thing with GOD to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the LORD JESUS shall be revealed from Heaven with HIS mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not GOD, and that obey not the Gospel of our LORD JESUS CHRIST: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the LORD, and from the glory of HIS power; when HE shall come to be glorified in HIS saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our GOD would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of HIS goodness, and the work of faith with power: that the name of our LORD JESUS CHRIST may be glorified in you, and ye in HIM, according to the grace of our GOD and the LORD JESUS CHRIST."
Those who argue against the reality of a literal Hell usually claim that the existence of such a terrible place could not possibly coincide with their conception of a "loving GOD." These skeptics oftentimes will ask, "How could a loving GOD send anyone to a literal, eternal Hell to suffer endless torment ?" They reject what the Scriptures have to say because they fail to understand the nature of GOD.
The Bible plainly states that Hell is literal and real. The LORD spoke more about Hell then HE did about Heaven. Yet GOD's WORD also makes it clear that HE is a GOD of love and compassion. How do we know this ? First, love expresses itself in the provision of needs. GOD has provided us with so much for which to be thankful -- fresh air, sunshine, water, food, clothing, and everything else we require in order to live. Second, love manifests itself by sacrifice. We know that "GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us" (Romans 5:8). HE loved us so much that HE suffered and died in our place on Calvary's cross. This is the ultimate sacrifice. Third, GOD conveys HIS love through HIS "grace" and "peace" offered to every believer (vv.2,12). HE not only desires for mankind to experience HIS grace, but HE also wants HIS children to have peace and rest amid turmoil and confusion (v.7). The Bible, from cover to cover, is the story of GOD's love for mankind. HE made the world for man. HE created day and night for man. HE initiated redemption from sin and death for man. HE promises to eternally bless all who believe in CHRIST. The LORD also desires for all to be in fellowship with HIM forever (2nd.Peter 3:9; Ezekiel 33:11 both pictured above). All of this clearly proves the love of our GOD. MDC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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