Hope in Hell isn't Hell

In response to Rob Bell's imagination:

Ask anyone on the street about hell. No matter your background if you were to determine your very own definition of hell it would not involve the word HOPE. The very definition of hell is that there is no hope.

This is a statement from Mars Hill, Rob Bell's church. 

"There are many who accept the invitation of the life of heaven and many who reject the invitation. Those who reject the invitation experience a purifying “fire” of judgment in hell, yet there is hope. We live in the hope that the redemptive work of Christ is beyond what we can ask or imagine. Love Wins helps us have a biblical imagination that leaves room for the hope of the redemption of all while recognizing humanities free will to continue to reject God.

Does Love Wins promote Universalism?

No. Rob isn’t suggesting Universalism [all will be saved, regardless of their faith]. He is proposing that God’s love is so big that the invitation to God’s grace may extend into the next life so that all could be saved." 

There are so many cracks in these statements that it makes me deeply sad for Rob Bell and his congregation. No where in scripture is hell suggested to be temporary. Somehow Rob does not see the deep treason I have lived in front of a Holy God. The way he writes suggests that people going to hell means God is not loving.  I completely disagree.

I deserve hell. I've earned it. All the more reason Jesus and the grace He gives tastes so sweet.

Sadly hell is not temporary nor is it a purifying fire (Matthew 25:41,46). It is forever. It is judgement. Purification is for now through the life and death of Christ.

I pray he's not doing this to sell his book. I personally will not be buying it. I've read enough to know what he's saying.

Be sure to read this Tim Keller article called The Importance of Hell.