I was watching William Lane Craig do a Q&A session when a Christian asked him about unsaved loved ones, and how to have joy when they are on the road to hell. They also asked about how to deal with the question of a “good God” sending people to hell. His answer was twofold.
He made the point that we should focus instead on God’s grace toward us, and be appreciative. I didn’t like the answer, as it seemed a bit self-serving for my taste. He also pointed out that we are ALL deserving, or worthy of hell, and we should focus instead on their salvation, and our efforts toward the accomplishment of that objective. Here I can find a point of agreement.
The idea of loved ones and family members going to hell should provoke us into fervent action on their behalf, through prayer, through witnessing, by setting a good, Christian example and making a shining light of our lives. In my opinion, whenever there is a principle or truth in the kingdom of God, there is a point to that principle or truth. For example, Jesus said that the Sabbath was made FOR MAN. Man was not created for the Sabbath day.
But I think what is being missed in all of these responses is an appreciation for God, who is love. Love is patient, we are told. Love is kind. Love forgives. Love overlooks wrongs and is compassionate. And God *is* love. We should never assume that our sense of love is greater than God’s. This is never a point of conflict that we should have in our heads, or in our hearts. God is love, and He will act out of Love.
The Bible also tell us that God is just. We must always keep this in the forefront of our minds while considering these challenging matters. We must trust that God will do what is fair and just. It is not for us to judge, but God is the judge, and we would do well to confess that He is a fair and honest judge of people’s hearts and souls. Trust in God means to trust his righteous judgment, also.
Now, there is one other matter I want to address, and that is the idea that a person can sanctify an unbeliever who is immediate family. We know that a believing wife can sanctify her unsaved husband, and vice versa. The verse is here:
For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his believing wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband. 1 Corinthians 7:14
This idea makes a certain bit of sense, if you think about it. When a man and woman come together in marriage, they become one person, and the two become one. It wouldn’t make sense for only half a person to be sanctified.
However, sanctification is not salvation. It does not mean to be saved. We know this because just two verse later Paul provides this context:
“How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?”
I do not think anything is impossible with God. Jesus says as much when he is talking about rich people going to heaven, and though it is unlikely that your loved ones will be saved because you prayed for them, you can always hold out hope.
In the Old Testament, it is recorded that Job prayed for the sins of his sons, constantly, and sacrificed on their behalf.
In the Old Testament we also find Abraham pleading the case for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. We also find God appearing to save Lot’s life because of just this kind of intercessory prayer, also.
So, in all, just remember that God is just. He is fair. We believe in His love, His mercy, His grace and kindness. God will always do the right thing. He will always do the just thing.
Trust in his goodness. Have faith in his righteousness. Believe in his goodness and mercy at all times.
This is the hope of our faith, and it is important not to forget it.