Millard Erickson wrote, "We should also observe that God does not send anyone to hell. He desires that none should perish (2 Peter 3:9). It is the choice of humans to experience the agony of hell. Their sin sends them there, and their rejection of the benefits of Christ's death prevents their escaping."
If anyone takes the Bible seriously, as well as the teaching of Jesus, the agony of hell cannot be ignored nor denied. The same Bible that teaches about heaven likewise warns of hell. The same Savior who taught the love of God likewise taught about the wrath of God (John 3:16, 36).
God's love for sinners is found in Christ at the cross. God proves His love for sinners through the death of His Son (Romans 5:8). Millard Erickson said, "Rejection of the benefits of Christ's death prevents their escaping." God's love provides the escape from the judgment of our sins. Erickson concludes, "It is the choice of humans to experience the agony of hell."
"Christ died for our sins according to the Scripture" (1 Corinthians 15:3). God's love invites everyone to trust the full atonement of Christ to take away all of our sins (John 3:16). Through the cross of Jesus, God is both just and the justifier of all who believe. However, the agony of hell is a choice for those who reject Christ.
