BLUF: God takes no pleasure in the death of anyone.

Context: I’ve been in Christian ministry for much of my adult life, both as a civilian and as a military chaplain. A recurring objection/question I’ve often been asked is along these lines: “How is God not mean and vindictive to damn people? How could a loving God send people to hell?” I could write at length on this issue but want to proffer here a pithy response to this understandable issue some people raise.

Texts: “Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord GOD, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?” (Ez 18:23) and “Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; so turn and live” (Ez 18:31b-32).

Encouragement: First, Scripture speaks to this issue. That’s fundamental. Just read the text; that’s a good start. Second, it’s important to recognize that the question about divine justice and human justice. The questioner is asking for ‘justice’ but who defines perfect justice? Is it sinful men? If so, which men–you, me, Mao, Pontius Pilate, Hitler, your favorite neighbor, etc.? We long for justice, but if we all received justice, no one would ever be saved. We tend to want justice for ‘the other guy’ but not for ourselves. If we have wisdom, we’ll long for mercy and grace, not justice.

Justice is rooted in the character of God. It is in Christianity alone–distinct from all other worldviews–that God declares righteous all those who are in Christ (Rom 3). Scripture is clear on this issue: God does not delight in the death of anyone; nor does God delight in hell. Hell is for those who refuse God, who don’t want God, who continually reject the gospel of grace and redemption and restoration. Again, God longs for us rebels to repent and return to God, not be rebels forever east of Eden, or worse.