Mark, this is an easy question to answer, but is not a simple answer to understand.
God is Love. The reality is that God loves all and wishes none to perish, however, God is also Holy.
Holy, in the sense that God is not only separate from His creation, but that His Holiness demands perfection. Sin cannot abide with God for He condemned sin and demands justice for the sin committed against Him.
Therefore, sinful man cannot abide with God and nothing man does to make himself more "righteous, holy, spiritual, etc." will make him sinless before God, which God demands.
Paradox? Yes, how can man achieve perfection, or be justified, so that he can have fellowship with his creator!
The answer lies in the person of Jesus, the Messiah. God needed an atonement for sin. Jesus became the perfect sacrifice for all mankind. So God's plan is fulfilled, and all one must do to become justified, perfect without sin in His eyes, is to believe.
So, back to your question. God is offering everyone a way to rehabilitation. If you reject it, you must suffer the consequences. The punishment is separation from God forever. God will not twist your arm, He wants mankind to come to Him with a pure heart, a heart that is humble, not haughty.
I hope this helps,
Tom |
