Good News Tucson - A Family Values Publication

Real Questions Real Answers

by Prof. Christy Smalley and Pastor Carl Springhower with American Institute for Biblical Studies.

Q: IS THERE REALLY A HEAVEN AND HELL?

A: Many major religions of the world believe in a heaven and hell - Judaism, Islam, Christianity and even Hinduism believe in a temporary form of heaven and hell. The creation of man testifies to the eternal life of the soul. For anyone who believes in a just and caring God, the existence of an afterlife makes logical sense. The "world to come" is where we experience the eternal reality of whatever we've become. Heaven is where the soul experiences the greatest possible pleasure - the feeling of closeness to God. Hell is the experience of feeling separated from God eternally.

The differences between heaven and hell are the choices we make and their consequences. Two realities need to be considered - individual freedom of choice and the innate value of the individual.

God has given man freedom of choice, but the Bible instructs us to consider the consequences of our choices. The Bible is clear on God's commandments for man (love the Lord God with all your heart and to love one another as you love yourself) and of what man can expect from God (His promises, blessings, sanctions, and judgment).

The second reality is that mankind is made God's own image, making us innately valuable and precious. God loves us and wants us to be with Him forever. However, God respects man's free will so greatly that He allows mankind to tell Him, creator of the Universe, that they want nothing to do with Him and His ways.

Does God send man to hell or does man send himself to hell? Would you force a person against his will to spend eternity in heaven with a God he does not love? Does God have the right to set consequences for sin? Has God made a plan for man to easily spend eternity in heaven through His son Jesus? Man has choices…

"Behold, the house of God is among men, and He shall dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be among them…" Revelation 21:3

Christy Smalley is the President of American Institute for Biblical Studies and is a member of American Association of Christian Counselors. Pastor Carl Springhower is the Theology Professor at the seminary. www.americanbiblicalstudies.com.