Fear Tactic Evangelism, No Hell

The doctrine of hell, or at least preaching about it, has become equated with scare tactics. Many people fear that the description of eternal torment is simply an intimidation move to get people to consider the claims of Christ. It seems that a more loving approach is to ignore (or worse yet, deny) the reality of hell.

But in the absence of hell, what is left?

Define sin

. What's so vile about sin? Isn't it just a minor mix up that certainly God could over look?

Define helplessness

. What do you mean a debt I can not pay myself? Why would punishment need to be eternal? Why can't I just do some things to make up for it?

Define the cross

. What's the point of Jesus' death? If there is no place of eternal torment, what wrath did Jesus really need to take up on the cross?

A denial of hell leaves a person with a diminished understanding of depravity, God's righteousness, Christ's atonement, and God's loving sacrifice in the midst of our helplessness. You, therefore, are left to call someone to "accept Jesus" based on the following arguments:

Your sin will catch up with you.

Whether a disease, the law, your status with others, or even your physical life, eventually your sin will catch up to you and it won't be very pleasant. In reality, our preaching become pragmatism--calling them to pick the scenario that turns up best for them. While the person at the bottom of their rope, may respond favorably to a message of restoration (though they still may not understand the need for redemption), the person who is enjoying life at the present will not see any need from our message. Our only option to get their attention is to paint a dismal picture of their circumstances and convince them they want to avoid it.

In reality, we are placed in a position of greater manipulation and intimidation.

But to accept the doctrine of hell is both Biblical (Jesus spoke more hell than heaven) and rational (a God of justice must punish evil). We are not forced to paint a picture of terrible "what-ifs," but can just present the facts. God is righteous, we are not. He can not ignore our violations, and He didn't. He sent His Son, to be the payment for our sins and to offer us a righteous standing before God Almighty.

We do not submit to Christ simply to escape hell. We submit to Christ because He has been so good to save us, having lovingly offered His life, though we all deserve hell. Frankly, it would be scary if it wasn't that way.