"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1)
We are all familiar with that verse. God created our world, the universe, all of creation. Everything He made was good. Notice how the very first few things He made was NOT Hell. Adam and Eve lived with God, think about that. Every day and night, they got to gaze upon the one that created them, there was no fear in them, they had everything they needed. They were surrounded by boundless beauty and had that relationship and closeness with God. That's what we as Christians are suppose to do. God gave Adam the task to name all the animals. God could have done it Himself, but He loved Adam and wanted him to be part of the wonder. God have Adam and Eve all they needed with food; they never worried about if they would have their next meal. We are the only ones that can have a heart to heart relationship with God, it's said that the angels don't get to have that. Angels were created to serve Him.
Our inheritance is to be used by God for the process of the wonder, just like Adam was used. God doesn't need us, but he wants us. He wants us to not only be His servant, but His friend. Our inheritance is to never worry because He will always take care of us. See, the reason Hell was not known to Adam and Eve in the garden is because is wasn't their worry.
People use Hell as a punishment gospel.
All the time I hear or see "Christians" or really anyone, yelling "You're going to Hell"! Seriously, if Jesus was here, would He go say that, no matter what they have done? We are to show them the love of Christ that transforms them. It's by ministering and loving on people that Jesus awoke a generation. It's how He awakens us now. Jesus said to follow me, come see how I live. Peter even said, "Imitate me as I imitate Christ." Disciplining and repentance is where they will change. The Bible is a double-edged sword, but there is a difference between beating a bible on their head, then speaking truth. Speaking truth will set people free and let them become righteous. The other way, makes the heart of stone and created hurt on a generation.
The word "gospel" actually means "good news". When we are trying to reach out to people, are we trying to scare them, or tell them of the freedom they can receive. So many in our generation have the gospel has it mixed. When you talk about the flames of Hell and all the details of it, which you would have to do some serious research, how is that good news? It's like me saying, "Congratulations, you sinned so now you've won a free trip to Hell!" No! The good news is that you don't have to live in bondage, you can have a relationship with God that loves you and will take care of you, and He has a plan for your life!
