Often times I hear people complain that the Biblical God puts fear into people because of it’s teachings on hell and God’s wrath. Indeed, the Bible tells us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. But in other places it tells us that God has not given us a Spirit of fear and that we can approach God with boldness now that His wrath has been removed at the cross. It’s my belief that there are different forms of fear. Fear can damage our reasoning as well as hinder love. It can power anger and agression. But for all it’s usual destructiveness, fear can be the starting point for better things. It can be a stepping stone for a decent respect for others. It can point to the path of justice. And the more I have of respect and justice, the more I can find the love which can suffer much, and be freely given at the same time. So, for me, fear is not always destructive because the lessons of it’s consequences can lead to positive values. For the Christian, fearing God is not an unhealthy negative experience. It is a deeply satisfying trembling and sweet humility that rises in the presence of God. Rest assured that the punishments in hell will fit the crimes. It’s my belief that those in hell stay unregenerate because God’s saving grace isn’t there. It’s kind of like someone who gets sentenced to prison for commiting a crime but while he/she is there they continue to commit more crimes as they get time added on to their sentence. People in hell sin - God punishes - they sin - God punishes - they sin - God punishes - and the cycle goes on and on. In this way the punishments fit the crimes. I take a milder view of hell than most Calvinists. Although there are some who hold to the view that I describe. What about the sufferings of the cross? Well, keep in mind that Christ was carrying the sins of all His people. When you think about it, that’s alot of sin! No wonder the suffering was so severe. Especially since it lasted for only a few hours. I trust God that the punishment was in direct proportion to the crimes.
I would just like to add that perfect love does cast out fear but none of us has been made perfect in love yet.
That’s one of the craziest things Edwards ever wrote, IMHO. Much better if GeorgeMac’s essay “Justice”
Dave,
If you take a milder view of hell where the punishment fits the crime then it’s not crazy. It makes perfect sense.
Cole - perhaps, but unless I’m greatly mistaken, Edwards does not take a mild view of hell at all.
Channing’s essay on "The moral argument against Calvinism’ shows Edward’s thinking for what it is.
Dave,
I do take a milder view. That’s why I included it here.