... on Fear of Hell and Christian Belief (quora), part II

... on Fear of Hell and Christian Belief (quora) · part II

Q

Is anyone else a Christian simply because they fear hell?
https://www.quora.com/Is-anyone-else-a-Christian-simply-because-they-fear-hell

Own answer

Hans-Georg Lundahl

Studied religions as curious parallels and contrasts to Xtian faith since 9, 10?

Answered Fri

Upvoted by Alex Pismenny

I suppose you wanted answers from Christians who still were such?

In that case, no, you or whoever you are talking about is fairly alone.

While I consider apostasy would lead to Hell, I am not very afraid of going to Hell on that account, as far as intellectual apostasies go, since apostasy is not intellectually tempting.

I have feared Hell on other accounts, such as suicide, should I succeed, which of course was one thing which one time kept me from trying, in the blackest depression of my teens.

I notice some here who are NOT Christians have still felt qualified to answer.

Other answer

among several; but one I commented on.

Joe Lorenzo

B.A. Religious Studies

Updated Mon

I think all Christians were, or became one, (at least in part) because of the fear of hell. When someone truly sees their sin for what it is, then they realize they have no hope. That is, without Christ. That’s part of what drives us to Him. Our recognition of what sin is and moreover what it does - separates us from God.

But that’s the beauty of it - once Christ has saved you, you don’t need to fear hell anymore. Because:

“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:13–14)

Some preachers use ‘fire and brimstone’ to drive people to Christ, others use his message of hope and love. Either can be effective. It really just depends on the person hearing. But both are essential to communicating the Gospel clearly.

On that note, let’s take a walk down the ‘Romans Road,’ shall we?

“For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:21)

2. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.“ (Romans 6:23)

3. “…but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

4. “…if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9, my italics added for all)

So to recap: sin, death, love, and saved. The first two definitely have to do with fear and punishment, while the second two have to do with the opposite - peace and love. So both are important in coming to salvation.

But afterwards? A Christian shouldn’t fear hell. I know, easier said than done sometimes.

So I’ll end with a note of encouragement then: “…whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.” So if He’s got you, He’s got you. If you’re not sure of that, get on your knees and make sure. And then don’t look back :)

Hans-Georg Lundahl

When I accepted Christ as a Saviour, the fear for Hell was very formal, since I knew I was going to accept Christ next moment after awakening it, and so get saved. That was at age 10.

Also, you are speaking of the process of becoming a “saved/born again Christian” which usually presupposes one already is a believer (which I was since age 9).

Therefore, becoming a believer or for that matter remaining one, cannot depend on fearing Hell.

Joe Lorenzo

Also, you are speaking of the process of becoming a “saved/born again Christian” which usually presupposes one already is a believer (which I was since age 9).

I don’t understand your logic. If you become a Christian, then (logically) you were not a Christian before doing so.

Also, you mention getting saved at age 10, but being a believer since age 9. Well, which is it?! Getting saved and becoming a believer are the same thing!

Therefore, becoming a believer or for that matter remaining one, cannot depend on fearing Hell.

Before becoming a believer, the fear of hell is absolutely involved, to some degree. How can you recognize your need for a Savior if there is no punishment required for your sin? That’s the whole point of Christ’s atonement - he substituted himself for you/me/everyone by his death on the cross. “For He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness.” (1 Peter 2:24)

For remaining a believer, there should be no fear of hell, because Christ is who keeps you in His grace. “Now to him who is able to keep you…” (Jude 24) and “He has sealed you by His Spirit…guaranteeing what is to come.” (Ephesians 1:13–14).

Hans-Georg Lundahl

“Getting saved and becoming a believer are the same thing!”

No.

At least, if it is sacramentally to those baptised as children, it is different for those coming as adults.

“Before becoming a believer, the fear of hell is absolutely involved, to some degree. How can you recognize your need for a Savior if there is no punishment required for your sin?”

THAT part came at age 10, after I already was a believer from age 9, in senses like believing there is a God, believing Christ died and rose, believing Gospel is true.

To some degree, in my case an awareness of the risk of Hell, should I not accept Christ.

When a parachutist jumps a plane, he knows he risks death if he doesn’t activate the parachute. It doesn’t mean he is afraid he will die.

Douay Rheims does not have “guaranteeing what is to come” for Ephesians 1:

… Christ: [13] In whom you also, after you had heard the word of truth, (the gospel of your salvation;) in whom also believing, you were signed with the holy Spirit of promise, [14] Who is the pledge of our inheritance, unto the redemption of acquisition, unto the praise of his glory.

The italics refer to a comment by Bishop Challoner:

[14] "Acquisition": that is, a purchased possession.

This reading does not mean that Christ guarantees everyone who is redeemed stays so to death, the pledge is a pledge one can alas throw away. As to Jude, He is able to keep us - if we want to be kept.

Of course, some have in this perspective more need to fear Hell than others, since being more prone to mortal sins. Those which - temporarily up to forgiveness or eternally if not forgiven - sunder the alliance with Jesus.

I streamlined italics and bold letters of Joe Lorenzo to own usage : italics for citing a mere human (often the other guy in the debate) and for emphasis of single words or phrases, bold for citing Bible (he used opposite convention, I am here adapting to those I use all over the blog, not just this blog post).