Why Would God Throw People into the Lake of Fire If He’s the One Who Created Them?

by Ester yusufu | 31 August 2019 08:46 pm08

🟨 A Biblical Perspective

This is a deep question that many people struggle with: If God is the Creator of all human beings, why would He destroy some of them in the lake of fire?

To answer this, we need to understand several key biblical truths:

1. The Lake of Fire Was Not Made for Humans

The Bible clearly states that the lake of fire was originally prepared for the devil and his angels, not for mankind.

“Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’”
— Matthew 25:41

Before humans were ever created, Satan and some angels rebelled against God (Isaiah 14:12–15; Revelation 12:7–9). Even after warnings, Satan refused to repent. Because of this rebellion, God prepared a place of final judgment—the lake of fire.

2. Humans Share Satan’s Fate When They Choose Rebellion

God created humans in His image and gave them free will (Genesis 1:26–27). When people consciously reject God’s truth and persist in evil, they align themselves with Satan’s rebellion—and so they share his judgment.

“He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.”
— Matthew 12:30

God does not desire anyone to perish. His desire is that all come to repentance.

“The Lord is… not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
— 2 Peter 3:9

3. God Does Not Cast People into Fire Out of Hatred or Revenge

Many wrongly imagine God as angrily throwing people into fire because they made Him angry. But Scripture shows that God is love (1 John 4:8), full of mercy, and slow to anger (Psalm 103:8). His judgment is not out of bitterness, but because He is holy and cannot dwell with sin.

Think of it like this: Imagine a clean person who cannot tolerate filth in their home. If garbage piles up near them and gives off a horrible stench, the only option is to remove and destroy it—not because they hate it, but because it doesn’t belong in a clean environment. Likewise, God must separate sin from His eternal presence.

“But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’”
— 1 Peter 1:15–16

God cannot allow sin, rebellion, and corruption to live eternally with Him. Therefore, final judgment is a necessary act of purification—not an act of revenge.

4. Judgment Will Be Just—Not All Will Suffer Equally

Not everyone will be judged the same. God’s justice is measured and perfectly fair. The more knowledge and opportunity a person had, the more responsible they are.

“That servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few.
For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required…”
— Luke 12:47–48

This shows us that punishment will vary. For example:

Satan, the chief rebel, will receive the greatest punishment.
A person who killed 100 people will not face the same penalty as one who stole a small amount.
Those who had the truth but rejected it will be judged more severely than those who never heard it clearly.

5. The Final Destruction Is Called the Second Death

In the end, both Satan and all those who follow him in rebellion will be cast into the lake of fire. This is not eternal life in torment—it is eternal separation from God, called the second death.

“Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.”
— Revelation 20:14

“He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”
— Revelation 2:11

This means the souls who are cast into the lake of fire will ultimately perish—they do not continue to live forever in pain, because eternal life is only given to the righteous in Christ (Romans 6:23).

🔚 So, Why Does God Allow This?

Because He is holy and just. He cannot coexist with sin. If God allowed sin into His eternal kingdom, it would no longer be a place of peace, righteousness, or holiness. Judgment is necessary to remove evil and protect the purity of His presence.

✅ What Should We Do Now?

Since judgment is real and coming, we must respond to God’s grace now by:

Repenting from sin
Believing in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
Living in holiness by the power of the Holy Spirit

“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”
— Hebrews 12:14

🙏 Conclusion:

God doesn’t delight in destroying the wicked. He calls everyone to repentance. But if people refuse and persist in sin, they will be separated from Him forever—not because He hates them, but because they rejected His holy nature and saving grace.

Let us choose holiness now, and walk with Christ who offers eternal life to all who believe.

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

May the Lord bless you and help you live a life pleasing to Him.

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