Biblical Answer

The Nature of Hell

The question of whether good people can go to hell is a complex one that requires a nuanced understanding of the Bible's teachings on the subject. The misconception that being a good person is enough to get to heaven is a common one, but it is not supported by Scripture. The Bible teaches that all people are inherently sinful and that salvation is a gift from God that can only be received through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:23, Ephesians 2:8-9). This means that even good people, who may have lived moral and upright lives, are still sinners in need of salvation.

God's Desire vs. God's Justice

Some people may argue that a loving and just God would not send good people to hell. However, this perspective overlooks the fact that God's desire is not to condemn people to hell, but rather to save them (1 Timothy 2:3-4). The Bible teaches that God is a just God who will judge all people based on their actions and attitudes (2 Corinthians 5:10). If good people are not saved through faith in Jesus Christ, they will be separated from God for eternity, not because God desires to punish them, but because they have chosen to reject Him.

Degrees of Punishment and the Nature of Hell

The Bible teaches that hell is a place of eternal punishment, where the wicked will be punished according to their deeds (Matthew 25:31-46). While some may argue that hell is not a fair destination for good people, the Bible teaches that God is not obligated to save anyone, and that those who reject Him will be punished accordingly (John 3:36). The Bible also teaches that God is not capricious or arbitrary in His judgment, but rather just and fair (Romans 2:5-11). Ultimately, the question of whether good people can go to hell is not about feeling good or bad about the concept, but about understanding the biblical teaching on the subject.