Biblical Answer

The question of whether good people can go to hell is a complex one, and it is a misconception that being a good person is enough to get to heaven. The Bible presents a stark view of human nature, and it is not until we understand the depths of human evil that we can comprehend God's judgment. As C.S. Lewis notes, "The Bible has a very stark view of human nature" (Lewis, PP, 52). This view is reinforced by the prophet Ezekiel, who writes about God's desire to save people from their self-destructive course of action (Ezekiel 33:11).

The misconception that good people can go to heaven is also based on a misunderstanding of God's character. Some people think that a loving and just God would not send anyone to hell, but this ignores the fact that God's desire is that none should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). God's judgment is not arbitrary, but rather it is a response to human rebellion against Him. As Lewis notes, "The idea of God as a loving and just God would send anyone to hell" is a mere corollary from God's goodness (Lewis, PP, 52). In other words, God's goodness is not incompatible with His judgment, but rather it is a necessary part of it.

The question of whether hell is fair is also relevant to this discussion. Some people argue that if just one person is unfairly punished in hell, we could not live with that. However, this ignores the fact that hell is not a punishment that God desires, but rather it is a consequence of human rebellion against Him. As Lewis notes, "Hell is God's finally replying, You may have your wish. It is God's leaving the person to himself or herself, as that individual has chosen" (Lewis, PP, 52). In other words, hell is not a punishment that God inflicts on people, but rather it is a consequence of their own choices. Therefore, we should not feel good about hell, but rather we should feel a sense of urgency to share the Gospel with others and to help them avoid this fate. As Lewis notes, "I must say, however, that although I don't necessarily feel good about hell, I sure feel a lot better knowing there is a hell than I would if I didn't know" (Lewis, PP, 52). This sense of urgency should motivate us to live a life that reflects Christian values and teachings, and to share the Gospel with others in order to help them avoid the fate of hell.