If God is loving, why does He send people to hell?

[David]

This is one of the most common and emotionally charged questions skeptics ask. The truth is, the Bible teaches that God is both loving and just. His love does not cancel His justice, and His justice does not negate His love.

God doesn’t send people to hell against their will. People choose sin, reject His truth, and refuse the gift of salvation offered through Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:18–20 says:

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.”

God has made Himself known, and no one has an excuse. He is patient and merciful.

2 Peter 3:9 says:

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

Yet many people reject His offer of salvation. Jesus said in John 3:19–20:

“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.”

The good news is that God has provided the way to be saved. 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 explains the gospel:

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”

Jesus said in John 14:6:

“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

Hell is not about being “not good enough.” It’s the consequence of rejecting the only One who can save us. God’s love is shown in the fact that He sent His Son to die for us so we wouldn’t have to perish.

John 3:16 says:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

In short, hell exists because God is holy and must judge sin. But His love is shown in that He made a way out, at the highest cost to Himself. No one has to go to hell. But many will, because they reject Jesus Christ.