[email]

I was pleased with the thorough research and good thoughts that went into your article called “Does Hell Exist and is it Eternal?” However, I have a problem with the last sentence of the conclusion where it is stated: “Continue your quest for truth and learn God's will for you, so that you may be saved from hell,” (emphasis added). The Bible makes it clear that our motivation as Christians cannot be fear, but that we are motivated by the Holy Spirit and our love of Christ to do God’s will. It is an empty faith that lives on fear of hell, and one that cannot grow or be fruitful. I would suggest that, instead of ending your article in the present manner, that you turn your focus instead to the Gospel and remind readers that Jesus suffered to deliver them from eternal torment. Our goal as Christians is not “to be saved from Hell,” but to strive in the spirit to achieve God’s will and serve him to the best of our abilities. Love, not fear, is the Christian’s motivator.

Thanks for your consideration

(Please see this article for background: http://www.insearchoftruth.org/articles/hell.html )
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[m273p15c]

Thanks for your kind comments and suggestions. I agree with your thought and sentiment; however, I must respectfully disagree with its absoluteness, as I understood your point.

Yes, fear is not the most noble motivation for the Christian. Neither, is it the most powerful. The Christian's strength is in being like God, learning to love as He loves (I John 4:7-11). Personal evangelism is a perfect proof case of this very point:

People are often driven to personal evangelism out of fear, fear for their own salvation. However, people find ways to rationalize their own safety. Fear can be compromised with rationalization, and we humans have become very good at rationalizing. However, love cannot be rationalized. It will not fail (I Corinthians 13:8). Therefore, I agree. The mature Christian should be driven 100% by love, else he is not mature:

[JSM17]

Phil 2:12-13

12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation withfear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
NASU

Fear has many aspects it is not all bad, we have to look at this in light of how children view thier parents in fear it is not a terror, but a reverent fear of God and judgment, we should deal with talking about fear the same way Christ did. Also the Apostles and prophets spoke of the judgment coming and what was waiting for those who did not fear the Lord, why should we be any different, they are our examples.