Question: How has God “won” if there are more souls in hell than in heaven? | thebereancall.org

TBC Staff

Question: “Broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat” (Mt 7:13). How has God “won” if there are more souls in hell than in heaven?

Response: Are you sure there will be “more souls in hell than in heaven”? The verse you quote refers to those who reject the narrow way to life—it does not refer to those who die in infancy or to aborted babies. If these, having neither sinned nor rejected the gospel, are indeed purchased by Christ’s sacrifice for the sins of the world (as I believe they are), on that account alone there could be more in heaven than in hell because of the high infant mortality rate in most countries where the gospel is little known. Furthermore, even if no one went to heaven, God has “won.” He did not compromise His justice but insisted that the penalty be paid and will allow no one into heaven who has rejected Christ’s payment on their behalf. Christ conquered Satan by living a sinless life of perfect obedience to the Father—and then by laying down that life in full payment for sin. God has proved both His love and His justice, both His mercy and holiness. Through Christ’s payment for sin upon the cross, God has won the victory over Satan, sin, and death, and has made salvation available to all who will receive it as the free gift of His grace.