For the sake of clarity, I wasn’t defending God’s actions. He doesn’t need me to defend His actions. God’s not on trial here.

Let’s talk about you.

As a sinner, you are a thief, Steven. That’s a serious crime—certainly you’d agree if you’re the victim. What do thieves deserve? They deserve to be punished. How severe should the punishment be? That depends on the value of the item stolen and the authority of the one from whom it was taken. What should be clear to you—and to all who protest the severity of hell—is that to ask the thief what kind of punishment he deems appropriate is madness. But yet here you are, a glory thief, accusing God of injustice, claiming His punishment is atrocious.

Frankly, you don’t have the right to weigh in on that discussion. In court, when the gavel hits the desk, it’s all over. Once the prosecuting attorney establishes guilt, the criminal has nothing more to say. He certainly won’t be consulted to determine the severity of his sentence. The judge makes that decision independently.

What sentence do glory thieves deserve? Let’s ask the One you stole from—the righteous judge—what He thinks is a just sentence. God says those who steal His glory deserve hell.

You disagree. But there’s no appellate court here, Steven. Your thoughts on God’s punishment are—to state it bluntly—irrelevant. The evidence is in, the jury is out, the verdict is guilt, and the sentence is hell. What I hear in your comments is a handcuffed criminal protesting the judge’s sentence as they escort him away.

Steven, a review of all your comments in this series demonstrates a low view of Scripture and consequently, a low view of God, a high view of self, a distorted sense of justice, a twisted understanding of human sin, and a gross misunderstanding of the gospel.

My advice to you is to repent of your sins and ask for God’s forgiveness. He’s a merciful judge, Steven. It’s hard to kick against the goads, friend. Come to Christ, and find rest for your soul (Mt. 11:28-29).