InChrist
Free4ever
If god has "no reason to 'torture' anyone" then why does his "revealed word" describe just the opposite?
According to the scriptures the lake of fire was created for Satan and the fallen angels. So the verses which mention this are to give people warning of the miserable eternal state that is in store for anyone who chooses to follow Satan and go there, rather than changing direction and choosing the eternal destiny of love, beauty, joy, and endless creativity which the Creator desires for all.
[/QUOTE]And you don't think it sad that even more are left out of the salvation loop through no fault of their own: those never given the opportunity to accept Christ as their savior?
John 3:36
36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Note the lack of qualification that provides an exception for the ignorant. And yes, I have heard the apologetics that have concocted supposed exceptions, some claiming the ignorant will have to serve a bit of time in purgatory before being admitted to Heaven or Hell, while others say the ignorant are simply bound for Hell. Tough luck matey.
I don't believe in tough luck, purgatory, or that the ignorant are simply bound for hell with no hope or left out of the loop to have salvation. I trust the goodness of God and if He desires that all should be saved as His word indicates, then I know that all have the opportunity and He will see to it. The Bible has several examples of people who were outside of the loop of Israel in the OT or hearing the gospel in the NT, yet they demonstrated faith toward God and He blessed them or provided more information. I believe if someone, anywhere is sincerely seeking to know God, He will in one way or another provide all that may be needed...bibles, teachers, missionaries, believing friends, tracts, etc. for them to hear about Christ and have the opportunity of salvation.