For some of us these concepts may be suspended in constant tension. For God, it is just the way that things are.
Through His prophet Ezekiel and then later through the apostle Peter, God revealed two aspects of His heart in Ezekiel 18:30-32 and 1 Peter 3:7-9. Within these contexts we learn that God is just; the soul who sins will die. God does not white wash over sin or turn a blind eye to it. Judgment is coming and those who are ungodly will be unprepared to stand before God. The fiery sermons regarding God's wrath in judgment are biblical. Romans 1:18f.; Matthew 25:41; 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9
But within their same breath, we discover Ezekiel and Peter affirming that God yearns and longs for people to repent. God does not take any pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 18:23) and so God does not wish anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. Hell does exist but it was created for Satan and his angels, not for people. Matthew 25:41 Although God will be forced to punish everyone who comes before Him with the stain of sin, God's heart wants all people everywhere to embrace a new heart and a new spirit that we might live. While hell is not good news, what God has done and His desire that we embrace His salvation certainly is!
Other Articles Which May Be Of Interest:
Is God Unjust If Those Who Never Hear the Gospel Are Lost?
Barry Newton, Copyright © 2000