By Pastor Barron Greenwalt, En-Joy Ministries

In our pluralistic society, where diverse beliefs and worldviews coexist, Christians are called to share the hope of the Gospel with clarity, compassion, and confidence. Seekers and believers alike often wrestle with profound questions about God, eternity, and the origins of our world. As followers of Christ, we must be ready to give an answer for the hope we have (1 Peter 3:15), grounded in the unchanging truth of God’s Word. Today, I would like to address three common questions that seekers and believers often ask, providing biblical responses that affirm the authority of Scripture and highlight the goodness of God. These questions touch on eternity, the age of the earth, and the role of evolution in creation, and they carry a deeper concern: Does God’s truth align with reason, science, and justice? Let’s dive in with humility and faith.

1. Will People Suffer Eternally from Physical Fire in Hell? Is God Cruel or Unjust?

The question of eternal suffering in hell is one of the most emotionally charged topics a seeker or believer can raise. The Bible is clear that hell is a real place of judgment for those who reject God’s offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself describes hell as a place of “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 13:50) and “eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41). Revelation 20:14-15 speaks of the “lake of fire” as the final destination for those whose names are not written in the Book of Life.

But does this mean eternal physical torment in literal flames? The Bible frequently employs vivid imagery to convey profound spiritual realities. Fire in Scripture frequently symbolizes God’s judgment (Hebrews 12:29) and the anguish of separation from His presence (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9). While some interpret hell’s fire as literal, others see it as a metaphor for the profound spiritual and emotional torment of being eternally separated from God’s love and goodness. Regardless of the precise nature of hell’s suffering, the Bible affirms its reality and eternality for those who reject Christ (John 3:36).

The Seeker’s Concern: Is God Cruel or Unjust?
This question cuts to the heart of God’s character. Far from being cruel, God is perfectly just and loving. His justice demands that sin—rebellion against a holy God—be punished, for “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Yet His love provides a way of escape through Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross. God “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Hell is not a place God delights in sending people to; it is the consequence of human free will choosing to reject His grace. As C.S. Lewis famously said, the door to hell is locked from the inside. God’s justice is tempered by His mercy, and His offer of salvation is open to all who will receive it (John 3:16).

For seekers, this truth underscores the urgency of the Gospel. For believers, it compels us to share Christ’s love with compassion, knowing that God’s heart is for reconciliation, not condemnation. In a pluralistic world, we must lovingly communicate that God’s justice and mercy meet perfectly at the cross.

2. Is the Earth Young or Old? Does Science Conflict with the Bible?

As a pastor who firmly believes in the authority of God’s Word, I hold to a young-earth creation view, rooted in the Genesis account. Genesis 1 describes God creating the heavens and the earth in six literal days, with the genealogies in Genesis 5 and 11 suggesting a timeline of approximately 6,000 to 10,000 years since creation. Exodus 20:11 reinforces this, stating that God made everything “in six days” and rested on the seventh, setting a pattern for the Sabbath.

The Seeker’s Concern: Does Science Conflict with the Bible?
Many in our society assume that science and the Bible are at odds, particularly when mainstream science claims the Earth is 4.5 billion years old. However, I believe science, when rightly understood, points to God as the Creator. The young-earth view is supported by scientific observations that align with Scripture, such as the rapid formation of geological features, the complexity of DNA, and the absence of transitional fossils in the record. Organizations like Answers in Genesis and the Institute for Creation Research provide robust scientific arguments that affirm a young earth while honoring God’s Word.

Science and the Bible do not conflict when we recognize that all truth is God’s truth. The Bible is not a science textbook, but it is the infallible revelation of the One who created the laws of science. As Christians, we approach scientific inquiry with humility, trusting that God’s Word is the ultimate authority. In a pluralistic society, we can engage skeptics by showing that faith and reason are allies, not enemies, and by pointing to the intricate design of creation as evidence of a purposeful intelligent design (Psalm 19:1).

3. To What Degree Did God Use Evolution in Creation? Does Science Conflict with the Bible?

The question of evolution often arises in discussions about origins. From a young-earth perspective, rooted in the Genesis account, I believe God created all things directly, as described in Genesis 1, without relying on evolutionary processes. The repeated phrase “after their kind” (Genesis 1:11, 21, 24) suggests that God created distinct kinds of plants and animals, each with the genetic potential for variation within their kind but not transforming into entirely different kinds over millions of years.

The theory of macroevolution—where one species evolves into another—lacks conclusive evidence and contradicts the biblical account of a purposeful, instantaneous creation. Microevolution, or adaptation within a kind (e.g., variations in finch beaks), is observable and consistent with Scripture, as God designed creatures with the ability to adapt to their environments. However, this is not evidence for molecules-to-man evolution.

The Seeker’s Concern: Does Science Conflict with the Bible?
As with the age of the earth, the evolution question need not pit science against faith. The complexity of life, such as the information encoded in DNA or the irreducible complexity of biological systems, points to a purposeful intelligent design rather than random chance. Romans 1:20 declares that God’s invisible qualities are clearly seen in creation, leaving humanity without excuse. As Christians, we can confidently affirm that God is the Creator, and science, when interpreted through the lens of Scripture, reveals His glory.

In a pluralistic society, we must approach this question with grace, acknowledging that many people have been taught evolution as fact. Rather than arguing, we can invite seekers to explore the evidence for design and the reliability of Scripture, pointing them to the God who created them with purpose and love.

Sharing Our Faith in a Pluralistic Society

These questions—about hell, the age of the earth, and evolution—are not just intellectual exercises; they are opportunities to share the Gospel. In a world of competing beliefs, Christians are called to be “salt and light” (Matthew 5:13-16), engaging others with humility, respect, and boldness. Here are three ways we can share our faith effectively:

• Know the Word. Ground your answers in Scripture, which is “God-breathed and useful” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible equips us to address tough questions with confidence and clarity.
• Listen with Love. In a pluralistic society, people hold diverse views. Listen to their questions and concerns without judgment, showing the love of Christ in your demeanor (Colossians 4:6).
• Point to Jesus. Every question, whether about hell or creation, ultimately points to the Gospel. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Share how He offers forgiveness, purpose, and eternal life to all who trust in Him.

At En-Joy Ministries, we are committed to equipping believers to answer tough questions and share the Gospel with seekers. God is not cruel or unjust; He is loving and just, offering salvation to all. The earth, created by His hand, bears witness to His power and design. And science, far from conflicting with Scripture, reveals the glory of the Creator. Let’s proclaim this truth with joy, inviting others to know the God who loves them and created them for a purpose.

For Seekers: If you’re wrestling with these questions, we’d love to walk with you. Join us at En-Joy Ministries to explore the truth of God’s Word and discover the hope found in Jesus Christ.

For Believers: Let’s be bold and compassionate ambassadors for Christ, ready to give an answer for the hope we have and always pointing to the cross.

In His Service,
Pastor Barron Greenwalt
En-Joy Ministries