God’s Deep Desire for You

Introduction

Today, I invite you to consider a truth that both humbles and uplifts: God’s deepest desire is for you to be with Him, not separated from Him. The topic before us is the reality of hell, the precious gift of free will, and—most importantly—the extraordinary lengths God has gone to in order to rescue us from eternal loss.

Let us begin with a statement that may surprise: God will never send anyone to hell. If a soul ends up there, it is only by their own free choice—not because God wants it. Hell was never meant for humanity but for the devil and his angels. Let us open our hearts to this truth and consider God’s loving invitation to each of us.

1. Hell’s Original Purpose Was Not for Humanity

Consider the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:41 (ESV):

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’”

Hell was not designed for you or me; it was prepared for the rebellion of beings who once lived in God’s presence and turned away—Satan and his fallen angels. Imagine a prison built for the most dangerous criminals. Society hopes no one they love will end up there, yet some choose a path that leads there. Hell was not built with your name on it.

2. God’s Loving Rescue Mission

God, in His relentless love, has done everything possible to keep us from that fate. He went so far as to give His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to open the way to heaven wide for everyone. As John 3:16 (ESV) proclaims:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

God does not stand idly by. Imagine a parent desperately yearning to save their child in danger; they would risk everything, even their own lives. In sending Jesus, God did far more. He became our Rescuer, our Redeemer, longing to draw us home.

3. The Power and Dignity of Free Will

One of God’s greatest gifts is free will. He created us with the capacity to make meaningful choices. In Deuteronomy 30:15 and 19 (ESV), we read:

“See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil…Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live…”

God will never force you to love or follow Him. True love can never be coerced; it can only be offered and received. Imagine a relationship in which love is forced—such love isn’t love at all. With dignity and grace, God allows you to choose freely.

4. God’s Grief Over Our Rejection—Yet Unfailing Love

Even when we resist, God’s love remains unchanged. In Romans 5:8 (ESV), the apostle Paul writes:

“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

God loves us before we make any move toward Him. He loves us into transformation!

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

—2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)

5. Christ Took Our Hell on the Cross

The cross was not only a place of immense suffering; it was where Christ bore our judgment so we would never have to bear it. See the sorrow in Jesus’ cry in Matthew 27:46 (ESV):

“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’”

In that moment, Jesus experienced separation from the Father—a taste of hell itself.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV) explains:

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Jesus took upon Himself our guilt and shame so that we could inherit His righteousness and be welcomed.

6. The Invitation: Accepting God’s Offer

God’s invitation is open to all:

“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

—John 1:12 (ESV)

Today, God says: Receive My love. Place your trust in My Son. I will forgive your sins and guarantee you a place in My eternal home.

Conclusion: It’s Your Choice

God stands before you, not as a harsh judge but as a loving Father, longing to welcome you home. The choice, dear friend, is yours. You can resist or accept. You are not a robot but a beloved soul with the dignity of choice.

If anyone ends up separated from God, it will be because they have broken the heart of the One who moved heaven and earth to save them.

So, I ask: Will you choose life? Will you choose the Savior who bore your hell on the cross? Will today be your “yes” to Jesus?

Let us pray:

Lord, thank You for Your unfathomable love. Thank You for granting us the dignity of choice and for doing everything possible to save us from separation from You. Help us choose You today. Amen.

God has spared nothing—not even His own Son—to rescue you. The only thing left is your response. May you choose wisely and choose life.

References (ESV):

Matthew 25:41

John 3:16

Deuteronomy 30:15, 19

Romans 5:8

Matthew 27:46

2 Corinthians 5:21

John 1:12