The Countenance of the Father
When you pray, what expression do you imagine on the face of the Father?
‘A person’s face or facial expression’ is the definition of the word ‘countenance’. This essay will exam the countenance of the Father and stress how important it is for each of us to have an accurate image of that countenance.
Only One Thing is Necessary
The goal of this website is to refute the doctrine that God intends to send some people to a place of never-ending exile and despair. Many Christians around the world believe that doctrine. In conversations with those Christians, I find that they often are unwilling to seriously consider the possibility that they are wrong in that belief. In many cases, and especially among pastors, I have been told that they have other more important issues to spend their time on. They want to concentrate on spreading the gospel, meeting the needs of their people, and teaching their people to grow in righteousness.
Nobody could argue with the validity of those goals, but the greatest commandment of all is to love God. Loving God can include many actions, but I believe the single most important one is to spend intimate moments with Him. When Jesus visited the household of Mary and Martha, the industrious Martha busied herself with her duties as a hostess, and complained to Jesus that her sister Mary was doing nothing other than sit at his feet. Jesus replied to Martha, “Only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken from her.”
Only one thing is necessary. We no longer have the ability to physically sit at the foot of Jesus, but spending time with Him is still the ‘one thing’ that is necessary. We must spend time with Christ and the Father. Our perception of the countenance of God during those moments will have a tremendous impact on our relationship with Him. What did Mary see as she looked up from the feet of Jesus? If anything hinders our relationship with Christ, it will have profound and damaging consequences on the most important thing in life.
Think of important relationships in your life. Think of family members and close friends. Would any of those people ever choose to consign to you a place of eternal torment? What if one of them was willing to do so and you knew it? Surely that would impact your relationship with them. When you looked into the eye of that person, how would their willingness to inflict so much pain impact what you saw?
It should be clear the point I am making. If we believe God is willing to assign us to place of eternal torment, it will have an impact on our relationship with God.
Character versus Countenance
In past conversations, as I’ve tried to express the importance of this doctrine regarding the fate of unbelievers, I’ve said that it is important because it has an impact on the character of God. I now think use of that word was not entirely accurate and did not communicate what I truly wanted to say.
Just to be clear, I want to emphatically assert that our own perceptions of God have absolutely no impact on his character. His character is eternal and unchanging. God is the very source of all goodness, and it would be the utmost of folly to stand in judgment of Him. I have never intended to contradict that notion, but when I’ve said that this doctrine of eternal torment impacts the character of God, it might be construed as doing so.
Therefore, I am now focusing on this word ‘countenance’. It might be best to say that the countenance of God is our own perception of his character.
We can’t see God. What we do, though, is to form images of God based upon our perception of God’s character. Our own image of God’s character forms the countenance we see when we approach him. So, it is not the character of God that is at stake in our understanding of eternal torment – it is the countenance of God that is at stake.
Consider this quote from A.W. Tozer's Knowledge of the Holy:
I hope, then, that you will concede my point – that our perception of God’s character impacts our relationship with God. And I hope you would agree that God’s willingness to torment individuals would impact our perception of God’s character. And I hope you understand why I would use the metaphor of God’s countenance as an expression of our perception of God’s character.
Stumbling Block
Given what I’ve shared so far, would you be willing to concede that a belief in eternal torment could hinder us from pursuing God? If it hinders us, does that make it a stumbling block?
This idea that things might cause us to stumble is not my own. Consider this statement from Jesus:
This is obviously serious stuff.
Of what does a stumbling block consist? I can identify two crucial components necessary before anything could be considered a stumbling block:
I’ve asserted that a belief in a God of eternal torment might hinder us from God. But if that doctrine is true, then it would not qualify as a stumbling block. If God truly will assign some people to eternal torment, then those who resist that notion would be resisting the truth. I would never suggest diluting or hiding the truth in order to make a pursuit of God more appealing.
The doctrine of eternal torment would only qualify as a stumbling block if it were not true. If it were untrue, if the doctrine of eternal torment is truly absent from scripture, then there is absolutely no doubt that this doctrine would qualify as a stumbling block. In that case, Jesus’ warning against causing others to stumble would fall full-force upon those who preach the punishment of eternal torment as the decided plan of God, reflecting the depths of His character.
And that is the point of this essay. This particular essay is not attempting to make the case against the doctrine of eternal torment. Instead, it is making the case that an accurate presentation of this doctrine is crucially important.
Perhaps you are unconvinced about whether this doctrine might be a hindrance in our pursuit of God. Allow me to share a quote. I recently read an article about those dramatic presentations on hell that some churches perform around Halloween. In the comment section following the article, I found this quote from a lady:
Did the doctrine of eternal torment hinder this lady from pursuing God? Surely the answer is yes. However, that doesn’t mean it’s a stumbling block. If the doctrine of eternal torment is true, then this lady is hindered by the truth, and the problem is not eternal torment, but her own resistance to the truth. If the doctrine of eternal torment is true, then it is she that must humble herself and accept it. If it’s true.
Here’s additional data regarding this question. An organization called McCrindle did a study in 2017 called Faith and Belief in Australia. Here’s a link to the website presenting this study:
https://mccrindle.com.au/insights/blog/faith-belief-australia-2/
It was a wide-ranging study of over 1000 people in Australia, ascertaining their ideas on a wide range of issues related to Christianity. Among that group of people, they identified a subset of non-Christians who were ‘open to change’. They asked what hindered these people from embracing Christianity. One hindrance about which they asked was the notion that God would send some people to eternal torment.
According to the study, this doctrine of eternal torment totally blocked 28% of those people from coming to Christianity. Another 15% were blocked significantly by this same issue. Adding those two numbers together, you get 43% of non-Christians who might consider embracing Christianity if it were not for the doctrine of eternal torment.
This is astounding. 43% are blocked significantly by this one issue. In light of that study, would anybody argue that this doctrine is a not hindrance for some in their pursuit of Christ? But does that make this doctrine a stumbling block? Not if it’s true.
Surely you see the importance of this issue. Will you concede that this issue is very important, and that we must make sure we properly understand the scripture on this very important topic?
Emotional Arguments
In reading my illustrations about the countenance of God, some might say, “You’re just using emotional arguments to make your point.”
In response, I would say this, “You’re absolutely right I’m using emotional arguments!”
Jesus had no problem using emotional arguments to stir his listeners. Just consider his parables. We have a father running out to embrace his long lost son. I count seven separate occasions where he says there will be ‘weeping and gnashing of teeth’ at the final judgment. He called the Pharisees a ‘brood of vipers’. He was trying to communicate truths of utmost importance, and he had no qualms about motivating his listener by stirring their emotions.
And in my mind, perhaps his most emotional argument was not a parable at all, but an action - the clearing of the temple. Jesus he turned over the tables and threw out the money changers. Did Jesus expect to trigger emotion with that action? I'm sure he did. I am sure he was very aware of how that action would be received, and knew full well that his time for crucifixion was quickly approaching.
If you believe in the doctrine of eternal torment, I wish I could enter the temple of your hearts, turn over the tables therein, and throw out those things which keep you from worshipping and drawing close to God. I wish I could raise your emotions and stir your heart, and challenge you to examine deeply these ideas that have been ingrained in you by your culture.
Your Own Children
What countenance would you like your children to see when they look at you?
Imagine that a child of yours rebelled against God, and God delegated to you make the decision regarding their eternal destiny. Would you decide that they should be tormented for all eternity?
I can’t imagine that any parent would say yes. Why is that? Are we more loving than God?
Of course not. No Christian would claim to be more loving than God. Instead, supporters of eternal torment say something like this:
Of course, God’s ways are higher than our ways. He does hate sin and surely we fail to measure up to his standard of holiness.
But consider what Paul says in 2 Corinthians:
A clear teaching of scripture is that the followers of Christ are being transformed into his likeness. For my own part, I can attest to this. My progress is slow, but I have observed within myself a deepening love for others. I thankfully believe I have grown more like Christ in other ways as well. I suspect most of us who have followed Christ for a while can say something similar, and we rejoice at that observation.
Now, answer this. Are you currently more comfortable with the notion of eternal torment than you were when you first came to the Lord? Consider a specific family member or close friend who is not saved. Are you growing increasingly capable of assigning that person to the horrors of eternal separation from God? If Christ is willing to torment this person forever, and you are being transformed into the likeness of Christ, then your alignment with His judgment should grow stronger and stronger. Is that what you observe?
I don’t. I find the notion of eternal torment just as horrific as I ever did. If I get to be ninety years old, I am sure I will object just as strongly to the thought eternal suffering. What about you? Do you long for that day when you will finally be able to rejoice in the eternal suffering of others? Will that be the unmistakable sign that you’ve finally reached maturity in Christ?
Leaving Our Children
I am a father of two children. When they were young, they sometimes got scared during violent storms. At those times, they came into our bedroom and asked to sleep with my wife and me.
I did sometimes allow our children to climb in bed with us. It tugged at my heart to know that they were scared, and I think we all remember our own fear as children.
Once the storm had passed, I would direct my kids to go back to their own beds. As you might guess, my children resisted. They didn’t want to leave the comfort of our bed and would ask to remain. I gently assured them that they were safe and would sometimes go with them back to their rooms and remain in their rooms for a while to make sure they felt secure.
Where was I leaving them? In their own rooms. They were safe and warm, they had the comfort of familiar surroundings and stuffed animals. They knew that Mom and Dad were down the hall just a few feet away. Even then, when they were being left in a place of warmth and safety, they resisted. At those times, I felt a pang of guilt that I must leave them even momentarily in a state of fear.
But what if I were leaving them somewhere other than their own bedrooms? What if I left them in a dark, cold cell with concrete floors? How might they protest? What would they see in my eyes as I walked away from them, leaving them abandoned as they begged to remain with me?
And what if that dark cell were fraught with fears, and what if that cell were devoid of all goodness, devoid entirely of the presence of God?
And what if they were assigned to that place for all of eternity? What would they see when they looked in my face and knew where I was sending them? What would I feel as I sent them there? Could you do it?
I could not, and I would not.
This is a disturbing illustration - at least I hope it is. And yet many of you preach a Father whose countenance includes a willingness to do something that would make you shudder if you even considered doing it to your own child.
What would you see in the countenance of the Father who was willing to do this? If you share this Father with your unsaved friends, do you expect them to embrace that same God?
Maybe you continue to believe that God is willing to send his children to a place of eternal torment. This primary intent of this essay is not to make biblical arguments against that doctrine. I do that elsewhere. But please consider the possibility that this doctrine might hinder one's relationship with God. It might hinder growth in one's relationship with God, and might hinder those who are just considering such a relationship.
Consider again the passage I quoted earlier:
Note that Jesus specifically refers to ‘littles ones’. Whether he is referring to those who are physically still young in age, or to those adults who are still young in spirit, the conclusion is the same. It is a serious offense to place an obstacle between God and his children.
What does Jesus mean when he says, “it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.”? I’m not sure. I suppose it means it would be better if his life ended right then, rather than to have on his record the burden of leading those astray who are humbly seeking God.
Whatever it means, it should be obvious that Jesus considers this a very serious issue.
When we seek God in prayer, our perception of his character will form a countenance in our minds. Surely the doctrine of eternal torment impacts our perception of the countenance of the Father. Is that a stumbling block? That is what you must decide.
‘A person’s face or facial expression’ is the definition of the word ‘countenance’. This essay will exam the countenance of the Father and stress how important it is for each of us to have an accurate image of that countenance.
Only One Thing is Necessary
The goal of this website is to refute the doctrine that God intends to send some people to a place of never-ending exile and despair. Many Christians around the world believe that doctrine. In conversations with those Christians, I find that they often are unwilling to seriously consider the possibility that they are wrong in that belief. In many cases, and especially among pastors, I have been told that they have other more important issues to spend their time on. They want to concentrate on spreading the gospel, meeting the needs of their people, and teaching their people to grow in righteousness.
Nobody could argue with the validity of those goals, but the greatest commandment of all is to love God. Loving God can include many actions, but I believe the single most important one is to spend intimate moments with Him. When Jesus visited the household of Mary and Martha, the industrious Martha busied herself with her duties as a hostess, and complained to Jesus that her sister Mary was doing nothing other than sit at his feet. Jesus replied to Martha, “Only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken from her.”
Only one thing is necessary. We no longer have the ability to physically sit at the foot of Jesus, but spending time with Him is still the ‘one thing’ that is necessary. We must spend time with Christ and the Father. Our perception of the countenance of God during those moments will have a tremendous impact on our relationship with Him. What did Mary see as she looked up from the feet of Jesus? If anything hinders our relationship with Christ, it will have profound and damaging consequences on the most important thing in life.
Think of important relationships in your life. Think of family members and close friends. Would any of those people ever choose to consign to you a place of eternal torment? What if one of them was willing to do so and you knew it? Surely that would impact your relationship with them. When you looked into the eye of that person, how would their willingness to inflict so much pain impact what you saw?
It should be clear the point I am making. If we believe God is willing to assign us to place of eternal torment, it will have an impact on our relationship with God.
Character versus Countenance
In past conversations, as I’ve tried to express the importance of this doctrine regarding the fate of unbelievers, I’ve said that it is important because it has an impact on the character of God. I now think use of that word was not entirely accurate and did not communicate what I truly wanted to say.
Just to be clear, I want to emphatically assert that our own perceptions of God have absolutely no impact on his character. His character is eternal and unchanging. God is the very source of all goodness, and it would be the utmost of folly to stand in judgment of Him. I have never intended to contradict that notion, but when I’ve said that this doctrine of eternal torment impacts the character of God, it might be construed as doing so.
Therefore, I am now focusing on this word ‘countenance’. It might be best to say that the countenance of God is our own perception of his character.
We can’t see God. What we do, though, is to form images of God based upon our perception of God’s character. Our own image of God’s character forms the countenance we see when we approach him. So, it is not the character of God that is at stake in our understanding of eternal torment – it is the countenance of God that is at stake.
Consider this quote from A.W. Tozer's Knowledge of the Holy:
- What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us. ... Worship is pure or base as the worshiper entertains high or low thoughts of God. For this reason the gravest question before the Church is always God Himself, and the most portentous fact about any man is not what he at a given time may say or do, but what he in his deep heart conceives God to be like. We tend by a secret law of the soul to move toward our mental image of God. This is true not only of the individual Christian, but of the company of Christians that composes the Church. Always the most revealing thing about the Church is her idea of God, just as her most significant message is what she says about Him or leaves unsaid, for her silence is often more eloquent than her speech ... Were we able to extract from any man a complete answer to the question, ”What comes into your mind when you think about God?” we might predict with certainty the spiritual future of that man ...”
I hope, then, that you will concede my point – that our perception of God’s character impacts our relationship with God. And I hope you would agree that God’s willingness to torment individuals would impact our perception of God’s character. And I hope you understand why I would use the metaphor of God’s countenance as an expression of our perception of God’s character.
Stumbling Block
Given what I’ve shared so far, would you be willing to concede that a belief in eternal torment could hinder us from pursuing God? If it hinders us, does that make it a stumbling block?
This idea that things might cause us to stumble is not my own. Consider this statement from Jesus:
- Mat 18:6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
This is obviously serious stuff.
Of what does a stumbling block consist? I can identify two crucial components necessary before anything could be considered a stumbling block:
- It hinders our pursuit of God
- It is untrue
I’ve asserted that a belief in a God of eternal torment might hinder us from God. But if that doctrine is true, then it would not qualify as a stumbling block. If God truly will assign some people to eternal torment, then those who resist that notion would be resisting the truth. I would never suggest diluting or hiding the truth in order to make a pursuit of God more appealing.
The doctrine of eternal torment would only qualify as a stumbling block if it were not true. If it were untrue, if the doctrine of eternal torment is truly absent from scripture, then there is absolutely no doubt that this doctrine would qualify as a stumbling block. In that case, Jesus’ warning against causing others to stumble would fall full-force upon those who preach the punishment of eternal torment as the decided plan of God, reflecting the depths of His character.
And that is the point of this essay. This particular essay is not attempting to make the case against the doctrine of eternal torment. Instead, it is making the case that an accurate presentation of this doctrine is crucially important.
Perhaps you are unconvinced about whether this doctrine might be a hindrance in our pursuit of God. Allow me to share a quote. I recently read an article about those dramatic presentations on hell that some churches perform around Halloween. In the comment section following the article, I found this quote from a lady:
- …while, yes, God is supposedly a "loving" god, he also sends you to hell if you don't buy into his schtick… Bottom line, God says, follow me or it's hell for you. In any other circumstance in life (say a president's rise to power), people would be fools to buy that line. Follow me or die! …And Christians like to parade it before the world as though it is a quality to be admired, but people aren't that stupid anymore. They see that is petty. That is weak. That is impotent. That is very very small. It is not a god worth following at all.
Did the doctrine of eternal torment hinder this lady from pursuing God? Surely the answer is yes. However, that doesn’t mean it’s a stumbling block. If the doctrine of eternal torment is true, then this lady is hindered by the truth, and the problem is not eternal torment, but her own resistance to the truth. If the doctrine of eternal torment is true, then it is she that must humble herself and accept it. If it’s true.
Here’s additional data regarding this question. An organization called McCrindle did a study in 2017 called Faith and Belief in Australia. Here’s a link to the website presenting this study:
https://mccrindle.com.au/insights/blog/faith-belief-australia-2/
It was a wide-ranging study of over 1000 people in Australia, ascertaining their ideas on a wide range of issues related to Christianity. Among that group of people, they identified a subset of non-Christians who were ‘open to change’. They asked what hindered these people from embracing Christianity. One hindrance about which they asked was the notion that God would send some people to eternal torment.
According to the study, this doctrine of eternal torment totally blocked 28% of those people from coming to Christianity. Another 15% were blocked significantly by this same issue. Adding those two numbers together, you get 43% of non-Christians who might consider embracing Christianity if it were not for the doctrine of eternal torment.
This is astounding. 43% are blocked significantly by this one issue. In light of that study, would anybody argue that this doctrine is a not hindrance for some in their pursuit of Christ? But does that make this doctrine a stumbling block? Not if it’s true.
Surely you see the importance of this issue. Will you concede that this issue is very important, and that we must make sure we properly understand the scripture on this very important topic?
Emotional Arguments
In reading my illustrations about the countenance of God, some might say, “You’re just using emotional arguments to make your point.”
In response, I would say this, “You’re absolutely right I’m using emotional arguments!”
Jesus had no problem using emotional arguments to stir his listeners. Just consider his parables. We have a father running out to embrace his long lost son. I count seven separate occasions where he says there will be ‘weeping and gnashing of teeth’ at the final judgment. He called the Pharisees a ‘brood of vipers’. He was trying to communicate truths of utmost importance, and he had no qualms about motivating his listener by stirring their emotions.
And in my mind, perhaps his most emotional argument was not a parable at all, but an action - the clearing of the temple. Jesus he turned over the tables and threw out the money changers. Did Jesus expect to trigger emotion with that action? I'm sure he did. I am sure he was very aware of how that action would be received, and knew full well that his time for crucifixion was quickly approaching.
If you believe in the doctrine of eternal torment, I wish I could enter the temple of your hearts, turn over the tables therein, and throw out those things which keep you from worshipping and drawing close to God. I wish I could raise your emotions and stir your heart, and challenge you to examine deeply these ideas that have been ingrained in you by your culture.
Your Own Children
What countenance would you like your children to see when they look at you?
Imagine that a child of yours rebelled against God, and God delegated to you make the decision regarding their eternal destiny. Would you decide that they should be tormented for all eternity?
I can’t imagine that any parent would say yes. Why is that? Are we more loving than God?
Of course not. No Christian would claim to be more loving than God. Instead, supporters of eternal torment say something like this:
- God’s ways are higher than our ways. If it doesn’t seem loving or just to us, that’s because we are not as holy as God, and do not hate sin with the same intensity as God.
Of course, God’s ways are higher than our ways. He does hate sin and surely we fail to measure up to his standard of holiness.
But consider what Paul says in 2 Corinthians:
- 2Co_3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.
A clear teaching of scripture is that the followers of Christ are being transformed into his likeness. For my own part, I can attest to this. My progress is slow, but I have observed within myself a deepening love for others. I thankfully believe I have grown more like Christ in other ways as well. I suspect most of us who have followed Christ for a while can say something similar, and we rejoice at that observation.
Now, answer this. Are you currently more comfortable with the notion of eternal torment than you were when you first came to the Lord? Consider a specific family member or close friend who is not saved. Are you growing increasingly capable of assigning that person to the horrors of eternal separation from God? If Christ is willing to torment this person forever, and you are being transformed into the likeness of Christ, then your alignment with His judgment should grow stronger and stronger. Is that what you observe?
I don’t. I find the notion of eternal torment just as horrific as I ever did. If I get to be ninety years old, I am sure I will object just as strongly to the thought eternal suffering. What about you? Do you long for that day when you will finally be able to rejoice in the eternal suffering of others? Will that be the unmistakable sign that you’ve finally reached maturity in Christ?
Leaving Our Children
I am a father of two children. When they were young, they sometimes got scared during violent storms. At those times, they came into our bedroom and asked to sleep with my wife and me.
I did sometimes allow our children to climb in bed with us. It tugged at my heart to know that they were scared, and I think we all remember our own fear as children.
Once the storm had passed, I would direct my kids to go back to their own beds. As you might guess, my children resisted. They didn’t want to leave the comfort of our bed and would ask to remain. I gently assured them that they were safe and would sometimes go with them back to their rooms and remain in their rooms for a while to make sure they felt secure.
Where was I leaving them? In their own rooms. They were safe and warm, they had the comfort of familiar surroundings and stuffed animals. They knew that Mom and Dad were down the hall just a few feet away. Even then, when they were being left in a place of warmth and safety, they resisted. At those times, I felt a pang of guilt that I must leave them even momentarily in a state of fear.
But what if I were leaving them somewhere other than their own bedrooms? What if I left them in a dark, cold cell with concrete floors? How might they protest? What would they see in my eyes as I walked away from them, leaving them abandoned as they begged to remain with me?
And what if that dark cell were fraught with fears, and what if that cell were devoid of all goodness, devoid entirely of the presence of God?
And what if they were assigned to that place for all of eternity? What would they see when they looked in my face and knew where I was sending them? What would I feel as I sent them there? Could you do it?
I could not, and I would not.
This is a disturbing illustration - at least I hope it is. And yet many of you preach a Father whose countenance includes a willingness to do something that would make you shudder if you even considered doing it to your own child.
What would you see in the countenance of the Father who was willing to do this? If you share this Father with your unsaved friends, do you expect them to embrace that same God?
Maybe you continue to believe that God is willing to send his children to a place of eternal torment. This primary intent of this essay is not to make biblical arguments against that doctrine. I do that elsewhere. But please consider the possibility that this doctrine might hinder one's relationship with God. It might hinder growth in one's relationship with God, and might hinder those who are just considering such a relationship.
Consider again the passage I quoted earlier:
- Mat 18:6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
Note that Jesus specifically refers to ‘littles ones’. Whether he is referring to those who are physically still young in age, or to those adults who are still young in spirit, the conclusion is the same. It is a serious offense to place an obstacle between God and his children.
What does Jesus mean when he says, “it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.”? I’m not sure. I suppose it means it would be better if his life ended right then, rather than to have on his record the burden of leading those astray who are humbly seeking God.
Whatever it means, it should be obvious that Jesus considers this a very serious issue.
When we seek God in prayer, our perception of his character will form a countenance in our minds. Surely the doctrine of eternal torment impacts our perception of the countenance of the Father. Is that a stumbling block? That is what you must decide.