Who precisely will be thrown into hell? Good question? There are two groups of people who are destined for hell, Carefree Sinners and Careless Saints.
 
Carefree Sinners are those who are guilty of doing what they know they should not do (the commission of evil practices). They are people who sin and ignore their conscience.  Writing to the church at Rome, Paul said, “Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right” (2:14-15). There are 120 sins listed in the NT (in groups of 6-18) and it takes just one to consign a person to hell (Romans 1:29-31). A bit harsh? No. Our God who is holy must punish sin!   
 
Careless Saints are those who are guilty of not doing what they know they should do (the omission of righteous practices). Believers are to love God more than their own lives; love their neighbour; forgive those who sin against them; live as peacemakers in our troubled world; and be active in the building of their church. Being called a saint is not enough, we must be one… we must live saintly lives through righteous thoughts, speech, and actions! And, whenever we falter, get cleansed!
 
Now, here’s a big shock for some: All the teaching and warnings about hell that Jesus gave was to young-in-faith Jewish believers… those who already believed in Him! You need to be aware of the unbiblical cliché “Once saved, always saved” that has become a widespread popular belief among Christians. This cliché is deadly! The truth is: We are being saved… Salvation is not completed through a single momentary act but is a life-long process! (John 3:16). Paul said, “The good news of Jesus is the power of God at work, saving everyone who goes on believing” (Romans 1:16). Yes, a Christian can stop believing!
 
Friends, there are two things needed for a person to escape hell: 1. Forgiveness that was accomplished through the completed work of Jesus on the cross (salvation), and 2. Holiness that is being accomplished in us through the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, through obedience (transformation).
 
Successful Christians are those who START on the narrow way, and who CONTINUE on that way to the very end… to the FINISH line! the Apostle Paul said in Second Timothy, “As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful” (4:6-7).
 
Friends, by God’s grace and mercy, the Christian faith-race is the only race I am determined to finish well!
 
Best wishes
Bill Joukhadar