“Let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment (James 3:1).”
”This is a warning that I take very seriously. The greatest challenge I have ever faced in my life was writing a book about Hell. This was crazy. What if I were wrong? Was I putting my eternal destiny at risk by confronting what most Christians believed? I went through weeks of anxiety wondering if I was doing the right thing. But something had happened to me….something wonderful… something so great, that I just could not keep it to myself.
The message of God’s unfailing love for all humanity was life-transforming. It brought me true peace for the first time in my adult Christian life. I was at peace… and life was actually good. I sensed a deeper love for God and also for people. It even changed my feelings towards my older brother. (See “My Journey” video.) Words cannot describe what this awesome revelation of God has done for me. What else could I do but tell my family and close friends about it. It naturally led to organizing my study notes and writing a paper which eventually became a book.
Yes, I knew the risk I was taking when I wrote this. Being brought up in the Church, I was taught about hell since I can remember. I knew what Christianity believed and taught—all too well. It finally came to a head one day when I poured out my soul to God: “Please God… if I am wrong, don’t let me publish this book. Take my life first. But Lord, I cannot help but share this truth. This is what I believe about you. I believe you are truly a God of infinite love for all people. You care for every single person that ever lived. You sent your son to die for every single human being and it was not in vain. God, I have to do this. I’m compelled to. But if I’m wrong, don’t let me deceive even one person. I would rather die. I just can’t live believing this wonderful truth and not tell the whole world about it.”
As I was going through this time of indecision, I faced a health issue which made me wonder if God was going to take me up on my prayer. As I continued seeking God about what to do, one day the answer came – at least I believe it did. I sensed God saying: “What I have shown you in the secret place, proclaim it from the housetops.” (See Mat. 10:27) Was this God? Was He speaking to me? This passage repeatedly resonated in my mind and heart.
I thank God that I am still here proclaiming this wonderful news. Each new day is another opportunity to do something more to make His Love known. “Hope Beyond Hell” has been read by thousands now. If you could only read the emails I get, or listen to the calls I receive. I can’t describe the joy I get when someone says, “Thank you Gerry for writing this book. It has changed my life. I love God again, and people, like I have never loved them before.” I have received hundreds of similar responses. See “About” above to read some.
I sense a deep responsibility when I write and speak about this message of Hope. My desire and purpose in living is to faithfully proclaim the truly GOOD NEWS of the grace of God (Acts 20:24). I long to see many, many lives transformed—people experiencing the comfort, peace, and joy of knowing our wonderful God in His limitless grace for all. Ultimately, I long for the time when “Every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God!
July 6, 2012
I suppose that I, too, could write a book about my years of research in confirming the truth of what the overwhelming majority of the ancient church fathers and saints believed and testified in their proclamations and writings: The Catholic (Latin meaning=Universal) and Apostolic Truth, as the Scriptures teach, that God is the Savior of all mankind, especially of those that believe (1 Timothy 4:10), and that God WILL (not desires or wishes as some translations have it) have all mankind to be saved and come to the full knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). And, of course, there are many other Scriptures in both the Old Testament and New Testament (many are listed in your book) that confirm that God is indeed a God of Eternal Love–not Eternal Wrath. Jesus said: “The Holy Spirit will teach you all things, and remind you of everything that I have said unto you” John 14:26. I believe that we are living in times that God is opening Christian’s hearts and minds to the True Gospel, even as “the Holy Spirit teaches and confirms all truths of His Word! Amen!