Many ask, "If God is so loving, then how could He allow a sinful individual to go to hell?" But I think the question we should be asking is: "How can a holy, just, righteous God allow a sinful individual into His presence?" God hates anything that destroys our relationship with Him. Sin offends God and creates conflict in our relationship with Him. You may ask, "Why can't God just forgive sin then just leave it at that?"

A God of love and a God of justice. . .
God is a God of love. But He is also a God of justice. He is a just, holy, and righteous God. For example, you broke the law and the penalty is $500. But you're not able to pay for it. What should the judge do when you face him in court? Should he just say, "Well, that's okay...go ahead, just forget the penalty"? No, he cannot do that because that would not make him a just judge. For justice to prevail, he cannot allow the penalty go unpaid. Let's continue the story and say that in this case the judge happens to be your very own father. He loves you and doesn't want you to end up in jail. As a just judge, he has to declare "guilty" and would see to it that the penalty is paid. But as a loving father to you, he chooses to pay the penalty in your place with his own money. The same is with God. Just as criminals have to pay the penalty of their crimes, sinners have to pay the penalty of their sins. As a just God, He would see to it that the penalty of our sins are paid. But as a loving Father, Jesus Christ came down to earth and paid the penalty of the sins of those who would believe in Him. Christ paid the debt He did not owe, and it is a debt that I could never pay for myself. When Christ died on that cross 2,000 years ago, the sins and punishment of those who would believe in Him were placed upon Him on that cross.

Is it fair for people to go to hell?
Justice is receiving what we deserve. If the judge orders punishment for a criminal, he's not being unjust; he's simply carrying out justice. If a person goes to hell because of his sins, he is receiving justice.

Grace is receiving what we do not deserve. Grace is an undeserved mercy, unmerited pardon, or a favor granted by one who need not do so.

Would it be unjust for people to go to hell for sins? It would be "grace" if God allows people to heaven. Justice would be to punish them in hell. Anyone who goes to hell are receiving justice for their sins. And anyone who receives Christ as his Savior and goes to heaven are receiving grace. But no one receives injustice.

There are also different degrees of punishment in hell. No one will ever be able to accuse God for any unjust punishment.

What is the way to heaven?
Jesus Christ said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) If you've been going away from God, I prayerfully hope that today you would make a U-turn in your life and turn to Christ.