Bill Nye, best known among a generation of kids as "The Science Guy," came face-to-face with one of the most articulate creationists in our land and has concluded that even if it means going to hell, he will believe what he believes.
You may remember the three-hour evolution vs. creation debate in February. Nye and Ken Ham, founder and president of the renowned Creation Museum, faced off in a much-hyped showdown. Nye wholeheartedly defended evolution, while Ham used the Bible and creationist scientists to dispute his anti-creation theory.
The dust has long settled on the live debate, but Nye is still talking about his evolutionist views and has offered some disturbing words about his potential fate in the September issue of Popular Science. The online version of the front-page story "Bill Nye Fights Back" shows an animated presentation of the evolutionist with hands wrapped buffeting the air.
'Even If I Am Going to Hell'
The subhead on the article reads, "How a mild-mannered children's celebrity plans to save science in America—or go down swinging." Again, the problem is he has admitted that he may go to hell in the process. This disturbs my spirit for Nye and all the little children he may be influencing. Wondering what Nye actually said that's so disturbing? Here are his words:
"Let's say that I am, through my actions, doomed, and that I will go to hell," Nye said. "Even if I am going to hell, that still doesn't mean the Earth is 6,000 years old. The facts just don't reconcile."
First, going to hell doesn't have anything to do with your actions—other than the ultimate action of rejecting Christ. We can't earn our salvation: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Eph. 2:8-9).
We all need a savior, whether we believe the Earth is 6,000 years old or not: "For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus" (Rom. 3:22-26).
Graham explains the truth this way: "Every last one of us is born in sin, and while some may not think of themselves as sinners, God does. He hears every word we utter and knows the deepest secrets we lock away in the vaults of our hearts."
Please Think About the Reality of Hell
Mr. Nye, I implore you to consider the words of the Bible and the words of Billy Graham, who I am sure you respect. It doesn't really matter how old the Earth is. What matters is hell is real and saying that "even if I am going to hell, that still doesn't mean the Earth is 6,000 years old" is a dangerous statement.
I beg you to take some time to study the Word with an open heart, ask God to show you the truth, talk with some respected evangelists who can break down the plan of salvation—we are all sinners in need of a savior; Christ came to this Earth to pay the price for our sin; He died on the cross, rose again on the third day and is now seated next to Father in heaven making intercession.
Please, consider the reality of hell before you decide you are willing to go there. Read what the Bible says about hell, which was originally designed for Satan and his demons (Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:10) but is also the destination for those who reject Christ (Matt. 13:41, 50; Rev. 20:11-15; 21:8).
Hell is conscious torment, a place characterized by weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matt. 13:50); where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched (Mark 9:48) and where torment is eternal (Rev. 14:10). Once you're in hell, there's no way out (Rev. 14:11) and anyone's name that is not written in the book of life will spend eternity in the lake of fire (Rev. 20:15).
Mr. Nye, please, I don't care what you believe about the age of the Earth as much as I care about your soul. Would you please reconsider your views about hell and the Christ who can save you from this tormenting eternity? I am praying for you.
I'll end with these words from Graham: "Don't ignore hell's reality, but most of all, don't ignore God's love for you. Instead, by a simple step of faith turn to Jesus Christ and trust Him alone for your salvation—beginning today."
Jennifer LeClaire is news editor of Charisma. She is also director of Awakening House of Prayer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and author of several books, including The Making of a Prophet and The Spiritual Warrior's Guide to Defeating Jezebel. You can email Jennifer at [email protected] or visit her website here. You can also join Jennifer on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.
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