There is this prevailing idea that Jesus paid for everyone's sins therefore everyone gets to heaven. The idea that God puts them in hell and so how could a loving, merciful God put someone there for eternity, so everyone must go to heaven. We'll if we everyone gets to heaven why did Jesus start the church? Institute the sacraments? Confirm the 10 commandments? Why would God allow the fallen one and his minions to harrass and tempt us if there was no point to their efforts? Why would we need his mother and the angels and saints to assist us if we are already saved? Why would Jesus institute the Divine Mercy devotions (and so many others) pointlessly? It's all routed in pride and a way to justify sins and bad behavior and justify not needing God. Who hasn't does this at times in their life? God really needs to show Himself and the truth through the illumination or outpouring of the Spirit ASAP before most are lost completely. We all need it. The slippery slope is an avalanche now.
I see that at the same time that the door that leads to salvation is narrow, the number of instruments that the church offers with promises linked to our own salvation and that of our families is immense: the Rosary; Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus; Immaculate Heart of Mary, Divine Mercy; Miraculous Medal; etc. I think it would be important to focus on the importance of these devotions and sacramentals in the catechetical formation of children.
To the best of my knowledge, I do not believe that the Church has ever made a definitive declaration re: God's Judgement re: Judas Iscariot. Nor is that question of any major concern to me. . As for me, there came a time when I fully shifted from being fearful of Hell to rather shifting to the (properly understood) Fear of the Lord.. (Awesome Respect of Our HEAVENLY Father - GOD) and of His Coming Kingdom! That GIFT of God's Holy Spirit - is the Beginning of Wisdom Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. Matthew 10:28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. The angelic creature Satan? Currently has the power of Death, but has no power over the disposition of our Soul In other words, for me, keeping one's main focus upon God and His coming Kingdom, far outweighs any thoughts re: Evil ... JESUS is my GOTO .. And from Him - armed with Faith - we receive Hope. +
Properly Understood - The Fear of the Lord is one of the Available Gifts of God's Holy Spirit This fear is not afraidness... It is the proper AWE and RESPECT - of course given to God our Father! - Possessing IT and Abiding by it is the Beginning of Wisdom - which leads our very selves - into becoming more purer - akin to God Himself as His children are! God Teaches .. "perfect love banishes all afraidness fear" Think of all of the Faithful Apostles and disciples of Jesus who repented of their Sins! -- None of them exhibited a false fear of Hell. Rather, With HOPE they Faithfully kept their minds, hearts and souls focussed upon God's Coming Kingdom Not even when facing actual Persecution and Martyrdom did their Faith in Jesus and Strong Love of God - falter!
