The matter has been well distilled by Robert K. Johnson, professor of theology and culture at Fuller Theological Seminary: “How can I formulate a biblically informed perspective on hell ‘that is morally consistent with the character of God as revealed in Jesus Christ’?
If hell turns out to be a means toward a good end, then one need find no conflict between belief in hell and the character of a God who everywhere declares Himself to be full of both justice and compassion. Contrariwise, if hell serves no purpose other than eternally to ventilate a vindictive and insatiable wrath, then the idea that the Creator loves all of His creatures is definitely a harder “sell.”
Clark Pinnock made a good point when he wrote: “Of course, it is not our place to criticize God, but it is permitted to think about what we are saying. The traditional view of the nature of hell does not cohere well with the character of God disclosed in the gospel.”
If the traditional doctrine is true, then we must, of course, accept this “God of vengeance” as He is, since there is no other. However, if God is not like this, and we misrepresent His character to the world, we may be guilty of grievous slander. It is possible that we could further alienate sinners from One to whom they might more readily have been drawn, had He been presented to them more accurately.