Yes, Hank. Christians can be sure. That is our belief. Maybe you don't share it, but it is a Christian idea that only those who are "in Christ" will be spared judgement and obtain eternal life with Christ.
Are you confident when you tell a person that if he believes in Christ that he will be forgiven and have eternal life? I am. And I am just as confident when I say that Hawking, in his unbelief, faces eternal torment and condemnation.
Confidence in the gospel assumes the faith of unbelievers, and Hawking was one who knew of God's creation more than most of us ever will, yet he closed his eyes and ears to what revelation he had, as evidenced in his life and words.
So, still arrogantly assuming you know his heart and the changes which may have occurred in the last 3 years since he said "some form of intelligence was actually behind the creation of the Universe."
Exactly, and we should not be shy about it. We are not holding the gavel and condemning him. We are simply believing what God has promised. I wish no man condemnation, but I take God at his word when He says that He will condemn.
Those who live and die without Christ are lost. If we can confidently tell someone that if he places his trust in Christ he will be saved, then we can confidently tell them if they reject Him they will be lost.
These aren't my ideas. I read them in the Bible (ESV, not KJV, sorry)
I know only what he put forth, and I judge according to that.
It strikes me that some here aren't confident of Christ's teaching when they are shy about the harsh reality of Hell. I wish no man Hell. If I could prevent it for all, I would, but to deny my Lord in His warnings regarding it for those who reject Him, I will not do.