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Magenta, I'm going to have to agree with you. I am really disturbed when someone seems so arrogant as to toss accusations toward another person's knowledge. I did not read the whole thread and may regret these words later, but so far I'm with ya sista! lol. Must go on a reading tour now. Still, that was no way for a Christian to deal with another. And even if I read back and disagree, I will try to deal with it a whole lot more tastefully. (Praying I don't have to eat these words, bbl 
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I'm thinking if people are already in hell (hypothetically speaking), then they have already been judged and repentance is a thing they ignored in life... or God probably wouldn't have put them there. However, based on scripture, it seems that "hell" is likely not deemed until judgment day. Hence, the term "judgment day." Until then, I believe the spirits sleep awaiting judgment. It seems to me, that it is in this life that we are granted the ability to reform. If one waited until judgment, well it kind of defeats the purpose. Then it's like someone says, " oh poop, i'm in hell, so let me fix it." But God gives us a whole life to fix our troubles, you see. So we mustn't waste this life. And why should a human waste their whole life earning hell, only to then, be regretful? What did that person do so often that led them there? And why not repent among humans... the humans they cared not about... until death? It's as if to say, heh, I can hurt anyone I want in life, not give a poop, then land in hell, and say... ick this sucks, let me fix it. But why did they not want to stop wreaking the havoc that led them there in the first place? What made them keep hurting others? ... until that day? It's a circular discussion, but all seems to come back to... why did they hurt so many to land in a bad place? Which leads one back to... do good in "this life" so as not to end up in a "bad place."
The great white throne judgment which will take place at the end of the millennial kingdom, will be the legal process and sentencing of all who have died in their sins. However, scripture states that those who do not have Christ are already condemned as long as they remain in that state:
"Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. Whoever rejects the Son will not see life. Instead, the wrath of God remains on him.”i
The great white throne is just the official due process for what is already known. Therefore, in regards to punishment, it begins at the time of death for the unbeliever. The event of 'the rich man and Lazarus' demonstrates this in that, both Lazarus and the rich man died, yet after the death of their bodies we find them conscious and aware in their spiritual state down in Hades. There was a great chasm separating Hades with one side being a place of comfort/paradise, which is where Abraham and Lazarus, as well as the rest of the OT saints were. And on the other side was the rich man and the rest of the unrighteous dead in torment in flame. By telling sharing this event, Jesus gave us a glimpse into what happens at the time of death. Today, for those who die in Christ, their spirits depart from the body and go to be in the presence of the Lord (2 Cor.5:6-9, Phil.1:23). For those who are not in Christ, their spirits depart from the body and go down into Hades to begin their punishment in torment in flame. The final judgment will just be due process. God doesn't need to first judge then administer His punishment.
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It is the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.
Many places in Scripture where forever/everlasting does not mean never ending...
Here are just a few examples:
In the Old Testament, the old covenant of the law is referred to as the "everlasting covenant" (Leviticus 24:8). But the New Testament records that the first covenant was "done away" and "abolished" 2 Corinthians 3:11,13. As in this story, the Aaronic priesthood is spoken of as "an everlasting priesthood" Exodus 40:15. Yet Hebrews7:14-18 declares an end to the Aaronic priesthood, with a new priesthood after the order of Melchizedek.
Israel was to "observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant" (Exodus 31:16). Jonah was not in the fish’s belly "forever" Jonah 2:6. A bond slave could not possibly serve his master "forever" Exodus 21:6. God did not dwell in Solomon’s temple "forever" 1 Kings 8:13.
A very significant promise in the Old Testament is this: “And you made your people Israel to be your people forever, and you, O Lord, became their God. And now, O Lord, let the word that you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning his house be established forever, and do as you have spoken,” (1 Chronicles 17:22–23, ESV). But we see very clearly that forever is not forever, for even this promise is grounded conditionally. “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine;” (Exodus 19:5, ESV).
I think these are sufficient examples to show that in essence,
"forever" may mean the period of time that fulfills God’s purpose. source
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather
fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28
If the wicked are destroyed, both soul and body, in hell as
Jesus warns, they cannot be tormented for ever and ever.
And those who claim it does not besmirch God's character to torture
someone infinitely after for failing to make a choice within a finite
time frame? It's hard to find the appropriate inoffensive words.
Many places in Scripture where forever/everlasting does not mean never ending...
Here are just a few examples:
In the Old Testament, the old covenant of the law is referred to as the "everlasting covenant" (Leviticus 24:8). But the New Testament records that the first covenant was "done away" and "abolished" 2 Corinthians 3:11,13. As in this story, the Aaronic priesthood is spoken of as "an everlasting priesthood" Exodus 40:15. Yet Hebrews7:14-18 declares an end to the Aaronic priesthood, with a new priesthood after the order of Melchizedek.
Israel was to "observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant" (Exodus 31:16). Jonah was not in the fish’s belly "forever" Jonah 2:6. A bond slave could not possibly serve his master "forever" Exodus 21:6. God did not dwell in Solomon’s temple "forever" 1 Kings 8:13.
A very significant promise in the Old Testament is this: “And you made your people Israel to be your people forever, and you, O Lord, became their God. And now, O Lord, let the word that you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning his house be established forever, and do as you have spoken,” (1 Chronicles 17:22–23, ESV). But we see very clearly that forever is not forever, for even this promise is grounded conditionally. “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine;” (Exodus 19:5, ESV).
I think these are sufficient examples to show that in essence,
"forever" may mean the period of time that fulfills God’s purpose. source
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather
fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28
If the wicked are destroyed, both soul and body, in hell as
Jesus warns, they cannot be tormented for ever and ever.
And those who claim it does not besmirch God's character to torture
someone infinitely after for failing to make a choice within a finite
time frame? It's hard to find the appropriate inoffensive words.
Oh my. Yeah, that seemed like a whole pile of poop, led by a lot of imaginations, and yet I get imaginings. Still, I feel this is why we are led to scripture. Nothing more. Nothing less. When we dream up things, are we not simply defying the last words of Revelation 22:19 "and if anyone may take away from the words of the scroll of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the scroll of life, and out of the holy city, and the things that have been written in this scroll;"
Now, some will say that means only the book of Revelation... but are you willing to bet your life on it? Willing to bet that if we "add to" or "take away" from scripture, that it might not take our names from the scroll of life? I don't think it's a wise bet, which is why I hope that we can lead the majority of our words back to scripture without adding.
My mom once wrote to me in my first bible I think, something about how all life's questions could be answered in the bible. And since I have learned, that it is true. So why must so many people change the words of the holy scriptures that are more profound than most give credit to? Sometimes, scripture itself, seems almost magical... though in Godly terms, the word is powerful rather than magical. Still, scripture is a wonderous thing. I'd love to hinge on every word, if only life seemed to give me more time. And perhaps that is my downfall. For I would love to just read those words and embrace them all day and all night... if lil things like the need for "sleep" and the fact of daily "responsibility" not get in my way. Perhaps, one day I can beat sleep and responsibility both, lol, to wallow in those words of preciousness
Now, some will say that means only the book of Revelation... but are you willing to bet your life on it? Willing to bet that if we "add to" or "take away" from scripture, that it might not take our names from the scroll of life? I don't think it's a wise bet, which is why I hope that we can lead the majority of our words back to scripture without adding.
My mom once wrote to me in my first bible I think, something about how all life's questions could be answered in the bible. And since I have learned, that it is true. So why must so many people change the words of the holy scriptures that are more profound than most give credit to? Sometimes, scripture itself, seems almost magical... though in Godly terms, the word is powerful rather than magical. Still, scripture is a wonderous thing. I'd love to hinge on every word, if only life seemed to give me more time. And perhaps that is my downfall. For I would love to just read those words and embrace them all day and all night... if lil things like the need for "sleep" and the fact of daily "responsibility" not get in my way. Perhaps, one day I can beat sleep and responsibility both, lol, to wallow in those words of preciousness
I feel you are Catholic? Is this correct? For Catholics adhere to extraneous set of dialogue outside of biblical scripture. To each his own I suppose, but I prefer only what is in the 66 books of the Holy Bible (YLT prefered). As it was in the scrolls, it shall be in my mind. Now mind you, I don't condemn any hu(man) looking to God, Jesus, & the Holy Spirit. But I believe, we should beware what is written and ordained by God and His chosen, and what is added to by man. That being said, there is only one mention of Hades in the scrolls in the book of Luke and it is fleeting (in a manner of speaking), so as to where one could get such knowledge of Hades, it makes the mind curious. Still, as to what God "needs" and what He had "decreed" are entirely different. For my guess is God "needs" little, but His words are clear as to what He has prescribed. And as per the Holy book of Revelation, He has revealed as much as we need to know. All else seems like an "additive" to what He has said requires no "addition." Yet, I think we are on a close page, but not quite. And I read back and have to simply ask, was there a point? And if there was a point, what was it? Was it to share a knowledge that you thought more profound? Cause that was all I saw. And if there is more, do tell?
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They did make their choice in their allotted time frame.
John
3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
Matthew 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
John
3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
Matthew 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
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And yet, the question inevitably was.... what was the point? Was there one? Or only to share what you thought profound knowledge above others? And I'll add another, if you have profound knowledge, what is it? Something more than long words and no comfort to your brethren? Perhaps, I am in the wrong. If so, tell me how? Godspeed.
I'd be the furthest thing from a Catholic . I'm an in-depth studier of the word of God. Everything that that I share is from scripture and which I also include. By the way, the religious system of Roman Catholicism is mystery, Babylon the Great. She is that woman who will ride the beast, i.e. use the beast's power and authority to establish her religious authority over all the inhabitants of the earth.
In regards to what the point of Revelation is, we are given the answer to that very question right in the first verse:
"The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants what things that must take place in quickness. And He signified it through having sent His angel to His servant, John,
The "what things must take place in quickness" is referring to the events of the seals, trumpets and bowl judgments and all related information. which represent God's coming wrath. This is the point of the book of Revelation.
Through those who have studied Revelation, God is using them to warn the Christ rejecting world of God's coming wrath upon the earth. Prior to God's wrath, according to His promise, will gather His church, dead and living, with God's wrath and the revealing of the antichrist to follow.
. I'm an in-depth studier of the word of God. Everything that that I share is from scripture and which I also include. By the way, the religious system of Roman Catholicism is mystery, Babylon the Great. She is that woman who will ride the beast, i.e. use the beast's power and authority to establish her religious authority over all the inhabitants of the earth.In regards to what the point of Revelation is, we are given the answer to that very question right in the first verse:
"The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants what things that must take place in quickness. And He signified it through having sent His angel to His servant, John,
The "what things must take place in quickness" is referring to the events of the seals, trumpets and bowl judgments and all related information. which represent God's coming wrath. This is the point of the book of Revelation.
Through those who have studied Revelation, God is using them to warn the Christ rejecting world of God's coming wrath upon the earth. Prior to God's wrath, according to His promise, will gather His church, dead and living, with God's wrath and the revealing of the antichrist to follow.
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I have comfort for my brothers and sisters and all people. But that does not infer that I should not share and contend for the truth that the Spirit has revealed to me through study and prayer. I not going to pretend like I don't know what I am talking about. What would be the point of all that study? I'm sharing with you and others the information that has been given to me.
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God a may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God a may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
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