Does the Bible solemnly warn of eternal damnation?

[Nehemiah6]

There are many today who say they are Christians but refuse to believe the Bible when it does not suit them. However, since the Bible is the Word of God, we must take all things stated therein as divine revelation -- “Gospel truth”.

While the subject of eternal damnation in Hell is unpleasant, it must be faced by absolutely everyone. The primary reason for the preaching of the Gospel is to save sinners from Hell. Otherwise Scripture would not say “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners...” (1 Tim 1:15). In view of the danger and jeopardy of Hell, God now commands all men everywhere to repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved (Acts 17:30;16:31).

The Bible does in fact warn sinners over and over again about the wrath of God and eternal damnation and torment in Hell. There is no such thing as sinners ceasing to exist (as falsely taught by Annihilationists). That is what Satan would have people believe.

It is unfortunate that the King James translators translated three different Greek words (Hades, Gehenna, and Tartarus) by the same English word “hell”, and then compounded the confusion by translating the Hebrew word Sheol as “the grave” or “hell”, when Sheol is the same as Hades (the abode of departed souls and spirits). But only the Greek word Gehenna is used for eternal Hell -- the Lake of Fire -- “where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth”, and “where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched”.

It is primarily the Lord Jesus Christ who spoke of Gehenna (Hell) since He is the one who created Hell for the devil and his angels (Mt 25:41), where it is called “everlasting fire” because it is for the eternal torment of the devil, the beast, and the false prophet (Rev 20:10). The Scriptures in which He mentioned Gehenna are Matthew 5:22,29,30; 10:28; 18:8.9; 23:15,33; Mark 9:43,45,47; and Luke 12:4,5. James 3:6 has the same word. All the other times the word “hell” occurs in the New Testament, it is a reference to Hades (other than once to Tartarus). Hades is a precursor to Gehenna. The Lake of Fire is only mentioned in the book of Revelation (19:20; 20:10.14,15), and it is the same as Gehenna.

Christ’s warnings about the eternal damnation of Hell
The Lord Jesus Christ (along with God the Father and the Holy Spirit) is the only ones who can tell us the truth about Hell. Therefore we are to give serious attention to what He has said.

The jeopardy of Hell is even in what we say
But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. (Mt 5:22)

Physical mutilation and death are preferable to Hell
And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell... And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell... Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. (Mt 5:29,30;10:28; 18:8,9)

Anything other the the Gospel is a guarantee of Hell
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. (Mt 23:15)

Hell is synonymous with damnation
Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? (Mt 23:33)

The fire and torment of Hell never cease
And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. (Mk 9:43-48) [Note: the “worm” is a metaphor for torment, just as worms gnawing on a live person’s body would be constant torment).

The reality of Hell should put the fear of God into every soul
And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. (Lk 12:4,5).

 

[Dino246]

While the subject of eternal damnation in Hell is unpleasant, it must be faced by absolutely everyone. The primary reason for the preaching of the Gospel is to save sinners from Hell. Otherwise Scripture would not say “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners...” (1 Tim 1:15). In view of the danger and jeopardy of Hell, God now commands all men everywhere to repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved (Acts 17:30;16:31).

I have only one question for those who believe in Jesus but don't believe in eternal torment:

From what, exactly, has Jesus saved you?

 

[Mem]

Death must not seem so bad for those who've never experienced true life so, rather than express themselves in terms of life, peeps have to approach it, from the rear so to speak, and make it seem (even?) worse. Using an appeal to the stick rather because the appeal to life doesn't, well, appeal to those that already have what they think is an adequate appearance of life, although it is merely a vapor that is vanishing away but is enough of an illusion for those that too quickly reject the truth in order to embrace the lie.

 

[FaithWillDo]

I have only one question for those who believe in Jesus but don't believe in eternal torment:

From what, exactly, has Jesus saved you?

Dear Dino246 and Nehemiah6,
Eze 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

The Doctrine of Hell is lie from Satan and is certainly not taught in scripture. Christ came to earth to save us from death, which is the true penalty of sin.

1John 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

2Pet 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Where is "hell" in any of these verses above? It's not there because it is a lie and a product of mankind's evil carnal nature.

As John 10:10, Christ came to give us "life" from the penalty of sin which is DEATH. But He also came to give us a more abundant life, too which is a life free from sin along with a relationship with our Creator. This is the salvation that Christ brings to mankind and is the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Why do you believe and teach that Christ will fail to save mankind?

The Old Covenant is based on man's works and is physical and outward. But the New Covenant is different. It is 100% the work of Christ and His work is spiritual and inward. He will change us all from within by coming to each of us with the gift of the Holy Spirit. Until He comes and gives us this gift, no one can be saved or call Jesus "Lord".

1 Cor 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Spirit.

Saving mankind is solely the responsibility of Christ. If it weren't, no one would be saved. Mankind was created spiritually marred and carnally minded. In that condition, no one will even seek the true God and if they did, they would not be able to understand Him.

Jer 18:4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

Rom 3:10-11 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

In this age, however, Christ is ONLY coming to and saving the ones who have been chosen from the foundation of the world. They are His "First Fruits" of His harvest of mankind. They are first to be saved but they are not the last. The final and great harvest of mankind occurs at the end of the final age.

The Feast of First Fruits and the Feast of Tabernacles "type" these two harvests of mankind.

So how does "judgment" fit into mankind's salvation you might ask?

Christ's judgment is represented by the spiritual term "fire". All mankind will be judged by fire because without judgment, we cannot be saved.

1Cor 3:13-15 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Those who "receive a reward" are the heirs, the First Fruits. There reward is to have "life during the ages" and to reign with Christ while He brings in the full harvest of mankind in the final age. Those are the ones who shall "suffer loss" but they will still be saved "yet so as by fire".

Salvation requires both the Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Latter Rain) and Christ's judgment (fire):

Mat 3:11-12 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit, and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

Look at these verses:

Isa 1:27 Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness.

Isa 2:4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

Jer 4:2 And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.

Isa 26:9 With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

We are saved by the judgment of Christ (fire).

Job 34:12 Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.

Who perverts judgment? Mankind does.

Prov 28:5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

At the end of the final age, this verse will be TESTIFIED to be true:

1 Tim 2:3-6 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

God is love and loves never fails. Why do you believe Christ will not accomplish what Daniel prophesied below:

Dan 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

Joe

 

[Dino246]

Dear Dino246 and Nehemiah6,
Eze 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

The Doctrine of Hell is lie from Satan and is certainly not taught in scripture. Christ came to earth to save us from death, which is the true penalty of sin.

1John 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

2Pet 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Where is "hell" in any of these verses above? It's not there because it is a lie and a product of mankind's evil carnal nature.

As John 10:10, Christ came to give us "life" from the penalty of sin which is DEATH. But He also came to give us a more abundant life, too which is a life free from sin along with a relationship with our Creator. This is the salvation that Christ brings to mankind and is the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Why do you believe and teach that Christ will fail to save mankind?

The Old Covenant is based on man's works and is physical and outward. But the New Covenant is different. It is 100% the work of Christ and His work is spiritual and inward. He will change us all from within by coming to each of us with the gift of the Holy Spirit. Until He comes and gives us this gift, no one can be saved or call Jesus "Lord".

1 Cor 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Spirit.

Saving mankind is solely the responsibility of Christ. If it weren't, no one would be saved. Mankind was created spiritually marred and carnally minded. In that condition, no one will even seek the true God and if they did, they would not be able to understand Him.

Jer 18:4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

Rom 3:10-11 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

In this age, however, Christ is ONLY coming to and saving the ones who have been chosen from the foundation of the world. They are His "First Fruits" of His harvest of mankind. They are first to be saved but they are not the last. The final and great harvest of mankind occurs at the end of the final age.

The Feast of First Fruits and the Feast of Tabernacles "type" these two harvests of mankind.

So how does "judgment" fit into mankind's salvation you might ask?

Christ's judgment is represented by the spiritual term "fire". All mankind will be judged by fire because without judgment, we cannot be saved.

1Cor 3:13-15 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Those who "receive a reward" are the heirs, the First Fruits. There reward is to have "life during the ages" and to reign with Christ while He brings in the full harvest of mankind in the final age. Those are the ones who shall "suffer loss" but they will still be saved "yet so as by fire".

Salvation requires both the Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Latter Rain) and Christ's judgment (fire):

Mat 3:11-12 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit, and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

Look at these verses:

Isa 1:27 Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness.

Isa 2:4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

Jer 4:2 And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.

Isa 26:9 With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

We are saved by the judgment of Christ (fire).

Job 34:12 Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.

Who perverts judgment? Mankind does.

Prov 28:5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

At the end of the final age, this verse will be TESTIFIED to be true:

1 Tim 2:3-6 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

God is love and loves never fails. Why do you believe Christ will not accomplish what Daniel prophesied below:

Dan 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

Joe

I see that brevity and relevance are not among your gifts.

 

[arthurfleminger]

There are many today who say they are Christians but refuse to believe the Bible when it does not suit them. However, since the Bible is the Word of God, we must take all things stated therein as divine revelation -- “Gospel truth”.

While the subject of eternal damnation in Hell is unpleasant, it must be faced by absolutely everyone. The primary reason for the preaching of the Gospel is to save sinners from Hell. Otherwise Scripture would not say “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners...” (1 Tim 1:15). In view of the danger and jeopardy of Hell, God now commands all men everywhere to repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved (Acts 17:30;16:31).

The Bible does in fact warn sinners over and over again about the wrath of God and eternal damnation and torment in Hell. There is no such thing as sinners ceasing to exist (as falsely taught by Annihilationists). That is what Satan would have people believe.

It is unfortunate that the King James translators translated three different Greek words (Hades, Gehenna, and Tartarus) by the same English word “hell”, and then compounded the confusion by translating the Hebrew word Sheol as “the grave” or “hell”, when Sheol is the same as Hades (the abode of departed souls and spirits). But only the Greek word Gehenna is used for eternal Hell -- the Lake of Fire -- “where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth”, and “where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched”.

It is primarily the Lord Jesus Christ who spoke of Gehenna (Hell) since He is the one who created Hell for the devil and his angels (Mt 25:41), where it is called “everlasting fire” because it is for the eternal torment of the devil, the beast, and the false prophet (Rev 20:10). The Scriptures in which He mentioned Gehenna are Matthew 5:22,29,30; 10:28; 18:8.9; 23:15,33; Mark 9:43,45,47; and Luke 12:4,5. James 3:6 has the same word. All the other times the word “hell” occurs in the New Testament, it is a reference to Hades (other than once to Tartarus). Hades is a precursor to Gehenna. The Lake of Fire is only mentioned in the book of Revelation (19:20; 20:10.14,15), and it is the same as Gehenna.

Christ’s warnings about the eternal damnation of Hell
The Lord Jesus Christ (along with God the Father and the Holy Spirit) is the only ones who can tell us the truth about Hell. Therefore we are to give serious attention to what He has said.

The jeopardy of Hell is even in what we say
But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. (Mt 5:22)

Physical mutilation and death are preferable to Hell
And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell... And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell... Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. (Mt 5:29,30;10:28; 18:8,9)

Anything other the the Gospel is a guarantee of Hell
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. (Mt 23:15)

Hell is synonymous with damnation
Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? (Mt 23:33)

The fire and torment of Hell never cease
And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. (Mk 9:43-48) [Note: the “worm” is a metaphor for torment, just as worms gnawing on a live person’s body would be constant torment).

The reality of Hell should put the fear of God into every soul
And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. (Lk 12:4,5).

Jesus, Himself, warns us of eternal punishment. In the Gospel of Matthew, Cha 25, 'The Final Judgement of Nations where all shall be judged as to eternal salvation or eternal damnation: 46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

 

[FaithWillDo]

I see that brevity and relevance are not among your gifts.

Dear Dino246,
If a person has a "love for the truth", a "lack of brevity" will not stop them from seeking the truth of God. As for relevance, if you can't see the relevance of the verses I presented, then I am not going to be able to help you. Truth of God comes from scripture and no where else.

Joe

 

[Dino246]

Dear Dino246 and Nehemiah6,
Eze 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

The Doctrine of Hell is lie from Satan and is certainly not taught in scripture. Christ came to earth to save us from death, which is the true penalty of sin.

1John 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

2Pet 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Where is "hell" in any of these verses above? It's not there because it is a lie and a product of mankind's evil carnal nature.

As John 10:10, Christ came to give us "life" from the penalty of sin which is DEATH. But He also came to give us a more abundant life, too which is a life free from sin along with a relationship with our Creator. This is the salvation that Christ brings to mankind and is the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Why do you believe and teach that Christ will fail to save mankind?

The Old Covenant is based on man's works and is physical and outward. But the New Covenant is different. It is 100% the work of Christ and His work is spiritual and inward. He will change us all from within by coming to each of us with the gift of the Holy Spirit. Until He comes and gives us this gift, no one can be saved or call Jesus "Lord".

1 Cor 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Spirit.

Saving mankind is solely the responsibility of Christ. If it weren't, no one would be saved. Mankind was created spiritually marred and carnally minded. In that condition, no one will even seek the true God and if they did, they would not be able to understand Him.

Jer 18:4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

Rom 3:10-11 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

In this age, however, Christ is ONLY coming to and saving the ones who have been chosen from the foundation of the world. They are His "First Fruits" of His harvest of mankind. They are first to be saved but they are not the last. The final and great harvest of mankind occurs at the end of the final age.

The Feast of First Fruits and the Feast of Tabernacles "type" these two harvests of mankind.

So how does "judgment" fit into mankind's salvation you might ask?

Christ's judgment is represented by the spiritual term "fire". All mankind will be judged by fire because without judgment, we cannot be saved.

1Cor 3:13-15 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Those who "receive a reward" are the heirs, the First Fruits. There reward is to have "life during the ages" and to reign with Christ while He brings in the full harvest of mankind in the final age. Those are the ones who shall "suffer loss" but they will still be saved "yet so as by fire".

Salvation requires both the Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Latter Rain) and Christ's judgment (fire):

Mat 3:11-12 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit, and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

Look at these verses:

Isa 1:27 Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness.

Isa 2:4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

Jer 4:2 And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.

Isa 26:9 With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

We are saved by the judgment of Christ (fire).

Job 34:12 Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.

Who perverts judgment? Mankind does.

Prov 28:5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

At the end of the final age, this verse will be TESTIFIED to be true:

1 Tim 2:3-6 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

God is love and loves never fails. Why do you believe Christ will not accomplish what Daniel prophesied below:

Dan 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

Joe

To the relevant snippet of your post... as we all, including Christians, eventually die, salvation from death alone is misleading. You must posit the second death, with an explanation as to why that is undesirable. I don't see how you can do that without demonstrating the vast distinction in consequences between those who died in Christ and those who rejected Him... unless, of course, you ignore all the Scripture on the subject.

 

[arthurfleminger]

One may ask, "How can an all loving God damn His sons/daughters to eternal punishment in hell? In fact, God does not wish any to be damned. He sent His Son to save all those who would believe in Him. The price paid,, the sacrifice was great.

If anyone ends up being eternally damned, it is because they made the choice to deny Jesus and the salvation He offers. Those that end up in hell have willingly separated themselves from God for eternity. And, since all good comes from God, they will experience no good whatsoever for all eternity.

Each of us will be faced many times during our lives with choices we have to make: God's way or Satan's way, good or evil, life or death, salvation or damnation. As we make these choices we need to keep our eyes/ears open and our minds clear. For, what we choose is what we will receive.

Separation from God will lead to eternal separation in the after life and there will be no good. Those that feel that they would rather 'Rule in Hell' than 'Serve in Heaven' will have a rude surprise. Satan hates all of us and will not share his power to rule Hell with anyone. He will insure your eternal torment. After all, that's what he's experiencing.

 

[Runningman]

There are many today who say they are Christians but refuse to believe the Bible when it does not suit them. However, since the Bible is the Word of God, we must take all things stated therein as divine revelation -- “Gospel truth”.

While the subject of eternal damnation in Hell is unpleasant, it must be faced by absolutely everyone. The primary reason for the preaching of the Gospel is to save sinners from Hell. Otherwise Scripture would not say “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners...” (1 Tim 1:15). In view of the danger and jeopardy of Hell, God now commands all men everywhere to repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved (Acts 17:30;16:31).

The Bible does in fact warn sinners over and over again about the wrath of God and eternal damnation and torment in Hell. There is no such thing as sinners ceasing to exist (as falsely taught by Annihilationists). That is what Satan would have people believe.

It is unfortunate that the King James translators translated three different Greek words (Hades, Gehenna, and Tartarus) by the same English word “hell”, and then compounded the confusion by translating the Hebrew word Sheol as “the grave” or “hell”, when Sheol is the same as Hades (the abode of departed souls and spirits). But only the Greek word Gehenna is used for eternal Hell -- the Lake of Fire -- “where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth”, and “where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched”.

It is primarily the Lord Jesus Christ who spoke of Gehenna (Hell) since He is the one who created Hell for the devil and his angels (Mt 25:41), where it is called “everlasting fire” because it is for the eternal torment of the devil, the beast, and the false prophet (Rev 20:10). The Scriptures in which He mentioned Gehenna are Matthew 5:22,29,30; 10:28; 18:8.9; 23:15,33; Mark 9:43,45,47; and Luke 12:4,5. James 3:6 has the same word. All the other times the word “hell” occurs in the New Testament, it is a reference to Hades (other than once to Tartarus). Hades is a precursor to Gehenna. The Lake of Fire is only mentioned in the book of Revelation (19:20; 20:10.14,15), and it is the same as Gehenna.

Christ’s warnings about the eternal damnation of Hell
The Lord Jesus Christ (along with God the Father and the Holy Spirit) is the only ones who can tell us the truth about Hell. Therefore we are to give serious attention to what He has said.

The jeopardy of Hell is even in what we say
But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. (Mt 5:22)

Physical mutilation and death are preferable to Hell
And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell... And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell... Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. (Mt 5:29,30;10:28; 18:8,9)

Anything other the the Gospel is a guarantee of Hell
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. (Mt 23:15)

Hell is synonymous with damnation
Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? (Mt 23:33)

The fire and torment of Hell never cease
And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. (Mk 9:43-48) [Note: the “worm” is a metaphor for torment, just as worms gnawing on a live person’s body would be constant torment).

The reality of Hell should put the fear of God into every soul
And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. (Lk 12:4,5).

All pet doctrines and denominational loyalties aside. Put your sola scriptura on the table. Where does it really say “All people are going to burn forever in torment who are not in the book of life?”

Before you answer, please don’t quote me some verses about worms that don’t die, or smoke that rises forever, or unquenchable fire, or eternal fire.

Quote me something that says the lake of fire or hell is eternal conscious torment for all people not in the book of life

And don’t put Revelation 20:10 where only 3 persons are tormented. Your eternal conscious torment doctrine needs broad scriptural support. After you try your best then it’s my turn.

 

[Dino246]

Dear Dino246,
If a person has a "love for the truth", a "lack of brevity" will not stop them from seeking the truth of God. As for relevance, if you can't see the relevance of the verses I presented, then I am not going to be able to help you. Truth of God comes from scripture and no where else.

Joe

Bits of Scripture, perhaps. A careful and convenient selection of Scripture can be used to teach almost anything. However, as David tells us, "The sum of your word is truth" (Psalm 119:160). That actually means that you have to put all the Scriptures together to have the whole truth on the subject.

 

[FaithWillDo]

Jesus, Himself, warns us of eternal punishment. In the Gospel of Matthew, Cha 25, 'The Final Judgement of Nations where all shall be judged as to eternal salvation or eternal damnation: 46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

Dear arthurfliminger,
Here is the correct translation of that verse:

Mat 25:46 And these shall go away to punishment age-during, but the righteous to life age-during.'

The reward of those who have been chosen from the foundation of the world is life during the ages. For those not chosen, they will "suffer loss" but they will still be saved. Their loss will be not having life during the ages but will instead have judgment. But from that judgment, they will be saved by fire (judgment).

1Cor 3:13-15 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Joe

 

[John146]

I have only one question for those who believe in Jesus but don't believe in eternal torment:

From what, exactly, has Jesus saved you?

Exactly! Let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die. Doesn't sound like much of a punishment for rejecting the Lord Jesus and what He accomplished on the cross.

 

[arthurfleminger]

Jesus again warns of eternal punishment in the Gospel of Mark, Cha 9:
Better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna,
48where ‘their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.

 

[FaithWillDo]

Bits of Scripture, perhaps. A careful and convenient selection of Scripture can be used to teach almost anything. However, as David tells us, "The sum of your word is truth" (Psalm 119:160). That actually means that you have to put all the Scriptures together to have the whole truth on the subject.

Dear Dino246,

Isa 28: 10-12 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: 11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. 12 But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

Psa 119:160 The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.

So, yes, the pieces must be put to together like when constructing a building. It must start with a foundation and be built upon from there - "here a little and there a little".

However, scripture NEVER contradicts itself. The belief in hell is not in scripture and is contradicted by the whole building of truth (Christ).

Rev 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

Do you believe that lost people, while burning in hell, are going to be praising Christ at the same time they are suffering?

Or is your belief in hell contradicted by this verse above?

Joe

 

[TheIndianGirl]

Question for those who believe in eternal hell - do you think Holocaust victims went to Hell? What about people who never heard of the Gospel throughout the centuries?

 

[FaithWillDo]

Jesus again warns of eternal punishment in the Gospel of Mark, Cha 9:
Better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna,
48where ‘their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.

Dear arthurfleminger,

Here is the full scripture:

Mark 9:42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea. 43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 48 For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.

Christ is teaching on salvation, not hell. His words are "spirit" (John 6:63) and they carry a spiritual meaning (1Cor 2:13). Christ is essentially saying that we are saved by faith and not by works or sight. The "hand" represents man's "works", the "eye" represents what our human senses (carnal mind) tell us to believe and the "foot" represents our walk (what we believe).

2Cor 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight

The "fire" represents the judgment of Christ where those beliefs (impurities) will be burned away. "For everyone will be salted with fire" and have those false beliefs removed. Christ's "fire" teaches us righteousness:

Isa 26:9 With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

Joe

 

[Magenta]

I have only one question for those who believe in Jesus but don't believe in eternal torment:

From what, exactly, has Jesus saved you?

This is an odd question. You know, along the lines of Nehemiah saying that if people don't burn eternally, then Jesus died for nothing, which completely devalues his faith, and all the things he was saved from, and living by Godly principles. He may as well have said also that he places no value on knowing God personally. But Nehemiah is like that. He overstates things, whether just for effect or because he likes to punch hard, who knows? Even when he is wrong (example). And it seems he cannot imagine anyone believing other than him unless they belong to some cult. Haha. He's a funny guy to be sure. I do appreciate his stance against Calvinism.

Any who, the wages of sin is death. I know you know the gospel. We are saved by grace through faith, from the second death... God is merciful, and He is just, and His love abides forever. I suppose, given that I know you know the gospel, I wonder what you are really asking. Believing the wicked are destroyed as Scripture attests in a multiplicity of ways from beginning to end, wow, what a hard sell. Despite how Nehemiah likes to pretend that people who disagree with him on this issue do not believe what the Bible says, and many others too... well, in reality, it is just one of very many issues that Christians clash over.

 

[arthurfleminger]

There are many today who say they are Christians but refuse to believe the Bible when it does not suit them. However, since the Bible is the Word of God, we must take all things stated therein as divine revelation -- “Gospel truth”.

While the subject of eternal damnation in Hell is unpleasant, it must be faced by absolutely everyone. The primary reason for the preaching of the Gospel is to save sinners from Hell. Otherwise Scripture would not say “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners...” (1 Tim 1:15). In view of the danger and jeopardy of Hell, God now commands all men everywhere to repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved (Acts 17:30;16:31).

The Bible does in fact warn sinners over and over again about the wrath of God and eternal damnation and torment in Hell. There is no such thing as sinners ceasing to exist (as falsely taught by Annihilationists). That is what Satan would have people believe.

It is unfortunate that the King James translators translated three different Greek words (Hades, Gehenna, and Tartarus) by the same English word “hell”, and then compounded the confusion by translating the Hebrew word Sheol as “the grave” or “hell”, when Sheol is the same as Hades (the abode of departed souls and spirits). But only the Greek word Gehenna is used for eternal Hell -- the Lake of Fire -- “where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth”, and “where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched”.

It is primarily the Lord Jesus Christ who spoke of Gehenna (Hell) since He is the one who created Hell for the devil and his angels (Mt 25:41), where it is called “everlasting fire” because it is for the eternal torment of the devil, the beast, and the false prophet (Rev 20:10). The Scriptures in which He mentioned Gehenna are Matthew 5:22,29,30; 10:28; 18:8.9; 23:15,33; Mark 9:43,45,47; and Luke 12:4,5. James 3:6 has the same word. All the other times the word “hell” occurs in the New Testament, it is a reference to Hades (other than once to Tartarus). Hades is a precursor to Gehenna. The Lake of Fire is only mentioned in the book of Revelation (19:20; 20:10.14,15), and it is the same as Gehenna.

Christ’s warnings about the eternal damnation of Hell
The Lord Jesus Christ (along with God the Father and the Holy Spirit) is the only ones who can tell us the truth about Hell. Therefore we are to give serious attention to what He has said.

The jeopardy of Hell is even in what we say
But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. (Mt 5:22)

Physical mutilation and death are preferable to Hell
And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell... And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell... Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. (Mt 5:29,30;10:28; 18:8,9)

Anything other the the Gospel is a guarantee of Hell
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. (Mt 23:15)

Hell is synonymous with damnation
Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? (Mt 23:33)

The fire and torment of Hell never cease
And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. (Mk 9:43-48) [Note: the “worm” is a metaphor for torment, just as worms gnawing on a live person’s body would be constant torment).

The reality of Hell should put the fear of God into every soul
And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. (Lk 12:4,5).

There are numerous writings in Scripture about Hell/punishment being everlasting:

Mt 25:41 "… eternal fires prepared for the devil and his angels."Jude 6 The angels will be bound with "everlasting chains."Rev. 20:10 The devil, beast, and false prophet being tormented "forever and ever."Mt. 18:8 "… thrown into eternal fire."Mk 9:43 "…fire never goes out."Mk 9:48 "…worm never dies and the fire is not quenched."Is. 33:14 "… with everlasting burning."Luke 3:17 "… with unquenchable fire."Mt. 3:12 "… with unquenchable fire."

I always hate to take Scripture and take it out of context. But the originator of this thread asked if there were any Scriptural references to Hell being an eternal punishment. And there are many such references which are straight to the point. Above I shown some and invite each of you to read them 'in context' and you will find they do describe an eternal punishment.

 

[Radius]

I have only one question for those who believe in Jesus but don't believe in eternal torment:

From what, exactly, has Jesus saved you?

eternal death. and an eternity with Him.