I certainly hope your right Jerry, ever since I met that man I have begged God to please let his suffering end and let him come home. That man was the only one there that I felt such sorrow for he just accepted his fate and said he deserved it.
I know that many would say it's eternal and that God would never allow a sinner to come to heaven from hell but I just can't help but ask it pains my heart to think he is still there and if there is even a small chance that father would see how my heart aches and allow my prayer to be answered then I will ask until my last breath.
I even told him I would trade any and all treasures I recieve in heaven for this man to be able to come home and be able to bask in father love and that this man can have all the treasures I would have received. It may not sound so bad when one hears about it but if you saw what I saw and felt what I felt.....
Our Heavenly Father heard your prayer before the universe was created, in fact, He has always known your prayer for the man's salvation.
It is God's will and desire that none shall be lost and He is certainly able and capable to accomplish His will and desire.
God is merciful and compassionate and Jesus understands the human condition quite well because He walked once among us mere mortals. My favorite bible verse is "Jesus wept" as it shows HIs humanity along with His divinity. Yes, Jesus did indeed wept. Apparently, He couldn't take the crap down here either.
Don't worry, there is going to be a new paradigm and your friend will be part of the exciting positive changes to come, of that I have no doubt.
I have done something similar that you did as well as you are willing to trade all of your heavenly treasures that you receive in heaven for this man to be able to come home. What I have told God, more than once, is that if there is anything negative that remain on the books for those that I love and have prayed for to have God charge it to my account. I learned this by reading Paul's writings.
It could be that I won't be getting any treasure either in heaven but having those that I love to be with me is reward in itself. The truth is, I really am not down here to earn rewards, crowns, or treasure in heaven. Any good that I may do, by the grace of God, I do because I love God. I believe that in this regard, you and I are the same.
You can take that to the bank my friend.