Everlasting Torment True Or False

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Study on Everlasting Torment Study to determine if there is really a place of everlasting torment in fire. By Donna Dorsey Wulfemeyer

As C.S. Lewis famously said, hell is a place where the door is locked from the inside; in other words, it is a destination of our own choosing. He writes, “There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, in the end, ‘Thy will be done.'”

I found this paragraph during this study and am including it here because it states what I believe: At the human level we associate excessive torture with evil tyrants and dictators, we have a difficult time reconciling such never-ending conscious punishment with the truth that “God is love”. We think that because we find the idea of conscious, perpetual punishment repulsive, it must mean that God does not plan to subject anyone to such a fate. Surely, we say to ourselves, the biblical language suggesting the reality of hell must be metaphorical, not literal. There is an error in such reasoning however because we don’t think as God does. God’s thoughts are beyond our thoughts, and his ways beyond our ways. Consequently, he is not only more merciful than we are but more just. Because we are a fallen people, our sense of compassion may be well meaning, but our sense of justice, when weighted against God’s holiness, leaves much to be desired.

I found these 3 different views about Eternal Fire. Once I was finished with this study I completely agree with Traditionalism however I was hoping that Conditionalism would be my final determination.

Traditionalism The traditional, majority view is commonly called "Traditionalism", and sometimes described as "Eternal, Conscious Torment". Traditionalism holds that hell, the lake of fire, involves a permanent state of conscious suffering.

Conditionalism Conditionalism is short for “Conditional Immortality”, a perspective incorporating annihilation. Conditionalism agrees with Traditionalism that Hell, the lake of fire, is permanent, and that the unsaved will suffer. However, framed against the biblical metaphor of fire, Conditionalists hold that God's judgment ultimately consumes or annihilates a person. Its complete destruction, obliteration.

Universalism Universalism is sometimes referred to as “Universal Restoration or Universal Reconciliation”. Universalism suggests that everybody eventually ends up reconciled to God, after a period of refinement in Hell. Universalists focus on the metaphor of fire signifying refinement and purification, burning away that which is unfit for eternal life with God.

I began this study because my father died believing that after death a person returns to dust from which he came and that there is no afterlife. I found his comment interesting because he obviously believed God created us from the ground and yet he didn’t believe in Jesus or anything after this life. My goal in this study was to know if my father is currently in eternal fire or if he is unaware of anything until the Great White Throne Judgment.

MY FINAL CONCLUSION ON ETERNAL TORMENT AFTER COMPLETING THIS STUDY. Although I had never heard the term Traditionalism, that definition is what I believed before and after this study. I believed that the terms Hell, Sheol and Hades all refer to the same place. It is a place where the Spirit of the unsaved dead, no longer in their physical body, go upon death prior to the White Throne Judgment and their final destination in the Lake of Fire which is another form of Hell. I never considered what the difference between hell and the Lake of Fire was. I believed the Lake of Fire is eternal, produces conscious suffering for those thrown into it in the final judgment. I believed the bodies of those throw into the lake aren’t consumed by the fire so they feel the hot fire burning them forever.

Another way to explain my belief, after this study, is that I believe there is a place called Hell and a Lake of Fire. The lake burns the bodies and spirits of the unsaved in it forever and ever. The unsaved are those who choose not to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah who died for our sins. The spirit of the unsaved goes directly to hell upon their physical death where they await the resurrection of their bodies. There is torment and fire in hell. Once their body and spirit are reunited and they are judged by God, they will be thrown into the Lake of Fire, which is a Hell for the body and spirit and they will be there in the flames forever and ever.

Eternal Torment is real and I’m thankful I will not experience it. Throughout the bible God uses fire as a method of punishment to warn people that his final punishment will be extreme. In many verses the use of fire can certainly be metaphorical but in many it shows a picture of hell’s torment. I believe what the bible says and I’m thankful that God gives people a way not to experience his extreme judgment.

Physical death is not the end of existence, but only a change in the state of our existence. When we physically die, our spirit temporarily leaves our body. Physical death takes a person from our visible world to the invisible world. For the believer (those saved) it is entrance into eternity with God. For the non-believer (unsaved person) it is entrance into eternal torment.

The lake of fire is a term used in only a few verses near the end in the book of Revelation (Revelation 19:20; 20:10, 14, 15; 21:8). Jesus refers to Gehenna/hell several times (Matthew 10:28; Mark 9:43; Luke 12:5), as well as an “outer darkness” (Matthew 8:12; 22:13). These all seem to be different references to where no one should want to be. Hell, the lake of fire, and outer darkness are all terms describing the final destination of those who reject Christ.

This study was more difficult than I anticipated. There were several things I had to study and clarify before I could state my final beliefs.

1. Is a person’s soul and spirit the same? 2. Do the unsaved have an immortal body when they are resurrected? 3. Is there a place known as Hell/Sheol/Hades where the unsaved go directly after physical death? Are they in fire there? 4. Where do saved people go directly upon their physical death? 5. After Hell, at the final judgment, there is a Lake of Fire. Are the bodies and spirits of the unsaved burned here forever?

STUDY #1: Is a person’s soul and spirit the same? I still have difficulty in understanding the difference between our soul and spirit. I believe it is enough to understand that once our body physically dies, our soul and/or spirit leaves it. There is nothing in scripture that states that something different happens to our soul compared to what happens to our spirit. The bible seems to use the terms spirit and soul interchangeably to represent a person’s spiritual side as compared to the physical body. It is clear that our spirit leaves our body when we die because most of the New Testament verses use the word spirit. I don’t believe it is critical to this study to make a distinction between soul and spirit so I will refer to the spiritual part of us as spirit for the purpose of this study.

Jesus said we must be born again spiritually to enter the kingdom of God. 1 Peter states when we are born again we become imperishable, meaning immortal. Therefore the moment we are born again our body, soul and spirit are judged righteous. Both our spiritual and physical body is immortal; will have eternal life with God.

All verses regarding Jesus’ last words on the cross stated he yielded/committed his spirit to God. When Jesus told a dead child to get up, the verses states that it was her spirit that returned to her body.

In Acts, Luke wrote about Stephen being stoned. When he was near death he saw a vision of Jesus and asked him to receive his Spirit. James also uses the word spirit when he said the body without the spirit is dead. Matthew uses the term soul when he reminds us to be afraid of God who can destroy both our soul and body in hell. Paul uses both spirit and soul along with the word body to represent our entire being.

Although we see that physical bodies decay and nothing is left but bones, God will someday join our spirit with our body during the resurrection regardless of how it is disposed of upon death. This applies to the saved and unsaved.

Matthew 27:50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit (Strong’s 4151). Luke 8:53-55 They laughed at him, knowing she was dead. But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” Her spirit (Strong’s 4151) returned, and at once she stood up.

Luke 23:46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father into your hands I commit my spirit (Strong’s 4151).” Notes/Thoughts It is our Spirit that leaves the body after death. Commentary: His words, “Into your hands I commend My Spirit,” is the doctrine of immortality. Here Christ is teaching the world the survival of the spiritual part of man after his physical body has died. Death to Jesus was but a passage into the presence of God, not a cold unconscious condition. He knew all about life and death, and He left us with divine assurance that only the body dies. The spirit continues to exist in a conscious state.

John 3:3-7 3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” 4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’

Acts 2:26-27 Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; moreover my flesh also will rest in hope. 27 For you will not leave my soul (Strong’s 5590) in Hades (Strong’s 86) nor will you allow Your Holy One to see corruption. Thoughts/notes Luke was quoting Psalm 16:10 where in the Greek the word soul was used. The verse reads: For you will not leave my soul (Strong’s 5315) in Sheol nor will you allow your Holy One to see corruption (destruction). The word soul seems to be used when speaking of the spiritual part of us as well as our physical body. The Hebrew word for soul is defined as: a soul, living being, life, self, person.

Acts 7:54-55, 59-60 54 When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive (Strong’s 1209) my spirit. (Strong’s 4151)” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (Written by Paul) And now may the God of peace Himself sanctify (Strong’s 37) you entirely (Strong’s 3648); and may your spirit (Strong’s 4151) soul (Strong’s 5590) and body be preserved complete (Strong’s 3651) without blame (Strong’s 274) at the coming of our Lord (Strong’s 2962) Jesus Christ. Notes/Thoughts: Paul indicates we have a body, soul, and spirit. Paul is saying we as a person are made up of our body, soul and spirit and he is praying that God will sanctify every part of us. Commentary:  The threefold nature of man might be illustrated in several ways. Dr. Clarence Larkin uses three circles. The outer circle stands for the body of man, the middle circle for the soul, and the inner for the spirit. In the outer circle the ‘Body’ is shown as touching the Material world through the five senses of ‘Sight,’ ‘Smell,’ ‘Hearing,’ ‘Taste’ and ‘Touch.’ The Gates to the ‘Soul’ are ‘Imagination,’ ‘Conscience,’ ‘Memory,’ ‘Reason’ and the ‘Affections.’ The “Spirit” receives impressions of outward and material things through the soul. The spiritual faculties of the ‘Spirit’ are ‘Faith,’ ‘Hope,’ ‘Reverence,’ ‘Prayer’ and ‘Worship.’  Body, soul, and spirit. Paul’s description of a person isn’t to define the parts of man, but instead, speak about the whole of man.  With our “spirit” (pneuma) we touch, see, serve, and worship God. It is the very inmost consciousness of the man; it is the part of him which survives death. The “soul” (psyche) includes the intellect, the affections, and the will.  All three, spirit, soul, and body, each in its due place, constitute man "entire."  By spirit we mean his superior faculties, as the mind, conscience, rational will. By soul, his sensitive appetite, with the affections and passions. By body, the outward man, the tabernacle and instrument of the soul.

Hebrews 4:12 (Undesignated writer) For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul (Strong’s 5590) and spirit (Strong’s 4151), and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Thoughts/Notes: The writer uses two words to represent our physical body and two words to represent our spiritual part. Since joints and marrow make up the body, then soul and spirit can be assumed to make up our spiritual part.

James 2:26 As the body without the spirit (Strong’s 4151) is dead… Thoughts/notes At the point of death, the spirit of a person leaves the body.

1 Peter 1:23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. STUDY #2: Do the unsaved have an immortal body when they are resurrected? Yes, the body of an unsaved person is resurrected to be immortal (to eternally exist). God would have no reason to resurrect a body, if it wasn’t going to end up in the lake of fire for all eternity.

Matthew, John and Luke state that resurrection will happen to the bodies of the saved and unsaved. John 5:28-29 states that those who are saved go into life and those who are unsaved to judgment/condemnation. Even the Old Testament book of Daniel indicates that two destinations await people, one is everlasting life and the other is everlasting contempt. I know that the unsaved resurrected bodies will be in fire because Matthew say we should fear God who can destroy both our soul and body in hell.

It seems clear in the bible that our spirit never dies. Here, on earth, it is only our physical body which dies and is buried but will be resurrected. At the resurrection the spirit of both the saved and unsaved are reunited with their bodies.

I initially felt that if the unsaved don’t have an immortal body then they couldn’t experience burning in the Lake of Fire forever because a body could be burned up the same as someone’s body here on earth would burn and become ashes. I forgot to consider that a mortal body on earth and an immortal body, after physical death, can be very different. However, the bible is clear; the body and spirit of an unsaved person will be thrown into the Lake of Fire and will experience eternal punishment.

Backup Verses Matthew 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul (Strong’s 5590). But rather fear Him who is able to destroy (Strong’s 622) both soul (Strong’s 5590) and body (Strong’s 4983) in hell (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 1067). Notes/Thoughts: This verses indicates that unsaved bodies are resurrected and reunited with their soul and then destroyed in hell. The word destroy means to perish or kill.

John 5:28-29 Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned (judgment). Notes/Thoughts: Why would God bother to resurrect unsaved bodies if they didn’t become immortal? He wouldn’t.

Acts 24:15 (Luke is writer) I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. Romans 2:6-9 (Paul is writer) 6 who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: 7 eternal (Strong’s 166) life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality (Strong’s 861); 8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation (Strong’s 2372) and wrath (Strong’s 3709) , 9 tribulation (Strong’s 2347) and anguish (Strong’s 4730), on every soul (Strong’s 5590) of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; Thoughts/Notes: Paul states that God will punish the soul of the unsaved. Per Strong the use of the word soul here is a Periphrasis which is a roundabout explanation of something. Therefore Paul is using the word soul to mean a person.

Revelation 2:11 (written by John) “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death (Strong’s 2288). Thoughts/Notes: The second death is when all those who haven’t yet died and all those who had previously died and are in hell will face God’s final judgment. This judgment is the second death; it is in the Lake of Fire. Commentary: The second death is eternal separation from God in the lake of fire. The second death refers to eternal punishment, the lake of fire, which only the faithful overcomer will escape.

Revelation 19:20 The beast was taken and with him the false prophet who performed the signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone.

Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. Thoughts/Notes The spirits that are part of the first resurrection are united with their physical body which becomes immortal and they don’t fear the second death. If this logic is correct, then during the first resurrection only believers are resurrected; unbeliever’s bodies are not united with their spirit until the time of the second death which is when they are judged by God and thrown into the Lake of Fire. Also see Rev. 21:8 and notes on Revelation 2:11

Revelation 20:10 And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Revelation 20:14-15 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Thoughts/Notes There will be no more need for Hades. Hades and everyone in it experience the second death of being thrown into the Lake of Fire.

Revelation 21:8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

Daniel 12:2 And many (Strong’s 7227) of them that sleep (Strong’s 3463) in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting (Strong’s 5769) contempt (Strong’s 1860). Thoughts/Notes: The verse doesn’t speak of everlasting torment by fire but used the word “contempt” which also means abhorring. This verse does indicate that a soul’s condition is everlasting. The Hebrew word for “contempt” was only used twice in the bible. The second time in Isaiah 66:24 where it is translated abhorrent meaning to regard with disgust and hatred. Commentary:  This is a reference to the resurrection of both righteous and the wicked, although the eternal fates of each will be quite different.  This reveals that there are two, destinies for all humankind. Notice that the same adjective (“everlasting” or “eternal”) is used to modify both “life” and “punishment/contempt.” What is true about one (life) must be true about the other (punishment), that both are eternal and last forever. STUDY #3: Is there a place known as Hell/Sheol/Hades where unsaved go directly after physical death? Are they in Fire there? Yes, Hell/Hades is a spiritual place containing fire. The English words Hell and Hades, as used in the New Testament, refer to a place of eternal punishment for the wicked. Its meaning does not distinguish between the two separate places for the wicked to be punished; one temporary for the spirit in Hell, and the other, the Lake of Fire, permanent for the spirit and body.

The word Sheol is only found in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). God allowed Jesus’ spirit to experience Hell on our behalf because Psalm 16:9-11 states that God didn’t leave his soul in Sheol and that God also didn’t allow his physical dead body to decay in the ground.

God placed rebellious/evil angels in hell and he places the spirits of people in hell upon physical death to await the Day of Judgment. 2 Peter 2:4 & 9 states God cast angels and the spirits of the unsaved in Hell where they are tormented while waiting for the Day of Judgment. The unsaved are not in a state of unconsciousness in the grave waiting for the resurrection. Hell will be a reality for the spirit of every unsaved person the moment they die.

Luke 16 indicates that the unsaved go directly to Hades/Hell after their physical death. Here Jesus teaches that there is a place of eternal punishment called Hades/Hell for those condemned before God. He presents the parable of the beggar (righteous man) and the rich man (sinner) which indicates there is a conscious existence after death, the reality and torment of hell in flames, and that there is no second chance for salvation after death.

God seems to have two sides. Although he is very loving, he severely punishes those he chooses. God punishes angels and people using extreme measures such as burning up entire cities and destroying people with a flood per 2 Peter 2:4-10. Verses like this are meant as warnings to us.

Rev 20:13-14 indicates that the spirits of the unsaved dead are currently in Hell; it reads that at the White Throne Judgment, Death and Hades/Hell (word used depends upon the bible translation) delivered up the dead who were in them to be judged, and then cast into the Lake of Fire. The Lake of Fire will be the eternal destiny of the unsaved. (See STUDY #5 for Lake of Fire.) Only John uses the phrase “lake of fire” so I thought it might be his term for Hell except that in verse14 he states that hell was cast into the lake of fire.

The New Testament uses the terms “eternal,” “everlasting,” “forever” and “forever and ever” to express the endless duration of Hell. This statement could only be correct because hell will be tossed into the lake of fire and there it will be forever. The following paragraph is the only way I can understand the difference between the punishment of Hell and the punishment of The Lake of Fire. Both the Lake of Fire and Hell contains fire. Immediately upon physical death an unsaved person’s spirit goes to Hell which is the place of fire for spirits. They remain in Hell fire until the resurrection of the unsaved occurs. At the resurrection, their spirit enters into their body. They are then judged by God to be unrighteous and thrown into the Lake of Fire where their body and spirit is burned for ever and ever.

Eternal punishment in fire is as much a truth in God’s Word as is the eternal life for the righteous. Jesus states that the unrighteous will go into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal” (Matthew 25:46). The life of the righteous is everlasting, and the punishment of the unrighteous everlasting. The Bible says that salvation is eternal. But it also says that the fire of Hell is eternal and everlasting (Matthew 18:8; Jude 7); and the torment is forever and ever (Revelation 20:10). The punishment of the wicked and the life of the righteous are for equal duration, “forever and ever.”

Some think Jesus was using a metaphor in Matthew 5 & 10 and Luke 12, nevertheless he is warning that a person’s soul and body can be thrown into hell. In Matthew 18 and Mark 9, Jesus states that hell is everlasting fire. In Mark 9 Jesus warns of hell fire and states the fire is never quenched. Jesus also combines the terms condemnation and hell together. Luke 12 repeats Matthew’s verses that warns us to fear God because he can throw a person into hell fire.

Backup Verses Matthew 5:29-30 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. (Strong’s 1067) 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish (Strong’s #622), than for your whole body to be cast into hell (Strong’s 1067). Notes/Thoughts: Jesus suggests we stop sinning; it is sin that sends a person to hell. The bigger point is Jesus confirms Hell is real.

Matthew 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul (Strong’s 5590). But rather fear Him who is able to destroy (Strong’s 622) both soul and body in hell (Strong’s 1067). Notes/Thoughts: This verse tell me to fear God because he can destroy both my body and soul in hell. Here Matthew says people are “destroyed” in hell. The use of “destroyed” is just another adjective Matthew uses to indicate the torment of fire in hell as he plainly says Matthew 18:8-9. Commentary:  The bible teaches that one’s existence does not end at death but continues on forever, either in the presence of God or in a place of punishment.  Jesus teaches that there is a place of eternal punishment for those condemned before God. It is the terrifying reality of continuous punishment, the place of a fire that never goes out, of eternal fire, of weeping and gnashing of teeth, of binding and darkness, and of torment and agony and separation from God.

Matthew 5:22 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the hell fire.

Matthew 23:33-34 Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation (KJV = damnation) (Strong’s 2920) of hell (Strong’s 1067)? 34 Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, Notes/Thoughts: Jesus confirms that hell is the place where people will experience God’s condemnation, which is also translated as damnation or judgment. Fire is not used here but in other verses Matthew uses this it.

Matthew 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting (Strong’s 166) punishment (Strong’s #2851): but the righteous into life eternal. Commentary:  The Greek term, aionios (Strong’s 166 everlasting), describes the unending nature of the punishment of those who are lost.  The bible indicate that hell exists as a place of conscious, eternal punishment. In two parables concerning judgment at the end of the age, Jesus uses words like “outer darkness,” “weeping and gnashing of teeth,” “everlasting fire” and “everlasting punishment. Everlasting punishment, contrasts with eternal life, indicating that both destinies are eternal. Punishment apart from God is just as everlasting as life in the presence of God.  Some people say that a God of love could never punish people forever. They teach that the wicked are destroyed and cease to exist. But this verse says that hell’s punishment is eternal in the same way that life is eternal.  In the Daniel 12:2 and Matthew the same adjective “everlasting” or “eternal” is used to describe both “eternal life” and “punishment/contempt.” What is true about life must be true about punishment, that both are eternal and last forever.

 RSB: (The writers of the Restoration Study Bible don’t believe Hell is eternal) Punishment from Greek kolazo means to curtail. Everlasting punishment in the Greek shows a lopping off or cutting off of the wicked, not an endless agony of horrors in hellfire. Punishment is a condition of being punished, not an active infliction.

 The Greek word for punishment is defined as correction, punishment, penalty, torment.  Eternal punishment takes place in hell (the lake of fire, or Gehenna), the place of punishment after death for all those who refuse to repent. In the Bible, three words are used in connection with eternal punishment. 1. Sheol, or “the grave,” is used in the Old Testament to mean the place of the dead, generally thought to be under the earth. 2. Hades is the Greek word for the underworld, the realm of the dead. It is the word used in the New Testament for Sheol. 3. Gehenna, or hell was named after the Valley of Hinnom near Jerusalem where children were sacrificed by fire to the pagan gods. This is the place of eternal fire prepared for the devil, his angels, and all those who do not believe in God. This is the final and eternal state of the wicked after the resurrection and the last judgment.

Mark 9:43, 45, 47, 48 43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell (Strong’s 1067) into the fire (Strong’s 4442) that shall never be quenched (Strong’s 762). 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast into hell (Strong’s 1067), into the fire (Strong’s 4442) that shall never be quenched (Strong’s 762). 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell (Strong’s 1067) fire (Strong’s 4442) 48 where ‘Their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched (Strong’s 4570). Notes/Thoughts: Mark repeats statements Jesus made in his sermon on the mount that Matthew also wrote about. Mark includes Jesus warnings of hell fire that is never extinguished. Commentary: Jesus used startling language to stress the importance of cutting sin out of our life. Jesus pictures the serious and eternal consequences of sin being hell fire. Luke 12:4-5 And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell (Strong’s 1067); yes, I say to you, fear Him! Notes/Thoughts: Luke repeats Matthew’s warning telling us to fear God not humans. See Matthew 10:28 notes above.

Luke 16:22-24, 26 So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom (his side). The rich man also died and was buried. 23 And being in torments (Strong’s 931) in Hades (Strong’s 86) (KJV = Hell), he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 “Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame (Strong’s 5395).’ 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us. Notes/Thoughts: For me the analogy/parable in Luke 16 makes three important points:  The unsaved go directly to Hell after their physical death.  Hell is a place of torment and agony in the form of flames.  After death, your final destination can’t be changed. Commentary:  The story in Luke is probably an “allegory”. An allegory is a story, picture, in which the characters and events represent particular moral, religious, or political qualities or ideas. The bible presents truth by way of contrast.  "Bosom of Abraham" refers to the place of comfort in the Biblical Sheol (or Hades in the Greek Septuagint version of the Hebrew Scriptures from around 200 BC, and therefore so described in the New Testament where the righteous dead await Judgment Day. (Me: I believe we are with God directly after physical death)  Wikipedia: Other early Jewish works adapt the Greek mythical picture of Hades to identify the righteous dead as being separated from unrighteous in the fires by a river or chasm.

 In Hades/Hell the abode of the unsaved dead between death and judgment at the great white throne.  RSB: The parable teaches that there is no chance of repentance after death. Abraham has died and is still awaiting the resurrection. Both men, the Pharisee and Lazarus, end up like Abraham in the same resting place of the grave, NOT heaven. (I don’t agree) The word torment signifies the lowest part of the grave. (The verse says he is in Hell/Hades) With no chance of eternal life, the Pharisee is in anguish, and asks for just a finger-tip of water for his dry tongue, not gallons of water as if in hellfire. (I don’t agree since the verse states “he is tormented in this flame”.) He is in hell which from the Greek is hades, meaning the grave. (True, but Jesus also said it is a place with eternal fire.) Jesus reminds us that no man has ascended to heaven but Himself. (That’s not what Luke 23:43 says: Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise”. Also 2 Corinthians, “absent from the body, present with the Lord”.)  Answersfromthebook.net The Greek word for hell in verse 23 is ‘hades’ which means “the state of departed souls.” It is not a place but is the condition of a person’s soul after their body dies. Just as physical death is a condition of a person’s body when their earthly life is over, so hades is the condition of their soul. We are not told in the Scriptures exactly where unsaved souls are located before the Great White Throne judgment. (ME: 2 Peter 2:4 & 9 indicates that angels and people ARE placed in Hell and held until the day of judgment.) We only know that it is impossible for souls in torment to get into heaven or souls in heaven to go to the tormented souls (verse 26). We know that saved souls are in heaven when they die since the Lord told the repentant thief on the cross, “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). The Lord and the thief died that day and so they were in heaven together the moment that they died.

Acts 2:27 27 For you will not leave my soul in Hades (Strong’s 86) (KJV = Hell), nor will you allow Your Holy One to see corruption. Commentary: See notes with Psalm 16:9-11 below

2 Peter 2:4-10 For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell/Tartarus (Strong’s 5020) and delivered them into chains of darkness (Strong’s 2217), to be reserved for judgment (Strong’s 2920); 5 and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly; 6 and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes (Strong’s 5077), condemned them to destruction (Strong’s 684), making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; 7 and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked 8 (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)— 9 then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve (watch, keep, detain) the unjust under punishment (Strong’s 2849) for the day of judgment (Strong’s 2920), 10 and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. Notes/Thoughts: Per 2 Peter God placed angels in hell and he places people in hell to await the Day of Judgment so they aren’t in a state of unconsciousness in the grave waiting with their bodies for the resurrection. God, although he is loving, undoubtedly punishes not only angels but people using extreme measures such as burning up entire cities and destroying people with a flood. Peter is warning that false teachers can turn us away from God and because of their teachings they will be punished and if we believe them, so can we. Angels, who sin against God, will also be judged and punished by God in the same way people will be. God seems to have two sides. Although he is very loving, he severely punishes those he chooses. He will judge and punish those who don’t live godly lives. For living people his punishment was destruction, meaning loss of life thru flood or fire. These example caused people to physically die and then their souls will experience eternal punishment. Commentary:  Jude speaks about the same rebellion as Peter and Genesis. Sometime during the times of Noah, angels “left their own habitation” and went after “strange flesh”, after the daughters of men. The result? They are now “reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day.”  If God will punish angels, surely he will punish false teachers and unbelievers/unrighteous.  The punishment commences at the point of death. The narrative concerning the rich man and Lazarus is clear evidence of this (Luke 16:19).  RSB Commentary – According to Thayer’s Greek lexicon, Tartaros is the name of the subterranean region, miserable and dark, regarded by the ancient Greeks as the abode of the wicked dead, where they suffer punishment for their evil deeds; it equates to Gehenna of the Jews.  The rescues of Noah and Lot demonstrate the fact that God preserves committed believers in the midst of evil circumstances, while the destruction of evildoers demonstrates God’s punishment, to be pronounced in finality at the day of final judgment.  Some people would have us believe that God will save all people because he is so loving. But it is foolish to think that he will cancel the last judgment. These three examples should warn us clearly that God judge’s sin and that unrepentant sinners cannot escape.

Jude 7 7 Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, since they in the same way as these indulged in gross immorality and went after strange flesh, are exhibited as an example in undergoing the punishment of eternal fire.

Revelation 20:13 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Notes/Thoughts: Prior to the second death, the lake of fire, the bodies of unbelievers are resurrected and reunited with their spirits which were previously in hell. Psalm 16:10 10 For you will not leave my soul (Strong’s 5315) in Sheol (Strong’s 7585), nor will you allow Your Holy One to see corruption. (Strong’s #7845.) Notes/Thoughts: This is often called a Messianic psalm, because it is quoted in the New Testament as referring to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Both Peter and Paul quoted from this psalm when speaking of Christ’s bodily resurrection. Just prior to his physical death, when Jesus spoke to God and said, “unto you I commit my spirit” God must have allowed his spirit to experience Hell because this verse expressed joy that God didn’t leave him there and that God also didn’t allow his dead body to decay in the ground.

STUDY #4: Where do saved/righteous people go directly upon their physical death? The spirit of believers in Jesus as the Messiah, go directly to heaven upon death.

Luke, Paul and John wrote about where the saved went after their physical death. Jesus’ parable, in Luke 16 said a poor man, who was righteous, upon death was taken to the side of Abraham. Abraham’s bosom is a reference to death and to a Jew, being with Abraham was to be in an honored place in Paradise.

When Jesus was on the cross he told a man on a cross beside him that today he would be with him in paradise. I believe Jesus not only died for me but went to Hell before he was resurrected. The only way the man on the cross beside Jesus could be in paradise with him that day was because Jesus and God are one.

In Acts, Luke wrote about Stephen being stoned. When he was near death he saw a vision of Jesus and asked him to receive his Spirit. This sounds like Stephen expected to be with Jesus in heaven immediately upon death.

John says he saw the soul of the saints underneath the alar in Revelation 6:9 therefore since the second coming hadn’t occurred, this indicate that upon physical death, the saved spirits go to Heaven. Paul makes the statement, “absent from the body, and to be present (at home) (Strong’s 1736) with the Lord in 2 Corinthians 5:8. This could be a simple comparison between living in our physical body or living in eternity with God but it sounds more like Paul believed upon death he would be immediately in heaven.

1 Thessalonians 4:14 states that God/Elohim will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep (Strong’s 2837) in Jesus at the resurrection. This seems clear that if our physical body is in the ground then God must be bring from heaven our spirit so he can reunite us with our new immortal resurrected body.

In Luke 8:55 Jesus tells a dead girl to get up and her spirit returned to her body. This again confirms that when a person dies their spirit leaves their body because her spirit returned to her body when Jesus told her to arise. Backup Verses: Luke 8:49-55 While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, “Your daughter is dead (Strong’s 2348). Do not trouble the Teacher.” 50 But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.” 51 When He came … 52 Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, “Do not weep; she is not dead (Strong’s 599), but sleeping.” (Strong’s 2518) 53 And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead (Strong’s 599). 54 But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Little girl, arise.” 55 Then her spirit (Strong’s 4151) returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat. Notes/Thoughts: Verse 55 confirms that when a person dies their spirit leaves the body because her spirit returned to her body when Jesus told her to arise. Commentary: Jesus compares death to sleep.

Luke 16:22-23 So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom (his side). The rich man also died and was buried. 23 And being in torments (Strong’s 931) in Hades (Strong’s 86) (KJV = Hell), he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

Luke 23:43 Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise (Strong’s 3857”.

Acts 7:54-55, 59-60 54 When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive (Strong’s 1209) my spirit. (Strong’s 4151)” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. Notes/Thoughts: Our spirit leaves our body upon physical death and we go immediately to heaven. Commentary:  Receive my spirit - That is, receive it to thyself; take it to your home in heaven.  The spirit of man does not sleep and it doesn’t die with the body, but remains after death. It is in Jesus care immediately upon its separation from the body.  Stephen evidently did not expect that the grave would absorb his spirit into a state of unconscious sleep until the final consummation; or that hell was to swallow him for a time in its fiery bosom. His faith aspired directly to the arms of Christ, and to that blessed world where His glorified humanity now dwells. 2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present (Strong’s 1736) (at home) with the Lord. Notes/Thoughts: The word translated “present” is defined by Strong’s as “at home”. Commentary:  Barnes Notes: This also proves that the spirits of the saints, when they depart, are with the Redeemer; that is, are at once taken to heaven. It demonstrates:  They do not sleep, and remain in an unconscious state.  They are not in some intermediate state, either in a state of purgatory, or a state where all the spirits of the just and the unjust are assembled in a common abode.  They dwell with Christ; they are with the Lord.  This is the same idea the Savior expressed to the dying thief, when he said, "today shalt thou be with me in paradise;"  Gill's Exposition: to be absent from the body; that is, to die, to depart out of this world. The interval between death, and the resurrection, is a state of absence from the body, during which time the spirit is disembodied, and exists in a separate state; not in a state of inactivity and sleep, enjoying the presence of God, and praising of him, believing and waiting for the resurrection of the body, when both will be united together again; and after that there will be no more absence, neither from the body, nor from the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep (Strong’s 2837), so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God/Elohim will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep (Strong’s 2837) in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep (Strong’s 2837). 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Notes/Thoughts: The Hebrew word which is translated sleep can also be translated as dead. If you believe in soul sleep then this verse sounds like a body and spirit remain in the grave until the resurrection. However, if you read verse 14 it states that at the time of the resurrection, God brings with Him those who have fallen asleep. God brings our spirit with him from heaven so our resurrected immoral body can be reunited with our spirit. Commentary:  Asleep is a euphemism for death. Paul is making the point that for a believer, death is as temporary as a good night’s sleep.  Fallen asleep refers to believers who had died and whose souls are in heaven; it doesn’t not mean that the dead are unconscious in a sort of soul-sleep. The Thessalonians did not understand how the resurrection of Christians who had already died related to the catching up of living Christians at Christ’s coming so it was being explained. This is often called the rapture.  For the Christian, sleep is a particularly apt metaphor for death, since deaths finality and horror are removed by the assurance of resurrection.  The body, not the spirit, of the believer who dies is said to sleep during the time between death and resurrection.

Revelation 6:9 And when he broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained.

STUDY #5: After Hell, at the final judgment, there is a Lake of Fire. Are the bodies and spirits of the unsaved burned in it forever? Yes, the unsaved, unrighteous will feel the burning fire for all eternity. Jesus referred to eternal fire as being in Hell. John is the only one who used the term Lake of Fire. Regardless of the name assigned to the fire, Hell or The Lake of Fire, it burns forever with the body and spirits of the unsaved.

Rev 20:13-14 indicates that the spirits of the unsaved dead are currently in Hell; it reads that at the White Throne Judgment, Death (bodies in a grave) and Hades (Spirits in Hell) will give over the dead who are in them to be judged, and then Death and Hades/Hell are thrown into the Lake of Fire. The Lake of Fire will be the eternal destiny of the unsaved.

Only John uses the phrase “lake of fire” so I thought it might be his term for Hell except that in Rev 20:14 he states that hell was cast into the lake of fire. Note: John doesn’t speak about hell or the lake of fire in any of his other writings (John, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John)

The English word "Hell" refers to a place of eternal punishment for the wicked. Its meaning does not distinguish between the two separate places for the wicked to be punished, one temporary for the spirit, and the other, the Lake of Fire, permanent for the spirit and body.

Both the Lake of Fire and Hell contains fire. Immediately upon physical death an unsaved person’s spirit goes to Hell which is the place of fire for spirits. They remain in Hell fire until the resurrection of the unsaved occurs. At the resurrection, their spirit enters into their body. They are then judged by God to be unrighteous and thrown into the Lake of Fire where they are tormented in fire forever and ever. Backup Verses: Matthew 13:40-42, 49-50 Therefore as the tares (the lawless) are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, 42 and will cast them into the furnace (Strong’s G2575) of fire. There will be weeping (or wailing) and gnashing of teeth. 49 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, 50 and cast them into the furnace (Strong’s G2575) of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” Thoughts/Notes: There is no other meaning in the Greek for furnace of fire. Commentary:  Jesus often uses “weeping or wailing and gnashing of teeth” to refer to the coming judgment. The weeping indicates sorrow or remorse, and gnashing of teeth shows extreme anxiety or pain.

 The lawless unbelievers are destined to experience the fires of hell, where they will live in eternal misery.  In the Hebrew bible the expression “to gnash with the teeth” most often represents rage or hatred. In the New Testament this idiom expresses disappointment and agony of spirit rather than anger.

Matthew 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting (Strong’s 166) punishment (Strong’s #2851): but the righteous into life eternal. Commentary:  When Jesus warns against unbelief, he is trying to save us from agonizing punishment.

 The Greek term, aionios (Strong’s 166 everlasting), indicates the unending nature of the punishment of those who are lost, as well as the “life” of those who are redeemed.  The bible indicate that hell exists as a place of conscious, eternal punishment. In two parables concerning judgment at the end of the age, Jesus uses words like “outer darkness,” “weeping and gnashing of teeth,” “everlasting fire” and “everlasting punishment. Everlasting punishment, contrasts with eternal life, indicating that both destinies are eternal. Punishment apart from God is just as everlasting as life in the presence of God.  Some people say that a God of love could never punish people forever. They teach that the wicked are destroyed and cease to exist. But his verse says that hell’s punishment is eternal in the same way that life is eternal.  Notice in the Daniel 12:2 and Matthew the same adjective (“everlasting” or “eternal”) is used to modify both “life” and “punishment/contempt.” What is true about one (life) must be true about the other (punishment) that both are eternal and last forever. Due to our being born in sin and trespasses, we are under the just condemnation of God for our sin.  RSB: punishment – from Greek kolazo; to curtail. Everlasting punishment in the Greek shows a lopping off or cutting off of the wicked, not an endless agony of horrors in hellfire. Punishment is a condition of being punished, not an active infliction. Destruction is everlasting.  The Greek word for punishment is defined as correction, punishment, penalty, torment.  Eternal punishment takes place in hell (the lake of fire, or Gehenna), the place of punishment after death for all those who refuse to repent. In the Bible, three words are used in connection with eternal punishment: 1. Sheol, or “the grave,” is used in the Old Testament to mean the place of the dead, generally thought to be under the earth. 2. Hades is the Greek word for the underworld, the realm of the dead. It is the word used in the New Testament for Sheol. 3. Gehenna, or hell was named after the Valley of Hinnom near Jerusalem where children were sacrificed by fire to the pagan gods. This is the place of eternal fire prepared for the devil, his angels, and all those who do not believe in God. This is the final and eternal state of the wicked after the resurrection and the last judgment.

2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 (Paul is writer) When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction (Strong’s 3639) from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power. Commentary:  Ryrie Study bible… Everlasting Destruction = Not annihilation, but ruin by reason of separation from the presence of the Lord.  Strong’s 3639 defines destruction as to destroy (a prolonged form), ruin, death, punishment.  Clearly eternal punishment of the wicked. The bible teaches that one’s existence does not end at death but continues on forever, either in the presence of God or in a place of punishment.  Commentary from http://answersfromthebook.net It is called an everlasting fire and it is also called everlasting destruction. Those in the lake of fire will be eternally judged. They will not burn up and be no more.

Jude 1:7 In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the vengeance (Strong’s 1349) of eternal (Strong’s 166) fire (Strong’s 4442). Commentary:  Jude reminds his readers that God consistently punishes those who rebel against him. He used an example of Sodom and Gomorrah being burned by brimstone and fire.  Sodom and Gomorrah… destroyed by fire is another warning of what awaits the unsaved. Their punishment is irreversible even as was that of Sodom and Gomorrah, a paradigm (example) of God’s judgment.  Many people don’t want to believe that God sentences people to eternal fire for rejecting him. Sinners who don’t seek forgiveness from God will face eternal fire whether they believe in it or not.  RSB: Eternal fire – refers both to its ability to continue burning in the presence of sufficient fuel, as well as its lasting effects. An example is Jeremiah 17:27 where the fire would not be quenched before it could burn everything. This was fulfilled in Jeremiah 52:13 by Nebuchadnezzar. The fire in the plains of Sodom is not still burning today, showing that eternal fire does not mean an everlasting blaze. But the result of the fire/blaze unleashed because of their sin is an eternal witness against those cities and all who practice their sins.

Revelation 2:11 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death (Strong’s 2288). Thoughts/Notes: The first death is physical. Those who are believers begin their eternal life with God, those that aren’t believers will be in hell awaiting judgment by God at the second death which is when all those who haven’t yet died and all those who had previously died and where in hell will face God who will determine whether they will have eternal life with Him or be eternally dammed. Commentary: The second death = eternal separation from God in the lake of fire. The second death = refers to eternal punishment, the lake of fire, which only the faithful overcomer will escape.

Revelation 14:9-11 Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 2372), which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 928) with fire (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 4442) and brimstone (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 2303) in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 721). 11 And the smoke(KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 2586) of their torment (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 929) ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” Notes/Thoughts: This verse indicate torment with fire and brimstone in which they can never get away from. Revelation 20:4-6 4 I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life/lived (Strong’s 2198) and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 (The rest of the dead did not come to life (Strong’s 326 = to live again) until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. Thoughts/Notes: Believer’s spirits who had previously died, are in heaven with God. First Resurrection is of the bodies of the believers whose spirits are already in heaven with God. Second Resurrection occurs after the 1000 years are over. This is when the bodies of the unbelievers are reunited with their spirit and judged and thrown into the Lake of Fire. Also see note on Revelation 2:11

Revelation 20:10-15 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake (Strong’s 3041) of fire (Strong’s 4442) and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented (Strong’s 931) day and night forever and ever. Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake (Strong’s 3041) of fire (Strong’s 4442). This is the second death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake (Strong’s 3041) of fire (Strong’s 4442). Notes/Thoughts: Prior to the second death, the lake of fire, the bodies of unbelievers are resurrected and reunited with their spirit which was previously in hell. At this point they hear why they have been judged guilty and then are tossed into Lake of fire which is a place of torment that lasts forever, for not only people but the devil, beast, and false prophet (who is a person). The verses plainly state that the false prophet, which is a person, was to be tormented day and night forever and ever so it would seem reasonable that the people with their reunited body and spirit would also be tormented in the lake of fire forever. All who are dead will stand before God to be judged and if their name is not in The Book of Life they will be thrown into the Lake of Fire. Death and hades which refer to places are also tossed in the lake of fire because God is now creating a new Heaven and Earth were there will be no death, therefore no need for hades/hell. This could be literal or figurative, either way there is no longer a need for them. Commentary:  Death and Hades are thrown into the lake of fire. God’s judgment is finished. The lake of fire is the ultimate destination of everything wicked; Satan, the beast, the false prophet, the demons, death, hades, and all those whose names are not in the book of life.

 From http://answersfromthebook.net -The unsaved dead are brought to stand before God for judgment. Death and hades are cast into the lake of fire, which shows that hades was not already in the lake of fire. (Me: Hell wasn’t in the lake of fire, but it was still a place of fire.) All those who have not trusted in the Lord Jesus as their Savior will spend eternity in the lake of fire. How incredibly sad! The lake of fire was prepared for “the devil and his angels,” (Matthew 25:41), not for human beings. However, if you refuse the gift of salvation freely offered to you, then you have chosen your own awful destiny.

Psalm 16:9-11 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope. 10 For you will not leave my soul (Strong’s 5315) in Sheol (Strong’s 7585), nor will you allow Your Holy One to see corruption. (Strong’s #7845.) 11 You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Notes/Thoughts: This is often called a Messianic psalm, because it is quoted in the New Testament as referring to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Both Peter and Paul quoted from this psalm when speaking of Christ’s bodily resurrection (Acts 2:25-28, 31; Acts 13:35-37). Sheol refers to the domain of the dead. David expresses his faith that death will not separate him from God. Just prior to his physical death, when Jesus spoke to God and said, “unto you I commit my spirit”, God must have allowed his spirit to experience Hell because this verse expressed joy that God didn’t leave him there and that God also didn’t allow his dead body to decay in the ground.

Isaiah 14:11-13, 15 The Fall of Lucifer Your pomp is brought down to Sheol (Strong’s 7585), and the sound of your stringed instruments; the maggot is spread under you, and worms cover you.’ 12 “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, (Literally Day Star) son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! 13 For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven. 15 Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol (Strong’s 7585), to the lowest depths of the Pit (Strong’s 953). Notes/Thoughts: Old Testament and New both indicate that Satan will end up in the very lowest part Hell/Sheol. He will be there until he is tossed into the Lake of Fire. Revelation 21:8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Strong's and NAS Concordances

The Strong’s Bible Concordance is an index of every word in the King James Version (KJV), constructed by James Strong. Strong first published his Concordance in 1890, while professor of exegetical theology at Drew Theological Seminary.

The NAS Exhaustive Concordance uses the same word numbering system as Strong's Concordance. It was published in August 1997 by the Lockman Foundation, The Lockman Foundation was established in 1942 by F. Dewey Lockman. It is a nonprofit, interdenominational Christian ministry dedicated to the translation, publication, and distribution of literally accurate biblical translations including the New American Standard Bible (NASB) also known as the New American Standard Version. It also published the Amplified Bible.

Strong’s and NAS definitions for important words used in this study Strong’s #3 Abaddon Greek: Ἀβαδδών Transliteration = ‘Abaddōn Definition: of Hebrew origin (Strong’s 11); a destroying angel:—Abaddon or Apollyon. NAS: Abaddon, the angel of the abyss

Strong’s #12 Abyss Greek: ἄβυσσος Transliterated Word: abyssos Definition: depthless, i.e. (specially) (infernal) "abyss":—deep, (bottomless) pit. NAS: Deep, bottomless, pit

Strong’s #4730 Anguish Greek: στενοχωρία Transliterated Word: stenochōria Definition: narrowness of room, i.e. (figuratively) calamity:—anguish, distress. NAS: narrowness of space, figuratively difficulty

Strong’s #623 Apollyon Greek: Ἀπολλύων Transliteration = Apollyōn Definition: a destroyer (i.e. Satan) NAS: a destroyer, Apollyon, the angel of the abyss Strong’s #2518 Asleep Greek καθεύδω Transliterated Word = katheudō Definition: to lie down to rest, i.e. (by implication) to fall asleep (literally or figuratively):—(be a-)sleep. Inoffensively to be dead. NAS: to sleep

Strong’s #4983 Body Greek: σῶμα Transliteration = sōma Definition: the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively:—bodily, body, slave. NAS: a body

Strong’s #274 Blameless Greek: ἀμέμπτως Transliterated Word = amemptōs Definition: faultlessly:—blameless, unblamably. NAS: without blame, blamelessly

Strong’s #2303 Brimstone Greek: θεῖον Transliterated Word = theion Definition: sulphur. Equivalent to divine incense, because burning brimstone was regarded as having power to purify, and to ward off contagion NAS: brimstone

Strong’s # 3344 Burn (OT Hebrew) Transliteration = yaqad יָקַד :Hebrew Definition: to burn:—(be) burn(-ing), × from the hearth, kindle Cast them down to hell NAS: to be kindled, to burn

Strong’s #5020 Cast them down to hell Greek: ταρταρόω Transliteration = tartaroō Definition: the deepest abyss of Hades; to incarcerate in eternal torment:—cast down to hell. NAS: to cast into hell Strong’s #2217 Chains of Darkness Greek: ζόφος, ου, ὁxx Transliteration = zophos Definition: gloom (as shrouding like a cloud) -- blackness, darkness, mist, murkiness. NAS: deep gloom

Strong’s #3651 Completely Greek: ὁλοτελής Transliterated Word = holotelés Definition: perfect, complete in all respects; complete to the end, i.e. absolutely perfect:— wholly. NAS: entirely

Strong’s #2920 Condemnation/damnation Greek: κρίσις Transliteration = krisis Definition: decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law):—accusation, condemnation, damnation, judgment. NAS: a decision, judgment

Strong’s #1860 Contempt Transliterated Word = lə-ḏir-’ō-wn or dĕra'own לְדִרְא֥וֹן :Hebrew Definition: repulse, an object of aversion:—abhorring, contempt. NAS: aversion, abhorrence

Strong’s #7845 and #5356 Corruption (#7845) Transliteration = shachat שָֽׁחַת :Hebrew Definition: a pit (especially as a trap); figuratively, destruction -- corruption, destruction, ditch, grave, pit. NAS: A pit Corruption (#5356) Greek: φθορά Transliteration = phthora Definition: decay, i.e. ruin (spontaneous or inflicted, literally or figuratively):—corruption, destroy, perish. NAS: destruction, corruption Strong’s #2917 Damnation Greek: κρίμα Transliteration = krima Definition: a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime")):—avenge, condemned, condemnation, damnation, + go to law, judgment. NAS: a judgment

Strong’s #4655 Darkness Greek: σκότος Transliteration = skotos Definition: shadiness, i.e. obscurity (literally or figuratively):—darkness. NAS: Darkness

Strong’s #2348 & #599 Dead Greek: θνῄσκω & ἀποθνῄσκω Transliterated Word = thnēskō Definition: to die (literally or figuratively):—be dead, die. NAS: to die

Strong’s #2288 Death Greek: qavnatoß Transliterated Word = Thanatos Definition: from G2348; (properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively):—X deadly, (be…) death. NAS: deat

Strong’s #622 Destroy/Perish Greek: ἀπόλλυμι Transliteration = apollumi Definition: to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively -- destroy, die, lose, mar, perish. kill, destroy, lose, mid: I am perishing (the resultant death being viewed as certain). NAS: to destroy, destroy utterly

Strong’s #11 and #3639 Destruction (#11) (Transliteration = ‘abaddown (Hebrew: Abaddon אֲבַדּוֹן שְׁאֹ֗ול :Hebrew Definition: abstract, a perishing; concrete, Hades:—destruction. NAS: (place of) destruction or ruin, Abaddon Destruction (#3639) Greek: ὄλεθρος Transliteration = olethros Definition: to destroy (a prolonged form), ruin, ie: death, punishment. NAS: destruction, death

Strong’s #6083 Dust Transliteration = aphar עָפָר :Hebrew Definition: dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud: ashes, dust, earth, ground, mortar, powder, rubbish

Strong’s #3648 Entirely Greek: ὁλοτελής Transliterated Word = holotelēs Definition: complete to the end, i.e. absolutely perfect:—wholly. NAS: complete, entire

Strong’s #166 and 5769 Everlasting/Eternal (#166) Greek: αἰώνιος Transliteration = aiōnios Definition: perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well):—eternal, forever, everlasting, world (began). NAS: Age long, eternal, forever Everlasting (#5769) Transliteration = `owlam עוֹלָם :Hebrew Definition: everlasting, evermore, of old, lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world (+ without end) NAS: long duration, antiquity, futurity

Strong’s #4442 Fire Greek: πῦρ Transliteration = pyr Definition: the heat of the sun, lightning; fig: strife, trials; the eternal fire. fiery, fire. A primary word; "fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning):—fiery, fire. NAS: Fire

Strong’s #5395 Flame Greek: φλόξ Transliteration = phlox Definition: to burn, a flame, blaze, flash, flaming NAS: a flame Strong’s #1320 Flesh Transliteration = basar בָּשָׂר :Hebrew Definition: flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man:—body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, mankind, nakedness, self, skin.

Strong’s # 784 For a Fire (OT Hebrew) Transliteration = esh אֵשׁ :Hebrew Definition: fire (literally or figuratively):—burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. NAS: A fire

Strong’s #2575 Furnace Greek: κάμινος Transliterated Word = kaminos Definition: a furnace NAS: furnace

Strong’s #86 Hades (used interchangeably with Hell in NKJ) Greek: ᾅδης Transliterated Word = hadēs Definition: properly, unseen, i.e. "Hades" or the place (state) of departed souls: grave, hell. NAS: Hades, the abode of departed spirits

Strong’s #1067 Hell Greek: γέεννα Transliterated Word = geenna Definition: Gehenna, and originally the name of a valley or cavity near Jerusalem, a place underneath the earth, a place of punishment for evil. NAS: Gehenna, a valley West and South of Jerusalem, also a symbolic name for the final place of punishment of the ungodly

Strong’s #861 Immortality / Incorruption Hebrew: ἀφθαρσία Transliteration = aphtharsia Definition: incorruptibility; genitive, unending existence; (figuratively) genuineness:— immortality, incorruption, sincerity. Indestructibility, incorruptibility; hence: immortality. NAS: incorruptibility Strong’s # 2372 Indignation Greek: θυμός Transliteration = thymos Definition: passion (as if breathing hard):—fierceness, indignation, wrath. NAS: passion. Greek word translated into English as angry tempers (1), fierce (2), indignation (1), outbursts of anger (1), passion (2), rage (2), wrath (9).

Strong’s #4570 Is Not Quenched Greek: σβέννυμι Transliteration = sbennymi Definition: to extinguish (literally or figuratively):—go out, quench. NAS: Quench

Strong’s #2920 Judgment – see Condemnation/Damnation

Strong’s #2807 Keys Greek: κλείς Transliterated Word = kleis Definition: a key (as shutting a lock), literally or figuratively:—key. (Since the keeper of the keys has the power to open and to shut, is figuratively used in the N. T. to denote power and authority of various kinds. To open or unlock the pit, the power to bring back into life from Hades and to leave there, to receive into the Messiah's kingdom and of excluding from it.) NAS: a key

Strong’s #2222 Life Greek: ζωή Transliterated Word = zōē Definition: life (literally or figuratively):—life(-time). Universally, life, i. e. the state of one who is possessed of vitality or is animate NAS: alive, life, living

Strong’s # 326 Live Hebrews: ἀναζάω Transliterated Word = anazaō Definition: from G303 and G2198; to recover life (literally or figuratively):—(be a-)live again, revive. Strong’s # 2198 Lived Hebrew: ζάω Transliterated Word = zaō Definition: a primary verb; to live (literally or figuratively):—life(-time), (a-)live(-ly), quick. NAS:

Strong’s #2962 Lord Greek: κύριος Transliterated Word = kurios Definition: supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title):—God, Lord, master, Sir. NAS: lord, master

Strong’s #2349 Mortality / Mortal Greek: θνητός Transliteration = thnētos Definition: liable to die:—mortal, mortality. Subject to death, actually dead NAS:

Strong’s #762 Never be Quenched Greek: ἄσβεστος Transliteration = asbestos Definition: not extinguished, i.e. (by implication) perpetual -- not to be quenched, unquenchable. NAS: unquenched, unquenchable

Strong’s # 3857 Paradise Greek: παράδεισος Transliteration = paradeisos Definition: a park, i.e. (specially), an Eden (place of future happiness, "paradise"):— paradise. NAS: a park, a garden, a paradise

Strong’s #684 Perdition / Destruction / Damnation Greek: ἀπώλεια Transliteration = apōleia Definition: ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal):—damnable (-nation), destruction, die, perdition, X perish, pernicious ways, waste. NAS: destruction, loss Strong’s #622 Perish / Destroy Greek: ἀπόλλυμι Transliteration = apollumi Definition: to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively -- destroy, die, lose, mar, perish. kill, destroy, lose, mid: I am perishing (the resultant death being viewed as certain). NAS: to destroy, destroy utterly

Strong’s #953 Pit Transliteration = bowr בּוֹר :Hebrew Definition: a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison):—cistern, dungeon, fountain, pit, well.

Strong’s 1736 Present Hebrew: ἐνδημέω Transliteration = endémeó Definition: to be in one's own country, i.e. Home (figuratively) -- be at home (present). equivalent to have a fixed abode, be at home, NAS: to be in one's own country, to be at home

Strong’s #2851 Punishment Greek: κόλασις Transliterated Word = kolasis Definition: correction, punishment, penalty, torment. NAS: correction

Strong’s 1209 Receive Greek: δέξαι Transliterated Word = dexai Definition: to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively) -- accept, receive, take. NAS: to receive

Strong’s #37 Sanctify Greek: ἁγιάσαι Transliterated Word = hagiazó Definition: to make holy, i.e. (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate -- hallow, be holy, sanctify. NAS: to make holy, consecrate, sanctify Strong’s # 3857 and 5394 Set on Fire (#3857) Transliteration = lahat לָהַט :Hebrew Definition: properly, to lick, i.e. (by implication) to blaze:—burn (up), set on fire, flaming, kindle. Set on Fire (#5394) Greek: φλογίζω Transliteration = phlogizō Definition: to cause a blaze, i.e. ignite (figuratively, to inflame with passion):—set on fire; not extinguished, i.e. (by implication) perpetual:—not to be quenched, unquenchable. NAS: to set on fire, burn

Strong’s #7585 Sheol Transliterated Word = Sheol שְׁאוֹל :Hebrew Definition: Gravel, hell, pit. or Sheol; Hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates NAS: Underworld; a place to which people descend at death.

Strong’s #3463 & 2837 Sleep (#3463) Transliterated Word = yashen מִיְּשֵׁנֵ֥י :Hebrew Definition: sleepy, asleep, (one out of) sleep, sleepeth, sleeping, slept. NAS: Sleeping Sleep (#2837) Greek κοιμάω Transliterated Word = koimaō Definition: to put to sleep, i.e. (passively or reflexively) to slumber; figuratively, to decease:—(be a-, fall a-, fall on) sleep, be dead. NAS: asleep, dead, fallen asleep, fell asleep, sleep, sleeping

Strong’s #5315 and 5590 Soul (#5315) Transliteration = nephesh נָ֫פֶשׁ :Hebrew Definition: a soul, living being, that which breaths, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion Soul (#5590) Greek: ψυχή Transliteration = psuché Definition: the soul, life, self, from G5594; breath, i.e. (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from G4151, which is the rational and immortal soul; and on the other from G2222, which is mere vitality, even of plants: these terms thus exactly correspond respectively to the Hebrew H5315, H7307 and H2416):—heart (+ - ily), life, mind, soul, + us, + you. (The soul is the direct aftermath of God breathing his gift of like into a person, making them being with a soul.) NAS: breath, the soul

Strong’s #7307 and #4151 Spirit (#7307) Transliteration = ruwach רוּחַ :Hebrew Definition: wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including its expression and functions):—air, anger, blast, breath, × cool, courage, mind, × quarter, × side, spirit(-ual), tempest, × vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). NAS: breath, wind, spirit Spirit (#4151) (same Greek word translated Holy Spirit, Holy Ghost) Greek: πνεῦμα Transliteration = pneuma Definition: a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:—ghost, life, spiritual, spiritually, mind. NAS: wind, spirit

Strong’s #4152 Spiritual Greek: πνευματικός Transliteration = pneumatikos Definition: non-carnal, i.e. (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (dæmoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religious:—spiritual. NAS: spiritual, spiritual men, spiritual things

Strong’s #5020 Tartaros Greek: ταρταρόω Transliteration = tartaroó Definition: The deepest abyss of Hades; to incarcerate in eternal torment: cast down to Hell. NAS: to cast into hell

Strong’s #3041 The lake Hebrew: λίμνη Transliteration = limnē Definition: a pond (large or small):—lake. NAS: a lake Strong’s #931 Torments Greek: βασάνοις Transliteration = basanos Definition: a touch-stone, i.e. (by analogy) torture:—torment. examination by torture NAS: a touchstone (a dark stone used in testing metals), hence examination by torture, torture

Strong;s # 2347 Tribulation Greek: θλῖψις Transliteration = thlipsis Definition: Affliction, persecution, tribulation; pressure (literally or figuratively) -- afflicted(-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble. NAS: Tribulation; translates into these English words: Affliction (14), afflictions (6), anguish (1), distress (2), persecution (1), tribulation (16), tribulations (4), trouble (1).

Strong’s #1349 Vengeance Greek: δίκη Transliterated Word = dikē Definition: i.e. justice (the principle, a decision, or its execution):—judgment, punish, vengeance. (a) (originally: custom, usage) right, justice, (b) process of law, judicial hearing, (c) execution of sentence, punishment, penalty, (d) justice, vengeance. NAS: right (as self-evident), justice (the principle, a decision or its execution)

Strong’s 3709 Wrath Greek: ργή Transliteration = orgē Definition: (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implication punishment:—anger, indignation, vengeance, wrath. NAS: impulse, wrath Verses containing “Hell” NKJ

Important: Although bible translations use different English words such as hell, sheol, pit, grave, they are referenced to Strong’s #7585 = Sheol or #1067 = Hell.

Biblical Usage Hell is the place of the future punishment called "Gehenna" or "Gehenna of fire" in the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible). This was originally the valley of Hinnom, south of Jerusalem, where the filth and dead animals of the city were cast out and burned; a fit symbol of the wicked and their future destruction. Jesus used it as an example when he explained the fire of hell.

Gehenna In Jewish Rabbinic literature, and Christian and Islamic scripture, Gehenna is a destination of the wicked. This is different from the more neutral Sheol/Hades, the abode of the dead, although the King James Version of the Bible usually translates both with the Anglo-Saxon word Hell.

Purgatory (Term not used in bible) In Roman Catholic doctrine, it is a place or state of suffering inhabited by the souls of sinners who are expiating (apologizing, amend, atoning for) their sins before going to heaven.

Deuteronomy 32:21-23 They have provoked Me to jealousy by what is not God; They have moved Me to anger by their foolish idols. But I will provoke them to jealousy by those who are not a nation; I will move them to anger by a foolish nation. 22 For a fire (Strong’s 784) is kindled in My anger, And shall burn (Strong’s 3344) to the lowest hell (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 7585); It shall consume the earth with her increase, And set on fire (Strong’s 3857) the foundations of the mountains. 23 ‘I will heap disasters on them; I will spend My arrows on them. Notes/Thoughts: Fire, burn and hell are used figuratively to show Gods anger with the Israelite. This verse is part of the Song of Moses, which he wrote to describe this history of Israel, their faults, and the consequences of their actions, past and future.

Psalm 9:16-17 The LORD is known by the judgment He executes; The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. 17 The wicked shall be turned into hell (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 7585), And all the nations that forget God. NIV: The LORD is known by his justice; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. The wicked return to the grave/sheol (Strong’s 7585), all the nations that forget God. Notes/Thoughts: Wicked nations will be destroyed. To show his anger, God uses the phrase Hell/Sheol which in the Old Testament was the place/home of the dead. God’s judgment on the wicked is to end up in the home of the dead; a place of punishment. Matthew 5:21-23 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 1067) fire (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 4442). 23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, Notes/Thoughts: Thoughts: Jesus used the term hell fire when telling people not to sin the sin of murder or anger against another. Hell fire is a reference to everlasting punishment in the heat of fire. He could be talking literally or figuratively. If figuratively I think Jesus paint such a horrible picture because he wants us to understand the torment we could experience. Commentary: From web site were author doesn’t believe in Hell I’m not exactly sure where the church got its ideas of hell from, especially as the scriptural support for our traditional notion of hell—as a place or state of eternal conscious torment— is slim. It seems to me that Jesus is using the rhetorical device of hyperbole (exaggeration) in most, if not all, of these statements. Furthermore, just as the scribes and Pharisees were not in reality snakes, and just as Jesus was not teaching that people should actually cut off or remove body parts that were causing them to stumble, it is probable that Jesus uses Gehenna as a metaphor. Note also that there is no sense of eternal torment conveyed in any of these statements.

Matthew 5:28-30 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 1067) 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish (Strong’s #622), than for your whole body to be cast into hell (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 1067). Notes/Thoughts: Jesus is speaking of the sin of adultery, whether the actual act or thinking of doing it, as a sin that will literally or figuratively be a sin that causes a person to end up in hell.

Matthew 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul (Strong’s 5590). But rather fear Him who is able to destroy (Strong’s 622) both soul and body in hell (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 1067). Notes/Thoughts: Jesus makes it clear that sinning (breaking God’s commands regarding loving others and doing no harm to them) has far worse consequences than what another human can do to you because God can fully destroy both your body and soul for all eternity. He is making a statement that even if the body dies, the soul still lives in hell where there is fire (per Jesus’ statement in Matthew 5:22. Commentary:  The bible teaches that one’s existence does not end at death but continues on forever, either in the presence of God or in a place of punishment.  Jesus teaches that there is a place of eternal punishment for those condemned before God. It is the terrifying reality of continuous punishment, the place of a fire that never goes out, of eternal fire, of weeping and gnashing of teeth, of binding and darkness, and of torment and agony and separation from heaven.  The bible teaches that judgment on evildoers is certain. The main idea is condemnation, suffering and separation from God with no time limit. Christians may find this doctrine unpleasant or hard to understand. Yet we must submit to the authority of God’s Word and trust God’s decision and justice.  We must keep in mind that God sent his Son to die in order that no one should perish. It is not God’s intention or desire to send anyone to hell. Those who enter hell do so by resisting the salvation provided by God. The fact and reality of hell should cause all of God’s people to hate sin fervently, to seek continually the salvation of the lost and to warn everyone of God’s future righteous judgment.

Matthew 18:8-9 “If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life (Strong’s 2222) lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 166) fire (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 4442). 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life (Strong’s 2222) with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 1067) fire (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 4442). Notes/Thoughts: Although this verse seems similar to Matthew 5:30 here Jesus adds the words everlasting fire too the horror of being thrown into hell. Also compared to Matthew 5:22 where Jesus said we are in danger of hell fire, here he states it is everlasting. Although the Greek word, per Strong’s can mean strife or trials, Strong’s makes more references to heat, lightning, and fiery (meaning burning, scorching, flaming). Enter into life – I tried to understand if this meant eternal life. Per Strong’s it doesn’t but many commentaries say it does. It must be an analogy/comparison of our two options: stop sinning and enter eternal life or keep on sinning and be tossed into hell. Commentary:  Jesus did not literally mean that we are to cut off our hand or to pluck out our eye, but He is only illustrating how vital it is that we enter the kingdom of heaven. It is worth more than having a whole body.  It is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed ... - It is not meant, by this, that when the body shall be raised it will be maimed and disfigured in this manner. It will be perfect. But these things are said for the purpose of carrying out or making complete the figure or the representation of cutting off the hands, etc. The meaning is, it is better to go to heaven without enjoying the things that caused us to sin, than to enjoy them here and then be lost.  Into hell fire - It is implied, in all this, that if their sins, however dear to them, were not abandoned, the soul must go into everlasting fire. Matthew 23:15 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 1067) as yourselves. Notes/Thoughts: Jesus is telling the Pharisees, the teachers of The Law, that what they are teaching people is wrong and will cause them to be in a place of everlasting punishment. In surrounding verses it’s clear, Jesus isn’t saying The Law is wrong, but what the Pharisees are adding to it is and that although they appear to live righteous lives, inside they are full of hypocrisy (insincerity) and wickedness (evil).

Matthew 23:33-34 Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation (KJV = damnation) (Strong’s 2920) of hell (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 1067)? 34 Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, Notes/Thoughts: Hell is real.

Mark 9:43, 45, 47, 48 43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 1067) into the fire (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 4442) that shall never be quenched (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 762). 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast into hell(KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 1067), into the fire(KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 4442) that shall never be quenched (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 762). 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 1067) fire (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 4442) — 48 where ‘Their worm does not die And the fire is not quenched (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 4570). Notes/Thoughts: Mark repeats statements Jesus made in his sermon on the mount that Matthew also wrote about. Mark includes Jesus warnings of hell fire that is never extinguished. Commentary:  Jesus used startling language to stress the importance of cutting sin out of our life. Jesus’ strange words demonstrate the serious and eternal consequences of sin.  RSB: Hell/Gehenna does not refer to a place of everlasting torment, but to a place of everlasting destruction.  The Valley of Hinnom southwest of Jerusalem became a picture of hell.

Luke 12:4-5 And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 1067); yes, I say to you, fear Him! Notes/Thoughts: Luke repeats Matthew’s warning telling us to fear God not humans. See Matthew 10:28 notes. Commentary: God alone rules both time and eternity and all that happens both here and in the hereafter.

James 3:5-6 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 4442), kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 4442), a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 5394) the course of nature; and it is set on fire (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 5394) by hell (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 1067). Notes/Thoughts: The same Greek word used for fire (whether used literally or figuratively) is used here to indicate the damage our words can cause. Words inflame, meaning intensify and fuel our sinful behavior. Commentary:  We have a predisposition to sin when we use harsh and unkind words, lie, exaggerate, teach false doctrine, slander, gossip and boast.  James figuratively compares the damage the tongue can do to a raging fire. The tongue’s wickedness has its source in hell itself. The uncontrolled tongue can do terrible damage. Satan uses the tongue to divide people and pit them against one another. Idle and hateful words are damaging because they spread destruction quickly and no one can stop the results once they are spoken.

2 Peter 2:3-10 By covetousness (greed, envy) they will exploit (abuse) you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction (KJV = damnation) (Strong’s 684) does not slumber. 4 For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell/Tartaros (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 5020) and delivered them into chains of darkness (Strong’s 2217) (KJV & NKJ), to be reserved for judgment; 5 and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly; 6 and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; 7 and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked 8 (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)— 9 then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. Notes/Thoughts: God, although he is loving, undoubtedly punishes not only angels but people using extreme measures such as burning up entire cities and destroying people with a flood. Peter is warning that false teachers can turn us away from God and because of their teachings they will be punished and if we believe them, so can we. Angels, who sin against God, will also be judged and punished by God in the same way people will be. Commentary:  Punishment prior to judgment: Anyone who respects the authoritative instruction of the Bible acknowledges the fact that the wicked will be cast into hell (Gehenna) following the Day of Judgment (see Matthew 25:46). Some, however, labor under the erroneous impression that between the time of death and the judgment, the wicked will “sleep” in a state of complete unconsciousness.  The punishment commences at the point of death. The narrative concerning the rich man and Lazarus is clear evidence of this (Luke 16:19).  RSB Commentary – In verse 4, the words “spared”, “cast” and “delivered” as found here are all in the Greek aorist (an inflectional form of a verb typically denoting simple occurrence of an action without reference to its completeness, duration, or repetition). The aorist tense is characterized by its emphasis on punctilio action (a minute detail) and is without regard for past, present, or future time. A proper and consistent interpretation would be that this event has not yet taken place, but will occur when Satan is locked at the bottom of the abyss for the thousand- year period after the Great Tribulation. Any other interpretation does not fit with Scripture. Besides this interpretation, there is no other evidence that angels have been already imprisoned, but there is much evidence to say that they will be in the future. Me: The last sentence isn’t true because in Jude it states that the angels were place in hell for their actions with humans.

 RSB Commentary – According to Thayer’s Greek lexicon, Tartaros is the name of the subterranean region, doleful and dark, regarded by the ancient Greeks as the abode of the wicked dead, where they suffer punishment for their evil deeds; it answers to Gehenna of the Jews. Verses containing “Sheol” NKJ

Shelo = Hades When the Hebrew Scriptures were translated into Greek in ancient Alexandria around 200 BC, the word "Hades" (the Greek underworld) was substituted for Sheol. This is reflected in the New Testament where Hades is both the underworld of the dead and the personification of the evil it represents. Our English word for Sheol is Hell.

2 Samuel 22:5-6 “When the waves of death surrounded me, the floods of ungodliness made me afraid. 6 The sorrows of Sheol (Strong’s 7585) surrounded me; the snares of death confronted me.

Psalm 16:9-11 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope. 10 For you will not leave my soul (Strong’s 5315) in Sheol (Strong’s 7585), nor will you allow Your Holy One to see corruption. (Strong’s #7845.) 11 You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Notes/Thoughts: This is often called a Messianic psalm, because it is quoted in the New Testament as referring to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Both Peter and Paul quoted from this psalm when speaking of Christ’s bodily resurrection (Acts 2:25-28, 31; Acts 13:35-37) Sheol refers to the domain of the dead. David expresses his faith that death will not separate him from God.

Psalm 86:12-13 I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your name forevermore. 13 For great is your mercy toward me, And you have delivered my soul (Strong’s 5315) from the depths of Sheol. (Strong’s 7585) Notes/Thoughts: The term soul is used to refer to the physical body in this verse; therefore the verse states that God kept him from dying. Commentary: Shelo found 66 times in the Old Testament, is translated 55 times as “the grave” and 6 times as “death”. In general it views Shelo as a place associated with some sort of punishment.

Jonah 2:1-2 Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the fish’s belly. 2 And he said: “I cried out to the LORD because of my affliction, and He answered me. “Out of the belly of Sheol (Strong’s 7585) I cried, And You heard my voice. Notes/Thoughts: Being in the giant fish was like being in hell/Sheol for Jonah because he was afraid he would die in this place of death. Verses containing “Hades” NKJ – Reads Hades KJV – Reads Hell

Hades = ᾅδης  Hades is the name of Greek and Roman god of the underworld and the ruler of the dead. Also called Dis.  The underworld itself was also known to the Greeks as Hades.

Thayer’s Definition:  Name Hades or Pluto, the god of the lower regions/underworld  Orcus, the nether (after) world, the realm of the dead  later use of this word: the grave, death, hell

Definition by Merriam-Webster https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Hades In Greek mythology, Hades is both the land of the dead and the god who rules there. Hades the god (who the Greeks also called Pluto) is the brother of Zeus and Poseidon, who rule the skies and the seas. However, there is only one God and he is Yahweh maker of Heaven and earth.

Matthew 11:22-24 Jesus Speaking But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the Day of Judgment than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades (Strong’s 86) (KJV = Hell); for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the Day of Judgment than for you.” Notes/Thoughts: The destruction of Sodom was not a fable and Jesus uses it as an example that the city of Capernaum was worse because Jesus was in this city and they didn’t believe in him. If Sodom and its people were destroyed by fire from God why would we think he wouldn’t use it to punish people after death as well? Commentary: “The place of the dead” or Hades is one of two compartments of the underworld, equivalent to OT Sheol and often a synonym for death. Though characterized by many of the same dynamics as hell, this is the temporary place for deceased unbelievers, until the final judgment. It will give up its dead at the final judgment, after which death itself will join its occupants in hell.

Matthew 16:17-18 Jesus Speaking Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades (Strong’s 86) (KJV = Hell) shall not prevail against it. Notes/Thoughts: Jesus often uses the term Hades/Hell because it is a real place. Believers don’t need to fear going to Hades/Hell. Commentary:  The expression powers of hell, also worded gates of Hades means the power of death cannot prevent the advance of the kingdom, nor claim victory over those who belong to God.  The gates of Hades represent Satan and all the world’s evil striving to destroy the church of Jesus Christ.

Luke 10:14-16 Jesus Speaking But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. 15 And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades (Strong’s 86) (KJV = Hell) 16 He who hears you hears me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me.” Notes/Thoughts: See thoughts and commentary on Matthew 11:22-24

Luke 16:22-24, 26 So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom (Figure of speech for side). The rich man also died and was buried. 23 And being in torments (Strong’s 931) in Hades (Strong’s 86) (KJV = Hell), he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 “Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us. Notes/Thoughts: Verse makes 2 important points a person is tormented in Hades and the torment is in the form of flames. Commentary: Different meanings for Abraham’s bosom: 1. To a Jew, being with Abraham was to be in an honored place in Paradise, this is, the poor man received a special welcome in heaven and was seated beside Abraham. 2. Also the term may have been used to describe the segment of the place of the dead reserved for the righteous (until following Jesus’ resurrection) if you don’t believe the soul/spirit go immediately to Heaven or Hell. 3. Abraham’s bosom is the place of refuge from the pain and torture in hell. 4. Abraham’s bosom is a reference to death as used by the Pharisees. 5. "Bosom of Abraham" refers to the place of comfort in the Biblical Sheol (or Hades in the Greek Septuagint version of the Hebrew Scriptures from around 200 BC, and therefore so described in the New Testament where the righteous dead await Judgment Day. 6. To be in Abraham's Bosom" as meaning to be in repose and happiness with him. 7. Wikipedia: During the Second Temple period (roughly 500 BCE–70 CE) the concept of a Bosom of Abraham first occurs in Jewish papyri that refer to the "Bosom of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob". This reflects the belief of Jewish martyrs who died expecting that: "after our death in this fashion Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will receive us and all our forefathers will praise us" (4 Maccabees 13:17). Other early Jewish works adapt the Greek mythical picture of Hades to identify the righteous dead as being separated from unrighteous in the fires by a river or chasm. In the pseudepigraphical Apocalypse of Zephaniah the river has a ferryman equivalent to Charon in Greek myth, but replaced by an angel. On the other side in the Bosom of Abraham : "You have escaped from the Abyss and Hades, now you will cross over the crossing place... to all the righteous ones, namely Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Enoch, Elijah and David." In this story Abraham was not idle in the Bosom of Abraham, he acted as intercessor for those in the fiery part of Hades.  The story in Luke is probably an “allegory”. An allegory is a story, picture, in which the characters and events represent particular moral, religious, or political qualities or ideas.  Jesus recounts the parable of the rich man in Hades as a warning to his audience to repent.  Hades was the place for the soul/spirit of the unrighteous and the righteous separated from the body at death up to the time of Christ’s resurrection. Even the Lord’s soul went there (Acts 2:27, 31).  In Hades/Hell = The abode of the unsaved dead between death and judgment at the great white throne.  The two men in this story illustrate two different lives, two different deaths, and two different destinies.  The bible presents truth by way of contrast.  After death, there is only the prospect of judgment—not a further opportunity for obedience. Just like in the parable of the virgins, Jesus taught that in whatever condition one goes to “sleep,” i.e., dies, in exactly that same state he will meet the bridegroom (Matthew 25:1-13).  To a Jew, being with Abraham was to be in an honored place in Paradise, this is, the poor man received a special welcome in heaven and was seated beside Abraham. Also the term may have been used to describe the segment of the place of the dead reserved for the righteous (until following Jesus’ resurrection).  Abraham’s bosom is a reference to death as used by the Pharisees.  In this saying Jesus taught: *** 1. Conscious existence after death. 2. The reality and torment of hell. 3. No second chance after death. 4. The impossibility of the dead communicating with the living.  The bible presents truth by way of contrast and tension, with one truth holding the other in tension, all the while highlighting a middle ground. This method keeps believers from the extremism often found in cults. Perhaps no greater contrast in the entire bible exists than the one presented in the rich man and the beggar.  After death, there is only the prospect of judgment—not a further opportunity for obedience. In the parable of the virgins, Jesus taught that in whatever condition one goes to “sleep,” i.e., dies, in exactly that same state he will meet the bridegroom (Matthew 25:1-13). Moreover, there is a permanent, impassible chasm between the place of punishment and that of reward, and no man can cross it. There is no post- mortem plan of salvation.  RSB:  The parable teaches that there is no chance of repentance after death.  Abraham has died and is still awaiting the resurrection.  Both men, the Pharisee and Lazarus, end up like Abraham in the same resting place of the grave, NOT heaven. I DON’T AGREE.

 The word torment signifies the lowest part of the grave. THE VERSE SAYS HE IS IN HELL/HADES!  With no chance of eternal life, the Pharisee is in anguish, and asks for just a finger-tip of water for his dry tongue, not gallons of water as if in hellfire. I DON’T AGREE, SINCE THE VERSES STATES HIS IS TORMENTED IN THIS FLAME  He is in hell which from the Greek is hades, meaning the grave. TRUE, BUT JESUS ALSO SAID IT IS A PLACE WITH FIRE.  Jesus reminds us that no man has ascended to heaven but Himself. ME: THAT’S NOT WHAT LUKE 23:43 SAYS: JESUS ANSWERED HIM, “I TELL YOU THE TRUTH, TODAY YOU WILL BE WITH ME IN PARADISE”. ALSO 2 CORINTHIANS, “ABSENT FROM THE BODY, PRESENT WITH THE LORD”.  Abraham’s bosom is a reference to death as used by the Pharisees.  answersfromthebook.net The Greek word for hell in verse 23 is ‘hades’ which means “the state of departed souls.” It is not a place but is the condition of a person’s soul after their body dies. Just as physical death is a condition of a person’s body when their earthly life is over, so hades is the condition of their soul. We are not told in the Scriptures exactly where unsaved souls are located before the Great White Throne judgment. ME: 2 PETER 2:4 & 9 INDICATES THAT ANGELS AND PEOPLE ARE PLACED IN HELL AND HELD UNTIL THE DAY OF JUDGMENT. We only know that it is impossible for souls in torment to get into heaven or souls in heaven to go to the tormented souls (verse 26). We know that saved souls are in heaven when they die since the Lord told the repentant thief on the cross, “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). The Lord and the thief died that day and so they were in heaven together the moment that they died. Acts 2:26-28 Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; moreover my flesh also will rest in hope. 27 For you will not leave my soul in Hades (Strong’s 86) (KJV = Hell), nor will you allow Your Holy One to see corruption. 28 You have made known to me the ways of life; you will make me full of joy in your presence.’ Commentary: Hades, the unseen world, sometimes specifically describes a place of torment and sometimes merely the grave, as here. The meaning is that Christ’s body and spirit would not be allowed to remain separated.

Revelation 1:17-19 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. 18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys (Strong’s 2807) of Hades (Strong’s 86) (KJV = Hell) and of Death (Strong’s 2288). 19 Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. Notes/Thoughts: When Jesus says he has the keys of Hades and Death he figuratively means he has power and authority of various kinds. He can open or unlock Hades/Hell, he can raise the death or leave them in Hades. He can give us eternal life. Commentary:  Jesus is now Lord over the realms of life and death.  Death and Hades are four times associated, being treated as almost synonymous terms.  Death and Hades are together to be cast into the lake of fire, doomed to utter destruction.  The keys denote the authority of Christ over physical death and hell/hades, the place which temporarily holds the immaterial part (soul) of the unbeliever between death and the ultimate casting into the lake of fire.  Believers don’t have to fear Hades or death, because Christ holds the keys to both. All we must do is turn from sin and turn to him in faith.

Revelation 6:7-8 When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see.” 8 So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death (Strong’s 228), and Hades (Strong’s 86) (KJV = Hell) followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth. Notes/Thoughts: The words Death and Hades in verses 8 are used as the names of the riders of the horses. Commentary: The pale horse and its rider named Death symbolize a terrible intensification of war, famine, death, plagues, disease and evil beasts. Verses containing “Lake of Fire” or a reference to it NKJ

Lake of Fire A lake of fire is a place of after-death destruction of the wicked.

New Testament facts about of Lake of Fire: Revelation 19:20 The beast and the false prophet will be thrown into it. Revelation 19:20 It burns with brimstone/sulfur. Revelation 20:10 Satan will be thrown into it. Revelation 20:10 Satan, the beast and false prophet will be tormented day and night forever. Revelation 20:13 All the dead will be taken from Death and Hades and judged. Revelation 20:14 Death and Hades will be thrown into the Lake of Fire. Revelation 20:15 If a person’s name isn’t in the Book of Life they will be thrown into it. Revelation 21:8 It burns with fire and sulfur. Matthew 25:41 It has everlasting fire. Matthew 25:46 Punishment in the Lake of Fire is everlasting.

Matthew 25:31-33, 41 31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. Notes/Thoughts: Eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels is a reference to the Lake of Fire.

Matthew 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting (Strong’s 166) punishment (Strong’s #2851): but the righteous into life eternal. Commentary:  The Greek term, aionios (Strong’s 166 everlasting), is employed of unending nature of the punishment of those who are lost, as well as the “life” of those who are redeemed.  The bible indicate that hell exists as a place of conscious, eternal punishment. In two parables concerning judgment at the end of the age, Jesus uses words like “outer darkness,” “weeping and gnashing of teeth,” “everlasting fire” and “everlasting punishment. Everlasting punishment, contrasts with eternal life, indicating that both destinies are eternal. Punishment apart from God is just as everlasting as life in the presence of God.  Some people say that a God of love could never punish people forever. They teach that the wicked are destroyed and cease to exist. But his verse says that hell’s punishment is eternal in the same way that life is eternal.  Notice (particularly in the Daniel 12:2 and Matthew) that the same adjective (“everlasting” or “eternal”) is used to modify both “life” and “punishment/contempt.” What is true about one (life) must be true about the other (punishment), that both are eternal and last forever. The doctrine of eternal death is not a popular doctrine to teach or proclaim. To do so often opens one up to scorn and ridicule. However, we must not let that detract us from what the Bible so clearly teaches; namely, that due to our being born in sin and trespasses, we are under the just condemnation of God for our sin.  From a podcast: The passage as a whole goes from 25:31-46 and this is probably the main one. It talks about those going away to eternal punishment and the righteous will go into eternal life. It’s clearly in an afterlife, post judgment context and it’s the contrast between eternal life/eternal punishment. If eternal life is speaking about everlasting life then it would suggest that the punishment is as well. If the argument towards the traditional view kind of hangs on understanding the word aionios, which is translated eternal. It demands that it is speaking of the duration of life or duration as a whole. And it also demands that when there’s a contrast it has to be equal. And I do know just from Greek language as a whole, that’s not always true. I’ve seen examples where you have a similar contrast where its not. The one side of the contrast doesn’t demand the flip side on the other.  RSB: punishment – from Greek kolazo; to curtail. Everlasting punishment in the Greek shows a lopping off or cutting off of the wicked, not an endless agony of horrors in hellfire. Punishment is a condition of being punished, not an active infliction.  Destruction is everlasting.  The Greek word for punishment is defined as correction, punishment, penalty, torment.  Eternal punishment takes place in hell (the lake of fire, or Gehenna), the place of punishment after death for all those who refuse to repent. In the Bible, three words are used in connection with eternal punishment. 1. Sheol, or “the grave,” is used in the Old Testament to mean the place of the dead, generally thought to be under the earth. 2. Hades is the Greek word for the underworld, the realm of the dead. It is the word used in the New Testament for Sheol. 3. Gehenna, or hell was named after the Valley of Hinnom near Jerusalem where children were sacrificed by fire to the pagan gods. This is the place of eternal fire prepared for the devil, his angels, and all those who do not believe in God. This is the final and eternal state of the wicked after the resurrection and the last judgment.  When Jesus warns against unbelief, he is trying to save us from agonizing punishment. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 (Paul is writer) When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction (Strong’s 3639) from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power. Commentary:  Ryrie Study bible… Everlasting Destruction = Not annihilation, but ruin by reason of separation from the presence of the Lord.

 Strong’s 3639 defines destruction as to destroy (a prolonged form), ruin, death, punishment.

 Clear eternal punishment of the wicked. The bible teaches that one’s existence does not end at death but continues on forever, either in the presence of God or in a place of punishment.

 At the human level we associate excessive torture with evil tyrants and dictators, we have a difficult time reconciling such never-ending conscious punishment with the truth that “God is love”. We think that because we find the idea of conscious, perpetual punishment repulsive, it must mean that God does not plan to subject anyone to such a fate. Surely, we say to ourselves, the biblical language suggesting the reality of hell must be metaphorical, not literal. There is an error in such reasoning, however, we do not think as God does. God’s thoughts are beyond our thoughts, and his ways beyond our ways. Consequently, he is not only more merciful than we are but more just. Because we are a fallen people, our sense of compassion may be well meaning, but our sense of justice, when weighted against his holiness, leaves much to be desired.

 http://answersfromthebook.net It is called an everlasting fire and it is also called everlasting destruction. Those in the lake of fire will be eternally judged. They will not burn up and be no more.

Revelation 19:20 Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake (Strong’s 3041) of fire (Strong’s 4442) burning with brimstone. (Strong’s 2303) Commentary:  The first occupants in the lake of fire, in the Scriptures are the beast and the false prophet.  The fiery lake of burning sulfur is the final destination of the wicked. This lake is different from the Abyss (bottomless pit) referred to in Rev 9:1. The antichrist and the false prophet are thrown into the fiery lake; then their leader, Satan himself, will be thrown into that lake Rev 20:10, and finally death and Hades Rev 20:14. Afterward everyone whose name is not recorded in the book of life will be thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:10-15 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake (Strong’s 3041) of fire (Strong’s 4442) and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented (Strong’s 931) day and night forever and ever. Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake (Strong’s 3041) of fire (Strong’s 4442). This is the second death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake (Strong’s 3041) of fire (Strong’s 4442). Notes/Thoughts: These verses probably are not in the actual order of events. At the second death the bodies of unbelievers are resurrected and reunited with their spirit which were previously burning in hell. At this point they understand why they have been judged guilty and then are tossed into Lake of fire which is a place of torment that lasts forever, for not only them but the devil, beast, and false prophet. The verses plainly state that the false prophet, which is a person, was to be tormented day and night forever and ever so it would seem reasonable that the bodies with their reunited spirit would also be tormented in the lake of fire forever. All who are dead will stand before God to be judged and if their name is not in The Book of Life they will be thrown into the Lake of Fire. Death and hades which refer to places are also placed in the lake of fire because God is now creating a new Heaven and Earth were there will be no death, therefore no need for hades/hell. This could be literal or figurative, either way there is no longer a need for them. Commentary:  Death and Hades are thrown into the lake of fire. God’s judgment is finished. The lake of fire is the ultimate destination of everything wicked; Satan, the beast, the false prophet, the demons, death, hades, and all those whose names are not in the book of life.

 http://answersfromthebook.net -The unsaved dead are brought to stand before God for judgment. Death and hades are cast into the lake of fire, which shows that hades was not already in the lake of fire. Me: Hell wasn’t in the lake of fire, but it was still a place of fire. All those who have not trusted in the Lord Jesus as their Savior will spend eternity in the lake of fire. How incredibly sad! The lake of fire was prepared for “the devil and his angels,” (Matthew 25:41), not for human beings. However, if you refuse the gift of salvation freely offered to you, then you have chosen your own awful destiny.

 Podcast of Rethinking Hell – Dr. Preston Sprinkles comments; Verses 15 states that unrighteous people will be thrown into the lake of fire but it doesn’t say they will suffer forever and ever, it does however say the devil and the false prophet will. Me: It does say the false prophet, who is a person, will suffer forever and ever, so why wouldn’t other people! Now the assumption is, their both going to the same place and we can assume their both going to suffer the same fate, but I don’t think it’s clear either way. Chris Date, a Conditionalist, responds: Now as you already pointed out this is apocalyptic imagery. Sometimes we Conditionalists are accused of taking the language figuratively but actually it’s much more than figurative language. John is seeing pictures and these pictures represent something that are not intended to be taken literally anymore then a beast with seven heads and ten horns and looks like a leopard, a bear, and a lion is supposed to be taken literally, right? Dr. Preston Sprinkle: Right. Chris Date: So it seems to me that we shouldn’t be just sort of taking it at face value as if the imagery is supposed to be taken literally, instead, we should see first if there any indicators that should indicate how this should be interpreted. And for me there are three reasons in this case why this imagery here actually leans far better towards Conditionalism then the traditional view. First, it’s not only the beast, the false prophet, and the Devil who are thrown into the fire, and the risen unsaved, its also death and Hades. But of course death and Hades are abstract entities. You know they’re not actual creatures, they’re not actual things; they’re abstractions incapable of being tormented in reality to begin with. And yet in the imagery John sees them thrown into the fire. And what I would ask somebody, is what do you think Death and Hades being thrown into the fire is intended to communicate? Dr. Preston Sprinkle: Death just being death, you know, the reality that people die. And Hades being the intermediate state where the wicked go. I don’t know if I would say just because there’s non-personal entities being thrown in there that it demands that the personal entities no longer carry on. Chris Date: Sure. Ok but it sounds like what you’re saying is, and I would agree with this, that at least death and Hades, being impersonal entities, come to end. That’s what being thrown into the fire communicates, is that right? Dr. Preston Sprinkle: Sure.

Revelation 21:8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake (Strong’s 3041) which burns with fire (Strong’s 4442) and brimstone (Strong’s 2303), which is the second death.” Commentary: The second death is spiritual death, meaning either eternal torment or destruction. In either case, it is permanent separation from God.

Jude 5-6 But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness (Strong’s 2217) for the judgment of the great day; Thoughts/Notes: Angels were held in Hell until the day of Judgment. See also 2 Peter 2:4 Commentary:  Jude reminds his listeners that God consistently punishes.  Jude speaks about the same rebellion as the book of Peter and Genesis. Sometime during the times of Noah, angels “left their own habitation” and went after “strange flesh”, after the daughters of men. The result is they are now “reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day.”

Lake of Fire - Wikipedia A lake of fire appears, in both ancient Egyptian and Christian religion, as a place of after-death destruction of the wicked. The phrase is used in four verses of the Book of Revelation. Such a lake also appears in Plato's Phaedo, explicitly identified with Tartarus, where the souls of the wicked are tormented until it is time for them to be reborn, and where some souls are left forever. The image was also used by the Early Christian Hippolytus of Rome in about the year 200 and has continued to be used by modern Christians.

The Book of Revelation, written sometime in the last half of the first century AD, has five verses that mention a "lake of fire", Fire and brimstone (or, alternatively, brimstone and fire) is an idiomatic expression of signs of God's wrath in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. In the Bible, they often appear in reference to the fate of the unfaithful. "Brimstone", the archaic name for sulfur, evokes the acrid odor of volcanic activity.

When Jesus taught about Gehenna, he referred to it with the implication of it being like the lake of fire of Revelation. A few examples of this direct implication is witnessed in the verses below when he referred to "geenna pyr" which has been translated into the Anglo-Saxon version of "hell fire" or the original English version of "Gehenna fire".

Matthew 5:22 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. Matthew 18:9 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire. Mark 9:47 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire.

These are not the only references to Gehenna spoken by Christ. According to Strong's Concordance. Christ only speaks of the grave as understood in the Greek (Strong’s #86) and, metaphors for the Lake of Fire (Strong’s #1067) exclusively.

When we examine the meaning of each of those words we discover there is a direct correlation between Gehenna fire and the Lake of Fire but that Lake of Fire is not hell according to Revelation 20:14 because death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. Strong's Concordance defines Hades as #86; the grave, place of the dead and #1067, geenna as Valley of Hinnom for Gehenna where kings burned their children alive. Although this explanation is far from traditional, the parallels of the history of Gehenna are astoundingly similar to the Revelation prophecy for the Lake of Fire after the great white throne judgment. A commonly accepted and traditional interpretation is that the "lake of fire" and the "second death" are symbolic of eternal pain, pain of loss and perhaps pain of the senses, as punishment for wickedness.

Lake of fire in Other Religions - Wikipedia Jehovah's Witnesses interpret the "lake of fire" and "second death" of the Book of Revelation as referring to a complete and definitive annihilation of those cast into it. Christian Universalists interpret the "lake of fire" as an instrument of purification/refinement that will bring all people into a relationship with God. The word for "torment" in Revelation 14:10 is the Greek "basanizo" which has a primary meaning of testing with a touchstone. The lake of fire is not only for torment but for "testing": the analogy is in testing metal with a touchstone to make sure it is pure. Notes/Thoughts: The touchstone was used in ancient Greece. It was also used by the Indus Valley Civilization about 3500 BC for testing the purity of soft metals. The verse states they will be tormented in fire and brimstone day and night; sounds never ending to me.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other churches within the Latter Day Saint Movement read of a concept of the "lake of fire" in the Book of Mormon, in several passages of the record. The most descriptive instance of a "lake of fire" in the Book of Mormon occurs in Jacob 6:10, which reads, "Ye must go away into that lake of fire and brimstone, whose flames are unquenchable, and whose smoke ascends up forever and ever, which lake of fire and brimstone is endless torment." The Book of Mormon also refers to the lake of fire as a state of second death or spiritual death, where there is no hope for redemption or salvation.

Seventh Day Adventists believe in annihilation as well, which they believe is referred to in the Biblical lake of fire per-se, and so not in mainstream Protestantism's Catholicism-derived eternal lake of fire. The church's official beliefs support annihilation. They hold that the doctrine of hell as defined by mainstream Christianity is incompatible with the concept that God is love. They believe that God loves humans unconditionally, and has no destructive intentions for human beings. Seventh-day Adventists believe that the destructive force of Gehenna is eternal, rather than an indication of eternal conscious torment.

Lake of Fire in the Third Century - Wikipedia Hippolytus of Rome pictured Hades, the abode of the dead, as containing "a lake of unquenchable fire" at the edge of which the unrighteous "shudder in horror at the expectation of the future judgment, (as if they were) already feeling the power of their punishment", while the righteous "are brought to a locality full of light" (called the Bosom of Abraham), "enjoying always the contemplation of the blessings which are in their view, and delighting themselves with the expectation of others ever new". The third-century writing explicitly pictures the "lake of unquenchable fire" as the eternal destiny of the unrighteous, who, while awaiting execution of the judgment upon them, are tortured in the abode of the dead (Hades) by the vision of their doom. Verses containing “Second Death”

Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. Thoughts/Notes The spirits/souls that are part of the first resurrection are united with their physical body which becomes immortal and they don’t fear the second death. If this logic is correct, then during the first resurrection only believers are resurrected; unbeliever’s bodies are not united with their spirit/soul until the time of the second death which is when they are thrown into the Lake of Fire (Rev 21:8). Also see note on Revelation 2:11

Revelation 20:14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

Leviticus 10:1-2 Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 784) in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 784) before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. 2 So fire (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 784) went out from the LORD and devoured (burned up, consumed) them, and they died before the LORD. Notes/Thoughts: Clearly God uses fire to destroy people. Commentary: Their sin was not following God’s procedures; it was irreverent and contrary to God’s prescribed worship.

Numbers 11:1-3 Now when the people complained, it displeased the LORD; for the LORD heard it, and His anger was aroused. So the fire (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 784) of the LORD burned among them, and consumed some in the outskirts of the camp. 2 Then the people cried out to Moses, and when Moses prayed to the LORD, the fire (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 784) was quenched. 3 So he called the name of the place Taberah, (Literally Burning) because the fire (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 784) of the LORD (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 3068= Yehovah) had burned among them. Notes/Thoughts: Here God used fire to scare the people, with the purpose of showing them just how angry he was with their complaining and lack of faith and obedience in him.

Numbers 16:35 And a fire (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 784) came out from the LORD and consumed the two hundred and fifty men who were offering incense. Notes/Thoughts: Clearly God uses fire to destroy people.

Joshua 7:15 Then it shall be that he who is taken with the accursed thing shall be burned with fire (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 784), he and all that he has, because he has transgressed the covenant of the LORD, and because he has done a disgraceful thing in Israel.’ Notes/Thoughts: Clearly God uses fire to destroy people. Commentary: Those offering incense where not of the tribe of Arron who were to be the only men able to be priest.

2 Kings 1:12 So Elijah answered and said to them, “If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men.” And the fire (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 784) of God came down from heaven and consumed him and his fifty. Notes/Thoughts: Clearly God uses fire to destroy people. Here the fire may have been started with lightening.

2 Peter 2:4-10 For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 5020) and delivered them into chains of darkness (Strong’s 2217, to be reserved for judgment (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 2920); 5 and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly; 6 and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 5077), condemned them to destruction (Strong’s 684), making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; 7 and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked 8 (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds), 9 then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 2849) for the day of judgment (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 2920), 10 and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. Notes/Thoughts: Unrighteous souls first go to Hell to await the Day of Judgment. God seems to have two sides. Although he is very loving he severely punishes those he chooses. He will judge and punish those who don’t live godly lives. For living people his punishment was destruction, meaning loss of life thru flood or fire. These example caused people to physically die and I assume their souls will meet further punishment in fire. Commentary:  The logic is that if God so punishes angels, surely he will not spare the false teachers who teach heresies, even denying the Lord.  The rescues of Noah and Lot demonstrate the fact that God preserves committed believers in the midst of evil circumstances, while the destruction of evildoers demonstrates God’s punishment, to be pronounced in finality at the day of final judgment.  Some people would have us believe that God will save all people because he is so loving. But it is foolish to think that he will cancel the last judgment. These three examples should warn us clearly that God judges’ sin and that unrepentant sinners cannot escape.

Revelation 14:9-11 Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 2372), which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 928) with fire (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 4442) and brimstone (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 2303) in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 721). 11 And the smoke(KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 2586) of their torment (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 929) ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” Notes/Thoughts: God uses fire to torment people after their physical death. Commentary:  The bible also presents other descriptions of hell. Perhaps the most graphic portrayal of perpetual torment is the description of the fate of those who receive the mark of the beast during the Tribulation. This description is similar to that of the punishment awaiting the devil, the Antichrist, and the false prophet.  The ultimate result of sin is unending separation from God. Because human beings are created in God’s image with an inborn thirst for fellowship with him, separation from God will be the ultimate torment and misery. In eternity there will no longer be opportunity for repentance.  Clark Pinnock, a Conditionalist states that this is the strongest passage against his conditionalist view and that it helps the Traditional view because it doesn’t just use the word eternal but it speaks of fire and torment going up forever and ever; its not just the word forever it actually magnifies the thought quite a bit through images.  Dr. Preston Sprinkle pushes back on the above statement by saying, it’s not crystal clear that the passage is talking about hell. You have to understand apocalyptic literature and how it works and the imagery. In the same passage it says they’re going to be suffering in the presence of Christ. I thought people in Hell are banished from the presence of Christ, per 2 Thessalonians 1. (Me: I think this is actually the Lake of Fire; the final judgment, not hell) Verses containing “Abyss” or “Bottomless Pit” NKJV

Abyss Definitions:  A deep or seemingly bottomless chasm.  The regions of hell conceived of as a bottomless pit.  An immeasurably deep gulf or great space.  Gulf, chasm, gorge, deep hole, void, depth.

Baker's Evangelical Dictionary In our English Bibles, the Greek word abyssos [a [busso"] is transliterated as "abyss" (RSV "bottomless pit") in every instance except Romans 10:7, where it is translated "the deep." In the Septuagint abyssos translates Tehom almost exclusively, but in rare instances ShuLam (Isa 44:27), MeshuLam (Job 41:22), and Racha (Job 36:16). In the Old Testament abyssos [a [busso"] is invariably descriptive of the watery depths of the earth, whether oceans or springs, in contradistinction to the land (e.g., Psalm 77:16 ; 78:15 ; 106:9 ; Isa 51:10 ; Amos 7:4), although in Psalm 71:20, "the depths of the earth" are spoken of in a manner almost signifying death (however, it probably means no more than the depths of one's troubles on earth). Old Testament Use: Abyssos [a [busso"] never translates Sheol, so in the Old Testament it never carries the idea of the realm of the dead or the afterlife. In Genesis 1:2 the total undeveloped earth is called "the deep," over which the Spirit of God hovered. Intertestamental Use: During the intertestamental period the situation began to change and the meaning of abyssos broadened to include the idea of death as well as the realm of demonic spirits (e.g., Jub 5:6; 1 Enoch 10:4, 11). New Testament Use: In the New Testament the changeover is complete. Abyssos is never used to refer to the waters of the earth. Here it is used in two ways. First, in Romans 10:7 Paul uses it specifically to mean "the realm of the dead," drawing from Deuteronomy 30:12-14, but not quoting exactly. He contrasts "ascent into heaven" with "descent into the abyss," but because Christ was there, the abyss should not be conceived as an evil or demonic realm. (Me: ??) Second, Luke (8:31) and John (Rev 9:1-2 ; 11:7 ; 17:8 ; Revelation 20:1 Revelation 20:3) describe the abyss specifically as the dwelling place of demons and the beast and as a place of confinement unto judgment that is under God's control. In Luke 8:31 the demons beg Jesus not to send them into the abyss, knowing that they will no longer be free to wreak havoc on the earth. Here, abyssos is similar to tartarus [tartarovw] in 2 Peter 2:4, where the angels that sinned are confined until the judgment. In John's vision of the fifth trumpet (Rev 9:1-11), the shaft leading to the abyss is opened, releasing the demonic hoard of locusts. Their ruler is "the angel of the abyss," whose name is Destruction (Heb. Abaddon; Gk. Appolyon). The beast who ascends from the abyss (Rev 11:7; 17:8) presents a complex picture. Combined, it represents the antichrist, demonic power, Rome (i.e., political power as supportive of the harlot), and ultimate evil. This beast is to be thrown alive into the "fiery lake of burning sulphur" (Rev 19:20). Satan is chained in the abyss for a thousand years (Revelation 20:1 Revelation 20:3), until he, too, is thrown into the lake of fire (Rev 20:10).

Luke 8:30-31 Jesus asked him, saying, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” because many demons had entered him. 31 And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss (Strong’s #12 NKJ & KJV) (KJV bottomless pit). Commentary: Baker's Evangelical Dictionary: Here the demons beg Jesus not to send them into the abyss, knowing that they will no longer be free to wreak havoc on the earth. Here, abyssos [a [busso"] is similar to tartarus (or tartaros) (Strong’s 5020) in 2 Peter 2:4, where the angels that sinned are confined until the judgment.

Romans 10:6-7 (Paul is writer) But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Christ down from above) 7 or, “Who will descend into the abyss (Strong’s 12) (KJV deep)?” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). Commentary: Baker's Evangelical Dictionary: Paul uses abyss specifically to mean "the realm of the dead," drawing from Deuteronomy 30:12-14, but not quoting exactly. He contrasts "ascent into heaven" with "descent into the abyss."

Revelation 9:1, 2, 11 The fifth angel (Strong’s 32 = messenger) sounded his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from the sky to the earth. The star (Strong’s 792) was given the key to the shaft of the Abyss (Strong’s 12) (KJV bottomless pit). 2 When he opened the Abyss (Strong’s 12) (KJV bottomless pit), smoke rose from it like the smoke from a gigantic furnace (Strong’s G2575). The sun and sky were darkened by the smoke from the Abyss (Strong’s 12) (KJV pit). 11They had as king (Satan) over them the angel (Strong’s 32 = messenger) of the Abyss (KJV bottomless pit), whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon (Strong’s 11) and in Greek is Apollyon (that is, Destroyer) (Strong’s 623). Commentary:  Baker's Evangelical Dictionary: In John's vision of the fifth trumpet (Rev 9:1-11), the shaft leading to the abyss is opened, releasing the demonic hoard of locusts. Their ruler is "the angel of the abyss," whose name is Destruction (Heb. Abaddon; Gk. Appolyon). The beast who ascends from the abyss (Rev 11:7; 17:8) presents a complex picture. Combined, it represents the antichrist, demonic power, Rome (i.e., political power as supportive of the harlot), and ultimate evil.  Names Abaddon and Apollyon – is the name of the locust-demons; this may be a play on words by John to show that those who worshiped the great god Apollo worshiped only a demon.  The bible presents hell as a literal place designed to punish those who rebelled against God while on earth. It is not a state of mind or a myth, as many modern religions claim. This chapter presents a preview of the horrors of hell on earth during the Great Tribulation. As horrible as it will be, it is only temporary. Hell itself is worse, not in the least because it never ends. (Dr. David Jeremiah)

 The Star is a metaphor for a supernatural being, not a celestial body. The being is Satan.  The smoke that rises from the pit, hell, is depicted as a place where the fires never go out.  The locusts are not real locusts because they do not harm the vegetation (9:4), they have a king (9:11; Proverbs 30:27), and God promised never to release swarms of locusts in judgment again after that plague in Egypt. Rather, they are an image of demons swarming over the earth. (Dr. David Jeremiah)

Revelation 11:7 Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss (KJV bottomless pit) will attack them, and overpower and kill them. Thoughts/Notes: This verses isn’t related to the topic of Hell fire. Commentary: This beast could be Satan or an representative of Satan.

Revelation 17:8 The beast (Strong’s 2342), which you saw, once was, now is not, and yet will come up out of the Abyss (Strong’s 12) (KJV bottomless pit) and go to its destruction (Strong’s 684) (KJV Perdition). The inhabitants of the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the creation of the world will be astonished when they see the beast (Strong’s 2342), because it once was, now is not, and yet will come. Commentary: In these verses the angel begins to interpret the mystery of John’s vision, identifying the beast as the Antichrist who deceives the whole world. His deceptions include a contrived death and resurrection. Verses containing “Eternal Punishment or “Everlasting Punishment or Destruction” KJV

Eternal/Everlasting Punishment Baker's Evangelical Dictionary (All verses reference are in other places in this document) The Old Testament introduced the notion of eternal punishment in Daniel 12:2, indicating that the lost will also be resurrected, but for the purpose of eternal shame and contempt. While the worst punishment that earthly courts can inflict is death, Jesus taught his disciples not to fear those who can kill the body, but rather God, who can also cast people into hell (Luke 12:4-5). Isaiah 66:24 speaks of an undying worm and unquenchable fire—the same imagery Jesus uses to warn about hell (Mark 9:42-43, 47-48). Jesus also described it as "outer darkness," where people "weep and gnash their teeth" (Matthew 8:12). The Lord described eternal punishment for the wicked as well as eternal life for the righteous, showing that both are without end (Matthew 25:46). The rest of the New Testament is in agreement (2 Thessalonians 1:9; Revelation 20:10-15). Just as that Bible utilizes earthly things to symbolize heavenly bliss, so the description of hell as fire may be metaphorical for torment. However, the torment of hell is as real as the joy of heaven, even if our pictures of the two are less than perfect.

Matthew 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting (Strong’s 166) punishment (Strong’s #2851): but the righteous into life eternal. Commentary:  The Greek term, aionios (Strong’s 166 everlasting), is employed of unending nature of the punishment of those who are lost, as well as the “life” of those who are redeemed.  Would it be an over simplification to say: If God put someone to death for a year, and then brought them back to life that equals a 1 year 's punishment. If God put someone to death for 5 yrs, and then brought them back to life that equals a 5 year punishment. If God put someone to death and never brought them back to life.....that would be an eternal punishment.  The bible indicate that hell exists as a place of conscious, eternal punishment. In two parables concerning judgment at the end of the age, Jesus uses words like “outer darkness,” “weeping and gnashing of teeth,” “everlasting fire” and “everlasting punishment. Everlasting punishment, contrasts with eternal life, indicating that both destinies are eternal. Punishment apart from God is just as everlasting as life in the presence of God.  Some people say that a God of love could never punish people forever. They teach that the wicked are destroyed and cease to exist. But his verse says that hell’s punishment is eternal in the same way that life is eternal.  Notice (particularly in the Daniel 12:2 and Matthew) that the same adjective (“everlasting” or “eternal”) is used to modify both “life” and “punishment/contempt.” What is true about one (life) must be true about the other (punishment), that both are eternal and last forever. The doctrine of eternal death is not a popular doctrine to teach or proclaim. To do so often opens one up to scorn and ridicule. However, we must not let that detract us from what the Bible so clearly teaches; namely, that due to our being born in sin and trespasses, we are under the just condemnation of God for our sin.  From a podcast: The passage as a whole goes from 25:31-46 and this is probably the main one. It talks about those going away to eternal punishment and the righteous will go into eternal life. It’s clearly in an afterlife, post judgment context and it’s the contrast between eternal life/eternal punishment. If eternal life is speaking about everlasting life then it would suggest that the punishment is as well. If the argument towards the traditional view kind of hangs on understanding the word aionios, which is translated eternal. It demands that it is speaking of the duration of life or duration as a whole. And it also demands that when there’s a contrast it has to be equal. And I do know just from Greek language as a whole, that’s not always true. I’ve seen examples where you have a similar contrast where its not. The one side of the contrast doesn’t  demand the flip side on the other.  RSB: punishment – from Greek kolazo; to curtail. Everlasting punishment in the Greek shows a lopping off or cutting off of the wicked, not an endless agony of horrors in hellfire. Punishment is a condition of being punished, not an active infliction.  Destruction is everlasting.  The Greek word for punishment is defined as correction, punishment, penalty, torment.  Eternal punishment takes place in hell (the lake of fire, or Gehenna), the place of punishment after death for all those who refuse to repent. In the Bible, three words are used in connection with eternal punishment.  Sheol, or “the grave,” is used in the Old Testament to mean the place of the dead, generally thought to be under the earth. 1. Hades is the Greek word for the underworld, the realm of the dead. It is the word used in the New Testament for Sheol. 2. Gehenna, or hell was named after the Valley of Hinnom near Jerusalem where children were sacrificed by fire to the pagan gods. This is the place of eternal fire prepared for the devil, his angels, and all those who do not believe in God. This is the final and eternal state of the wicked after the resurrection and the last judgment.  When Jesus warns against unbelief, he is trying to save us from agonizing punishment.

2 Thessalonians 1:9 (Paul is writer) These shall be punished with everlasting (Strong’s 166) destruction (Strong’s 3639) from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power Thoughts/Notes: See other note regarding this verses in other parts of this document.

Jude 1:7 In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the vengeance (Strong’s 1349) of eternal (Strong’s 166) fire (Strong’s 4442). Commentary:  Jude reminds his readers that God consistently punishes those who rebel against him. He used an example of Sodom and Gomorrah being burned by brimstone and fire.  Sodom and Gomorrah… destroyed by fire is another warning of what awaits the immoral. Their punishment is irreversible even as was that of Sodom and Gomorrah, a paradigm  (example) of God’s judgment.  Many people don’t want to believe that God sentences people to eternal fire for rejecting him. Sinners who don’t seek forgiveness from God will face eternal fire.  RSB: Eternal fire – refers both to its ability to continue burning in the presence of sufficient fuel, as well as its lasting effects. An example is Jeremiah 17:27, where the fire would not be quenched before it could burn everything. This was fulfilled in Jeremiah 52:13 by Nebuchadnezzar. The fire in the plains of Sodom is not still burning today, showing that eternal fire does not mean an everlasting blaze. But the result of the fire/blaze unleashed because of their sin is an eternal witness against those cities and all who practice their sins. Verses containing “Perdition” NKJ

These verses don’t help in this study to determine if hell is really a place of eternal torment by fire.

Perdition A state of eternal punishment and damnation; ruin and loss.

Son of Perdition https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition An irredeemably wicked person or being; specifically the Antichrist. Jesus called Judas the Son of perdition.

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 (Paul is writer) Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day (the day of Christ) will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin (NU-Text reads lawlessness.) is revealed, the son of perdition (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 684), 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God (NU-Text omits as God.) in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Notes: Son of perdition is a reference to the antichrist. Falling away comes first: departure or the parting; the rapture.

1 Timothy 6:9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 3639) and perdition (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 684).

Hebrews 10:39 (undesignated writer) But we are not of those who draw back to perdition (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 684), but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. Commentary: Regardless of your circumstances endure suffering and remain faithful to God. Don’t go back into sin by turning away from God instead stand firm in your faith.

2 Peter 3:7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 4442) until the Day of Judgment (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 2920) and perdition (destruction) (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 684) of ungodly men. Commentary: In the days of Noah the earth was judged by water; at the second coming it will be judged by fire. This fire is described in Revelation 19:20, 20:10-15. Revelation 17:8 The beast (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 2342) that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 12) and go to perdition (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 684). And those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. Commentary: Perdition means ruin and destruction.

Revelation 17:11 The beast (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 2342) that was, and is not, is himself also the eighth, and is of the seven, and is going to perdition (KJV & NKJ) (Strong’s 684). Commentary: Perdition means ruin and destruction. Miscellaneous Verses

Isaiah 66:24 And they shall go forth and look upon the corpses of the men who have transgressed against me. For their worm (maggot) does not die, and their fire is not quenched (Strong’s 4570). They shall be an abhorrence (Strong’s 1860) to all flesh. (Strong’s 1320) Thoughts/Notes: These are Isaiah’s final words about the “last judgment”. Fire is forever; it will not go out. The word Hebrew word for “abhorrence” was only used twice in the bible. The second time in Daniel 12:2 below. Commentary:  All believers will be with the Lord forever, while all those who rebelled against him and his word will spend eternity in hell.  It has been estimated that of all the parables Jesus told, more than half dealt with God’s eternal judgment and hell.

Daniel 12:2 And many of them that sleep (Strong’s 3463) in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting (Strong’s 5769) contempt (Strong’s 1860). Thoughts/Notes: Even the Hebrew Bible talks of an afterlife and doesn’t consider a person dead when they physically die; instead they are referred to as “asleep”. Natural sleep is temporary because we will wake up. The same is true with the physical Death and that is way it’s called sleep; our bodies will eventually wake at the resurrection. This indicate that both those who will have everlasting life and the unrighteous will rise from the grave. The verse doesn’t speak of everlasting torment by fire but used the word “contempt” which also means abhorring. This verse does indicate that a souls condition if everlasting. The word Hebrew word for “contempt” was only used twice in the bible. The second time in Isaiah 66:24 above. Why does Daniel say many that sleep instead of all that sleep? Many = Strong’s 7227. Means abundant in quality. Commentary:  This is a clear reference to the resurrection of both righteous and the wicked, although the eternal fates of each will be quite different. Up to this point in time, teaching about the resurrection was not common, although every Israelite believed that one day he or she would be included in the restoration of a new kingdom.  This reference to a bodily resurrection of both the saved and the lost was a sharp departure from common belief.  This revealing that there are two, and only two, destinies for all humankind. Jesus indicates that there are two distinct resurrections in John 5:28-29.  Notice (particularly in the Daniel and Matthew passages) that the same adjective (“everlasting” or “eternal”) is used to modify both “life” and “punishment/contempt.” What is true about one (life) must be true about the other (punishment), that both are eternal and last forever. Due to our being born in sin and trespasses, we are under the just condemnation of God for our sin.  “Sleep” is a description of the disposition of the body that is planted in the ground upon death. The deceased body is figuratively depicted as “sleeping” due to “the similarity in appearance between a sleeping body and a dead body.” The most common NT word representing death as a “sleep” is the Greek koimaomai, meaning “to lie down.” The term is related to koimeterion, a “rest-house” for travelers, from which is derived our English “cemetery” – a place for sleeping bodies. Koimaomai is found 18 times in the NT, and only 4 of these refer to literal sleep. The rest allude to the sleep of the body in death. W.E. Vine has clearly shown that only the “body” is in view in these metaphorical references. The soul or spirit of man is never said to “sleep” in death.  While the Bible speaks of death as a “sleep,” that term is used only of the disposition of the body. Scripture knows nothing of “soul-sleeping.” The part of man which “sleeps” in death is that which is deposited in the dust of the ground (Daniel 12:2). This involves only the body, not the soul.  All three of these passages Daniel 12:2, Matthew 25:46 and Revelation 20:15 (and more) have as their main context the scene of final judgment. In other words, when Christ returns, three things will occur:  The general resurrection of “the living and the dead”; the final judgment; and the inauguration of the eternal state.  Each of these passages demonstrates that during the final judgment of all people, Jesus will separate the righteous from the wicked. The righteous will be ushered into the final state of glory, while the wicked will be sent to the lake of fire for eternal punishment and torment. Note too (particularly in the Daniel and Matthew passages) that the same adjective (“everlasting” or “eternal”) is used to modify both “life” and “punishment/contempt.” What is true about one (life) must be true about the other (punishment), that both are eternal and last forever.  In the Scriptures the words that designate sleep are used in both a literal and a figurative way. When the word is used literally, as it frequently is, it usually depicts sleep as a simple fact of human experience "Sleep" is also used metaphorically of death.

Ezekiel 18:4, 13 The soul who sins is the one who will die. 13 Will such a man live? He will not! Because he has done all these detestable things, he will surely be put to death and his blood will be on his own head. Thoughts/Notes: Chapter 18 of Ezekiel teaches that we each are responsible for our own sins. It uses the word SOUL in place of person so some commentaries say this means the sinner’s soul dies meaning they have spiritual death but the righteous person’s soul lives for eternity. Because verse 18 mentions blood, I believe this chapter is speaking about physically dying in sins. Commentary: Bob Wilkin is the Founder and Executive Director of Grace Evangelical Society. https://faithalone.org Ezekiel 18 is not really a tough chapter at all to the person who understands the difference between eternal life and physical life. When God said through Ezekiel that "the soul that sins shall die", He meant just that. That is, the more one sins, the more one comes under God's judgment and the more likely it is that he or she will die. This same principle is restated in the New Testament as well (James 1:15, 21). The wages of sin is death. While the believer escapes the eternal death which is part of sin's wages, the believer does not escape temporal/physical death which comes from sin. It doesn't take an advanced theological degree to ask the simple interpretive question, "What type of life and death is in view in Ezekiel 18 eternal or temporal?" The soul that sins shall die. To put it another way, to save your soul, your life, you must live a godly life. The more we sin, the more we invite our own deaths.

Psalms 37:20 “But the wicked will perish: Though the Lord’s enemies are like the flowers of the field, they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.”

Malachi 4:1 “For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.”

Matthew 7:13 Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction (Strong’s #684), and there are many who go in by it. Commentary: The image of two paths was common in Judaism. Sometimes the analogy was of separate roads leading in opposite directions, paradise or hell. At other times a narrow path of life’s hardships was pictured as ultimately leading to a broad path of eternal life.

Matthew 8:12 But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer (Strong’s 1857) darkness (Strong’s 4655). There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Thoughts/Notes: The Greek word for darkness literally or figuratively means darkness. Commentary: May be a reference to the second judgment/resurrection.

Matthew 13:40-42, 49-50 Therefore as the tares (the lawless) are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, 42 and will cast them into the furnace (Strong’s G2575) of fire. There will be weeping (or wailing) and gnashing of teeth. 49 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, 50 and cast them into the furnace (Strong’s G2575) of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” Thoughts/Notes: There is no other meaning in the Greek for furnace of fire. Commentary:  Jesus often uses “weeping or wailing and gnashing of teeth” to refer to the coming judgment. The weeping indicates sorrow or remorse, and gnashing of teeth shows extreme anxiety or pain.  The lawless unbelievers are destined to experience the fires of hell, where they will live in eternal misery.  In the Hebrew bible the expression “to gnash with the teeth” most often represents rage or hatred. In the New Testament this idiom expresses disappointment and agony of spirit rather than anger.

Matthew 22:13 “Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness (Strong’s 4655); there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ Thoughts/Notes: “Weeping and gnashing of teeth is a phrase denoting the extreme anguish and utter despair of men consigned to eternal condemnation. This phrase is found in Matthew and Luke. This phrase isn’t in the Hebrew Bible. Commentary: Outer darkness is common Jewish imagery for the place of eternal punishment for the wicked.

Matthew 24:50-51 the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, 51 and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 25:30 And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness (Strong’s 4655). There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ Commentary: “Weeping and gnashing of teeth” is a phrase used to describe despair.

Matthew 27:50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. Notes/Thoughts It is our Spirit that leaves the body after death.

Luke 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. Luke 14:14 And you will be blessed since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.

John 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish (Strong’s 622), but have eternal (Strong’s 166) life.

John 5:24 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that hears My word, and believes on Him that sent Me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” Commentary: Believers never need fear a condemnatory judgment for sin. For every Christian this judgment is already past. When Jesus comes again He will have in His body the marks of crucifixion, and this will prove that the penalty for sin has been paid in full.

John 5:28-29 Do not be amazed at his, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned (Strong’s 2920).

John 6:40 The most powerful words come from Jesus Himself: “And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day”.

John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal (Strong’s 166) life; and they shall never perish (Strong’s 622), neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

Acts 24:15 (Luke is writer) I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. Commentary: The bible teaches a resurrection of both the unrighteous and the righteous dead. The righteous will be resurrected to live forever in their redeemed bodies with the Lord, while the unrighteous will rise to be judged by God.

Romans 2:3-6 Paul is writer) And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath (Strong’s 3709) and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who “will render to each one according to his deeds” Thoughts/Notes: God will punish the unrighteous.

Romans 2:6-10 Copied to #2 6 who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: 7 eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality (Strong’s 861); 8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation (Strong’s 2372) and wrath (Strong’s 3709) , 9 tribulation (Strong’s 2347) and anguish (Strong’s 4730, on every soul (Strong’s 5590) of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; 10 but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Commentary: When people hypocritically and selfishly seek their own justification, the results are wrath which is the consistent, purposeful response of God to unrighteousness; Indignation – anger that rushes along vehemently; tribulation- extreme pressure; and anguish – a narrow place; confinement and constriction.

Romans 5:21 That as sin hath reigned unto death (Strong’s 2288), even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal (Strong’s 166) life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death (Strong’s 2288); but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 9:22 What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the objects of wrath prepared for destruction (Strong’s 11). Commentary: The term objects of wrath refers to those being prepared for eternal destruction.

1 Corinthians 15:43-45 43 It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual (Strong’s 4152) body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

1 Corinthians 15:50-56 (Paul is writer) 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption (Strong’s 7845) inherit incorruption (free from physical decay) (Strong’s 861). 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality (Strong’s 861). 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 55 “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Thoughts/Notes: Paul is speaking to those who believe Jesus is the Messiah. H says that death has no hold on believers because they will be given immortal bodies. He is not saying anything about the dead unbelievers. This verses translates the same Greek word as both immortality and incorruption which means unending existence. Commentary: http://www.bibleinfo.com: This site is 7th Day Adventist. Though we may die, Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live” (John 11:25). We will receive immortality when Jesus comes again (see 1 Corinthians 15:51-54). The Bible says that all those who have died—both righteous and wicked—will be raised to life in one of two resurrections. The righteous will be raised to life at Jesus’ second coming. “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). According to this verse, the righteous do not go to heaven when they die. They remain asleep in the grave until Jesus returns and raises them to immortal life (see 1 Corinthians 15:50-57). (Me: Don’t agree because the soul/spirit goes to heaven upon death; it is the physical body that is resurrected. Jesus brings with him those souls/spirits that previously died so they can be reunited with their raised bodies which are now immortal. (1 Thessalonians 4:14) Then he makes the bodies of those still alive and raises them in the air with him.) The wicked are raised to life in a separate resurrection—the resurrection of condemnation. Jesus said, “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:28, 29). The prophets never mention in the Bible that the righteous immediately go to heaven or the wicked go to hell when they die. (Me: But 1 Thessalonians 4:14 says Jesus brings with him those who previously fell asleep/died). Neither did Jesus and His apostles teach it. When Jesus was about to leave His disciples, He did not tell them they would soon come to Him. “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-3). When He returns, our loved ones asleep in Christ will awake from their tombs. No matter how long the time has passed, be it long or short, will seem but a moment to them. By the voice of Jesus, they are called forth from their deep slumber they will begin to think just where they ceased, awakening to a glorious immortality.

1 Corinthians 16:22 (Paul is writer) If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed (cursed).

2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present (Strong’s 1736) (at home) with the Lord. Notes/Thoughts: This doesn’t necessarily mean the moment we die we are in heaven. It could be just making the point that as long as we remain in the body we are not spiritually living with God. The word translated “present” is defined by Strong’s as “at home”. However I believe from other verses our soul/spirit is immediately with God. Commentary:  The believer not only is assured by faith, that there is another life after this is ended, but he has the hope of heaven as a dwelling-place and resting-place.  Barnes notes: This also proves that the spirits of the saints, when they depart, are with the Redeemer; that is, are at once taken to heaven. It demonstrates:  That they are not annihilated.  They do not sleep, and remain in an unconscious state.  They are not in some intermediate state, either in a state of purgatory, or a state where all the souls of the just and the unjust are assembled in a common abode  They dwell with Christ; they are with the Lord.  They abide in his presence; they partake of his joy and his glory; they are permitted to sit with him in his throne; Revelation 3:21.  The same idea the Savior expressed to the dying thief, when he said, "today shalt thou be with me in paradise;" Luke 23:43.  Gill's Exposition: to be absent from the body; that is, to die, to depart out of this world. The interval between death, and the resurrection, is a state of absence from the body, during which time the soul is disembodied, and exists in a separate state; not in a state of inactivity and sleep, for that would not be desirable, but of happiness and glory, enjoying the presence of God, and praising of him, believing and waiting for the resurrection of the body, when both will be united together again; and after that there will be no more absence, neither from the body, nor from the Lord.  Paul is stating here that he would prefer to be with Yahweh than on earth in his mortal body. The passage should not be interpreted to read, “To be absent from the body is to be present with Yahweh. Scripture teaches that upon death man goes to the grave where he waits for the resurrection of the Messiah. (Me: Only his body remains in the grave.)

1 Thessalonians 5:23 And now may the God of peace Himself sanctify (Strong’s 37) you entirely (Strong’s 3648); and may your spirit (Strong’s 4151) soul (Strong’s 5590) and body be preserved complete (Strong’s 3651) without blame (Strong’s 274) at the coming of our Lord (Strong’s 2962) Jesus Christ. Notes/Thoughts: Paul is saying we as a person are made up of our body, soul and spirit and he is praying that God will sanctify every part of us. When I look up the words to find their definition, there is a distinction between body, spirit and soul however they are still what makes up a person. Soul indicates we are a living being. Body is where are soul is housed. Spirit is our rational soul; mental disposition. Commentary:  The spirit, soul, and body refer not so much to the distinct parts of a person as to the entire being of a person. This expression is Paul’s way of saying that God must be involved in every aspect of our lives.  Body, soul, and spirit should not be understood as defining the parts of man, but as representing the whole of man.  The “spirit” (pneuma) is the part by which we apprehend realities intuitively—i.e., without reasoning upon them; with it we touch, see, serve, worship God (John 4:23-24; Romans 1:9; it is the very inmost consciousness of the man; it is the part of him which survives death (Luke 23:46; Acts 7:59).  The “soul.” (psyche) includes the intellect, the affections, and the will: and it is of the very essence of the gospel to force sharply upon men the distinction between it and the spirit (Hebrews 4:12).  The person of a man was constituted of three distinct substances; 1st, the rational spirit, which survives the death of the body, and is immortal; second, the animal soul, which man has in common with the beasts, and which dies with the body; and, third, the visible body.  Your whole spirit and soul and body - There is an allusion here, doubtless, to the popular opinion in regard to what constitutes man. We have a body; we have animal life and instincts in common with the inferior creation; and we have also a rational and immortal soul. This distinction is one that appears to the mass of people to be true, and the apostle speaks of it in the language commonly employed by mankind. At the same time, no one can demonstrate that it is not founded in truth. The body we see, and there can be no difference of opinion in regard to its existence. The "soul" (ἡ ψυκὴ hē psuchē - psyche), the vital principle, the animal life, or the seat of the senses, desires, affections, appetites, we have in common with other animals. It pertains to the nature of the animal creation, though more perfect in some animals than in others, but is in all distinct from the soul as the seat of conscience, and as capable of moral agency. Hebrews 4:12 (Undesignated writer) For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner (judge) of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Thoughts/Notes: The writer uses 2 words to represent our physical body and two words to represent our spiritual part. Commentary: The word discerner is better translated judge. The inner life of a Christian is often a mixture of genuinely spiritual and completely human motivations. Only a supernaturally discerning agent such as the Word of God can sort out what is the flesh and what is of the spirit.

Hebrews 9:28 (Undesignated writer) Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.

Hebrews 10:26-31 (Undesignated writer) For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The LORD will judge His people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Thoughts/Notes: This leave no doubt that God punishes and is vengeful on those who don’t believe in his son. Commentary:  Fiery indignation = a furious fire.  The most solemn warning in scripture = If one willfully forsakes Christ, there is no other sacrifice for sin.  The scriptures testify that God’s judgment is certain and absolute.

James 2:26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. Commentary: Death ends only one’s earthly existence, not his personal existence. Biblical evidence makes it abundantly clear that at the point of death, the spirit of a person merely leaves the body. Revelation 20:4-5 4 I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. Thoughts/Notes: Believer’s soul/spirits who had previously died, are in heaven with God. First Resurrection is of the bodies of the believers who’s soul/spirit are already in heaven with God. Second Resurrection occurs after the 1000 years are over. Then the unbelievers are judged and tossed into the Lake of Fire.