What Is Hell?: Will the Wicked Be Tormented in Hell Forever?

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What Is Hell?

Will the Wicked Be Tormented in Hell Forever?

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Most people think of hell as a place of eternal torment for the souls of wicked people. Could a compassionate God really torture people forever? We do not believe this is what the Bible teaches.

What does happen to the wicked?

The Bible says they die. In one of the most well-known verses in the Bible, Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). The apostle Paul also makes a clear contrast between death and "the gift of God...eternal life" (Romans 6:23). Ezekiel 18:4 says, "the soul who sins shall die."

The serpent in the Garden of Eden first spread the lie that man would not die—that man had an immortal soul (Genesis 3:4). But the Bible shows that "the dead know nothing" (Ecclesiastes 9:5) and "sleep in the dust of the earth" (Daniel 12:2) to awake in the resurrection.

So what is hell?

The Bible uses four words that have been translated hell. Sheol (Hebrew) and hades (Greek) both refer to the grave where righteous people like Job, David, Hezekiah and even Christ knew they would go at death (Job 14:13; Psalm 88:3; Isaiah 38:10; Acts 2:27, 31).

Tartaroo (Greek) is only used once in the Bible, about where fallen angels are restrained (2 Peter 2:4).

Gehenna was a word based on a vile garbage dump outside Jerusalem where trash and the bodies of criminals were burned up. Christ used the word to refer to what Revelation 20:10, 14-15 calls "the lake of fire," which brings "the second death"—permanent, eternal death.

God does not want anyone to end up in the lake of fire and will make sure everyone has a full chance for repentance (2 Peter 3:9). We pray that few will make the choice to reject that wonderful future God has to offer.

For more understanding, please read our Bible study aid booklet Heaven and Hell: What Does the Bible Really Teach?

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Comments

  • toughlife

    For centuries the Church has taught Christians and non-Christians alike that if you are not pleasing to God, if you do not accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, and if you do not go to church regularly, upon your death you will immediately go to a place of eternal torment, where you will endlessly burn and suffer the pains of everlasting fire for all eternity. REALLY?

    Definition

    The word Hell, in the Hebrew, is Sheol, meaning literally “grave” or “pit” (Strong’s #7585). Cross reference; every mention of the word Grave in scripture is also the Hebrew word Sheol. Every mention of the word Pit in scripture is also the Hebrew word Sheol. Sheol (Hebrew) and Hell (Old English) = GRAVE or PIT!

    “Jacob expected to go there, and he thought his favorite son was there (see Genesis 37:35). Job actually prayed to go to Hell to escape God’s wrath (see Job 14:13). If this matter is studied to its logical conclusion, it will be found that the word ‘oblivion’ is the best synonym for the Hebrew word Sheol and its Greek (New Testament) counterpart, Hades. Hell is not eternal torment; Hell is oblivion. It is not only for the wicked; it is also for the good”.

  • Nelson

    Good morning Ken!

    You´re right! Then, instead trying to understand the purposes of GOD we should to understand the will of GOD and walking on the right way!

    Thank you so much!!!

  • Ken Graham

    Hi Nelson:

    I cannot interpret what God has in mind or His reasons for doing things that are not revealed in the Bible. To say you are correct or incorrect would be presumptuous of me, that I somehow know the mind of God! Your opinions may well be correct, but the bible doesn't say why God does some of the things that He does, so we'll have to wait and see.

    Best Regards,
    Ken

  • Nelson

    Good afternoon Ken!

    These questions raised by me, were more in function of what we understand by looking over the scriptures, because it really was not given to us human beings to know fully what happens in the spiritual side. But your guidelines, based on the Bible, in large part are answering these questions!
    I also believe, and this is a personal opinion and I may be wrong, that because God loves the man unconditionally He wants the love of man toward HIM should be unconditional too! If we know deeply what happens after death, the unconditional love it could lose its meaning because we could not be acting for free choice but acting only according at stimulus (rewards).
    So, not knowing exactly what happens after death, this leads us to fulfill God's commandments, with all the difficulties of the flesh, putting our love at proof! This reasoning is somewhat correct?

    God bless you, Ken!

  • Ken Graham

    Hi Nelson:

    If I understand you correctly, it seems you are on the right path.

    The spirit in man is part of our life essence. It is what provides intellect and creates the mind, that animals do not have. It activates our understanding of who we are and provides the power of thought. Animals like the dolphin have larger brains, and more efficient brains than ours, but they don't truly "think" they react based on instinct because they are "hard wired" to react in a specific way to stimulus.

    The spirit in man is also the key to our ability to connect to the spirit world, designed by God to provide us with "access" to Him.

    We are physical so we don't understand the differences in the spirit. What we do know is that the Holy Spirit is different than the spirit in man, but does work with that spirit when God provides it. When God calls or begins working with a person, the Holy Spirit is the power that He uses to communicate and influence the spirit in man in us. The Holy Spirit is something of limitless power, whereas the spirit in man is very limited and has but one purpose - to activate the human mind and intellect. The Holy Spirit may work with a human being before repentance and baptism, but it does not dwell permanently in us until we are baptized and have hands laid upon us.

    Beyond these things, we, being physical just don't know much more because the bible doesn't reveal much more than this.

    Best Regards,
    Ken

  • Nelson

    Good morning Skip!

    You put an important question about our relationship with Jesus Christ! Yes, I want to strengthen this relationship. At one point in my life I asked myself what I was doing here on this world and why! Then a small miracle happened and a customer came into my small shop and invited me to go to a meeting at the Church of Christ here in Campinas (based in Oklahoma´s State), and I went there, the lessons were interrupted, but it created in me a great need to know more about the Way! I have asked about the Soul, Spirit, Life, Death, Life after Death and the response is coming towards the understanding of my questions! Thank you for talking about it!
    Going to Luke 14:26 to 27 and upon your prayer, you're right, selfishness makes it difficult to feel and learn about the word of GOD! Jesus asks us not to be irresponsible, but to put HIM above all things. I also think that without the help of HIM, we can not bear our cross! On this subject, our proximity with HIM and knowledge, we can to understand that the cross is the daily and hard battle among spirit and the flesh to keep us on the way! What do you think about?

    God bless you!

  • Nelson

    Good afternoon Ken!

    Human Spirit! This can be the difference to my understanding! Which was created in the image and likeness of God! Critical to our life after death because it is our connection with the Almighty through the Holy Spirit! Human spirit gives us intelligence to our brain, the Holy Spirit received by the straight man in repentance and baptism is our connection with the Spirit of God!
    The impression was that the breath of life and the Spirit of God were the same thing, but it is not! Then, the Holy Spirit is already in us after repentance and baptism!
    To add more emphasis to the subject John 14:2 to 4 and 16 to 17.
    I would like your opinion and direction about my comments!

    Thank you very much!!!

  • Nelson

    Good afternoon Ken!

    Forgive me for delay, please!

    According the lesson 3 I'm understanding that man's soul is not immortal, this is life, the divine breath of God! Is this the difference among soul and spirit? The spirit returns to God, because it belongs to Him, but the soul dies when the body dies? Is this correct? The spirit belongs to God and is eternal, like God, do not die! The resurrection of the dead is when the spirit of the repented is returned to the body to a new life? This will not necessarily happen in the matter as we know it today, because Jesus said he was going ahead to prepare a place for the repented, is this correct?
    I´m going to the new booklet and returning soon!!!

    GOD bless you

  • Nelson

    Good Morning Skip!

    I prefer to communicate in English because it is a more direct language, all right? I will carefully read the booklet indicated by Ken Graham and to return to him!
    I was born into a Roman Catholic family, but do not agree with myths without explanation, then ... I would like to discuss about the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God! This force we feel within us when in conflict and pray to God to strengthen us and we can overcome the difficulties of the way!

    GOD bless all you!

  • Skip Miller

    Good Morning Nelson!

    You seem to me to want to be more than you presently are, with regard to a very personal relationship with Jesus Christ. (I do remember my early Catholic training. It never ever used the Bible as the basis for what it taught me.) You have graciously asked for a little guidance.

    Let me begin at Luke 14 verses 26 & 27. I have never read these verses without saying to myself, "Christ wants to be the very most important thing in my life!" This is hard for any human to understand in our selfish "me first" world. But now I understand this is what Jesus Christ is asking of those who wish to follow him as disciples. Do you want to do this? If so, then we will have much more to talk about.

    Sincerely, Skip

    (If you have already received this, I apologize! I am learning too:)

  • Nelson

    Good morning Jorge!

    Today is another great day of IAWEH, because we are all trying to get in the way sometimes difficult but always full of HIS presence! Jorge, I have received the Good News in Portuguese too! Interestingly, when we are talking about our Lord, there is no differences of language, race, or nation! You are also welcome to this current discussion and to contribute about Heaven and Hell or any other matter relating to the teachings of the Lord!

    Thank you so much for the input! Have you also a great Saturday with our LORD!!!

    Nelson Nanni Filho

  • Skip Miller

    Hello Nelson!
    23 June is Corpus Christi day in Brazil!

    I used to think about Corpus Christi when I was a Roman Catholic.
    But that was many years ago. (And most people in the USA wouldn't even think about it.) I noticed that you have a Jerusalem Bible; so do I. It belonged to my mother & father. I use it whenever I want to go to the Apocrypha.

    I also noticed that Ken Graham suggested to you a booklet that UCG publishes called The Church Jesus Built. But what you may not know is that we have several booklets in Portuguese and would be happy to send them to you.

    Not having internet in your country house may be a blessing in disguise! What would you like to discuss next?

    Skip

  • Jorge de Campos
    Hi Nelson, Its nice to see your discussion with Skip and Ken. I am glad that they have addressed most of your questions. You might also be interested in reading some of the Church's material in Portuguese, if you visit our Portuguese website, namely: www.revistaboanova.org O livro acerca do Céu e do Inferno também pode ser lido no nosso site: http://www.revistaboanova.org/literature/ Have a great Sabbath and may the Eternal lead you in the Truth.
  • Nelson

    Good morning, Skip!

    You are not in any way beyond its limits host. We need to understand that there are differences of language and culture among nations and the only language where there is no difference is the Book of God, on which we can examine and understand the deep meaning of his words, whatever our origin! And I have a lot to learn yet!
    I also agree fully at respect of the power of God and of his strength working in us, the eternal creative power of God! There is a quote in the Bible (perhaps from Jesus? On "do not grieve the Spirit Divine?"
    I was watching the sermon of Peter Eddington, of June 21, 2008, and something about fervently believe, and that there is a difference between belief and faith is making me think so much about my relationship with God. Just today, the message "This is the way", I also read about formed opinion no fundamentals (stubbornness). So it is necessary to believe fervently and even catch up to support this belief in facts, looking over the Bible, where the living word of our God is our legacy of knowledge for eternal life and... the search !
    Going DEUT 28, all goodness and protection of our Lord and in the verses 1 to 14 heavy words and predictions in verses 15 to 46.
    I have read the Bible daily (The Jerusalem´s Bible), but now with your help and Ken Graham, I am directing the readings for important questions! I'm waiting for the new guidance.
    God bless you!

    *** Yesterday here in Brazil was a national holiday and I do not have internet in my country house!

  • Skip Miller

    Nelson,
    I read what you said to Ken Graham.
    (I hope I wasn't overstepping my welcome.)
    And, I am so happy to see that things are making more sense.
    Congratulations!
    Skip

  • Skip Miller

    Hello Nelson,
    I used Wikipedia & the free Merriam-Webster on line dictionary to reinforce what I thought I knew: consubstantial is a technical term used, primarily, by trinitarians. I am not a trinitarian. I believe that there is a Father & a Son & that they are both members of the God family. (They are both God.) There is no Holy Ghost (or Spirit) person (or being.) The Holy Spirit is the power & (some might say) the glory of God.

    Yes, Jesus came to save the world! (And He did it! Some just have not yet come to understand that.) But about punishments & rewards.

    I like to go to Deut 28 as my primary source for blessings (rewards) and cursings (punishments). I find the Bible to be one book, don't you? Old & new testament go together so well!!

    Now, (it is not MY teaching but the Eternal's)
    go ahead, read abit of it & we can talk some more.

    Sincerely

  • Nelson

    Even though the Church is to proclaim a message to the world that includes a call for repentance, Scripture tells us that relatively few people will truly repent before Christ returns. Thus, bringing the world to repentance is not the Church's role for this age. (from The Responsibility and Mission of the Church)

    Good afternoon Ken,

    The question I asked whether it was fair or not (with respect to time of understanding) has been completely answered by you with support in that paragraph of the article above! I agree that the Church has not responsibility for the salvation of mankind, but to take the word of God to all as is possible! Indeed, salvation starts from within the human being. (On this I feel the hand of God). I see it, because I've been following This is the way for about three years and even then I did not understand the meaning of my desire to know the Lord's purposes toward mankind, and so I thought that starting on the various issues about the death of the body and what happens to the spirit after death, I could be more at peace, in understanding with relation at the meaning of life! At least until the moment I'm not afraid to die, this is not my concern, but I felt compelled to find some answers and I have been very very helped for you! I have asked you many times about some interpretations about various subjects looking for a logical response about hard questions! Hard questions It is because there should be no logical answer to these questions. What I need have is faith, first of all, belief on the things of our LORD, ALMIGHT, and that many times and I say this respectfully, these attempts to find the answers cause a great confusion in my mind and I think to be walking in circles! I always thought that to believe it was necessary first of all, understand ... serious mistake! In this case, it is necessary first of all to BELIEVE and after the UNDERSTANDING! To find the answers and understanding with the heart it will come with your help! Our God in his omniscience knows us more than we know ourselves and what is our time! Probably what I know and understand today did not have any value in the past, but today, it has effect!
    God bless you all!

  • Nelson

    Sorry Skip,

    Read Mathews 10:28 instead John 10:28

    My best regards

  • Nelson

    Good morning Skip,

    So John says in 10:28: "Fear not them which kill the body but can not kill the soul. Fear rather him who can destroy both soul and body in the geena." OK! A note on death caused by humans and that can destroy the flesh, but not the soul. Do not follow the path of God may result in the destruction of the body and much worse, the destruction of the soul. This destruction then means the removal of the presence of God which in itself is suffering, but is it the eternal suffering?
    This quote John 3:17: For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through of HIM, it means an opportunity for salvation depending only on the choice of every human being.
    In Jeremiah 30:17, Jesus is refered as the remedy through whom the wounds of humanity will be healed?
    Thanks for being quoted John, because I believe that John records faithfully all the facts and circumstances of that time. Between us, Skip, if Jesus came not to condemn, the only Son, consubstantial with the Father, who are we to judge or condemn, although it is necessary to keep in our mind what is right and what is wrong before GOD! I'm waiting your teachings about punishment and reward and thanks for all!
    That God continue blessing you!

  • Ken Graham

    Hi Nelson:

    It is never too late to begin doing the right thing and making right decisions. Why did God wait for so long to begin showing you the Truth? God is not dealing with every single human being yet, or all at once. He will deal with every person, in His own time, not in ours. Simply put, today is not the only day of salvation. Consider yourself blessed if God has begun to open your mind to His understanding now. It is God the Father who decides WHEN He will call out and begin to work with human beings. We don't make that decision. God does. He will ultimately deal with every hunan, but not all at once in this age.

    I hope this helps a little.

    UCG has a publication you may find helpful in this regard:
    http://www.ucg.org/booklet/church-jesus-built/responsibility-and-mission-church/today-only-day-salvation

    Best regards,
    Ken

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