Soooo I was watching Creflo talk about a recording of hell

[DarlingNikki]

Absolutely not!

I believe that we just don't have access to other worlds because humanity fell into sin. When we get to heaven, there will be so much more we will experience!

Here are some verses that indicate other life...

Job 2:1 - Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.

Rev 12:12 - Therefore rejoice, [ye] heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

I'm not sure how to ask this but are you saying that there are other worlds out there that possibly passed the "forbidden fruit" test with flying colors? Do you think they are living in a state of perfection directly amongst God, like we did in the very beginning? And do you believe there are other worlds out there that are in the same predicament as us? Not sure if my questions make sense...if not, I'll try to clarify it better .

 

[DarlingNikki]

Jesus will reward the righteous eternal life when He comes back for us, at the Second Coming.

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Here's a good question to ask... If people had inner "spirits" that live on forever and ever, then what would be the need for Jesus' promise of everlasting life to those who believe? The Bible states that the dead know nothing (Eccl 9:5), so there cannot be these spirit beings that last forever in consciousness. If in fact, the wicked suffer in some neverending place called hell, then they have everlasting life (though not a good one). We know that cannot be true. The Scriptures state that everlasting life is a gift from God, bestowed upon those of us who seek Him when He comes for us.

Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Note that the Bible does not say that the wages of sin is life in hellfire forever, it says that the wages of sin is death. The result for those who reject God is death eternally.

I am >>>here<<< with you on everything you stated, because that is what I was thinking. But then I read different verses that make me go back and forth in my train of thought....so please bear with my brainstorming. Ok. What if the wicked are doomed to "everlasing death"? Meaning that they die a death of agony over and over and over and over again for all eternity? That would certainly make a hell equipped with fire and brimstone more feasible of a fate. And that would certainly mean that they were in fact not rewarded with everlasting life....."life" meaning to be in the presence of God....and "death" meaning the absence of God and his mercy. With my reference of "death", I am talking about the 2nd death. In the verse you quoted which stated "the dead know nothing", could it possibly have been talking about the 1st death? Or if in fact it was referring to the 2nd death maybe it meant that "spiritually" they know nothing because of their separation from God? I'm really not sure, that's why I'm asking .

I'm just trying to grasp a better understanding by looking at all possible angles.

ETA: I just looked up the rest of the the "dead know nothing" verse.

Ecclesiastes 9:5 (New International Version)

5 For the living know that they will die,
but the dead know nothing;
they have no further reward,
and even the memory of them is forgotten

 

[divya]

I'm not sure how to ask this but are you saying that there are other worlds out there that possibly passed the "forbidden fruit" test with flying colors? Do you think they are living in a state of perfection directly amongst God, like we did in the very beginning? And do you believe there are other worlds out there that are in the same predicament as us? Not sure if my questions make sense...if not, I'll try to clarify it better .

Well yes, probably. If in fact the verses mean what they appear too, the sons of God presented themselves before the Lord. I mean, usually the angels are referred to as such or specifically by name (Gabriel). So there are likely other creations. In the Scriptures, we are generally only told about our story. If there are others worlds out there, I doubt God would allow us to ever get to them. With the state of our world, what would happen? We'd probably try to exploit them or worse yet, kill them to take whatever they have.

The second one is a good question. Maybe not because the sin story would probably be broader picture for us. But then again, who knows? Could be one of those questions we'll have to get answered when we see Him.

 

[divya]

I am >>>here<<< with you on everything you stated, because that is what I was thinking. But then I read different verses that make me go back and forth in my train of thought....so please bear with my brainstorming. Ok. What if the wicked are doomed to "everlasing death"? Meaning that they die a death of agony over and over and over and over again for all eternity? That would certainly make a hell equipped with fire and brimstone more feasible of a fate. And that would certainly mean that they were in fact not rewarded with everlasting life....."life" meaning to be in the presence of God....and "death" meaning the absence of God and his mercy. With my reference of "death", I am talking about the 2nd death. In the verse you quoted which stated "the dead know nothing", could it possibly have been talking about the 1st death? Or if in fact it was referring to the 2nd death maybe it meant that "spiritually" they know nothing because of their separation from God? I'm really not sure, that's why I'm asking .

I'm just trying to grasp a better understanding by looking at all possible angles.

ETA: I just looked up the rest of the the "dead know nothing" verse.

Ecclesiastes 9:5 (New International Version)

5 For the living know that they will die,
but the dead know nothing;
they have no further reward,
and even the memory of them is forgotten

Well, in a sense one might say that they are doomed to an everlasting death because the effects of the lake of fire will be permanent. Never again will they have life.

The concept that you put forward is definitely an interesting one. Never thought of that. However, the issue there would be that the Scriptures give us the 1st death and then the 2nd death. Also here…

Rev. 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

The first part here states that death and hell were cast into the lake. (Note: the Greek translation of hell here is the grave). So both death and the grave are cast into the lake of fire.

In Malachi, the Scriptures tell us that everything in the lake of fire will be destroyed completely.

Malachi 4:1-2 - 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. But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

Then, chapter 20 of Revelation talks about there being no more death:

Rev. 20:4 - And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

This means that no one can die over and over or be in sorrow or pain. So the lake of fire and death must end. The former things are passed away...

After all this now, we can go back to Romans 6:23 and see that the wages of sin is death. That will be the ultimate fate of those who choose not to accept Christ, and the opposite is true for those of us who love and serve Him.

Please let me know if I'm not being clear in some way. Really sleepy...been working on a paper most of the night.

 

[Crown]

The question wasn't really about Sodom or Gomorrah it was about
...
Jesus is described as having descended into Hades after His death (Acts 2:27, 31; cf. Ephesians 4:9). At the resurrection of Jesus Christ, it seems that the believers in Hades (i.e., the occupants of Paradise) were moved to another location. Now, Paradise is above rather than below (2 Corinthians 12:2-4).

...

Sorry, but 2 Cor 12:2-4 has no relation with death : it's a vision.

Matt. 27:52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 27:53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. 27:54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

2Cor 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

John 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
**
Eternal life /or/ dead (forever) with no possibility of redemption, but dead until the body becoming dust in the lake of fire.

 

[Shimmie]

So then why is the same principle not applied to the lake of fire, particularly when numerous scriptures support the same application?

Hi Divya....

Based upon my post regarding 'Jonah's 'forever':

In answer to your question about the principle not applied to the lake of fire: why does it have to? What I mean by this is that no matter what individual understanding everyone has of what death, hell and the grave is, the term, 'forever' still means what it means when Jonah cried out in prayer.

Jonah was a man in distress and note that it was Jonah and not God who called it, 'forever.' And as Jonah was speaking prophetically the torment of Jesus, it was Jesus in the flesh, a human state of mind enduring all of our pain, agony and sins, which indeed felt like forever.

There are wayyyyy, too many theories about this issue regarding hell, who / when/ where, and God forbid, the disbelief of hell and it's inevitable torment, even for loved ones who have made hell their choice.

This I know, God doesn't lie. Folks go to hell and are still going everyday. Jesus made it plain and simple. He doesn't lie. The body dies and lies in wait until it's spirit returns to it. In the meantime, the soul of man is not floating around in an endless cycle awaiting judgement, neither is it sleeping. It enters into one or two places, Heaven or hell. One of paradise and one of torment.

I respect everyone's perspective and this is how I choose to leave it. There's only one true way of finding out how this truly works, and that is to die. And this makes it all the more imperative for everyone to get their lives in order. There's a curtain call coming for all.

Blessings sweet lady.

 

[divya]

Hi Divya....

Based upon my post regarding 'Jonah's 'forever':

In answer to your question about the principle not applied to the lake of fire: why does it have to? What I mean by this is that no matter what individual understanding everyone has of what death, hell and the grave is, the term, 'forever' still means what it means when Jonah cried out in prayer.

Jonah was a man in distress and note that it was Jonah and not God who called it, 'forever.' And as Jonah was speaking prophetically the torment of Jesus, it was Jesus in the flesh, a human state of mind enduring all of our pain, agony and sins, which indeed felt like forever.

There are wayyyyy, too many theories about this issue regarding hell, who / when/ where, and God forbid, the disbelief of hell and it's inevitable torment, even for loved ones who have made hell their choice.

This I know, God doesn't lie. Folks go to hell and are still going everyday. Jesus made it plain and simple. He doesn't lie. The body dies and lies in wait until it's spirit returns to it. In the meantime, the soul of man is not floating around in an endless cycle awaiting judgement, neither is it sleeping. It enters into one or two places, Heaven or hell. One of paradise and one of torment.

I respect everyone's perspective and this is how I choose to leave it. There's only one true way of finding out how this truly works, and that is to die. And this makes it all the more imperative for everyone to get their lives in order. There's a curtain call coming for all.

Blessings sweet lady.

Well, personally I believe that consistency should be looked for when it comes to language in the Bible, also translations, etc. There are many theories but the Bible is very consistent about tell us exactly what happens when we die. It simply does not say that folks go to a currently burning place everyday. It's a consistent them from the Old Testament to the New Testament that we go to the grave and are unconscious. The Bible states that the dead sleep until Jesus comes with the reward. It is true, God does not lie. Dan. 12:2, Psalm 13:3, 2 Samuel 7:12, Acts 7:59-60, John 11.11-14, Job 7:21, 1 Corinthians 15:18, Ecclesiastes 9:5,10, Psalm 146:4.

We can agree to disagree though.

Bless!

 

[Aggie]

Interesting thread, subscribing to read later.

 

[Shimmie]

Well, personally I believe that consistency should be looked for when it comes to language in the Bible, also translations, etc. There are many theories but the Bible is very consistent about tell us exactly what happens when we die. It simply does not say that folks go to a currently burning place everyday. It's a consistent them from the Old Testament to the New Testament that we go to the grave and are unconscious. The Bible states that the dead sleep until Jesus comes with the reward. It is true, God does not lie. Dan. 12:2, Psalm 13:3, 2 Samuel 7:12, Acts 7:59-60, John 11.11-14, Job 7:21, 1 Corinthians 15:18, Ecclesiastes 9:5,10, Psalm 146:4.

We can agree to disagree though.

Bless!

I definitely agree with you about consistency and I agree with much of what's been shared in this thread. But it's too much dialogue and too many opinions which is making this topic more complicated than it needs to be. Jesus made it simple in Luke 16; He didn't lie nor did He 'create' a theory.

He nailed it, clear and plain, as sure as He was nailed to the cross. And we 'all' know that He was nailed to the cross even though none of us were there to literally 'see' it.

I'm not disagreeing with any one's perception (except that of not wanting to love God because folks suffer in hell). I just don't feel it's conducive to drive it into an endless hell of further doubt.

No matter how many scriptures we post, it's still goes back to what Jesus said in Luke 16; it's not going to change. Only the physical body needs and does sleep. Our spirit and our souls are always awake. They are not an earthen vessel subject to the needs of the human body (eating, sleeping, thirst, waste elimination, charmin bathroon tissue).

All in all, I think this is a good thread and each of you have spoken well to one another in spite of any differences of perspectives (opinions aren't equated to the rich knowledge each has shared here). What I see in this thread are the minds and hearts of excellent students who have held fast to what they've learned and are well versed in scripture.

The Lord simply has me 'somewhere else', prepping me for another issue which will soon hit this forum with such magnitude, that we will all be in prayer before we post. We have a 'defector' in the midst. And we will each be able to discern and watch and pray.

So with that.......

:thatsall:

Love and blessings. I mean it sincerely.

 

[divya]

I definitely agree with you about consistency and I agree with much of what's been shared in this thread. But it's too much dialogue and too many opinions which is making this topic more complicated than it needs to be. Jesus made it simple in Luke 16; He didn't lie nor did He 'create' a theory.

He nailed it, clear and plain, as sure as He was nailed to the cross. And we 'all' know that He was nailed to the cross even though none of us were there to literally 'see' it.

I'm not disagreeing with any one's perception (except that of not wanting to love God because folks suffer in hell). I just don't feel it's conducive to drive it into an endless hell of further doubt.

No matter how many scriptures we post, it's still goes back to what Jesus said in Luke 16; it's not going to change. Only the physical body needs and does sleep. Our spirit and our souls are always awake. They are not an earthen vessel subject to the needs of the human body (eating, sleeping, thirst, waste elimination, charmin bathroon tissue).

All in all, I think this is a good thread and each of you have spoken well to one another in spite of any differences of perspectives (opinions aren't equated to the rich knowledge each has shared here). What I see in this thread are the minds and hearts of excellent students who have held fast to what they've learned and are well versed in scripture.

The Lord simply has me 'somewhere else', prepping me for another issue which will soon hit this forum with such magnitude, that we will all be in prayer before we post. We have a 'defector' in the midst. And we will each be able to discern and watch and pray.

So with that.......

:thatsall:

Love and blessings. I mean it sincerely.

Jesus made it clear John 11:

11These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.

12Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.

13Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.

14Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.

Jesus statements here are consistent with the myriad of Scriptures listed in this thread that state that when we die, we sleep until Jesus raises again. Jesus does not contradict the Holy Word. God is always the same. Luke 16 is a parable and if taken to advocate endless torment would mean to contradict Jesus statements in John 11 that we sleep when we die and numerous other verses in the Bible that states that we sleep when we die. To me, the more support in the Word, the better. But I do understand that not all will agree.

God Bless!

 

[Nice & Wavy]

I definitely agree with you about consistency and I agree with much of what's been shared in this thread. But it's too much dialogue and too many opinions which is making this topic more complicated than it needs to be. Jesus made it simple in Luke 16; He didn't lie nor did He 'create' a theory.

He nailed it, clear and plain, as sure as He was nailed to the cross. And we 'all' know that He was nailed to the cross even though none of us were there to literally 'see' it.

I'm not disagreeing with any one's perception (except that of not wanting to love God because folks suffer in hell). I just don't feel it's conducive to drive it into an endless hell of further doubt.

No matter how many scriptures we post, it's still goes back to what Jesus said in Luke 16; it's not going to change. Only the physical body needs and does sleep. Our spirit and our souls are always awake. They are not an earthen vessel subject to the needs of the human body (eating, sleeping, thirst, waste elimination, charmin bathroon tissue).

All in all, I think this is a good thread and each of you have spoken well to one another in spite of any differences of perspectives (opinions aren't equated to the rich knowledge each has shared here). What I see in this thread are the minds and hearts of excellent students who have held fast to what they've learned and are well versed in scripture.

The Lord simply has me 'somewhere else', prepping me for another issue which will soon hit this forum with such magnitude, that we will all be in prayer before we post. We have a 'defector' in the midst. And we will each be able to discern and watch and pray.

So with that.......

:thatsall:

Love and blessings. I mean it sincerely.

I want you to know that I heard what you said and the impact is powerful.

Love you!

 

[Shimmie]

I want you to know that I heard what you said and the impact is powerful.

Love you!

Thanks sis.... I mean it.

 

[Nice & Wavy]

Thanks sis.... I mean it.

I know you do....

 

[jwhitley6]

Sorry that it took me so long to get back to this post...my computer at home is busted, so I had to wait to come to work to answer.

@ the bolded....I did not misconstrue your words...I simply answered your post according to how I read it.

I want you to know that I understand the scriptures and I do study to show myself approved unto God, a workman not ashamed...rightly dividing the word of truth. As I said before, I don't need to constantly throw scriptures around to get my point across....I say what I need to say and sometimes it doesn't always include scripture.

I totally understand what parables are as well. Jesus didn't use the parables to just fill in the blanks...there was a reason for them, and I take it literally...if He spoke to us about hell...he meant it and that means there is a hell. You may not agree with that, but it doesn't mean that its not true. I also understand about symbolism in scripture as well.

The whole point here is that your SDA beliefs is fine, but it doesn't mean that those of us who are not SDA are going to agree with it. (I was once SDA, so I know what those beliefs are)

I'm not going to continue on this any longer...there really isn't a need to. You don't believe in hell and I do...its just as simple as that.

Have a great day, divya.

Hi Nice & Wavy!

I don't frequently post here, but I've really enjoyed the food for thought on this matter. I was raised COGIC, mom is a missionary/evangelist. I've been tought the bible. However, I'm finding now that as I search the Word for myself I am seeing some things in a different light, while other existing beliefs are enhanced. I've come to believe that parables are not always literal....but ALWAYS PURPOSEFUL. I'm constantly searching to understand that purpose.

If you don't mind, I would appreciate more "throwing around" scriptures. I have several versions of the Bible I can reference and a commentary that offers some interesting perspectives. I'd like to be able to read your points of view and see supporting scriptures that lead you to this view. It helps me to grow.

Ultimately, it doesn't matter to me if there is or isn't a hell...I'm living for God regardless.

 

[Nice & Wavy]

Hi Nice & Wavy!

I don't frequently post here, but I've really enjoyed the food for thought on this matter. I was raised COGIC, mom is a missionary/evangelist. I've been tought the bible. However, I'm finding now that as I search the Word for myself I am seeing some things in a different light, while other existing beliefs are enhanced. I've come to believe that parables are not always literal....but ALWAYS PURPOSEFUL. I'm constantly searching to understand that purpose.

If you don't mind, I would appreciate more "throwing around" scriptures. I have several versions of the Bible I can reference and a commentary that offers some interesting perspectives. I'd like to be able to read your points of view and see supporting scriptures that lead you to this view. It helps me to grow.

Ultimately, it doesn't matter to me if there is or isn't a hell...I'm living for God regardless.

Hi sis,

Thanks for posting. Being a christian for so long, sometimes I forget that not everyone is going to understand where I'm are coming from, especially on a forum...so my apologies if I wasn't clear in my post.

What I said in my post was that I take parables literally, because its the Word of God. Jesus saw the importance of sharing it, therefore I cannot refute the importance of it, just because He decided to share about hell and used a parable.

Hell is a real place, regardless of who believes it. If we believe the Word of God, then we must know that what it says is 'literal' in every sense of the word.

In John 6:63 Jesus says "The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life."

and in John 12:48, Jesus says "There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day."

From what I gather from the Word here being spoken by Jesus, He takes the words that He says, literally.

I'm not going to go any further, because I'm sure you get what I'm saying. You can pm me if you like

I do want to respond to your last sentence

Ultimately, it doesn't matter to me if there is or isn't a hell...I'm living for God regardless.

by saying....we should all care if there is a hell....even if we are living for God, our hearts should be burning for those that don't know God, who will be seperated from Him for all eternity! We can't think about ourselves only....we are all ministers of reconcilliation...reconciling the world back to God!

Blessings to you, always.

 

[jwhitley6]

Hi sis,

Thanks for posting. Being a christian for so long, sometimes I forget that not everyone is going to understand where I'm are coming from, especially on a forum...so my apologies if I wasn't clear in my post.

What I said in my post was that I take parables literally, because its the Word of God. Jesus saw the importance of sharing it, therefore I cannot refute the importance of it, just because He decided to share about hell and used a parable.

Hell is a real place, regardless of who believes it. If we believe the Word of God, then we must know that what it says is 'literal' in every sense of the word.

In John 6:63 Jesus says "The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life."

and in John 12:48, Jesus says "There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day."

From what I gather from the Word here being spoken by Jesus, He takes the words that He says, literally.

I'm not going to go any further, because I'm sure you get what I'm saying. You can pm me if you like

I do want to respond to your last sentence by saying....we should all care if there is a hell....even if we are living for God, our hearts should be burning for those that don't know God, who will be seperated from Him for all eternity! We can't think about ourselves only....we are all ministers of reconcilliation...reconciling the world back to God!

Blessings to you, always.

I'm not saying I don't care about others...just that our motivation for serving God should not be due to fear of hell. I hope to inspire others to serve God because He is Holy, Righteous and life just works better when we put him first. I really don't think about hell much, because when I'm separated from God I feel it right here and now....and I don't like it! I hear you, though.

Blessings to you too!

 

[Shimmie]

I'm not saying I don't care about others...just that our motivation for serving God should not be due to fear of hell. I hope to inspire others to serve God because He is Holy, Righteous and life just works better when we put him first. I really don't think about hell much, because when I'm separated from God I feel it right here and now....and I don't like it! I hear you, though.

Blessings to you too!

:Rose: It's obvious you care about others especially from your approach with Nice and Wavy;, in the same manner just as I know that hell is far from the heart and motivation for serving God regarding the majority of Christians, namely my sister N&W.

To be honest, hell is not the focus of anyone, whether they are praising God or sinning. It's not what folks wish to indulge their thoughts in and 'we' for the most part don't.

For as long as I've been here, hell is the least of subjects shared in this forum. Thread after thread, post after post, you will rarely see hell, or a dedication to it. This is actually one of the first threads that I can remember that has taken it this far. And I also know why. There is a spirit to disfuse it's existance and one's ultimate choice to avoid it.

Unless they are satanic or satan worshippers, hell is the last thought folks have in mind. Yet hell is still a real place where folks go. Like it or not, it's there. Which is why Jesus, in Luke 16, made it easier to comprehend for those who didn't and don't believe in it. It was a loving warning... don't make the trip.

Blessings...

 

[Nice & Wavy]

I'm not saying I don't care about others...just that our motivation for serving God should not be due to fear of hell. I hope to inspire others to serve God because He is Holy, Righteous and life just works better when we put him first. I really don't think about hell much, because when I'm separated from God I feel it right here and now....and I don't like it! I hear you, though.

Blessings to you too!

I know that's not what you meant, sis. I believe with my whole heart that you do care about others. My post wasn't shared because of the 'fear of hell', rather to remind that hell is real!

Thanks for hearing me...it means alot.

Blessings, always.

 

[Nice & Wavy]

:Rose: It's obvious you care about others especially from your approach with Nice and Wavy;, in the same manner just as I know that hell is far from the heart and motivation for serving God regarding the majority of Christians, namely my sister N&W.

To be honest, hell is not the focus of anyone, whether they are praising God or sinning. It's not what folks wish to indulge their thoughts in and 'we' for the most part don't.

For as long as I've been here, hell is the least of subjects shared in this forum. Thread after thread, post after post, you will rarely see hell, or a dedication to it. This is actually one of the first threads that I can remember that has taken it this far. And I also know why. There is a spirit to disfuse it's existance and one's ultimate choice to avoid it.

Unless they are satanic or satan worshippers, hell is the last thought folks have in mind. Yet hell is still a real place where folks go. Like it or not, it's there. Which is why Jesus, in Luke 16, made it easier to comprehend for those who didn't and don't believe in it. It was a loving warning... don't make the trip.

Blessings...

Thank you, sis!

 

[Crown]

WOW!
I copied ALL!
With all those verses, it's a really good study about this subject.
Thank you OP! Thanks to all of you!
GOD bless you!

 

[blazingthru]

Blazing I am not going to get any work done reading all these scriptures .

I am just glad your reading them.

 

[EbonyHairedPrincess]

I am just glad your reading them.

I had to give this thread a rest and give myself time to reflect on what was being said and why. I never expected this thread to become such an indepth bible study on hell that spans so many branches of Christianity. I am most pleased that we all debated in love and respect and sometimes humor. I can't think of anything else to add that will be beneficial but I really had fun.

 

[Laela]

I don't believe that hell is created or that there is such place in existence today.

Blazin', do you believe in God? or that he exists?

 

[blazingthru]

Blazin', do you believe in God? or that he exists?

I am curious why do you ask? Is there something in my post that indicates that I don't believe, things like this is important to me because I am always examining myself to see if I am living the life that God calls me to live and so far I have been called many horrible things on the forum that at first really hurt me, but I realize that some people will not agree instead of saying it I have become the enemy. But that is okay, I have learned a lesson from it. You have to be strong and always be willing to give an answer to what you believe. No matter the cost.

Anyway I had to unlearn to many things and I got all excited and posted on here, I hope it help some. I know it angered others. I love the Lord with all my heart and soul and I cannot wait until Jesus returns I went over my post and I can't find any place that indicates that I dont' believe in God so I am really interested in knowing why do you ask.

 

[chicacanella]

I read a Divine Revelation of Hell one time and it sure did get me on the right track or rather God used that book to plant a seed. It's by Mary K. Baxter. I remembered her name since 9th grade. That was the first time I read her book. Oh yeah, and in the bible it refers to hell as a "her" and talks about it opening up it's mouth wide. I think much prayer, fasting, and studying scriptures is needed to know if it's a spiritual sense. But I think that alot of things in the bible get overlooked because we don't ask God if if it is spiritual or a parabel but most times, it is evident when Jesus Christ was speaking of a parable.

 

[chicacanella]

Is hell a place of fire or a place of complete darkness?

I see alot of references in the bible about outer darkness but nothing about fire? I know the God uses fire for a number of events.

What if the fire that we see on earth has color but perhaps it is possible for God to use fire but not have the color. So then it would be burning but no color to give light. Just thinking but umm, I believe even in hell people are given their just reward for what they've done on earth.

 

[Aggie]

Originally Posted by prettyfaceANB
Is hell a place of fire or a place of complete darkness?

I see alot of references in the bible about outer darkness but nothing about fire? I know the God uses fire for a number of events.

What if the fire that we see on earth has color but perhaps it is possible for God to use fire but not have the color. So then it would be burning but no color to give light. Just thinking but umm, I believe even in hell people are given their just reward for what they've done on earth.

Read Revelation 20:14 - And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

and verse 15 - And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Death, hell and all who were not found written in the book of life will all be thrown in the lake of fire.

 

[Aggie]

I read a Divine Revelation of Hell one time and it sure did get me on the right track or rather God used that book to plant a seed. It's by Mary K. Baxter. I remembered her name since 9th grade. That was the first time I read her book. Oh yeah, and in the bible it refers to hell as a "her" and talks about it opening up it's mouth wide. I think much prayer, fasting, and studying scriptures is needed to know if it's a spiritual sense. But I think that alot of things in the bible get overlooked because we don't ask God if if it is spiritual or a parabel but most times, it is evident when Jesus Christ was speaking of a parable.

I read this book too and it was sure an eye opener for me to the reality of hell's existence. "He Came To Set The Captives Free" by Dr. rebecca Brown was another eye opener for me. I love those 2 books.

 

[Laela]

It was a simple question...

I asked because you said you don't believe hell exists. Hell was created by God...In Rev 21, he speaks of this place that he created and who it was created for...Maybe I missed something in reading your posts that could better enlighten me on your position? I'm not in a position to judge, I'm trying to understand.

I am curious why do you ask? Is there something in my post that indicates that I don't believe, things like this is important to me because I am always examining myself to see if I am living the life that God calls me to live and so far I have been called many horrible things on the forum that at first really hurt me, but I realize that some people will not agree instead of saying it I have become the enemy. But that is okay, I have learned a lesson from it. You have to be strong and always be willing to give an answer to what you believe. No matter the cost.

Anyway I had to unlearn to many things and I got all excited and posted on here, I hope it help some. I know it angered others. I love the Lord with all my heart and soul and I cannot wait until Jesus returns I went over my post and I can't find any place that indicates that I dont' believe in God so I am really interested in knowing why do you ask.

 

[divya]

It was a simple question...

I asked because you said you don't believe hell exists. Hell was created by God...In Rev 21, he speaks of this place that he created and who it was created for...Maybe I missed something in reading your posts that could better enlighten me on your position? I'm not in a position to judge, I'm trying to understand.

The question has been answered in the thread. It is extremely long, so you probably haven't had time to get to all of it. There are different beliefs among Christians regarding hell. The Greek translation for hell is 54 times the grave in the Bible, so some of us understand many Scriptures differently based on this. Some of us believe that the lake of fire will come at the end.

John 5:28 - 29."Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."

So just to recap, what she was saying is that the particular description of hell which was described in the beginning is not in existence today. Rev. 20 gives more insight into the timing.