Heaven and Hell

Different Views on the Existence of Hell: Basically, Christianity and Islam are the only religions that have this concept. Judaism believes in reward and punishment of the soul, but the concept might differ. Since Christianity and Islam is practiced by about 1/2 of the world population, just by the numbers, that might suggest that there is about a 50-50 chance that hell exists, which makes for great debate material. Read below from our contributors:

One Opinion that Says Maybe Yes and No- it does exist but comes from these words:

From Easton's Bible Dictionary

The concept of Hell is derived from the Saxon helan, to cover; hence the covered or the invisible place. In Scripture there are three words so rendered:-

(1.) Sheol, occurring in the Old Testament sixty-five times. This word sheol is derived from a root-word meaning "to ask," "demand;" hence insatiableness (Pro_30:15, Pro_30:16). It is rendered "grave" thirty-one times (Gen_37:35; Gen_42:38; Gen_44:29, Gen_44:31; 1Sa_2:6, etc.). The Revisers have retained this rendering in the historical books with the original word in the margin, while in the poetical books they have reversed this rule.

In thirty-one cases in the Authorized Version this word is rendered "hell," the place of disembodied spirits. The inhabitants of Sheol are "the congregation of the dead" (Pro_21:16). It is (a) the abode of the wicked (Numbers_16:33; Job_24:19; Psalms_9:17; Psalms_31:17, etc.); (b) of the good (Psalm_16:10; Psalms_30:3; Psalms_49:15; Psalms_86:13, etc.).

Sheol is described as deep (Job_11:8), dark (Job_10:21, Job_10:22), with bars (Job_17:16). The dead "go down" to it (Numbers_16:30, Numbers_16:33; Ezekiel_31:15, Ezekiel_31:16, Ezekiel_31:17).

(2.) The Greek word Hades of the New Testament has the same scope of signification as Sheol of the Old Testament. It is a prison (1Pe_3:19), with gates and bars and locks (Matthew_16:18; Rev_1:18), and it is downward (Mat_11:23; Luke_10:15).

The righteous and the wicked are separated. The blessed dead are in that part of Hades called paradise (Luke_23:43). They are also said to be in Abraham's bosom (Luke_16:22).

(3.) Gehenna, in most of its occurrences in the Greek New Testament, designates the place of the lost (Mat_23:33). The fearful nature of their condition there is described in various figurative expressions (Mat_8:12; Mat_13:42; Mat_22:13; Mat_25:30; Luke_16:24, etc.). One Belief with Explanation I believe it is .....

It does exist. And it is not a fun place. it's not a party place. you don't want to go there. it is a lake of fire where sinners go for eternal damnation. you may say, "why would God send people there when he loves us and is a good God?" Well, the answer to that is because God is just. We are all sinners and we all deserve to go there.

Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God."

Romans 3:10 "As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one."

Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 5:8-9 "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood we shall be saved from wrath through him."

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

Romans 10:9-10 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth th Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved [from hell]. For with the heart, man confesseth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

And so you see, there is a way to escape hell. That's where heaven comes in. According to Christian beliefs, if you will accept Christ as your savior from hell, and from your sins, admitting that you are a sinner, and are coming to God, because he is the only way out, then he will save you. Keep asking questions and when you're ready, make a decision.

A Suggestion that it is a Misinterpretation Hell does not exist, it is the mere imagination and mere misinterpretation of the Bible. None of the scriptures mentioned above even mention hellfire rather they mention perish or to suffer eternal DESTRUCTION not burning. The lake of fire in Revelation simply represents the eternal destruction of the people being hurled into it. When a person dies they are "conscious of nothing" as Corinthians says. They are not conscious of burning in a fiery hell but rather in a sleep like state. Notice that when Lazarus died and came back he had no memory of a fiery hell or heaven. The Dogma of Catholicism It is a dogma of the Catholic Church that Hell does exist both as a spiritual and physical place. Hell is reserved for the devil and all the fallen angels as well as those souls that die unreconciled to God and without the state of grace. Hell is eternal and any soul consigned there is there for eternity without reprieve or hope. This is why the Catholic Church strives so mightily in Her endeavors to spread the Catholic Faith and to make people aware of the nature of Hell and sin and God's saving grace, lest souls fall into hell. Purgatory There is also a concept of purgatory, which seems to be a holding ground fot those not yet decided. And, apparently the Catholic church takes donations to allow someone to remain in purgatory to await the day of judgment,

An Opinion that Says Yes Yes, hell is believed in some religions. But what about Christianity? Do Christians have to believe in hell?

Turn with me me to Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6, 10

For the living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all, neither do they anymore have wages, because the remembrance of them has been forgotten. 6 Also, their love and their hate and their jealousy have already perished, and they have no portion anymore to time indefinite in anything that has to be done under the sun. 10 All that your hand finds to do, do with your very power, for there is no work nor devising nor knowledge nor wisdom in She������´ol, the place to which you are going.

Another good point is the Genesis account of things. Genesis 1:1 In [the] beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

If Jehovah God actually chose whether he wanted you to go to heaven or hell, wouldn't he have created hell? The account just says that he created two things, the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of your face you will eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For dust you are and to dust you will return."

It says that we are dust, Jehovah created us from dust, we die, we return to dust. It doesn't say that we have a separate force, a separate being, we are one person, we are who we are.

Another scripture backs this up as well. Genesis 2:7 And Jehovah God proceeded to form the man out of dust from the ground and to blow into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man came to be a living soul.

It doesn't say that when Jehovah created man he put an invisible force into him, it's plain and simple.

So all it comes down to its pagan teaching, really, would any Christian really want to be believing in pagan things, would Jehovah want you to? In the bible, lots of things must be taken as symbolic, this is how lots of people thought, maybe they couldn't make it any simpler, maybe a symbolic description confused less? Quite possible! Answer If you believe that there is Hell, then, it's true there's Hell and you don't need proof or even have to ask the question of its existence.

Rachelpopl speaking I think this is suppose to be hell. Earth. When we die it is like we retire to heaven.

i promise you its real look in genisis that was from the Adam and eve story.

heaven and hell are real indeed. Some christians belive that when the bible says " the lake of fier" it is metephorically speaking.But God knows that we are only human so he makes the bible as simple as possible for us to understand.

Answer

Torment, suffering and alienation from God are real to those who experience it. Such hell is a condition anyone can experience in this world or the next. Hell is not a physical place, but a spiritual condition.

The safeway answer:

Here you have 2 scenarios.

1: Hell does exist as a means of punishment for sins accumulated in the living world; or

2: Hell does not exists and we can do as we please without bearing consequences after death.

If we believe that Hell does NOT exist, then we can do as we please. Than do that ! On the other hand, if Hell does exist, then we could get punished for not believing that Hell exists in the first place.

So I would think that it's safer to believe in Hell instead. You loose nothing by believing that there is a Hell.

hell doesnt exist neither does heaven

i dont believe i can do what i want ..common sense and legistaion

regulates that

if anybody can prove there is a heaven and hell..prove it

dont keeep harping on about somebody wrote this and somebody

wrote that ..else anybody can claim whatever they want
The Bible says that Hell does exist. However, we will not know until we die.
Yes

Hell is "A state of separation from God; exclusion from God's presence." WE can choose to be separated from God, so hell exists.

If you can imagine a big city like New York without any good in it, no kindness, no giving, no smiles, no joy...at all...that is close to hell, but not complete. Because all good things come from God, hell means to be separated from ALL that is good.

It is not a punishment because you were not good enough in life, it is a choice. The one and only God is a just God. When we do things to separate ourselves from Him, he honors our choice. Yet, God wants to be with each one of us because He still loves us so much, no matter how many things we have done to walk away from Him. So, we need someone to "save" us from these choices we have made. Jesus came to pay for those bad choices with his life, even though he never made a bad choice. If we choose to believe that Jesus did this, our relationship with God is restored and we can start experiencing the very real joy and peace of heaven here on earth way before death.
The subject of hell is subjective. If you are religious, and you are a follower of your religion then you could believe there is hell. But if you aren't religious then you may not believe there is hell, or you will only believe there is hell until its existence is proved

God describes heaven as an indescribable place. We are incapable of comprehending how great it is. As great as you can imagine then take that times a million.

Here is a detailed description of Heaven:

5. Lo! the righteous shall drink of a cup whereof the mixture is of Kafur (camphor),

6. A spring wherefrom the slaves of Allah drink, making it gush forth abundantly,

7. (Because) they perform the vow and fear a day whereof the evil is wide-spreading,

8. And feed with food the needy wretch, the orphan and the prisoner, for love of Him,

9. (Saying): We feed you, for the sake of Allah only. We wish for no reward nor thanks from you;

10. Lo! we fear from our Lord a day of frowning and of fate.

11. Therefor Allah hath warded off from them the evil of that day, and hath made them find brightness and joy;

12. And hath awarded them for all that they endured, a Garden and silk attire;

13. Reclining therein upon couches, they will find there neither (heat of) a sun nor bitter cold.

14. The shade thereof is close upon them and the clustered fruits thereof bow down.

15. Goblets of silver are brought round for them, and beakers (as) of glass

16. (Bright as) glass but (made) of silver, which they (themselves) have measured to the measure (of their deeds).

17. There are they watered with a cup whereof the mixture is of Zanjabil,

18. (The water of) a spring therein, named Salsabil.

19. There wait on them immortal youths, whom, when thou seest, thou wouldst take for scattered pearls.

20. When thou seest, thou wilt see there bliss and high estate.

21. Their raiment will be fine green silk and gold embroidery. Bracelets of silver will they wear. Their Lord will slake their thirst with a pure drink.

22. (And it will be said unto them): Lo! this is a reward for you. Your endeavour (upon earth) hath found acceptance.

[Meanings of the Glorious Quran By Marmaduke Pickthall]

Answer:

It's only meant to be known by those who are meant to know it.

What is heaven like?*

It is better than one can imagine.
Its okay... bit colder than I was expecting though...

Answer.

Heaven will be the most beautiful place that you will have ever seen. It will have trees and flowers. Houses and streets, gardens and beautiful parks. Men and women will be as if they were young again, in their most perfect condition. There will be temples and the most beautiful buildings you have ever seen. Roads will be as if paved with gold.
Man will be able to think himself to anyplace he wishes to go. People will not get old, and couples who lost children in child birth or who died before the age of accountability will have the opportunity to raize them to full man or womanhood.
Man will be able to communicte with animals and visa versa. There will be no hunger yet we will have gardens of vegitables and we will eat just like we do on earth. Love will abound everywhere. There will be no rich and no poor, everyone will be as one in the site of God. We will instantly recognise all of our deceased relatives dating back to Adam and Eve. We will be given resposibilites similar to what we had on earth. Its a bit colder than you'd expect, but nobody gets ill.

The Internet connection is rubbish....
Revelation 21:4:

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.

Revelation 7:15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sits on the throne shall dwell among them. 16 - They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17- For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

Heaven is a sanctuary where there are happy endings and where anything you desire comes true. There will be no more pain, crying, or suffering where you can do anything, imagine, dream, and wish.

Another answer:

I think Heaven is what you want it to be in a way.

Heaven will be a beautiful and amazing place, a place of great joy and satisfaction in Gods presence, for there we shall see God. Heaven will also be eternal. The Bible states that there will be no sickness, pain, sorrow, crying, or mourning; no more death, hunger , or thirst. It will be paradise, a great feast. there are no words to describe how wonderful and magnificent it will be!

The Bible says Heaven will be very happy and wonderful.

God will wipe out every tear, you will get everything you desire, and

nothing bad will enter Heaven. Just believe in Jesus Christ and you will get to live eternal life in Heaven. You will not even be under the curse of sin anymore.

The easier way is for you to imagine what it will be like (make a list). Once you do that you'll realize what's missing in your life...You can change that and get your version of heaven right now while you're still alive.

Heaven will be the most beautiful place that you will have ever seen. It will have trees and flowers. Houses and streets, gardens and beautiful parks. Men and women will be as if they were young again, in their most perfect condition. There will be temples and the most beautiful buildings you have ever seen. Roads will be as if paved with gold.

Man will be able to think himself to anyplace he wishes to go. People will not get old, and couples who lost children in child birth or who died before the age of accountability will have the opportunity to raise them to full man or womanhood.

Man will be able to communicate with animals and visa versa. There will be no hunger yet we will have gardens of vegetable and we will eat just like we do on earth. Love will abound everywhere. There will be no rich and no poor, everyone will be as one in the site of God. We will instantly recognise all of our deceased relatives dating back to Adam and Eve. We will be given responsibility similar to what we had on earth.

I think Heaven is a beautiful place with streets of gold and God the Father sitting in a pure gold chair and Jesus at his side. It has rivers and lakes with tons of fishermen catching a million fish a day. I picture mountains as far as the eye can see. I picture hunters hunting all types of big game. I picture a big restaurant serving every kind of meal you could imagine. But now one knows what it is like except people there.

Many authorities, many religions, beside the Lord Jesus Christ and the intent of the entire Bible maintain that there is a Heaven. According to the Hebrew-Christian Scriptures, there are three heavens: the atmospheric heaven, in which you can see clouds, birds flying, etc; the galactic heaven, in which we see our solar system, stars, galaxies, etc.; and the eternal heaven, called the third heaven, which is invisible to our eyes. This third heaven is that to which the Question refers.

The revelation given to the Apostle John: "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea." Revelation 21:1. These are visible objects.

The Apostle Peter said: "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name (than Jesus Christ) under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12. Again: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1Peter 1:5. While we can't see this Heaven, obviously the Scriptures refer to it as truly existing.

God the Father spoke: "And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Matthew 3:17.

Jesus Christ speaking: "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:3. Again: "Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven..." Matthew 5:12. And: "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." Matthew 6:10. And: "Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me." Luke 18:22. And: "For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me." John 5:38. There are a vast number of further references in the four Gospels where Jesus referred to heaven as a real place.

The angels who instructed the apostles when Jesus ascended up to heaven: "Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." Acts 1:11. This is both the physically seen heaven, and the eternal Heaven.

Paul refers to himself going to heaven briefly when he died, but was revived: "I knew a man in Christ (Paul uses third person) above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such a one caught up to the third heaven." 2Corinthians 12:2. Again, he says: "For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel..." Colossians 1:5.

Innumerable passages in the entire Bible from cover to cover refer to heaven directly or indirectly, such as John 14:6: " Jesus saith unto him (Thomas), I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father (in Heaven), but by me."

Another answer

It is written in Job 19:25-27: "For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth; and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me." The prophet Job was saying that he would be resurrected one day to see his Redeemer, which portrays his faith in heaven. Likewise, in Genesis 11, we find early nomadic mankind settling in the land of Shinar, where they erroneously thought that they could "build a tower, whose top may reach to heaven..." v.4. This demonstrates that, before Abraham, there was this early belief in heaven. The people were only wrong in how to get there. The Jews considered going to Abraham's bosom was to go to Heaven or Paradise. See Luke 16:22.

The Bible is consistent in presenting punishment in Hell for those who refuse to believe in God and the reward of Heaven for those who trust God for His forgiveness and eternal life. Christ repeatedly and often taught on this subject and always supported all that the Old Testament said about it.

Another answer

Regardless of what people believe or don't believe about the existence or non-existence of heaven makes no difference to the existence or non-existence of the place which the Bible calls heaven.

Personally I believe there is a heaven (just as much as I believe there is also a hell). In fact if there was no hell and everyone went to heaven, this place would constitute hell for those who hate and reject the living and one and only loving God of the Bible. So, logically apart from what the Bible teaches there is also likely to be a hell for those who wish to go there just as much as there is indeed a heaven.

In any case, I personally cannot alter the reality of the existence of heaven any more than I can make the sun rise or make it stop raining.

Heaven exists because the one true God of the Bible says it does. This God has said that He cannot lie. I know also from personal experience that this is a true statement as well as the fact that it is His word and so it must be true, regardless of what I think or experience.

Another answer

"Heaven" "Paradise" "the Kingdom" -these terms deal with metaphysical concepts so you will never have a yes or no answer because those answers rely on physical proof. I suggest you research these three terms in the Bible and in other religions and think on their meaning. Here are the conclusions I have come to: "Heaven" is generally used as the place where God lives. "Paradise" is a concept associated with things like "pearly gates" and lots of virgins. This concept has roots in pagan religions. Yeshua (Jesus is a Greek name) according to the teachings recorded in the New Testament, taught about mostly about the "Kingdom" and he spoke of it in the present tense. He was teaching about "living with God" starting immediately, as soon as you are "born again" and start putting God first in your life. This is not going to correlate 100% with the words in any religious book because the words were translated and may not completely convey the ideas of the original speaker or writer, but still, you will generally find these three words used in different ways. (see link) Don't believe this because I say so, you must do your own study, prayer and meditation because it's about getting to the point that you understand, not about what words you use to describe your beliefs.

Another answer

Of Course there is Heaven! Heaven is behind the pearly gates! The Bible isn't just a book that could or could not be true. It claims for itself and is considered by many to be the infallible Word of God. It isn't just another story. It is a true history book! It is told by the people that were there and experienced it.

Another answer

I have never seen one piece of evidence that heaven is real. That doesn't mean it isn't so, but those who believe do so as a matter of faith. Who or what are you willing to believe? The answer will point you to the truth about heaven.

Another answer

I believe that there is such a thing as heaven, but instead of referring to a place, like most people do, I think of it as a certain situation, or mindset. If you follow God's and Jesus's teachings, which is usually linked to heaven, you can, of course, achieve this mindset. By leading a simple life based on helping others and everyone's happiness, you yourself will be happy. A life of happiness would be heaven, and Jesus's teachings show the way to that. People need to be nice to each other, and not care about material things, and they will be happier: without stress, the joy of helping others, etc.

Another answer:

No one has ever been to heaven and come back, so there is no proof that there is a heaven. Therefore the answer you receive to a question about whether there really is a heaven depends on who you ask. Those who believe there is a heaven will say yes, while those who believe there is no heaven will say no.

Of course, the concept of heaven has changed in modern times. It was once a physical place just above the clouds, so that Elijah and then Jesus could travel upwards to this physical heaven, and so that Saint Stephen could see heaven open and look at Jesus on the right hand of God. It is now more ambiguously called a place or state of grace.

Another answer

Some say heaven does not exist, others that it is only a figment of Man's imagination, or is on a new earth, or is just the space around the Earth, or is another dimension, or is where God dwells, or spiritualize it all away. Regardlesss, there really is a heaven, and there really is a Hell, and it's the opposite of Heaven. It doesn't matter what 'heaven' is called: Heaven, Nirvana, Paradise, Elysium, or Valhalla - all the Goodies go there, while all the Baddies 'Go to Hell, go directly to Hell, Do Not Pass 'Go', and Do Not Collect Anything" [APOLOGIES To MONOPOLY! :-) ]

Although some do not believe in a literal heaven at all, or spiritualize it away if they do, you can avoid paying taxes, but everyone has to die. Most cultures believe in a Heaven and a Hell, and it is safe to say that all major religions except Bhuddism believe in a literal Hell of some kind. Just about everyone wants to go to heaven when they die, but no-one wants to go to hell!.

I am a Christian and Jesus Christ said there is a Heaven, so Heaven exists. Jesus Christ is God, and you either believe God or not. It's as simple as that.Some people believe there is a heaven, some don't.

Answer from the Muslim point of view

It is true that God is forgiving and loving but He is so only for those who worship Him as the one and only one God with no partner, no companion, no associate, and no equivalent. The Quran says (English translation):

"Indeed, Allah (or God; He is the same God worshiped in Christianity and Judaism) does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for those whom He wills. And he who associates others with Allah has certainly made a tremendous sin"(4:48)

and says:

"And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves [by transgression], remember Allah (God) and seek forgiveness for their sins - and who can forgive sins except Allah? - and [who] do not persist in what they have done while they know" (3:135)

and says:

"Say, [O Muhammad], "If you should love Allah (He is the same God worshiped in Christianity and Judaism) , then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful." (3:31)

Answer from the Orthodox Jewish point of view

It is precisely because God is loving, that He created punishment in the afterlife. If Hitler, for example, could wantonly kill so many people and escape through suicide, where would God's kindness be? We who believe in God, take solace in that such wicked people cannot flee from God.

Answer from the Christian point of view

The simple answer to that is; "God didn't." The Bible does not tell us; God sends the wicked to some fiery place of torment, the churches tell people that. The Bible tells us "God IS love" not just HAS love, he is the very essence of love, so as you rightly said a loving God would have "no need" or desire to create such a place. 'Christianity may have made hell a household word,'says U.S.News & World Report, 'but it doesn't hold a monopoly on the doctrine. The threat of painful retribution in the afterlife has counterparts in nearly every major world religion and in some minor ones as well.'

Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, Jains, and Taoists believe in a hell of one sort or another. The Bible tells us, the dead have no conscious existence, so hell cannot be a fiery place of torment where the wicked suffer after death.

What, then, is hell? Examining what happened to Jesus after he died helps to answer that question. The Bible writer Luke recounts:

'Neither was [Jesus] forsaken in Hades [hell, King James Version] nor did his flesh see corruption.' (Acts 2:31) Where was the hell to which even Jesus went? The apostle Paul wrote:

'I handed on to you . . . that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that he was buried, yes, that he has been raised up the third day according to the Scriptures.'(1 Corinthians 15:3, 4)

So Jesus was in hell, THE GRAVE.

Answer

Hell is real, but it was not originally created for mankind. It was created for the devil and his angels. Some prefer to call it the lake of fire, but whatever name it goes by, it's real, it's hot, and it's everlasting for those who go there. A

Answer

Luke 16 22And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24And 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. Luke 16:28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Matthew 25 41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: Matthew 25 45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. Matthew 25 41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

Answer

LUKE 16 22-28-- that you mentioned, is an illustration, the language throughout the account is plainly parabolic and cannot be construed literally.

REVELATION

20:15--Is this the hellfire Christendom speaks about? No, for in the preceding verse, we read: 'Death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.'

(Revelation 20:14, KJ)

If hell is cast into the lake of fire, the lake cannot itself be hellfire. Moreover, death is not something concrete that can be picked up and hurled somewhere. So the lake of fire must be symbolic.

REVELATION 21:8--A judgment of eternal destruction has been determined for Satan, his demons, the symbolic 'wild beast' and 'false prophet,' and even death and Hades. (Mt 25:41; Re 20:10, 14, 15; 21:8)

All of these are consigned to 'the lake of fire,' that is, they are everlastingly destroyed. Fire was used in Bible times as the most thorough means of destruction. Hence, Jesus used fire to illustrate the complete destruction of the wicked.'Mt 13:40-42, 49, 50

MATTHEW 25

41-46--this cannot mean that immortal souls of goatlike ones will suffer in an eternal fire. No, for humans are souls; they do not possess immortal souls. (Genesis 2:7; Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10; Ezekiel 18:4)

By sentencing the goats to 'everlasting fire,' the Judge means destruction devoid of a future hope, which will also be the permanent end for the Devil and his demons. (Revelation 20:10, 14)

Hence, God's Judge sets out opposites. He tells the sheep, 'Come'; the goats, 'Be on your way from me.' The sheep will inherit 'everlasting life.' The goats will receive 'everlasting cutting-off.' Matthew 25:46.

Answer

You: "LUKE 16 22-28-- that you mentioned, is an illustration, the language throughout the account is plainly parabolic and cannot be construed literally."

From Blue Letter Bible Commentaries - capital emphasis added: (Significantly, Jesus does NOT present this story as a parable, and IN NO OTHER PARABLE does Jesus ACTUALLY NAME AN INDIVIDUAL (as the poor man is named here). We have every reason to believe that Jesus is giving us an actual "case history," that He would know because He is the man from heaven.) Luke 16: 19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

(CERTAIN: ti' an enclitic indefinite pronoun Transliterated Word TDNT Entry Tis None Phonetic Spelling Parts of Speech tis Definition a certain, a certain one)

20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,

21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

From Blue Letter Bible Commentaries: ((Jesus is describing Hades (called Sheol in the Old Testament), which was the common abode of the dead Some who are in Hades rest in comfort (the bosom of Abraham), but others are in fires of torment Hades is not the Lake of Fire (what we usually think of as Hell, referred to in Revelation 20:15, and called Gehenna in the Old Testament), but Hades is a "waiting place" until the day of final judgment (Revelation 20:11-13) ))

24 And 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.

25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things,

and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that [would come] from thence.

27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:

28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

From Blue Letter Bible Commentaries: (Now the rich man is concerned for his brothers on earth; the first indication we have that the rich man thought of anyone else comes after it is too late.)

29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.

30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.

31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

You: "REVELATION 20:15--Is this the hellfire Christendom speaks about? No, for in the preceding verse, we read: 'Death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.' (Revelation 20:14, KJ) If hell is cast into the lake of fire, the lake cannot itself be hellfire. Moreover, death is not something concrete that can be picked up and hurled somewhere. So the lake of fire must be symbolic."

"REVELATION 21:8--A judgment of eternal destruction has been determined for Satan, his demons, the symbolic 'wild beast' and 'false prophet,' and even death and Hades. (Mt 25:41; Re 20:10, 14, 15; 21:8)

All of these are consigned to 'the lake of fire,' that is, they are everlastingly destroyed. Fire was used in Bible times as the most thorough means of destruction. Hence, Jesus used fire to illustrate the complete destruction of the wicked.'Mt 13:40-42, 49, 50"

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

15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. From Blue Letter Bible. org: (At the present time, the Final Hell, the "Gehenna" or "Lake of Fire", is unoccupied.

(1) The very first ones who will be cast into it will be the "Beast" and the "False Prophet" Revelation 19:20.

(2) Satan and his Angels will be cast into it a thousand years later. Revelation 20:10.

(3) And then, all the wicked "those who will be delivered up from Hades, the present Hell, whose names were not written in the "Book of Life", after the "Great White Throne Judgment", will be cast in the "Lake of Fire" to spend eternity. Revelation 20:12-15. 1. SHEOL: In the Old Testament it usually means the place of departed spirits. Psa 16:10 2. HADES: Usually means place of the departed spirits in the New Testament. Act 2:27 3. TARTARUS: The deepest abyss of Hades prepared for the Devil and his angels. Mat 25:41-46 4. GRAVE (QUEBER IN HEBREW): "He was buried in the grave of his father." 2Sa 17:23 5. TOPHET (OLD TESTAMENT) GEHENNA (NEW TESTAMENT GREEK): These words are used to describe the lake of fire. NOTES: SHEOL AND HADES occasionally can be translated "grave" but not always. QUEBER always means "grave" where the body goes. Sheol, Hades, and Queber are not used interchangeably. 6. HELL AS DESCRIBED IN THE BIBLE: Everlasting fire Mat 25:41 Eternal punishment Mat 25:46 Outer darkness Mat 8:12 Everlasting destruction 2Th 1:9 Lake of fire Rev 19:20 7. THE PURPOSE FOR HELL: For the Devil and his angels Matthew 25:41 For the wicked Rev 21:8 For the disobedient Rev 2:8, 9 For the fallen angels 2Pe 2:4 For the beast and the false prophets Rev 19:20 For the worshipers of the beast Rev 14:9 For the rejectors of the Gospel Mat 13:41-42 8. THE NATURE OF THE PUNISHMENT EXPERIENCED BY THE RESIDENTS OF HELL: Bodily Mat 5:29, 30 In the soul Mat 10:28 With degrees Mat 23:14 Unchangeable Luk 16:22-31 9. SURPRISES FOR THE INHABITANTS OF HELL: They possess memory Luk 16:23, 26 They cry for release Luk 16:24 They cannot escape from God. Psa 139:8 10. THE PUNISHMENT OF THE WICKED WILL BE ENDLESS FOREVER AND EVER. NOTE: Matthew 25:46 "And they shall go away into everlasting punishment; but the righteous into life eternal." In Jesus's own words the punishment of the wicked is everlasting, and the life of the righteous is eternal. Everlasting and eternal are the same Greek word "aionios." Therefore, the punishment of the wicked will be just exactly as long as the life of the righteous. The word is the very same word used in Romans 16:26 (..everlasting God..) If the word means endless duration when applied to existence of God, and if it means endless duration when applied to the existence of the righteous, then it also means endless duration when applied to the existence and punishment of the wicked.)) NOTE that if hell is not real and ETERNAL, then neither is Heaven. Also note, the meanings of the word 'death': From Blue Letter Bible.org Strong's concordance - Capital emphasis added: from 2348 Part of Speech n m Outline of Biblical Usage 1) the death of the body a) that separation (whether natural or violent) of the soul and the body by which the life on earth is ended b) with the implied idea of future misery in hell 1) the power of death c) since the nether world, the abode of the dead, was conceived as being very dark, it is equivalent to the region of thickest darkness i.e. figuratively, a region enveloped in the darkness of ignorance and sin 2) metaph., the loss of that life which alone is worthy of the name, a) THE MISERY OF THE SOUL ARISING FROM SIN, WHICH BEGINS ON EARTH BUT LASTS AND INCREASES AFTER THE DEATH OF THE BODY IN HELL 3) THE MISERABLE STATE OF THE WICKED DEAD IN HELL 4) in the widest sense, DEATH COMPRISING ALL THE MISERIES ARISING FROM SIN, as well physical death as the loss of a life consecrated to God and blessed in him on earth, TO BE FOLLOWED BY WRETCHEDNESS IN HELL Luke 15:24 For this my son was dead (3498), and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. Note the various meanings of the word 'dead': As used in Luke 15:24 about the "Prodical son". Was the son actually physically DEAD? No, he was dead as in SIN: 3498 - 'dead' Capital emphasis added: 1) properly a) one that has breathed his last, lifeless b) deceased, departed, one whose soul is in heaven or hell c) destitute of life, without life, inanimate 2) metaph. a) SPIRITUALLY DEAD 1) destitute of a life that recognises and is devoted to God, because GIVEN UP TO TRESPASSES AND SIN 2) inactive as respects doing right b) destitute of force or power, inactive, inoperative Same here in Romans - same word 'dead', same number 3498: Rom 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead (3498) indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Again: Eph 2:1 And you [hath he quickened], who were dead (3498) in trespasses and sins; Col 2:13 And you, being dead (3498) in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; As for the human soul not being eternal, note these: Hbr 10:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul (5590). "soul" from 5594 Part of Speech n f Outline of Biblical Usage (Capital emphasis added): 1) breath a) the breath of life 1) the vital force which animates the body and shows itself in breathing a) of animals b) of men b) life c) that in which there is life 1) a living being, a living soul 2) the soul a) the seat of the feelings, desires, affections, aversions (our heart, soul etc.) b) the (human) soul in so far as it is constituted that by the right use of the aids offered it by God it can attain its highest end and secure eternal blessedness, the soul regarded as a moral being DESIGNED FOR EVERLASTING LIFE c) the soul as an essence which differs from the body and is not dissolved by death (distinguished from other parts of the body) Whether YOUR soul has everlasting life in Heaven or in the Lake of fire (or hell, whichever term you prefer), is your choice.

Answer

I guess I'm too simple minded and my simiple mind says that Hell is eternal separation from God

Answer

1. JESUS DOES NOT PRESENT THIS STORY (LUKE 16) AS A PARABLE. The Jerusalem Bible, in a footnote, acknowledges that it is a 'parable in story form without reference to any historical personage.'If taken literally, it would mean that those enjoying divine favor could all fit at the bosom of one man, Abraham; that the water on one's fingertip would not be evaporated by the fire of Hades; that a mere drop of water would bring relief to one suffering there. Does that sound reasonable to you? If it were literal, it would conflict with other parts of the Bible. What does the parable mean? The 'rich man' represented the Pharisees. (See verse 14.) The beggar Lazarus represented the common Jewish people who were despised by the Pharisees but who repented and became followers of Jesus. (See Luke 18:11; John 7:49; Matthew 21:31, 32.) Their deaths were also symbolic, representing a change in circumstances. Thus, the formerly despised ones came into a position of divine favor, and the formerly seemingly favored ones were rejected by God, while being tormented by the judgment messages delivered by the ones whom they had despised.'Acts 5:33; 7:54. 2. SOME WHO ARE IN HADES REST IN COMFORT, BUT OTHERS ARE IN FIRES OF TORMENT In all, the word 'Hades' occurs ten times in the earliest manuscripts of the Christian Greek Scriptures.'Mt 11:23; 16:18; Lu 10:15; 16:23; Ac 2:27, 31; Re 1:18; 6:8; 20:13, 14. In all but two cases in which the word Hades is used in the Christian Greek Scriptures it is related to death, either in the verse itself or in the immediate context. Hades is the common grave of mankind, where the dead and buried ones are unseen. It thus signifies the same as the corresponding word 'Sheol,'and an examination of its use in all its ten occurrences bears out this fact. Note too that 'the rich man' of the parable is spoken of as being 'buried' in Hades, giving further evidence that Hades means the common grave of mankind. ALL (good & bad alike) "rest" in Hades, the common grave. The human body cannot be "tormented" while in Hades, as the Bible tells us the condition of the dead, that they are "unconscious" 3. HADES IS NOT THE LAKE OF FIRE I agree, Hades is the common grave of mankind, whereas "the lake of fire" is not a literal place, it is symbolic of complete destruction 4. HADES IS A "WAITING PLACE" UNTIL THE DAY OF FINAL JUDGMENT (REVELATION 20:11-13) The resurrected 'dead' will be judged during Judgment Day yes, all those held in the grip of Adamic death are in Hades, sleeping in their graves, none are being "tormented" up to the day of Judgement. 'the scroll of life'is opened indicating that there is opportunity for those (good or bad) who heed that education to have their names written in that scroll. Ahead of them will be the prospect of eternal life in human perfection. 5. THE VERY FIRST ONES WHO WILL BE CAST INTO IT WILL BE THE "BEAST" AND THE "FALSE PROPHET" REVELATION 19:20. The seven-headed, ten-horned wild beast out of the sea, representing Satan's political organization, is tumbled into oblivion, and along with it goes the false prophet, the seventh world power. (Revelation 13:1, 11-13; 16:13) While still 'alive,'or still functioning in their united opposition to God's people on earth, they are cast into 'the lake of fire.' Is this a literal lake of fire? No, not any more than the wild beast and the false prophet are literal animals. Rather, it is a symbol of complete, final destruction, a place of no return. Here is where, later, death and Hades, as well as the Devil himself, will be hurled. (Revelation 20:10, 14) It is certainly not an inferno of eternal torture for the wicked, since the very idea of such a place is detestable to God.'Jeremiah 19:5; 32:35; 1 John 4:8, 16. 6. SATAN AND HIS ANGELS WILL BE CAST INTO IT A THOUSAND YEARS LATER. REVELATION 20:10. When Revelation 20:10 says that the Devil is to experience 'torment forever and ever'in 'the lake of fire and brimstone,' what does that mean? Revelation 21:8 (KJ) says clearly that 'the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone' means 'the second death.' So the Devil's being 'tormented' there forever means that there will be no relief for him; he will be held under restraint forever, actually in eternal death. This use of the word 'torment' (from the Greek ba'sa'nos) reminds one of its use at Matthew 18:34, where the same basic Greek word is applied to a 'jailer.' RS, AT, ED, NW. 7. ALL THE WICKED TO SPEND ETERNITY BEING TORMENTED. REVELATION 20:12-15. After God lets Satan and his demons loose from the abyss where they have been for the 1,000 years. What is the result? The Bible shows that Satan is successful in turning some persons away from serving God. These will be as 'the sand of the sea,' meaning that their number is undetermined. After this test is carried out, Satan and his demons, and also those who do not pass the test, are thrown into the symbolic 'lake of fire,' which is the second (eternal) death. (Revelation 20:7-10, 15) 8. SHEOL: MEANS THE PLACE OF DEPARTED SPIRITS. PS. 16:10 The Hebrew word Sheol and the Greek word Hades mean the same thing. This is shown by looking at Psalm 16:10 in the Hebrew Scriptures and Acts 2:31 in the Christian Greek Scriptures. So that established, what kind of place is Sheol, or Hades? The fact that the King James Version translates the one Hebrew word Sheol three different ways shows that hell, grave and pit mean one and the same thing. And if hell means the common grave of mankind, it could not at the same time mean a place of fiery torture. Notice, too, that Jesus Christ was in Hades (Sheol), or hell. Are we to believe that God tormented Christ in a hell of fire? Of course not! Jesus was simply in his grave. Ecclesiastes 9:10, reads: 'All that your hand finds to do, do with your very power, for there is no work nor devising nor knowledge nor wisdom in Sheol [grave, King James Version; hell, Douay Version], the place to which you are going.'So the answer becomes very clear. Sheol and Hades refer not to a place of torment but to the common grave of mankind. (Psalm 139:8) Good people as well as bad people go to the Bible hell. 9. HADES: MEANS PLACE OF THE DEPARTED SPIRITS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. ACT 2:27 Jesus Christ when on earth was greatly strengthened in the knowledge that God had caused to be foretold of him that, as God's chief 'loyal one,'his soul would not be left in Sheol. (Ps 16:10) On the day of Pentecost, 33 C.E., the apostle Peter applied this prophecy to Jesus, saying: '[David] saw beforehand and spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he forsaken in Hades nor did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus God resurrected, of which fact we are all witnesses.' (Ac 2:25-28, 31, 32; compare Ac 13:32-37.) Hades and Sheol are one and the same; THE GRAVE. Where humans go at death. 10. TARTARUS: THE DEEPEST ABYSS OF HADES PREPARED FOR THE DEVIL AND HIS ANGELS. MAT 25:41-46 Tartarus is a prisonlike, abased condition into which God cast disobedient angels in Noah's day. 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6: (1Pe 3:19, 20) This directly links the matter to the account at Genesis 6:1-4 From these texts it is evident that Tartarus is a condition rather than a particular location, inasmuch as Peter, on the one hand, speaks of these disobedient spirits as being in 'pits of dense darkness,' while Paul speaks of them as being in 'heavenly places'from which they exercise a rule of darkness as wicked spirit forces. (2Pe 2:4; Eph 6:10-12) The dense darkness similarly is not literally a lack of light but results from their being cut off from illumination by God as renegades and outcasts from his family, with only a dark outlook as to their eternal destiny. Tartarus is, therefore, not the same as the Hebrew Sheol or the Greek Hades, both of which refer to the common earthly grave of mankind. This is evident from the fact that, while the apostle Peter shows that Jesus Christ preached to these 'spirits in prison,' he also shows that Jesus did so, not during the three days while buried in Hades (Sheol), but after his resurrection out of Hades.'1Pe 3:18-20. Likewise the abased condition represented by Tartarus should not be confused with 'the abyss' into which Satan and his demons are eventually to be cast for the thousand years of Christ's rule. (Re 20:1-3) Apparently the disobedient angels were cast into Tartarus in 'Noah's days' (1Pe 3:20), but some 2,000 years later we find them entreating Jesus 'not to order them to go away into the abyss.''Lu 8:26-31 11. SHEOL AND HADES CAN BE TRANSLATED "GRAVE" BUT NOT ALWAYS. Regarding Sheol, the Encyclopaedia Britannica (1971, Vol. 11, p. 276) noted: 'Sheol was located somewhere 'under' the earth. . . . The state of the dead was one of neither pain nor pleasure. Neither reward for the righteous nor punishment for the wicked was associated with Sheol. The good and the bad alike, tyrants and saints, kings and orphans, Israelites and gentiles 'all slept together without awareness of one another.' Throughout the inspired Scriptures, Sheol is continually associated with death and not life. (1Sa 2:6; 2Sa 22:6; Ps 18:4, 5; 49:7-10, 14, 15; 88:2-6; 89:48; Isa 28:15-18; also compare Ps 116:3, 7-10 with 2Co 4:13, 14.) It is spoken of as 'the land of darkness' (Job 10:21) and a place of silence. (Ps 115:17) Abel apparently was the first one to go to Sheol, and since then countless millions of human dead have joined him in the dust of the ground. 12. HELL --MAT 25:41-46, MAT 8:12,2TH 1:9 REV 19:20 Matthew 25 says "lake of fire" not hell; they are 2 entirely different things. Hell is the English equivalent for, Sheol and Hades, the grave. The "lake of fire" is a symbolic lake meaning, eternal destruction. Matthew 8-'The sons of the kingdom thrown into the darkness outside'are natural Jews who do not accept the opportunity offered first to them of being rulers with Christ. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob represent God's Kingdom arrangement. Jesus is relating how Gentiles will be welcomed to recline at the heavenly table, as it were, 'in the kingdom of the heavens.' Luke 7:1-10; Matthew 8:5-13; Acts 10:28. this scripture is not discussing what happens after death at all. 2 Thess. in the Revised StandardTtranslation reads--: 'They shall suffer the punishment of eternal destruction* and exclusion from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.' NAB & NE read-'Eternal ruin" JB reads-'lost eternally,' Everlasting destruction is the destiny of stubborn, goatlike people who do not want to know about God's purposes or who refuse to act when they have the opportunity. Just as; 'everlasting life' is the destiny of humble, sheeplike people who want to know about God, who listen to his instructions, and who then submit to his will. 13. THE PURPOSE FOR HELL: MATTHEW 25:41 REV 21:8 REV 2:8, 9 2PE 2:4 REV 19:20 REV 14:9 MAT 13:41-42 Tormenting people forever and ever in a fiery furnace does not serve any "purpose" and it certainly does not bring glory to a; "God of love" MATTHEW 25- is a parable, not to be taken literally. REVELATION 21;8- A judgment of eternal destruction has been determined for Satan, his demons, the symbolic 'wild beast' and 'false prophet,' and even death and Hades. (Mt 25:41; Re 20:10, 14, 15; 21:8) All of these are consigned to 'the lake of fire,' that is, they are everlastingly destroyed. Fire was used in Bible times as the most thorough means of destruction. Hence, Jesus used fire to illustrate the complete destruction of the wicked.'Mt 13:40-42, 49, 50; 2 peter is speaking of perfect angels who wilfully and deliberately turned against God, and even then, they are not tormented, they will be killed, with no hope of a resurrection. Eternal destruction is what awaits all those mentioned in these scriptures, not eternal torment. 14. THE NATURE OF THE PUNISHMENT EXPERIENCED BY THE RESIDENTS OF HELL: MAT 5:29, 30 MAT 10:28 MAT 23:14 LUK 16:22-31 MATTHEW 5;29'Speaking in illustrative language Jesus says, it is even more vital to 'throw away' anything, even something as precious as an eye or a hand, to avoid immoral thinking and actions. Otherwise, Jesus explains, such persons will be thrown into Gehenna (a burning rubbish heap near Jerusalem), which symbolizes eternal destruction. Matthew 10-- Notice that there is no mention here of torment in the fires of Gehenna; rather, he says to 'fear him that can destroy in Gehenna.'By referring to the 'soul' separately, Jesus here emphasizes that God can destroy all of a person's life prospects; thus there is no hope of resurrection for him. So, the references to the 'fiery Gehenna' have the same meaning as 'the lake of fire' of Revelation 21:8, namely, destruction, 'second death.' Matthew 23-- Gentiles who converted to the Pharisaic sect of Judaism were very reprehensible. Some of them may previously have had God's disapproval, but on becoming Pharisees, they became doubly disapproved, certainly headed for destruction in Gehenna. Luke 16-- Since the rich man (religious leaders) and Lazarus (common people) are not literal persons but symbolize classes of people, logically their deaths are also symbolic. Those who make up the rich-man class come under divine disfavor because of persistently refusing to accept the Kingdom message taught by Jesus. They thereby die to their former position of seeming favor. Whereas "Lazarus" or the common people, die to their former spiritually deprived condition and come into a position of divine favor. Whereas they had earlier looked to the religious leaders for what little dropped from the spiritual table, now the Scriptural truths imparted by Jesus are filling their needs. They are thus brought into the bosom, or favored position, of the Greater Abraham, God. 15. SURPRISES FOR THE INHABITANTS OF HELL: LUK 16:23-26; PSA 139:8 LUKE 16-- Taking it literally, we have a rich man going to a place of torment for no apparent reason other than the fact that he was rich. Are all rich people bad? Are all rich people going to a red-hot hell? The poor man goes into Abraham's bosom. Are people going here just because they lack money? Is there enough room for all the poor people in the world to recline on Abraham's bosom? Obviously, Bible scholars admit, Abraham's bosom has to be interpreted figuratively. So since the fate of the poor man is symbolic, then, if the story is to be consistent, the fate of the rich man also must be symbolic. Further, if the 'blazing fire'were literal, would the rich man ask for just one drop of water? Could even a bucket of water, much less a drop, get near a blazing hell? Taken literally, the account is worse than absurd: it outrages reason! Jesus spoke a parable, a story with symbolic meaning. 16. HUMAN SOUL ETERNAL 'The Christian concept of a spiritual soul created by God and infused into the body at conception to make man a living whole is the fruit of a long development in Christian philosophy. Only with Origen [died c. 254 C.E.] in the East and St. Augustine [died 430 C.E.] in the West was the soul established as a spiritual substance and a philosophical concept formed of its nature. . . . His [Augustine's] doctrine . . . owed much (including some shortcomings) to Neoplatonism. ''New Catholic Encyclopedia (1967), Vol. XIII, pp. 452, 454. 'The concept of immortality is a product of Greek thinking, whereas the hope of a resurrection belongs to Jewish thought. . . . Following Alexander's conquests Judaism gradually absorbed Greek concepts.''Dictionnaire Encyclop'dique de la Bible (Valence, France; 1935), edited by Alexandre Westphal, Vol. 2, p. 557. 'Immortality of the soul is a Greek notion formed in ancient mystery cults and elaborated by the philosopher Plato.''Presbyterian Life, May 1, 1970, p. 35. Ezek. 18:4: 'The soul* that is sinning 'it itself will die.' Acts 3:23: 'Indeed, any soul [Greek, psy'khe'] that does not listen to that Prophet will be completely destroyed from among the people.'

Answer

The above is annihilationism. That is totally unbiblical. I see on your profile you are a JW. That explains it. Unfortunately, annihilationism is not the only incorrect teaching in the JW's. A few apostate and anti-Biblical false doctrines that JW's teach

* CHRIST IS NOT EQUAL TO GOD because He is a creature.

* Christ was first of God's creations

* Christ died on a stake, not a cross

* Christ was raised from the dead as an immortal spirit person

* Earth will never be destroyed or depopulated

* Wicked will be eternally destroyed

* The human soul ceases to exist at death

* Hell is mankind's common grave

* Only a little flock of 144,000 go to heaven and rule with Christ

* The 144,000 are born again as spiritual sons of God

((Me: Part of the problem, is the Bible version that JW's use. There have been so many changes made to it, that it is way too many to list here, but here are a few.

They change pertinent texts to fit their doctrines, ie, Jesus is not God, God is not a Trinity, annihilationism, etc.

And, from time to time, seem to change their teachings around instead of remaining steadfast.))

The Jesus I know, is God. The God I know is a Trinity. The Jesus that saves is God. The Holy Spirit that lives within me is a part of that Trinity. Jesus rose bodily, just as our bodies will be resurrected one day.

Hell (Lake of fire, whatever), is eternal, and so is the punishment for those who go there. burning

Answer:

To my mind, the answer is: God did not make hell.

Satan did!

The scriptures say that we receive "our wages" of whom we list to obey.

If we obey God, we receive His wages ... effectively, peace and happiness in this life and Eternal Life in the eternities.

On the other hand, if we follow Satan, we receive uncertainty, confusion and unhappiness in this life and hell after this life.
You see a long time ago the all mighty God, he sensed danger in his palace up in the skies, Heaven, thought there was a rebellion in the midst. There was, an angel decided that he wwould be a better ruler than god and decided to attack, God caught him in the middle of his attack and didnt know what to do, so to make a quick plan, god created hell to send the evil spirit into to live in and he became known as the Devil, and because of that legend, anyone who commits serveral evil acts in his/her life will be sentenced to hell by god.

Answer:

God created Hell for Satan and his fallen angels.

Not everyone believes the same about suicide.

Catholics, and Protestants who believe in the theory of mortal sin, would say no, a person who commits suicide cannot go to Heaven.

According to the Holy Roman Church, a mortal sin is a grievous offense committed with full knowledge and consent of the will, and if it is not confessed and absolved the sinner will go to Hell. There is no way a person who committed suicide could confess and absolve, so he will go to Hell.

Protestant religions who claim anyone who believes on the Lord and is saved will go to Heaven, which presumably means if you're a Christian in one of those churches and you kill yourself, you're going to Heaven. To this I can only say, read Matthew 7:21.

Clarification of the Catholic beliefs on suicide:

Mortal sin

Regarding being in a state of mortal sin, the Catechism of the Catholic Church lays down three conditions - all of which must be met:

"For a sin to be mortal, three conditions must together be met: "Mortal sin is sin whose object is grave matter and which is also committed with full knowledge and deliberate consent."(paragraph 1857). If any one of these conditions is not fulfilled, there is no state of mortal sin. In paragraph 1860 the Catechism goes on to list some of the things which can reduce consent: feelings, passion, mental disorders and external pressure.

Most importantly, paragraph 1861 states: "Mortal sin is a radical possibility of human freedom, as is love itself....However, although we can judge that an act is in itself a grave offense, we must entrust judgment of persons to the justice and mercy of God." In other words, although Catholicism believes that freedom means it is possible for a person to reject God's love and forgiveness, the Church refuses to say that there is anyone in Hell; that is known only to God.

Suicide

As to suicide itself the Catechism states:

"Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide." (paragraph 2282)

"We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives." (paragraph 2283)

Again, the Catholic Church places strict conditions on being truly responsible; even then the Church leaves open the possibility of Heaven.

Culpability

Bearing these things in mind, it would be argued that a person who habitually considers suicide is not in a healthy emotional state because the instinct of self preservation is one of the most basic humans possess. A depressed emotional state reduces a person's freedom and thus culpability. If mental illness is added to the scenario, then the level of responsibility (and thus freedom) is even more greatly diminished. In short, from the perspective of Catholicism (and probably most religions) a person who suffers from a mental illness (or even depression) does not have a sufficient amount of freedom for the act of suicide to be considered a sin. Therefore, it is unimaginable that God would keep such a person from entering heaven.

• Jewish saints from the Old Testament

• Non-Jewish [gentile] saints from the Old Testament

• Christians

• Messianic Jews

Only converted people go to heaven - it is no good just believing- that will not get you out of hell:

James 2:19

You believe that there is one God, you do well; even the demons believe and tremble.

Hell is going to be full of good people. It may seem discriminatory but it's God's call and He sets the rules.

Atheists don't go to hell either. See related question: "Where did heaven and hell teaching originate?"

It would be easier to ask who does go to hell. All those who have had a Testimony that Jesus is the Christ, given to them by the Holy Spirit, then willfully deny the existence of the spirit having once received it. Also all those who commit murder. All others will receive a reward that they have earned for themselves while here upon the earth.

There will be very few who will go to hell, irrespective of what some have already stated.

Hell is a place reserved for Satan and His angels, and all those who have committed murder, and those who having once received the Holy Spirit, and then blatantly deny of His existence.

Few of us will have gained sufficient knowledge to have us understand the principles of the gospel, who God is and who His son is. Though we cannot be saved in ignorance, this life is for us to prepare to get to know God and His son Jesus Christ.

As God is a just God He will not send us anywhere after the final judgment, to a reward other than what we have earned for ourselves, and then he will give us the best that He can.

Sorry,I don't want to sound too intolerant, but

(1). Re "Atheists don't go to hell":-

If you don't even believe in God, then how can you possibly get accepted into heaven?

The Bible plainly says atheists go to hell. :-

Rev 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.Rev 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (King James)

(Another later translation may make it clearer:-

Rev 21:7 The one who conquers will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be my son.Rev 21:8 But to the cowards, unbelievers, detestable persons, murderers, the sexually immoral, and those who practice magic spells, idol worshipers, and all those who lie, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. That is the second death." (NET )

Regarding the web site "Where did heaven and hell teaching originate?":-

When you are talking about life and death you cannot rely on consensus judgements, majority support, or ignoring what you don't like: everybody is going to die - that is an absolute guarantee (after all, that is what Life Assurance companies are based on!) . When you die, you are going to either heaven or hell, and as you're going to spend eternity there you'd better make the right choice.

Hell is specifically mentioned quite early in the Bible:-

Deu 32:21 They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.Deu 32:22 For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains. (King James)

"Lowest hell" mentioned in verse 22 is certainly not the grave: other translations render it

"the world below", "the deep parts of the underworld", and "lowest Sheol":-

Deu 32:22 My anger will flame up like fire and burn everything on earth. It will reach to the world belowand consume the roots of the mountains. (GNB)

Deu 32:22 For my wrath is a flaming fire, burning to the deep parts of the underworld, burning up the earth with her increase, and firing the deep roots of the mountains. (BBE)Deu 32:22 For a fire has been kindled by my anger, and it burns to lowest Sheol; it consumes the earth and its produce, and ignites the foundations of the mountains. (NET)

There are a lot of other verses , and Jesus had quite a lot to say about hell: check it out.

(2). Re "There will be very few who go to hell":-

Jesus Himself said the way to hell is wide, easy, many go there, and only a few don't:-

Mat 7:13 "Go in through the narrow gate, because the gate to hell is wide and the road that leads to it is easy, and there are many who travel it.Mat 7:14 But the gate to life is narrow and the way that leads to it is hard, and there are few people who find it. (GNB)

The same verse in another Gospel account:-

Luk 13:23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved [or "have salvation" BBE] ? And he said unto them,Luk 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. (KJ)

Satan and his angels are going to be in hell:- Mat 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

There is quite a list of those crimes that keep a person out of heaven:-

1Co 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,1Co 6:10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (KJ)

Another version may make it clearer:-

1Co 6:9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! The sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, passive homosexualpartners,5 practicing homosexuals,61Co 6:10thieves, the greedy, drunkards, the verbally abusive,7 and swindlers will not inherit the kingdom of God. (NET)

Now, after reading who won't go to heaven, Go to Hebrews 11 and find out who will:

Jacob was a liar and a swindler, Moses was a murderer, Rahab was a harlot, and if anybody was eligible for hell, it was King David : he was an adulterer and a murderer, yet the Bible says he was a man after God's own heart:- Act 13:22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

God is not going to send someone like Himself to hell.

It is not a case of 'one strike and you're out' of heaven because God can change people's character if they ask Him , and He forgives all sin that is repented of. Some of the people in the Bible are pretty nasty pieces of work, yet that does not stop them going to heaven. What stops people is their character and attitude toward sin. Suppose you have done (whatever) : if you have been saved, God forgives it on your repentance; if you are striving to battle and overcome (whatever) and you fall flat on your face yet again, God will forgive you again and again. (Just remember that the forgiveness of sin does not remove the consequencesof that sin.) . It is not your actions that are the important thing - it is your attitude and mindset:-

Mat 18:21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

Mat 18:22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.Eph 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Now go back to the list of long-term attitudes that kept people out of heaven, and then read the very next verse:-

1Co 6:11 Some of you once lived this way.8 But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ9 and by the Spirit of our God. (NET) 1Co 6:11 And such were some of you....(KJ)

The people of Corinth were a pretty lawless and licentious bunch , so what do you do?

Act 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

What happens to both Atheists and Christians alike is determined not at all by what they believe but by cold hard reality. If the Christian view is not empirically true then neither the atheist nor the Christian will go to hell, since it doesn't in fact exist. On the other hand, if the Christian view is correct then not just atheists will go to hell, but every person who pretends to be a Christian but isn't.

Thus the ultimate to the question is whether hell is a real place and whether God not only means what He says about judgment but that He has the power to send people to hell. If hell is a real place (and I personally believe it is) then my believing it or not believing it is not going to change anything. People disbelieve all kinds of things that later turn out to be true.

The terrible consequence eternally of not believing in something that turns out to be true is unimaginable. Not believing it will not make it go away. Believing it will not bring it into existence if it is a lie.

There is every reason to believe what God says is true. So the issue according to the one who sets the rules is whether or not one meets God's criteria.

Wiccans and pagans.

As the concept of "hell" is considered a religious belief, there is no right or wrong answer to this question. However, some believe that "hell" is ruled by a Satan or satanic figure. If you do not have religious beliefs, this concept usually is not applicable to you.

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If you believe in Islam, the rule isn't that ALL Muslim women go to heaven, regardless of whether they have committed any crimes or not.

Equally, Muslim women are not barred from Heaven (how stupid would that be??).

So yeah they can. Just like men. Strangely. -_-

I don't think any major religion suggests that heaven is a physical place - they all (as far as I can tell) call it a state of being.

In Semite based religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) heaven is being with God. [// Fixed typo here//]

In Buddhism, Navarna/Nebana is a state of enlightenment and freedon from suffering - complete peace and contentment.

So, from an orthodox point of view - it doesn't

From my view - it looks "preferable" (to the alternative!)

Answer 2

We simply don't know what heaven will be like. However, we do know that it will be in the close presence of God and so it will be the ultimate in joy, happiness and peace.
Nobody knows. Most people think that heaven is not an actual place, but instead is the time when your soul is able to be with God forever. If heaven is a physical place like a planet, it probably looks like your favorite place on Earth.

This depends on the perspective of the Answerer.

• Atheists would say that Muslims do not go to Hell since there is no Hell.
• Non-Muslims typically argue that members of their own faiths will have a good afterlife, or at least have a strong chance of having a good afterlife. However, they may believe that Non-Muslims of different faiths will all go to Hell.
• Muslims would say that all Non-Muslims go to Hell if they actively reject Islam.

This depends on your life here on earth. All persons face two choices in this life. God has provided for mankind a Savior. This Savior's name is Jesus Christ. God even wrote a book about the Savior, but it was not until the New Testament Gospels were written that it became known that this Savior was God's own Son, Jesus Christ.

Persons who believe what God has written about His Son and accept Jesus Christ as their Savior, when they die they will go to heaven and live an eternity with God and His Son.

But those persons who do not believe what God has written about His Son and do not accept Him as their Savior, when they die they will go to Hell/Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:11-15).

The choice is yours.