Bible Teaching on Hell Is Not Always Welcome Thus God will not punish. They suffered in this life. It is annihilation. It is not eternal. Profess belief – but ignore it. Bible Teaching on Hell Is Not Always Welcome Thus HELL is a religious subject that gets very little attention today. Many say “it offends and drives people away;” therefore, we should avoid it. It is not WELCOME. Some DENY that God will punish. Some believe the SUFFERING is in this life. It is ANNIHILATION. It is NOT ETERNAL. Others profess to believe HELL is real, but simply IGNORE IT. Consequently, there is little preaching about HELL, and people do not fear Hell. Little preaching on it People have no fear

Summary of Bible Teaching on Hell Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:10, 14, 15; 21:8) Furnace of Fire (Matthew 13:42, 50) Flaming Fire (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9) Baptism of Fire (Matthew 3:11-12) Unquenchable Fire (Mark 9:43, 48) Brimstone (Revelation 21:8) Weeping, Wailing & Gnashing (Matt. 8:12; 13:50) Prepared for Devil (Matthew 25:41) Outer Darkness (Matthew 8:12; 25:30) Eternal Torment (Revelation 14:10-11) Summary of Bible teaching on Hell—read and discuss the verses.

“If anything has disappeared from modern thought, it is the belief in a supernatural heaven and hell.” A quote from Mr. Donald Bloesch, Essentials of Evangelical Theology… - Donald G. Bloesch, Essentials of Evangelical Theology, 2:211)

Questions Is it REAL? Is it ETERNAL? Let us examine two fundamental questions in this lesson: Is HELL REAL? Is HELL ETERNAL?

Hell Is Everlasting Torment Eternal Hell Let us begin by asserting that ETERNAL HELL is everlasting torment.

Attacks on Bible Doctrine of Hell Materialism—denies that man has an eternal soul and affirms that he has no eternal punishment. Universalism—belief in the ultimate salvation of every individual, including the Devil. Materialism—the underlying doctrine for atheism or humanism. Universalism—defense is based on God’s universal love. He could not possibly punish a member of His Creation.

Attacks on Bible Doctrine of Hell Restoration—ultimately, all rational beings will be restored to fellowship with God. Annihilation—God will annihilate the wicked. He will not eternally punish them. Restoration—restored fellowship. Based on a false understanding of Acts 3:21. Annihilation—when the wicked die, they cease to exist. Only the righteous will be raised at the resurrection. (Two views discussed later)

Hell Hades Not a fictitious story used to scare people Not a condition or state of mind Hell is a real place Hell Hades Describe what HELL is NOT… Foretaste Luke 16:23,28

I. Modern Teaching on Hell Eternal Hell I. Modern Teaching on Hell Modern teaching on Hell…

Modern Teaching Seventh Day Adventist Man is not created to be immortal – only conditionally immortal. The righteous will be raised in immortal bodies. The wicked will be raised in mortal bodies. The wicked will become extinct in hell. Seven Day Adventist Theory—also known as “conditional immorality.” Man is not created to be immortal, only “conditionally” immortal. Believers receive immortality as a gift of grace. Therefore, they continue to exist in a state of blessedness after death. Only righteous are raised in immortal bodies. Wicked will be raised in mortal bodies and become extinct in hell. This denies the doctrine of eternal punishment.

Modern Teaching Jehovah’s Witnesses The soul is not immortal. God annihilates the wicked at death. Jehovah’s Witnesses—man was created immortal, but those who continue in sin are deprived of immortality and are simply annihilated (reduced to nonexistence). According to the JW, only the righteous will be raised. Following death the soul has no conscious existence but is sleeping, and then only the righteous are given immortal bodies. Jehovah’s Witnesses deny the Bible teaching regarding the soul. In the Bible, the word death is always physical.

Modern Teaching Edward Fudge Next, we want to look at a gospel preacher named Edward Fudge…

Annihilation Ed Fudge Calls Himself a Conditionalist “..the wicked, following whatever degree and duration of pain God may justly inflict, will finally and truly die, perish, and become extinct for ever and ever.” (p. 425) Published 1982 Man is conditionally immortal. Wicked raised in mortal bodies. Punished for a while in hell. Then they’ll become extinct. In 1982, Brother Ed Fudge (a preacher among institutional brethren) wrote a book called “The Fire That Consumes.” He had a written debate (“Two Views of Hell”) with Robert A. Peterson, professor of theology at Covenant Theological Seminary. This book is the most extensive defense of the “conditional immorality” doctrine presently available. Brother Fudge believes: Man is only conditionally immortal. The wicked will be raised in mortal bodies. After being punished for a “select period of time (depending on their sins),” they will become extinct. Ed Fudge Annihilation

Modern Teaching Homer Hailey Brother Homer Hailey’s last book, published in 2003, following his death in November 2000, was titled God’s Judgments and Punishments—Individuals and Nations.

Homer Hailey Prepublication Ad: This is a follow-up to Hailey’s Commentary on Daniel, A Prophetic Message, published in 2001. This companion volume deals with God as ‘the king of the nations’ (Jer.10:7) and His judgment upon nations and individuals. The main focus of the work is the final judgment and fate of the unrighteous, according to what the New Testament says and does not say. Hailey reaches the interesting conclusion that for the wicked, the soul ceases to exist, as it is destroyed in hell. Foreword by La Gard Smith of David Lipscomb University.” Prepublication ad for brother Hailey’s book. Notice the conclusion… Published 2003 Homer Hailey

Hailey’s Book Teaches: “These illustrations reveal the meaning of ‘consume,’ and what the scriptures mean by the phrase, ‘Our God is a consuming fire.’ It meant total and complete destruction from the face of the earth.” (138) “If they serve as an example, what do they teach except that those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire are to exist no more?” (142) “…all four lead to the same conclusion: By being destroyed in hell, he loses his body and soul; in Gehenna, he dies the second death (cf. Rev. 21:8).” (150) Some quotes from the book. Discuss each one… “Paul described the resurrected body of the righteous (1 Cor. 15:5-58); but nowhere did any apostle describe the resurrected body of the wicked….” (151)

Hailey’s Book Teaches: “The first death pertained to the physical life and death; the second pertained to the end of each. Death and Hades and the wicked, those whose names were not written in the book of life, existence came to an end in the lake of fire.” (178) What is said What is not said “That they all burn forever.” (139) “Nothing about burning for ever, or facing a future burning.” (146) “That the soul burns eternally.” (156) “That the people are tormented day and night for ever and ever.” (181) Brother Hailey reaches conclusions based on what HE BELIEVES IS NOT SAID. Sadly, in our study we will see that the Bible clearly draws these conclusions. In some of Brother Hailey’s earlier works--Commentary on Revelation and Hailey Comments--he reached the right conclusion.

I. Modern Teaching on Hell II. Hell Is Eternal Torment Eternal Hell I. Modern Teaching on Hell II. Hell Is Eternal Torment Hell is Eternal Torment…

Matthew 25:41 – For Devil/Angels Eternal Hell Matthew 25:41 – For Devil/Angels Read Matthew 25:41—prepared for the DEVIL and his ANGELS.

Matthew 25:41 – For Devil/Angels “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” Destiny of wicked – same as devil/wicked angels Angels 2 Peter 2:4 Jude 6 Suffer now Await Judgment Not Unconditional Devil Revelation 20:10 Tormented Day and Night Forever and Ever According to Jesus, the punishment and the duration are EQUAL for the devil and his angels, along with the wicked.

Matthew 25:41 – For Devil/Angels “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” Devil Revelation 20:10 Tormented Day and Night Forever and Ever Torment – Not Annihilation Day and Night - Without Interruption Forever and Ever – Without End Notice the punishment will be without interruption and without end? What does this say about “limited punishment for a selected duration”?

Eternity—Aion Of eternity Age, period of time (1 Corinthians 10:11) Of God (Romans 1:25; 9:5) Of endless future (John 6:51,58) Of past eternity (Luke 1:70) Eis ton aiona tou aionos—to emphasize concept of eternity.” (TDNT I:199) Age, period of time (1 Corinthians 10:11) World with its cares (Matthew 13:22) Which best fits the context of Revelation 20:10 The Greek word for eternity—AION. Which definition best fits the context of Revelation 20:10?

Matthew 25:41 – For Devil/Angels Matthew 25:46 – Same As Heaven Eternal Hell Matthew 25:41 – For Devil/Angels Matthew 25:46 – Same As Heaven Next, Matthew 25:46—explains that hell is the SAME AS HEAVEN.

Matthew 25:46 – Same As Heaven “And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." Everlasting Punishment (Gk: aionios) Hell Eternal Life (Gk: aionios) Heaven What we do with one, we do with the other Read Matthew 25:46—whatever one does with his understanding of HEAVEN, he must apply the same understanding to Hell!!

Worm Not Dead/Fire Not Quenched Eternal Hell Worm Not Dead/Fire Not Quenched In Hell, THE WORM DOES NOT DIE, AND the fire is not QUENCHED…

Worm Not Dead/Fire Not Quenched Isaiah 66:24; Mark 9:44, 46, 48 Worm Doesn’t Die Worm eats flesh of animal When flesh is consumed, worm dies Fire Isn’t Quenched Trash burning When burned, it is consumed and fire goes out No End Describe the effects of “the worm not dying” and “fire not being quenched.” THERE IS NO END!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Eternal/Everlasting Fire Eternal Hell Eternal/Everlasting Fire Now let us talk about ETERNAL and EVERLASTING FIRE.

Eternal/Everlasting Fire Jude 7 Sodom and Gomorrah burned with fire, but punishment did not end there. They will also suffer eternal fire An example for us! Matthew 18:8 Better to go through life without hands or feet than to suffer everlasting fire Eternal Fire and Everlasting Fire mean the same thing—FOREVER !!!!!!

Revelation 14:10,11—Torment Forever Eternal Hell Revelation 14:10,11—Torment Forever Let’s look at Revelation 14:10,11—Torment forever…

Revelation 14:10-11 – Torment Forever “He himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” God Lives “forever and ever” (Revelation 4:9) Endless Future Torment “forever and ever” (Revelation 14:11) Endless Future Revelation 14:10,11 says “torment forever.” Both it and Rev.4:9 speak of ENDLESS!

2 Thessalonians 1:9—Everlasting Destruction Eternal Hell 2 Thessalonians 1:9—Everlasting Destruction Next, 2 Thessalonians 1:9—EVERLASTING DESTRUCTION…

2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 – Everlasting Destruction “And to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,” Destruction is not annihilation (1 Corinthians 5:5) Read 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9. Destruction is not annihilation. It is separation from the presence of the Lord. The POINT--Eternal separation from God! Destruction = “absent from the Lord’s presence” Point: Eternal separation from God!

Blackness/Darkness Forever Eternal Hell Blackness/Darkness Forever Eternal punishment will be in BLACKNESS and DARKNESS FOREVER!

Blackness and Darkness Forever Jude 12-13 – “blackness and darkness forever” 2 Peter 2:17 – “blackness and darkness forever” In outer darkness Weeping and gnashing of teeth Matthew 8:12; 22:13; 25:30 Thus, it is not annihilation! It is suffering forever! Read: Jude 12,13; 2 Peter 2:17; Matthew 8:12; 22:13; 25:30. If a person does not exist, how can he weep and gnash his teeth?

Eternal Hell Matthew 25:41 – For Devil/Angels Matthew 25:46 – Same as Heaven Worm Not Dead/Fire Not Quenched Eternal Hell Eternal/Everlasting Fire Revelation 14:10-11 – Torment Forever Review of the Bible teaching that Hell IS ETERNAL TORMENT! 2 Thess. 1:9 – Everlasting Destruction Blackness/Darkness Forever

I. Modern Teaching on Hell II. Hell Is Eternal Torment Eternal Hell I. Modern Teaching on Hell II. Hell Is Eternal Torment III. Where Will This Lead? Where will this teaching lead us?

Where Will This Lead? Denial of soul’s immortality Doctrine of no punishment at all “But if annihilation follows a period of torment, then that annihilation is not punishment, but a happy relief from punishment.” (Harry Buis, The Doctrine of Eternal Punishment, 126) Where will this modern thinking lead us? Denial that man has an immortal soul. The majority will believe (and this is already happening) that God will not punish anybody! Notice the quote: The doctrine of annihilation would be a reprieve for the ungodly—punishment would be temporary!

Where Will This Lead? Denial of soul’s immortality Doctrine of no punishment at all Explaining away other fundamental Bible doctrines This will also lead us to explain away other “fundamental” Bible doctrines. It is only a short bridge to begin to deny other basic gospel teachings. Today, some deny: Deity of Christ; Humanity of Christ; Days of Creation; Need for baptism in God’s plan; Need to assemble with the saints; Need to take the LS only on the first day of the week, not just any day; Women and Homosexual preachers, etc. There’s no end in sight!

Where Will This Lead? Denial of soul’s immortality Doctrine of no punishment at all Explaining away other fundamental Bible doctrines Feeling good about religion regardless of whether there’s sin and error. Add to the list man’s ability to feel good about any religion, in spite of any sin and error that is taught and practiced. In the final outcome, what difference does it really make? Everything will end up coming down to each person’s selective subjective feeling. We become a law unto ourselves (Judges 21:25).

Where Will This Lead? Denial of soul’s immortality Doctrine of no punishment at all Explaining away other fundamental Bible doctrines Feeling good about religion regardless of whether there’s sin and error Moral decline Lastly, it will lead to a moral decline that needs no help falling away from God’s principles. How does teaching about Hell lead to moral decline? What happens when you remove God from the equation? There’s no accountability, no punishment for unrighteous behavior! Read Romans 1:29-32 to see what happens when men omit God from their thinking. This false teaching about Hell just makes it easier for man to continue on the path to self-destruction.

I. Modern Teaching on Hell II. Hell Is Eternal Torment Eternal Hell I. Modern Teaching on Hell II. Hell Is Eternal Torment III. Where Will This Lead? Summary…Conclusion…Invitation