Is there eternal life or eternal death in Hell?

[Aspiring_Saint]

The catechism states:
'grave sin deprives us of communion with God, and therefore makes us incapable of eternal life, the privation of which is called the ‘eternal punishment’ of sin.

also is is said that the wages of sin are death.

It seems that most people believe punishment in hell is forever, which would seem to mean eternal life in hell, but that does not seem to match the sayings above. Can you explain it to me?

I hope I don’t end up in Hell, but I would like to know the correct interpretation for any who ask (and I am a new convert, so a lot of people I know who are not Christians are asking questions, which is great!)

Thank you!

 

[John_Pascendi]

The catechism states:
'grave sin deprives us of communion with God, and therefore makes us incapable of eternal life, the privation of which is called the ‘eternal punishment’ of sin.

also is is said that the wages of sin are death.

It seems that most people believe punishment in hell is forever, which would seem to mean eternal life in hell, but that does not seem to match the sayings above. Can you explain it to me?

I hope I don’t end up in Hell, but I would like to know the correct interpretation for any who ask (and I am a new convert, so a lot of people I know who are not Christians are asking questions, which is great!)

Thank you!

…Well, take a gander at Cheers next time it is played on your boob tube…this show is a perfect example of what hell is all about…in my opinion!.One is locked in a room,forever ,with fellow liars,cheaters,murderers …whatever.(even Red Sox fans)…and one cant get out!.this misery is quite upsetting for me to contemplate and thus I will return the library book that is over due right after I sign off here…all the best…Pas…

 

[dmar198]

The catechism states:
'grave sin deprives us of communion with God, and therefore makes us incapable of eternal life, the privation of which is called the ‘eternal punishment’ of sin.

also is is said that the wages of sin are death.

It seems that most people believe punishment in hell is forever, which would seem to mean eternal life in hell, but that does not seem to match the sayings above. Can you explain it to me?

I hope I don’t end up in Hell, but I would like to know the correct interpretation for any who ask (and I am a new convert, so a lot of people I know who are not Christians are asking questions, which is great!)

Thank you!

“Death” in those passages refers to the death of the divine life in you, but it does not mean your natural life – body and soul – is killed too. After death, the soul separates from the dead body, but the soul never dies. It goes to heaven for its rewards, or hell for its punishments, and remains there forever.

 

[PAboy57]

Dear Aspiring,

When we have grave sin we are separating ourselves from God. We aren’t able to receive His sanctifying grace that makes us strong and holy so we can avoid temptation. The more you sin the easier it gets. Eventually you can get to the point you don’t want or even think about repenting. Many living people are already dead in a sense.

You can make things right by being sorry, going to confession, receiving the Eucharist and doing your best not to make the same mistakes again. Surround yourself with decent, holy people and they will help you.

Hell is forever and none of us want that.