Seventh Day Adventist Teachings On Hell

[Maria1212]

Dear CAF Members,

After a discussion on a different thread, I thought it would be benenficial to compare and contrast Adventist and Catholic beliefs on the afterlife. For this thread, let`s examine Adventist and Catholic teachings on hell.

An article posted at catholic.com/thisrock/1991/9109prot.asp states the following:

*Adventists teach that the soul of man is not conscious after death, but that it enters into a kind of sleep when the body dies. When the resurrection occurs, bodies and souls will be revivified. **Just people will enter into life everlasting, while the wicked will be punished by fire until they die and cease to exist once again. ***

The article also states:
*
The Bible teaches the eternal duration of hell. Jesus says in Matthew 25:46,** “They will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life:” ** *

The following is also helpful;
ttp://www.catholic.com/thisrock/1997/9705convsb.aspç

My question for Adventists is the following:
Do Adventists believe hell is eternal? Do Adventists believe heaven is eternal?

The Catholic Church believes hell is eternal, as is heaven. Scripture, oral tradition, and the teachings of the early Church fathers is the basis for this belief. In addition to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the following article is useful for understanding the Catholic position.

catholic.com/thisrock/2001/0110frs.asp

Sincerely,

Maria1212

 

[Maria1212]

For your information, here is some writings from the early Church Fathers on hell, as cited in the article above.

Ignatius of Antioch

Corrupters of families will not inherit the kingdom of God. And if they who do these things according to the flesh suffer death, how much more if a man corrupt by evil reaching the faith of God for the sake of which Jesus Christ was crucified? A man become so foul will depart into unquenchable fire, and so will anyone who listens to him. (Letter to the Ephesians 16:1–2 [A.D. 110])

Second Clement

If we do the will of Christ, we shall obtain rest; but if not, if we neglect his commandments, nothing will rescue us from eternal punishment. (Second Clement 5:5 [A.D. 150])

Justin Martyr

No more is it possible for the evildoer, the avaricious, and the treacherous to hide from God than it is for the virtuous. Every man will receive the eternal punishment or reward which his actions deserve. Indeed, if all men recognized this, no one would choose evil even for a short time, knowing that he would incur the eternal sentence of fire. On the contrary, he would take every means to control himself and to adorn himself in virtue, so that he might obtain the good gifts of God and escape the punishments. (First Apology 12 [A.D. 151])

Justin Martyr

[Jesus] shall come from the heavens in glory with his angelic host, when he shall raise the bodies of all the men who ever lived. Then he will clothe the worthy in immortality; but the wicked, clothed in eternal sensibility, he will commit to the eternal fire, along with the evil demons. (ibid., 52)

The Martyrdom of Polycarp

Fixing their minds on the grace of Christ, [the martyrs] despised worldly tortures and purchased eternal life with but a single hour. To them, the fire of their cruel torturers was cold. They kept before their eyes their escape from the eternal and unquenchable fire. (Martyrdom of Polycarp 2:3 [A.D. 155])

Mathetes

When you know what is the true life, that of heaven; when you despise the merely apparent death, which is temporal; when you fear the death which is real, and which is reserved for those who will be condemned to the everlasting fire, the fire which will punish even to the end those who are delivered to it, then you will condemn the deceit and error of the world. (Letter to Diognetus 10:7 [A.D. 160])

Athenagoras

We [Christians] are persuaded that when we are removed from this present life we shall live another life, better than the present one. . . . Then we shall abide near God and with God, changeless and free from suffering in the soul . . . or if we fall with the rest [of mankind], a worse one and in fire; for God has not made us as sheep or beasts of burden, a mere incidental work, that we should perish and be annihilated. (Plea for the Christians 31 [A.D. 177])

 

[Maria1212]

Theophilus of Antioch

Give studious attention to the prophetic writings [the Bible] and they will lead you on a clearer path to escape the eternal punishments and to obtain the eternal good things of God. . . . [God] will examine everything and will judge justly, granting recompense to each according to merit. To those who seek immortality by the patient exercise of good works, he will give everlasting life, joy, peace, rest, and all good things. . . . For the unbelievers and for the contemptuous, and for those who do not submit to the truth but assent to iniquity, when they have been involved in adulteries, and fornications, and homosexualities, and avarice, and in lawless idolatries, there will be wrath and indignation, tribulation and anguish; and in the end, such men as these will be detained in everlasting fire. (To Autolycus 1:14 [A.D. 181])

Irenaeus

The penalty increases for those who do not believe the Word of God and despise his coming. . . . It is not merely temporal, but eternal. To whomsoever the Lord shall say, “Depart from me, accursed ones, into the everlasting fire,” they will be damned forever. (Against Heresies 4:28:2)

Hippolytus

Standing before [Christ’s] judgment, all of them, men, angels, and demons, crying out in one voice, shall say: “Just is your judgment!” And the righteousness of that cry will be apparent in the recompense made to each. To those who have done well, everlasting enjoyment shall be given; while to the lovers of evil shall be given eternal punishment. The unquenchable and unending fire awaits these latter, and a certain fiery worm which does not die and which does not waste the body but continually bursts forth from the body with unceasing pain. No sleep will give them rest; no night will soothe them; no death will deliver them from punishment; no appeal of interceding friends will profit them. (Against the Greeks 3 [A.D. 212])

Minucius Felix

I am not ignorant of the fact that many, in the consciousness of what they deserve, would rather hope than actually believe that there is nothing for them after death. They would prefer to be annihilated rather than be restored for punishment. . . . Nor is there either measure nor end to these torments. That clever fire burns the limbs and restores them, wears them away and yet sustains them, just as fiery thunderbolts strike bodies but do not consume them. (Octavius 34:12–5:3 [A.D. 226])

Cyprian of Carthage

An ever-burning Gehenna and the punishment of being devoured by living flames will consume the condemned; nor will there be any way in which the tormented can ever have respite or be at an end. Souls along with their bodies will be preserved for suffering in unlimited agonies. . . . The grief at punishment will then be without the fruit of repentance; weeping will be useless, and prayer ineffectual. Too late will they believe in eternal punishment, who would not believe in eternal life. (To Demetrian 24 [A.D. 252])

Lactantius

The sacred writings inform us in what manner the wicked are to undergo punishment. For because they have committed sins in their bodies, they will again be clothed with flesh, that they may make atonement in their bodies; and yet it will not be that flesh with which God clothed man, like this our earthly body, but indestructible, and abiding forever, that it may be able to hold out against tortures and everlasting fire. . . . The same divine fire, therefore, with one and the same force and power, will both burn the wicked and will form them again, and will replace as much as it shall consume of their bodies, and will supply itself with eternal nourishment. (Divine Institutes 7:21 [A.D. 307])

Cyril of Jerusalem

We shall be raised therefore, all with our bodies eternal, but not all with bodies alike: For if a man is righteous, he will receive a heavenly body, that he may be able worthily to hold converse with angels; but if a man is a sinner, he shall receive an eternal body, fitted to endure the penalties of sins, that he may burn eternally in fire, nor ever be consumed. And righteously will God assign this portion to either company; for we do nothing without the body. We blaspheme with the mouth, and with the mouth we pray. With the body we commit fornication, and with the body we keep chastity. With the hand we rob, and by the hand we bestow alms; and the rest in like manner. Since then the body has been our minister in all things, it shall also share with us in the future the fruits of the past. (Catechetical Lectures 18:19 [A.D. 350])

 

[Maria1212]

I have an additional question for Adventists. In Luke 12:4-5, it says that at the Last Judgement, Jesus will say to the unrighteous, “Depart from me, you cursed, into the** eternal fire** prepared for the devil and his angels.”

In Matthew 25:41,46 it says “they will go away into eternal punishment.”

Do Adventists think the Bible is incorrect, or in error? It seems to me that teaching that hell is not eternal, contradicts the Bible.

If Adventists believe hell is not eternal, why do they believe this, and how do they come to this conclusion?

Sincerely,

Maria1212

 

[Protestant101]

Dear CAF Members,

After a discussion on a different thread, I thought it would be benenficial to compare and contrast Adventist and Catholic beliefs on the afterlife. For this thread, let`s examine Adventist and Catholic teachings on hell.

An article posted at catholic.com/thisrock/1991/9109prot.asp states the following:

*Adventists teach that the soul of man is not conscious after death, but that it enters into a kind of sleep when the body dies. When the resurrection occurs, bodies and souls will be revivified. **Just people will enter into life everlasting, while the wicked will be punished by fire until they die and cease to exist once again. ***

The article also states:
*
The Bible teaches the eternal duration of hell. Jesus says in Matthew 25:46,** “They will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life:” ***

The following is also helpful;
ttp://www.catholic.com/thisrock/1997/9705convsb.aspç

My question for Adventists is the following:
Do Adventists believe hell is eternal? Do Adventists believe heaven is eternal?

The Catholic Church believes hell is eternal, as is heaven. Scripture, oral tradition, and the teachings of the early Church fathers is the basis for this belief. In addition to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the following article is useful for understanding the Catholic position.

catholic.com/thisrock/2001/0110frs.asp

Sincerely,

Maria1212

Howdy Maria

I am just letting you know I spotted this topic, and I will get back to it asap. I will look forward to this one.

 

[SDA2RC]

I think the following is the best summary I know of, which shows the SDA’s reasoning behind rejecting eternal punishment. (Adventists view phrases like “eternal punishment” as meaning that the effects of the punishment, i.e. death, are eternal, however, the punishing its self does not last eternally)
" We reject the doctrine of eternal torment for the following major reasons:

1. Because everlasting life is a gift of God (Rom. 6:23). The wicked do not possess this—they “shall not see life” (John 3:36); “no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him” (1 John 3:15).
2. Because eternal torment would perpetuate and immortalize sin, suffering, and woe, and contradict, we believe, divine revelation, which envisions the time when these things shall be no more (Rev. 21:4).
3. Because it seems to us to provide a plague spot in the universe of God throughout eternity, and would seem to indicate that it is impossible for God Himself ever to abolish it.
4. Because in our thinking, it would detract from the attribute of love as seen in the character of God, and postulates the concept of a wrath which is never appeased.
5. Because the Scriptures teach that the atoning work of Christ is to “put away sin” (Heb. 9:26)—first from the individual, and ultimately from the universe. The full fruition of Christ’s sacrificial, atoning work will be seen not only in a redeemed people but in a restored heaven and earth (Eph. 1:14)."
   For a more complete review of their beliefs regarding this doctrine… please see: “Questions On Doctrine”

 

[lak611]

I think the following is the best summary I know of, which shows the SDA’s reasoning behind rejecting eternal punishment. (Adventists view phrases like “eternal punishment” as meaning that the effects of the punishment, i.e. death, are eternal, however, the punishing its self does not last eternally)

If SDA’s believe there is no eternal punishment in hell, then how do SDA’s differentiate heaven and hell? Do they think after a certain amount of time that everybody will be saved? This concept is so contrary to what the Bible says.

 

[amills]

If SDA’s believe there is no eternal punishment in hell, then how do SDA’s differentiate heaven and hell? Do they think after a certain amount of time that everybody will be saved? This concept is so contrary to what the Bible says.

No - SDA belief is that those who are not saved will be annihilated.

 

[Clonereject1138]

So…Do you have a hunch as to how long it takes a person to die in hell?

Y’know, you SDAers are taking all the fun out of heaven! What’s Paradise without the ability to look over the balcony and see all the people that wronged you, writhing in agony, FOREVER.

Seriously though, when all the sinners have died(twice) what will happen to the demons?

 

[amills]

So…Do you have a hunch as to how long it takes a person to die in hell?

According to the EGW

whiteestate.org/books/egwhc/EGWHCaxA.html#pg537

“This makes it sure, that the trouble comes before the second advent; for the saints are to escape it, before they “stand before the Son of man.” At the second appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, the living wicked, who are not swept off by the plagues, are to be destroyed by the “brightness of his coming.”—2 Thess. 2: 8.
This is positive proof that the plagues come before, and not after the advent; for the wicked will not suffer by the plagues, after they are destroyed by the burning glory of his coming.”

2 Thess 2:8 from the NAB translation:

"And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord (Jesus) will kill with the breath of his mouth and render powerless by the manifestation of his coming, "

 

[amills]

Seriously though, when all the sinners have died(twice) what will happen to the demons?

According to the beliefs on the SDA site
adventist.org/beliefs/fundamental/index.html

27. Millennium and the End of Sin:
The millennium is the thousand-year reign of Christ with His saints in heaven between the first and second resurrections. During this time the wicked dead will be judged; the earth will be utterly desolate, without living human inhabitants, but occupied by Satan and his angels. At its close Christ with His saints and the Holy City will descend from heaven to earth. **The unrighteous dead will then be resurrected, and with Satan and his angels will surround the city; but fire from God will consume them and cleanse the earth. The universe will thus be freed of sin and sinners forever. **(Rev. 20; 1 Cor. 6:2, 3; Jer. 4:23-26; Rev. 21:1-5; Mal. 4:1; Eze. 28:18, 19.)

 

[lak611]

According to the beliefs on the SDA site
adventist.org/beliefs/fundamental/index.html

27. Millennium and the End of Sin:
The millennium is the thousand-year reign of Christ with His saints in heaven between the first and second resurrections. During this time the wicked dead will be judged; the earth will be utterly desolate, without living human inhabitants, but occupied by Satan and his angels. At its close Christ with His saints and the Holy City will descend from heaven to earth. **The unrighteous dead will then be resurrected, and with Satan and his angels will surround the city; but fire from God will consume them and cleanse the earth. The universe will thus be freed of sin and sinners forever. **(Rev. 20; 1 Cor. 6:2, 3; Jer. 4:23-26; Rev. 21:1-5; Mal. 4:1; Eze. 28:18, 19.)

This just does not make sense based on what Jesus says in the Gospels, for instance in Mark 9:43-48, where He repeatedly says that the fire of hell will never be quenched.

 

[Maria1212]

This just does not make sense based on what Jesus says in the Gospels, for instance in Mark 9:43-48, where He repeatedly says that the fire of hell will never be quenched.

I agree. It seems like Ellen White is calling Jesus a liar. Personally, I choose to believe Jesus!

Sincerely,

Maria1212

 

[MarysRoses]

So…Do you have a hunch as to how long it takes a person to die in hell?

Y’know, you SDAers are taking all the fun out of heaven! What’s Paradise without the ability to look over the balcony and see all the people that wronged you, writhing in agony, FOREVER.

Dante is great literature, however, his writings are not doctrine.

It would probably be helpful for Catholics to review what the Church actually teaches about hell and eternity.

There are many colorful descriptions and theories about hell, which are just that, someone’s ideas, not doctrine.

usccb.org/catechism/text/pt1sect2chpt3art12.htm

1034
Jesus often speaks of “Gehenna,” of “the unquenchable fire” reserved for those who to the end of their lives refuse to believe and be converted, where both soul and body can be lost.614 Jesus solemnly proclaims that he "will send his angels, and they will gather . . . all evil doers, and throw them into the furnace of fire,"615 and that he will pronounce the condemnation: "Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire!"616

1035
The teaching of the Church affirms the existence of hell and its eternity. Immediately after death the souls of those who die in a state of mortal sin descend into hell, where they suffer the punishments of hell, "eternal fire."617 The chief punishment of hell is eternal separation from God, in whom alone man can possess the life and happiness for which he was created and for which he longs.

1056
Following the example of Christ, the Church warns the faithful of the “sad and lamentable reality of eternal death” (GCD 69), also called “hell.”

1057
Hell’s principal punishment consists of eternal separation from God in whom alone man can have the life and happiness for which he was created and for which he longs.

I think its important to note that the chief punishment is separation… not torment. Separation from God is worse punishment than any physical suffering anyway. Also, ‘eternal fire’ is not defined for us as to its particulars.

I believe what the Church teaches and asks us to believe. I want to point out I’m not asked to believe that sinners undergo a Hollywood style hell with demons and pitchforks.

The really serious error of Adventism is in teaching that we do not have an immortal soul. While we cannot describe exactly the suffering of hell it is eternal. We do have an immortal soul.

MarysRoses

 

[Maria1212]

Dante is great literature, however, his writings are not doctrine.

It would probably be helpful for Catholics to review what the Church actually teaches about hell and eternity.

There are many colorful descriptions and theories about hell, which are just that, someone’s ideas, not doctrine.

usccb.org/catechism/text/pt1sect2chpt3art12.htm

1034
Jesus often speaks of “Gehenna,” of “the unquenchable fire” reserved for those who to the end of their lives refuse to believe and be converted, where both soul and body can be lost.614 Jesus solemnly proclaims that he "will send his angels, and they will gather . . . all evil doers, and throw them into the furnace of fire,"615 and that he will pronounce the condemnation: "Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire!"616

1035
The teaching of the Church affirms the existence of hell and its eternity. Immediately after death the souls of those who die in a state of mortal sin descend into hell, where they suffer the punishments of hell, "eternal fire."617 The chief punishment of hell is eternal separation from God, in whom alone man can possess the life and happiness for which he was created and for which he longs.

1056
Following the example of Christ, the Church warns the faithful of the “sad and lamentable reality of eternal death” (GCD 69), also called “hell.”

1057
Hell’s principal punishment consists of eternal separation from God in whom alone man can have the life and happiness for which he was created and for which he longs.

I think its important to note that the chief punishment is separation… not torment. Separation from God is worse punishment than any physical suffering anyway. Also, ‘eternal fire’ is not defined for us as to its particulars.

I believe what the Church teaches and asks us to believe. I want to point out I’m not asked to believe that sinners undergo a Hollywood style hell with demons and pitchforks.

The really serious error of Adventism is in teaching that we do not have an immortal soul. While we cannot describe exactly the suffering of hell it is eternal. We do have an immortal soul.

MarysRoses

You make some excellent points MarysRoses and I agree with you. I would also add that God does not send anyone to hell, rather, a person sends themself there by freely setting his will against God`s will. Those who are permanently turned away from God choose separation from God.

C.S. Lewis observed that the gates of hell are locked from the inside. God does not cause suffering in hell, people choose to send themselves there by turning from God`s will. God allows us to suffer the consequences of hell by rejecting Him, but He does not directly will or cause those results.

Up until we die, we can convert and accept God. We can overturn a lifetime of sin with an act of repentance. But when life ends, our choices become fixed in eternity.

I hope I have explained what I was trying to convey. For those interested, I recommend reading Beginning Apologetics 8: The End Times: What Catholics Believe about the Second Comimng, the Rapture, Heaven, Hell, Purgatory, and Indulgences. It is by Father Frank Chancon and Jim Burnham and published by San Juan Catholic Seminiars. Adventists seem to focus on the end times and might find this particularly interesting. As a Catholic, it provided me an opportunity to learn more about my faith. This short book will correct misperceptions and clarify teachings for both Catholics and non-Catholics alike

Sincerely,

Maria1212

 

[Protestant101]

Dear Maria

I have to be away at times for a while, due to work,school, wife, kids, etc. However, this is a subject of great interest to me. I have come very close to dying several times in the past, and I was very glad to learn what the Bible says about this subject of hell-fire. I think it could be said that Adventists do believe that “hell-fire” is eternal; but it is in a much different sense than what most other Christians believe. First; to review our fundamental belief on death and the resurrection; let us first consider the following quote from our 27 fundamental beliefs book:

Death and Resurrection:

The wages of sin is death. But God, who alone is immortal, will grant eternal life to His redeemed. Until that day death is an unconscious state for all people. When Christ, who is our life, appears, the resurrected righteous and the living righteous will be glorified and caught up to meet their Lord. The second resurrection, the resurrection of the unrighteous, will take place a thousand years later. (Rom. 6:23; 1 Tim. 6:15, 16; Eccl. 9:5, 6; Ps. 146:3, 4; John 11:11-14; Col. 3:4; 1 Cor. 15:51-54; 1 Thess. 4:13-17; John 5:28, 29; Rev. 20:1-10.)

My understanding of the Adventist viewpoint makes a lot of sense to me; but I am willing to review it with anyone interested on this forum.

We believe that there is a heaven to win and a hell to shun. We believe this because Jesus taught that every soul will be either saved or lost. There is no neutral place for people to go, and there are no second prizes (chances) for eternal life:

“The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, And them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” Matthew 13:41-43.

With this scripture in view; we must consider that there are indeed two ultimate destinies for all who people who have ever been born, therefore, we should be earnestly seeking to find the right way. So it is good if we can study this together.

Christ said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” The only absolute safety for anyone is to take exactly what Jesus taught about hell. His doctrine is the only one which is wholly dependable and true. Jesus clearly said that some will be cast into the fire, and some will shine forth in the kingdom.

Strangely enough, Christ has been charged by many religious leaders with teaching a falsehood on this subject. They have accused Him of teaching that an immortal soul flies away from the body at death to either heaven or hell. This is not what Jesus taught at all. He never gave the least intimation that some mysterious disembodied soul separates from the body at the time of death. And surely He did not ever give the impression that the wicked suffer an eternal torment as soon as they die.

We view the “eternal” part of “hell-fire” in the following context, which is in keeping with our view on Death and The Resurrection:

Jude 1:7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

This text may be considered as a clear example of God’s vengeance on sinners; and now we must ask the question. Sodom and Gomorra are said in Scripture to have already suffered “the vengence of eternal fire.” Scripture tells us about this fact that these two cities** “are set forth for an example.” **This is so that we can see something tangible in defining the nature of “eternal fire.” The question to be asked about this example of “eternal fire” is this: Are Sodom and Gomorrha still burning today?

The answer is obvious. They are not still burning. "This “eternal fire” example in Scripture calls hell-fire “eternal” in the sense that there is no second chance; the results of this example of hellfire are eternal; they last forever. But the flames do not last forever. As soon as the sin and the sinners are eradicated by the fire; hellfire has accomplished it’s goal, and the results are permanent. The fire does not burn forever; but it’s results do last forever.

 

[SDA2RC]

This text may be considered as a clear example of God’s vengeance on sinners; and now we must ask the question. Sodom and Gomorra are said in Scripture to have already suffered “the vengence of eternal fire.” Scripture tells us about this fact that these two cities** “are set forth for an example.” **This is so that we can see something tangible in defining the nature of “eternal fire.” The question to be asked about this example of “eternal fire” is this: Are Sodom and Gomorrha still burning today?

The answer is obvious. They are not still burning. "This “eternal fire” example in Scripture calls hell-fire “eternal” in the sense that there is no second chance; the results of this example of hellfire are eternal; they last forever. But the flames do not last forever. As soon as the sin and the sinners are eradicated by the fire; hellfire has accomplished it’s goal, and the results are permanent. The fire does not burn forever; but it’s results do last forever.

Whoa… so this is what I love about Adventist apologetics, it often totally misrepresents what the verse actually says.

(Jude 1:7 NASB) Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, since they in the same way as these indulged in gross immorality and went after strange flesh, are exhibited as an example, in undergoing the punishment of eternal fire.

Here we find a passage that is often used by Adventists to disprove eternal punishment.  According to Adventists, this verse proves that eternal fire is not really eternal because there is not a fire burning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah still. (As Protestant101 just pointed out...

Unfortunately, Adventist positions often fail to really examine the verse, and use it instead merely as a “proof text” packaged with their private interpretation. This verse is not speaking of the physical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah still burning, even a cursory reading of this text quickly proves that. This verse is speaking of those who “indulged in gross immorality and went after strange flesh”, it is these PEOPLE (only people can carry out the actions listed in the verse, not the building and city structure as Adventists would have us think this verse is speaking about.) who lived in Sodom and Gomorrah that “are… (i.e. currently) undergoing the punishment of eternal fire.” So while the cities are not burning, those in them who “indulged in gross immorality” are undergoing (present tense) the eternal fire. How is this possible if they have ceased to exist? How is this possible of the fire is not eternal… Did the Bible lie?

 

[Protestant101]

According to Adventists, this verse proves that eternal fire is not really eternal because there is not a fire burning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah still. (As Protestant101 just pointed out…

Unfortunately, Adventist positions often fail to really examine the verse, and use it instead merely as a “proof text” packaged with their private interpretation. This verse is not speaking of the physical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah still burning, even a cursory reading of this text quickly proves that.

Using Thayer’s Greek Definitions; we see that the word “suffering” as used in Jude 1:7 can have two possible meanings. One is “to hold under, to put under, or place underneath.” The second, and more likely intention of the author is “metaphorically to sustain, undergo; to suffer punishment.”

Bible commentators have many discordant views of the intended tense of this word “suffering” as used in Jude 1:7; however; it is possible to see it as already having taken place, and not currently taking place, because of the context in which I mentioned it above, plus several other points made about “eternal fire” in the Bible.

An example would be Albert Barnes’ Notes On The Bible, where he writes about “everlasting fire” in Mat.25:41, which is “prepared for the devil and his angels.” Here, Barnes describes the text like this:

"Everlasting fire - “Fire,” here, is used to denote punishment. The image is employed to express extreme suffering, as a death by burning is one of the most horrible that can be conceived. The image was taken, probably, from the fires burning in the Valley of Hinnom. See the notes at Mat_5:22. It has been asked whether the wicked will be burned in literal fire, and the common impression has been that they will be. Respecting that, however, it is to be observed:

1. that the main truth intended to be taught refers not to the manner of suffering, but to the certainty and intensity of it.
2. that the design, therefore, was to present an image of terrific and appalling suffering - an image well represented by fire
3. that this image was well known to the Jews Isa_66:24, and therefore expressed the idea in a very strong manner.
4. that all the truth that Christ intended to convey appears to be expressed in the certainty, intensity, and eternity of future torment.
5. that there is no distinct affirmation respecting the mode of that punishment, where the mode was the subject of discourse.
6. that to us it is a subject of comparatively little consequence what will be the mode of punishment.

The fact that the wicked will be eternally punished, cursed of God, should awe every spirit, and lead every man to strive most earnestly to secure his salvation."

More In Next Post

 

[Protestant101]

The first important fact about hell is this: The unsaved do not go to any place of punishment as soon as they die, but are reserved in the grave until the day of judgment to be punished. Christ explicitly taught this truth in the well-known parable of the wheat and the tares. After the householder had sown the wheat in the field, his servant came to report that tares were growing among the grain. His question was whether he should pull up the weeds while they were still very small. The householder’s answer was, “Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn.” Matthew 13:29, 30.

Now follow the words of Christ as He explains the meaning of the parable: “He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be
wailing and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 13:37-43.

No one can simplify the parable by enlarging on what Jesus said. It is so clear that a child can understand it. He said the tares represented the wicked people, and that they would be cast into the fire “at the end of the world.” It was in the harvest that the separation would take place, and He plainly stated, “The harvest is the end of the world.” How can anyone misconstrue these words of Christ? The whole idea of the wicked going into the fire at the time of death contradicts our Lord’s specific teaching that they would be cast into the fire at the end of the world.

Since the judgment also takes place after Christ comes we can see how impossible it would be for anyone to be punished before that time. Justice demands that a person be brought into judgment before being punished.

Peter declared, “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.” 2 Peter 2:9. That certainly makes sense, doesn’t it? Suppose a man should be brought into the court accused of stealing, and the judge said, “Put him away for ten years; then we’ll try his case.” Listen, even a human judge would not be that unfair! He would be impeached for such an action. **Surely God would not be guilty of such a farce. **

If we let the Bible mean what it says, there can be no doubt on this point. The wicked are “reserved” until when? Until the “day of judgment.” To be what? “To be punished”! This means they cannot be punished before that judgment day. Does the Bible tell where they are reserved until then?

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

How plain! Jesus said that both good and bad will come forth from their graves to receive either life or damnation. This proves that from the time of death until they come forth in the resurrection they are not receiving any recompense or punishment. It all happens after they come forth. They are reserved until that day just as Peter indicated, but Christ spelled out where they will be reserved**–“in the graves.” **

If plainer words are needed, listen to Jesus speaking in Luke 14:14, “Thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.” Or hear Him again in Matthew 16:27, “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” When is “then”? When He comes with His angels. No reward or recompense is handed out until the resurrection of the just, when He comes with all the angels. These verses are beyond controversy. Taken in their context, they contain no ambiguity or hidden meaning.

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[Protestant101]

Again Christ is quoted in the very last chapter of the Bible, “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:12. Here He reminds us that “every man”–every person–will receive his just reward when Christ returns to this earth.

Job declares “that the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction. They shall be brought forth to the day of wrath.”

Daniel wrote that they which “sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” Daniel 12:2.

Can there be any doubt where the wicked are reserved before facing resurrection, judgment, and punishment? We have the testimony of Peter, Daniel, Job and the Master Himself. There is no room to debate this one. They are reserved in the grave.