Why is Hell eternal

[Randy_Carson]

The reason why hell is eternal is because that’s where its residents PREFER to be.

You see hell as a punishment, but they do not see it that way. It’s like prison - why would anyone want to be in prison? But some people look at it as three free meals, a roof over their heads, and a bed. There are people who commit crimes just to be sent to prison. It’s where they WANT to be. People in hell are the same way.

People in hell have REJECTED God. Why do we imagine that they somehow change their minds in hell and DESIRE God? Why should God yank them out of hell (where they chose to be, of their own complete free-will) and force himself upon them? This would be a form of assault!

Nobody is ever dragged into hell kicking and screaming that there has been some mistake. Nobody in hell WANTS to be in heaven.

Is it possible for someone in hell to change their mind? Or would those who are open to possibilities like that have gone to Purgatory from the get-go?

 

[thistle]

Is it possible for someone in hell to change their mind? Or would those who are open to possibilities like that have gone to Purgatory from the get-go?

Church teaching is very clear. If a person dies in a state of mortal sin they go immediately to Hell where they remain forever. Nobody can get out of Hell.

 

[fred_conty]

As I understand it, my soul didn’t exist before God created it. If that’s true, then I see no logical reason why he can’t also destroy it and leave me in the same state that I was in before ensoulment.

Heaven is the beatific vision, seeing God in all his beauty and glory, and being a part of that wonderful experience. And because of those being wrapped up in that experience, they no longer have any desire except for God, which then precludes any desire for sinning…forever.

But in order to enjoy this vision, a special light of glory is given to the person which is a special power to enable them to see God and withstand his glory and enjoy it. Without it, they cannot see him. But this special power, in order to function, needs sanctifying grace to work from. [Santifying grace is the life of Christ in the soul.]
If sanctifying grace is absent, then this vision of God is not possible.

One who is not in sanctifying grace at the end of life cannot see God and therefore they remain apart from God, since time for change has ceased to exist with the passing of this world. What then remains for them who are not in sanctifying grace? If they are not able to experience this vision, then what will they see and what will they experience…forever?

“Holy Mary mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.”