Biblical Description And Meaning Of Hell

by Joel Hendon⁽¹⁷⁰⁾ Red Star

http://hebronics.org/index.html

Most folk dislike discussing Hell, in fact, many deny there will be such, others can't believe any will go there, especially themselves. That is tragic in itself. Hell is a reality and, according to scripture, many times more will spend eternity there than those in Heaven (Matthew 7:13-14). What we need to do is see what the Bible says about it and then make doubly sure we know how to avoid it. By study and meditation upon the word of God.

There are various terms used in the Bible that can cause confusion. The grave is translated as hell in some places and other such misleading situations. But the word as it should be "Hell" in it's true meaning is "Gehenna" and is found 12 times in the New Testament. Eleven of those were spoken by Jesus Himself and the other was James in his letter (James 3:6) Those times used by Jesus can be found in Matthew chapters 5 (three times), 10 (one time), 18 (one time) and 23 (2 times). In Mark, chapter 9 (three times). In Luke chapter 12 (one time).

Other places you can find the word hell in some different Bible versions which are not the same as those translated from Gehenna. Usually they will have reference to the grave, tomb or place of the dead.

So what does Gehenna mean? Gehenna was a valley near the city of Jerusalem which we could call the city dump, although much more so than the law in modern times would allow, I think. All the refuge was hauled to that valley and thrown into the fire which burned continuously, this included carcasses of animals and even some humans. It was sometimes used as a means of execution for horrible offenses. This place was perhaps the most despicable and loathsome place imaginable. Partially burned carcasses in places wher the fire was not burning were rotting and loaded with maggots and other scavenger bugs and worms. The stench given off from all of this was almost unbearable and the putrid smell of burning rosins and anything containing sulfur burned the eyes of those nearby.

These smells and the continuous working of the repulsive maggot worms give a sense of the disgustingly sickening and offensiveness of the place. It was this which caused Jesus to use the term in his symbolic depicting of everlasting punishment. Such as "where the worm dieth not" and "the fire is not quenched". This was perhaps the epitome of the symbolic description that could be given to the station of everlasting punishment.

Did you say symbolic? Yes, I said symbolic, but don't let that get your hopes up. It is very obvious that these things cannot exist in the spirit realm, since no flesh and blood can exist in eternity. None of the current matter will remain in the afterlife. But, the mere fact that our Lord uses the most vile and horrible examples imaginable for the symbols of that punishment, is proof positive that it will be virtually unbearable, in whatever form it is administered.

And for those who think that punishment of the wicked will be simply total annihilation, you must think again. The terminology used in depicting this is the same as that describing eternal life. If one is eternal, the other is also. Besides this, where such terms as "the worm dieth not" and "the fire is not quenched" and even though they are used symbolically, that is part of the symbol, their continuity.

It is far more logical and reasonable to prepare oneself to live a short life of obedience to God and thereby avoid Hell, than it is to try to develop elusive reasons in an effort to discredit it's existence. I am in my late seventies and know by simple observations, I have but very few years left here. If you are in your fifties, you may or may not have thirty more years. The patriarch Job had it right when he said: "Man that is born of a woman is of but a few days and full of trouble. He cometh forth as a flower and is cut down; he fleeth also as a shadow and continueth not." (Job 14:1-2) Be ready.

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Article submitted Thursday, May 07, 2009 & read 657 times.

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» left by An3z from Hayward (2 years 317 days ago.)

Good info

» left by Joel Hendon (2 years 317 days ago.)

Thanks, An3z, for reading and commenting. It is encouraging.

Joel

» left by Anonymous (2 years 242 days ago.)

Thanks for the article, you include more information than most commentators on the subject, but it seems to me that Job 14:1-2 contradicts the notion of eternal existence: "he fleeth also as a shadow and continues not." However, I do believe in a resurrection.

I think we should study long and hard to exonerate God from accusations that He created mankind knowing that eternal torture awaits most of them. Shouldn't we be sure that we are not accusing Him falsely? Think of it: What if all this torture imagery is only conjured up in the carnal imaginations of men as with the Pagans when they sacrificed their children to Molech? Even God's chosen people fell into the practice. Later, the Christian Queen "Bloody" Mary tortured people in the fire because she claimed that would be their destiny anyway. Is that being like God, full of love, forgiveness and mercy? Wouldn't it be a horrible thing to lay on God's hands if it isn't true? Jeremiah 32:35 indicates that such abominations never entered God's mind. Doesn't Romans 5:18-20 indicate that Jesus redeemed at least as many as Adam caused to fall? Is there a Biblical mandate to believe in eternal torment? We are commanded only to believe on Christ. The Gehenna of which Jesus speaks occurred here on earth to the Scribes and Pharisees; the separation from God's kingdom-(Matthew 8:12).

Thanks for allowing comments.

» left by cameron g from cookeville (2 years 153 days ago.)
i think you are making excuses because you dont want to believe there is a hell well there is

» left by Joel Hendon (2 years 153 days ago.)

Thnks for reading and commenting friend, but I am not accusing God of anything. His word explains what I have reported. And don't think for one minute he intended for the lost souls or that he wants any to be so. All have the choice. If anyone spends eternity in torment, they themselves are to blame...not God. He even sent His son down here to offer redemption to those who obey Him eventhough we don't desreve it.

» left by cameron g from cookeville (2 years 153 days ago.)

wonderful job mr.hendon

» left by Joel Hendon⁽¹⁷⁰⁾ (2 years 153 days ago.)

Thanks again Cameron for reading and commening.

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