His Limits of Retribution
Our God is undeniably just.
By definition, then, He is incapable of administering any degree of calloused cruelty as a form of moral recompense.
Hold that thought, and trust me when I say that the concept of “perishing” is demonstrated in both English and Biblical Greek dictionaries to be a process that must have a conclusion.
Then, read and confirm a couple of things for yourself:
Jesus Christ never cautioned against any person having to endure punishment in perpetuity. Nor is there anything recorded in the Bible to suggest that conscious suffering can occur either within or outside of the mortal remains of a human corpse.
Those who reject Him merely reject His offer of life and the right to experience any dimension of that offer, and they will ultimately perish.
[What is God’s “offer of life?” see: The Precious Pearl of Life.]
So why do I sometimes hear that anyone who refuses to repent and believe His Good News is condemned to endure some form of torture which has no end? Would it be because he needs to be intimidated in order to believe it?
I hope not.
I do, however, think we’d do well to remember two important things when reading the Scriptures. First, the term “Hell” is a translated English word which is always defined Biblically by the context in which it’s used, not by the traditions of men.
Secondly, Jesus often used this term to bring clarity to His dialog. When He spoke about Hell, He chose to use the word γέεννα [Gehenna], which was a valley West and South of Jerusalem. It was a garbage dump and a final resting place for the remains of criminals, animals and other unclaimed organic material.
The implication was not meant to be a place of conscious suffering, but of utter separation from what was living and breathing.
So, if I really believe the words of the Lord’s messenger in Rev. 22:18-19, I’m inclined to think that any misrepresentation of the character of God or the words of Jesus Christ on my behalf won’t go unnoticed when He returns to pay me back for my deeds. [Matt. 16:27]
On the other hand, if I’m willing to focus more on what Jesus had to say about “life” rather than “Hell,” I’m likely to achieve that level of clarity He intends for me to have.
[So what did Jesus have to say about “life?” see: LIFE IN THE BALANCE: Living in Its Source]
His “Hell” is real.
It’s just not what I thought it was.
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I grew up hearing that unbelievers would burn in hell for eternity, but after studying for myself l know that is not true. I have read about a lake of fire, and l believe that after that final White Throne Judgement, in revelation, all who have not kept God’s Commandments will be destroyed in that fire.