Topical Encyclopedia Hell, as depicted in the Bible, is a place of future punishment and separation from the presence of God. It is often associated with eternal destruction and is reserved for those who reject God's salvation. The concept of Hell is rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, where it is portrayed as a place of torment and divine retribution.Biblical Terminology and Imagery The Bible uses various terms and imagery to describe Hell. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "Sheol" is often used, referring to the grave or the abode of the dead. While Sheol is not exclusively a place of punishment, it is sometimes associated with the wicked (Psalm 9:17: "The wicked will return to Sheol—all the nations who forget God"). In the New Testament, the Greek word "Gehenna" is frequently used to denote Hell. Gehenna was originally a valley outside Jerusalem where refuse was burned, symbolizing a place of destruction and unquenchable fire. Jesus uses this term to describe the final destiny of the wicked (Matthew 10:28: "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell"). Eternal Separation and Punishment Hell is characterized by eternal separation from God. This separation is not merely physical but spiritual, representing a complete disconnection from the source of life and goodness. 2 Thessalonians 1:9 states, "They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might." The imagery of fire and darkness is prevalent in descriptions of Hell, symbolizing both the intensity of suffering and the absence of divine light. Revelation 20:14-15 describes the final judgment: "Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death—the lake of fire. And if anyone was found whose name was not written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." The Justice of God The existence of Hell underscores the justice of God. It is a place where divine justice is executed upon those who have rejected God's grace and persisted in sin. Romans 2:5-6 warns, "But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. God 'will repay each one according to his deeds.'" Hope and Redemption While Hell is a place of punishment, the Bible also emphasizes God's desire for all to come to repentance and avoid this fate. 2 Peter 3:9 declares, "The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance." The message of the Gospel is one of hope and redemption, offering salvation through Jesus Christ. John 3:16 affirms, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." Through faith in Christ, individuals can escape the judgment of Hell and receive the gift of eternal life in the presence of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Thessalonians 1:9Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Of Hell The Future State a Self-Conscious State. The Doctrine of the Last Things. Self-Scrutiny in God's Presence. The Scope of the Apocalypse is Indicated by Its Place in the ... What Messiah did the Jews Expect? Cholera, 1866 The Two-Fold Aspect of the Divine Working The First Great Deception. The First Great Deception Resources Is hell real? Is hell eternal? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about Heaven, Hell, and Eternity (All) | GotQuestions.org How can I not go to hell? | GotQuestions.org Hell: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Hell in the RV , "Sheol" is Translated "Lowest Pit" Hell in the RV of Nt It Appears Only In Hell in the RV the Greek Word "Gehenna" is Translated "Hell" in the Following Scriptures Hell in the RV the Word "Sheol" Itself Occurs in the Following Scriptures Hell: "Sheol" is Translated "Grave" in Av In Hell: And It is Translated "Pit" In Hell: Devils are Confined In, Until the Judgment Day Hell: Endeavour to Keep Others From Hell: Human Power Cannot Preserve From Hell: Punishment of, is Eternal Hell: The Beast, False Prophets, and the Devil Shall be Cast Into Hell: The Future Home of the Wicked Hell: The Place of Disembodied Spirits Hell: The Place of Disembodied Spirits: And a Place of Torment Hell: The Place of Disembodied Spirits: Contains, a Place of Rest, Abraham's Bosom Hell: The Place of Disembodied Spirits: Paradise Hell: The Place of Disembodied Spirits: Which Christ Visited Hell: The Place of Future Punishment: Destruction from the Presence of God Hell: The Powers of, Cannot Prevail Against the Church Hell: The RV Has Introduced "Hades" the Word Found in the Greek Text Hell: The Society of the Wicked Leads To Hell: The Wicked Shall be Turned Into Related Terms |
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