Topical Encyclopedia Hell, as depicted in the Bible, is a place of judgment and eternal separation from God, reserved for the wicked and those who reject His salvation. The concept of hell is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, serving as a solemn warning of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God.Biblical Terminology and Imagery The Bible uses various terms and imagery to describe hell, emphasizing its nature as a place of punishment and suffering. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "Sheol" is often used, referring to the grave or the abode of the dead. While Sheol can denote a general place of the dead, it also carries connotations of a place of punishment for the wicked (Psalm 9:17). In the New Testament, the Greek word "Hades" is used similarly to Sheol, while "Gehenna" is more specifically associated with hell as a place of fiery torment. Gehenna, derived from the Valley of Hinnom near Jerusalem, was historically a site of child sacrifice and later became a symbol of divine judgment (Matthew 5:22, 29-30). The Fate of the Wicked The Bible clearly states that the wicked shall be turned into hell. Psalm 9:17 declares, "The wicked will return to Sheol—all the nations who forget God." This verse underscores the fate awaiting those who live in defiance of God's commandments and choose to ignore His presence and authority. The New Testament further elaborates on the fate of the wicked. In Matthew 25:41 , Jesus speaks of the final judgment, saying, "Then He will say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.'" This passage highlights the eternal nature of hell and its original purpose as a place of punishment for Satan and his followers, extending to those who align themselves with evil. Descriptions of Hell Hell is described in the Bible as a place of unquenchable fire, darkness, and weeping. Mark 9:43 warns, "If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and go into hell, into the unquenchable fire." This vivid imagery serves to convey the severity and permanence of the suffering experienced in hell. Additionally, hell is depicted as a place of outer darkness, where there is "weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 8:12). This description emphasizes the anguish and regret of those who find themselves separated from God's presence and blessings. The Justice of God The existence of hell underscores the justice of God. It is a manifestation of His holiness and righteousness, ensuring that evil and sin do not go unpunished. Romans 2:5-6 states, "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.'" While God's desire is for all to come to repentance and be saved (2 Peter 3:9), He respects human free will, allowing individuals to choose their eternal destiny. Hell, therefore, is not a reflection of God's lack of love, but rather a testament to His respect for human choice and His commitment to justice. The Call to Repentance The biblical teaching on hell serves as a call to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus offers salvation and eternal life to all who believe in Him. 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." In light of the reality of hell, the message of the Gospel is one of hope and redemption, urging individuals to turn from sin and embrace the grace and mercy offered through Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 9:17The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Whether we Ought to Love Sinners Out of Charity? How any one Can Forget and Remember God. The Sinner Sentenced. Retribution Inconsideration Deplored. Rev. Joshua Priestley. Turn or Burn Christ's Sermon on the Mount in Manner and Contents it So ... An Exhortation to the People of God not to be Discouraged in their ... The Character of the Persons for whom this Rest is Designed. On Repentance and Remission of Sins, and Concerning the Adversary. Resources Does hell exist? | GotQuestions.orgWhere is hell? What is the location of hell? | GotQuestions.org What does hell look like? How hot is 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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