Topical Encyclopedia In biblical theology, the concept of Hell is often depicted as a place of punishment and separation from God, serving as the ultimate prison for the unrighteous. The Bible presents Hell as a realm of eternal consequence for those who reject God's salvation through Jesus Christ.Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament introduces the idea of Sheol, a shadowy place where the dead reside. While not explicitly equated with Hell, Sheol is often associated with a state of separation from the living and, by extension, from God. In Psalm 9:17, the psalmist declares, "The wicked will return to Sheol—all the nations who forget God." This verse suggests a punitive aspect to Sheol for those who live in opposition to God's will. New Testament Revelation The New Testament provides a more developed understanding of Hell, often using the Greek term "Gehenna" to describe it. Jesus frequently spoke of Hell as a place of judgment and eternal separation from God. In Matthew 10:28, He warns, "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." The imagery of Hell as a prison is further emphasized in passages like 2 Peter 2:4, where it is written, "For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but cast them deep into hell, placing them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment." This verse highlights the concept of Hell as a place of confinement and awaiting final judgment. The Nature of Hell Hell is often described in the Bible using vivid imagery, such as fire, darkness, and gnashing of teeth, to convey its severity and the suffering of its inhabitants. In Mark 9:48, Jesus describes Hell as a place "where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched." This language underscores the eternal and unending nature of the punishment found in Hell. The Purpose of Hell From a biblical perspective, Hell serves as a just recompense for sin and rebellion against God. It is the ultimate consequence for those who reject the grace and redemption offered through Jesus Christ. Revelation 20:15 states, "And if anyone was found whose name was not written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." This passage affirms the finality of Hell as the destiny for those who do not accept salvation. Hell and Divine Justice The existence of Hell is often understood as a reflection of God's holiness and justice. It underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of a righteous response to it. Romans 6:23 declares, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." This verse contrasts the eternal life offered through Christ with the death and separation represented by Hell. Hope and Redemption While the Bible presents Hell as a reality for the unrepentant, it also emphasizes God's desire for all to come to repentance and avoid this fate. 2 Peter 3:9 assures us, "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." This highlights God's mercy and the opportunity for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 20:7And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Whether Christ Delivered any of the Lost from Hell? Of Hell The Holy Spirit -56 and the Church (57-60) Against those who are of Opinion that the Punishment Neither of ... You Can Know Nothing of God, of Nature, of Heaven... The Galleys Prolonged Agony Rom. xvi. 5 On the Trinity. Book i. When I was Seeking an Employment Adequate ... Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility Resources What is a Bible society? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about torture? | GotQuestions.org What is the Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Prisons used for Confining: Condemned Persons Till Executed Prisons used for Confining: Debtors Till They Paid Prisons used for Confining: Enemies Taken Captive Prisons used for Confining: Persons Accused of Crimes Prisons used for Confining: Persons Accused of Heresy Prisons used for Confining: Persons Under the King's Displeasure Prisons used for Confining: Suspected Persons Prisons were Under the Care of a Keeper Prisons: Bondage to Sin and Satan Prisons: Confinement In, Considered a Severe Punishment Prisons: Confinement In, often Awarded As a Punishment Prisons: Keepers of Often Used Severity Prisons: Keepers of Put to Death If Prisoners Escaped Prisons: Keepers of Responsible for the Prisoners Prisons: Keepers of Sometimes Acted Kindly Prisons: Keepers of Sometimes Entrusted the Care of the Prison To Prisons: Keepers of Strictly Guarded the Doors Prisons: Kinds of, Mentioned: Common Prisons: Kinds of, Mentioned: State Prisons: Magistrates had Power to Commit To Prisons: Magistrates had Power to Release From Prisons: Persons Confined in Clothed in Prison Dress Prisons: Persons Confined in Fed on Bread and Water Prisons: Persons Confined in Might Have Their Condition Ameliorated by the King Prisons: Persons Confined in Often Bound With Fetters Prisons: Persons Confined in Often Chained to Two Soldiers Prisons: Persons Confined in Often Executed In Prisons: Persons Confined in Often Fastened in Stocks Prisons: Persons Confined in Often Kept to Hard Labour Prisons: Persons Confined in Often Placed in Dungeons Prisons: Persons Confined in Often Subjected to Extreme Suffering Prisons: Persons Confined in Said to be in Hold Prisons: Persons Confined in Said to be in Ward Prisons: Persons Confined in Sometimes Allowed to be Visited by Their Friends Prisons: Places Used as Court of the King's House Prisons: Places Used as House of the Captain of the Guard Prisons: Places Used as House of the King's Scribe Prisons: Places Used as Prisoner's own House, where he Was Kept Bound to a Soldier Prisons: The King had Power to Commit To Prisons: The King had Power to Release From Related Terms |
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