There are many people today, even in the church, that claim hell is not real; and when referenced, that it is only figurative or allegorical terminology. This is not true. Hell is not only real, it is a place that literally burns.
They shall be tormented with fire and brimstone and the smoke their torment ascends forever. This is literal and eternal.
This shows that there is a lake of fire, a burning lake of fire and brimstone. The original Greek word used for “fire” here, is “pyr” and its definition is “fire, lightning, fiery. The original word for “brimstone” is “theion” meaning smoky, burning rocks; sulphurous, named for the sulphur-smell left by lightning.
While part of what the Lord said is “allegorical” in that “the one who is cast out like a branch” - what happens to the branch is literal. All the people (who refused God & the pardon of Jesus) are literally gathered, thrown in the fire and burned. And it it not just “a” fire, but “the” fire.
The end of the Age is real. The angels are real. The separating will be real and furnace of fire is real. Nothing here is imaginary.
Notice coals, fire, brimstone and a burning wind too. Anyone who has ever experienced fire in the open, knows it has its own wind from its burning. Webster's dictionary defines “fire wind” as “the wind caused by a fire storm.” All throughout the Bible we are warned.
Added to the equation now are deep pits. And deep pits of burning fire.
In conclusion, hell is real. Whether it is referred to as deep pits, lake of fire, the fire or any of the many other ways it is referred to in the Bible. It is the place of punishment for those who refuse God and His pardon for their sins. Jesus made the way for us to be saved, but it is up to us to repent and accept His offer and stay in right standing with God. After becoming Christians, we leave our old sinful ways behind and when we sin, we repent and do our best to please the Lord in all our ways. It is up to us to heed the warnings about the cost of disobedience and sin to God. The punishment for disobedience is real. Jesus gave His heart and His life, so that none of us should ever have to go there; but the choice is up to us.
- Revelation 14:9-11 Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name."
They shall be tormented with fire and brimstone and the smoke their torment ascends forever. This is literal and eternal.
- Revelation 21:8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.
This shows that there is a lake of fire, a burning lake of fire and brimstone. The original Greek word used for “fire” here, is “pyr” and its definition is “fire, lightning, fiery. The original word for “brimstone” is “theion” meaning smoky, burning rocks; sulphurous, named for the sulphur-smell left by lightning.
- John 15:6 “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.”
While part of what the Lord said is “allegorical” in that “the one who is cast out like a branch” - what happens to the branch is literal. All the people (who refused God & the pardon of Jesus) are literally gathered, thrown in the fire and burned. And it it not just “a” fire, but “the” fire.
- Matthew 13:49-50 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth."
The end of the Age is real. The angels are real. The separating will be real and furnace of fire is real. Nothing here is imaginary.
- Psalms 11:6 Upon the wicked He will rain coals; fire and brimstone and a burning wind shall be the portion of their cup.
Notice coals, fire, brimstone and a burning wind too. Anyone who has ever experienced fire in the open, knows it has its own wind from its burning. Webster's dictionary defines “fire wind” as “the wind caused by a fire storm.” All throughout the Bible we are warned.
- Psalms 140:10 Let burning coals fall upon them; let them be cast into the fire, into deep pits, that they rise not up again.
Added to the equation now are deep pits. And deep pits of burning fire.
- Isaiah 33:12 And the people shall be like the burnings of lime; like thorns cut up they shall be burned in the fire.
In conclusion, hell is real. Whether it is referred to as deep pits, lake of fire, the fire or any of the many other ways it is referred to in the Bible. It is the place of punishment for those who refuse God and His pardon for their sins. Jesus made the way for us to be saved, but it is up to us to repent and accept His offer and stay in right standing with God. After becoming Christians, we leave our old sinful ways behind and when we sin, we repent and do our best to please the Lord in all our ways. It is up to us to heed the warnings about the cost of disobedience and sin to God. The punishment for disobedience is real. Jesus gave His heart and His life, so that none of us should ever have to go there; but the choice is up to us.
Copyright © 2017 E. Cockrell May be used for personal study or instruction but shall not be copied and/or distributed in whole or part without permission or for financial profit.
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