Is Hell Justice?

Introduction

In many religious traditions, Hell is believed to be a place of suffering and punishment in the afterlife, often in the underworld. Punishment in Hell typically corresponds to sins committed in life. Hell is often portrayed as a place populated with demons, which torment the damned for eternity.

Hell is generally believed by Christians to be located in the center of the earth where the wicked would burn forever.

A cross examination of these beliefs raises two major questions:

1. The first is whether eternal torture is compatible with God’s justice.  The law that God gave to Moses stated justly that punishment must be proportionate to the crime: “eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.“ [Exodus 21:24-25]

Is eternal torture a punishment that is proportional to man’s crimes?

2. The second question is whether eternal torture is compatible with God’s mercy.  Can a merciful God put his own creation in burning fire to suffer eternal pain?  In the Book of Exodus (the second book of the bible) God declares himself to be: ”… God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the sons, and on the sons of sons, to the third and to the fourth generation.” [Exodus 34:6-7]

Past judgments of God

The best way to understand God’s justice system is to look at the great judgments that God has already brought on people.

The destruction of the ancient world by water

The most notable is the destruction of the ancient world through a flood.

The reason:

“God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth” and “every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” Genesis 6:1-8).

 

The period from the creation of Adam until the flood was around 1650 years. This was a long period of time in which wickedness had multiplied and developed to an alarming degree.

The result was:

“And Yahweh  said, ‘I shall rid the surface of the earth of the human beings whom I created — human and animal, the creeping things and the birds of heaven — for I regret having made them.’ [Genesis 6:7]

God only spared Noah and his family:

Gen 6:8  But Noah  won Yahweh’s favour..

Gen 6:13  And God said to Noah, The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them. And, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.

The Punishment or judgment:

Gen 6:17  And behold! I, even I, am bringing a flood of waters upon the earth in order to destroy all flesh (in which is the breath of life) from under the heavens. Everything which is in the earth shall die.

Gen 7:10-24

Seven days later the flood came on the earth. On the seventeenth day of the second month of the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, all the deep springs burst open. The sky opened, and rain came pouring down on the earth for 40 days and 40 nights.

On that same day Noah and his sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth, as well as Noah’s wife and his three daughters-in-law went into the ship. They had with them every type of wild animal, every type of domestic animal, every type of creature that crawls on the earth, and every type of bird (every creature with wings). A pair of every living, breathing animal came to Noah to go into the ship. A male and a female of every animal went in as God had commanded Noah. Then the Lord closed the door behind them.

The flood continued for 40 days on the earth. The water increased and lifted the ship so that it rose high above the ground. As the water rose and became very deep, the ship floated on top of the water. The water rose very high above the earth. It covered all the high mountains everywhere under the sky. It rose 23 feet above the mountaintops.

Every creature that crawls on the earth died, including birds, domestic and wild animals, and everything t

The floodwaters were on the earth for 150 days.hat swarms over the earth, along with every human. Everything on dry land (every living, breathing creature) died. Every living creature on the face of the earth was wiped out. Humans, domestic animals, crawling creatures, and birds were wiped off the earth. Only Noah and those with him in the ship were left.

The great flood clearly portrays the severity of God’s judgments. Even in this judgment, God’s mercy is apparent. While Noah built the boat he was a witness for the people of the judgment to come and an opportunity for man to repent. It took many years to build the ark showing God’s patience [When Noah is first mentioned in Genesis5:32, he was 500 years old. When Noah entered the ark, he was 600 years old]. Unfortunately the people mocked Noah rather than give up their evil ways.

They did not believe God’s warning until it was too late

The destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by fire

God destroyedSodomandGomorrahby fire.

The reason:

The men ofSodomwere wicked and sinners before God, exceedingly so.

Gen 18:20  Then the LORD said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is very grave,…”

Abraham reasoned with God to understand God’s justice:

God revealed his plans to destroy the cities ofSodomandGomorrahto Abraham who was a “friend of God” because of his devotion. Abraham’s close relativeLotwas living there. Abraham was concerned and he reasoned with God. Let us give a serious ear to the dialogue between God and Abraham so we can understand God’s judgments:

1

Gen 18:23  Then Abraham drew near and said, “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?

Gen 18:24  Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city. Will you then sweep away the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous who are in it?

Gen 18:25  Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?”

Gen 18:26  And the LORD (Yahweh) said, “If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will spare the whole place for their sake.”

2

Gen 18:27  Abraham answered and said, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes.

Gen 18:28  Suppose five of the fifty righteous are lacking. Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?” And he said, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there.”

 

3

Gen 18:29  Again he spoke to him and said, “Suppose forty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of forty I will not do it.”

4

Gen 18:30  Then he said, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak. Suppose thirty are found there.” He answered, “I will not do it, if I find thirty there.”

Gen 18:31  He said, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord. Suppose twenty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of twenty I will not destroy it.”

5

Gen 18:32  Then he said, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak again but this once. Suppose ten are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.”

Gen 18:33  And the LORD went his way, when he had finished speaking to Abraham, and Abraham returned to his place.

God only spared Lot and his two daughters:

Gen 19:12  Then the men said to Lot, “Have you anyone else here? Sons-in-law, sons, daughters, or anyone you have in the city, bring them out of the place.

Gen 19:13  For we are about to destroy this place, because the outcry against its people has become great before the LORD, and the LORD has sent us to destroy it.”

Lot’s son in laws refused to believe:

Gen 19:14  So Lot went out and said to his sons-in-law, who were to marry his daughters, “Up! Get out of this place, for the LORD is about to destroy the city.” But he seemed to his sons-in-law to be jesting.

Gen 19:15  As morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be swept away in the punishment of the city.”

Gen 19:16  But he lingered. So the men seized him and his wife and his two daughters by the hand, the LORD being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city.

The Judgment:

Gen 19:24  Then the LORD rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from the LORD out of heaven.

Gen 19:25  And he overthrew those cities, and all the valley, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground.

God’s justice system

From the above two examples, we learn the following about God’s judgment:

1. God’s judgments are FINITE
2. They cause pain and suffering for a FINITE time period
3. The wicked are permanently destroyed.
4.  Water and Fire are used to destroy

The apostle Peter refers to God’s judgments on the wicked as follows:

2Pe 2:5  And He did not spare the old world, but saved Noah the eighth one, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly.

2Pe 2:6  And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, He condemned them with an overthrow, setting an example to men intending to live ungodly.

These examples of God’s judgments from the first book of the bible (Genesis) should serve as foundations for understanding God’s judgments.

The Basis for God’s Judgments

It is only fair that one gets punished proportional to his or her crimes. God’s justice system does not allow for indefinite punishment for finite sins. Consider if an un-repented thief deserves to be punished through all eternity – minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day, week by week, month by month, year by year, century by century…in eternal flames? Is God a Sadist? No! Rather the following verses demonstrate the fairness in God’s justice:

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. [2 Peter 3:9]

Give to them according to their work and according to the evil of their deeds; give to them according to the work of their hands; render them their due reward. Because they do not regard the works of the LORD or the work of his hands, he will tear them down and build them up no more. [Psalms 28:4-5]

“Behold, I am against you, O inhabitant of the valley, O rock of the plain, declares the LORD; you who say, ‘Who shall come down against us, or who shall enter our habitations?’ I will punish you according to the fruit of your deeds, declares the LORD; I will kindle a fire in her forest, and it shall devour all that is around her.” [Jeremiah 21:13-14]

He “will give to each according to his works:” everlasting life truly to those who with patience in good work seeking glory and honor and incorruptibility; but to the ones truly disobeying the truth out of self-interest, and obeying unrighteousness, will be anger and wrath, [Rom 2:6-8]

The purpose of fire in God’s Judgments

The Bible quotes below demonstrate that the purpose of fire is permanent destruction rather than torture forever.

Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger: the LORD shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them. Their fruit shalt thou destroy from the earth, and their seed from among the children of men. [Psalms 21:9-10]

Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered; also let those who hate Him flee before Him. As smoke is driven away, You drive them away; as wax melts before the fire, let the wicked perish in the presence of God. [Psalms 68:1-2]

The sinners in Zion are afraid; terror has surprised profane ones. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? [Isaiah 33:14]

The usage of the phrase “everlasting burnings” by the prophet Isaiah was to illustrate permanent destruction. Any thing thrown in great temperatures is eventually consumed and destroyed. The language is figurative and symbolizes the permanent destruction of the wicked. This destruction brings justice and vindicates the righteous that have been oppressed by the wicked.

God will vindicate the righteous

The oppressed can take hope and comfort because the wicked of the world will not go unpunished as the following verses demonstrate:

Do not fret yourself with evil doers; and do not be envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon wither like the grass; and fade as the green herb. [Psalms 37:1-2]

And I will visit evil on the world, and their iniquity on the wicked. And I will cause the arrogance of the proud to cease, and will lay low the pride of tyrants.  [Isaiah 13:11]

The clamor will resound to the ends of the earth, for the LORD has an indictment against the nations; he is entering into judgment with all flesh, and the wicked he will put to the sword, declares the LORD.’ [Jeremiah 25:31]

“For as the new heavens and the new earth that I make shall remain before me, says the LORD, so shall your offspring and your name remain. From new moon to new moon, and from Sabbath to Sabbath, all flesh shall come to worship before me, declares the LORD. “And they shall go out and look on the dead bodies of the men who have rebelled against me. For their worm shall not die, their fire shall not be quenched, and they shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.” [Isaiah 66:22-24]

We see here the shameful end of the wicked portrayed figuratively. The bodies of the wicked will be “dead” and preserved shamefully to vindicate the righteous and bring about the victory of good over evil. No concept of eternal torture is taught in this passage or any other passage. The next passage gives a very similar message.

“For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the LORD of hosts. [Malachi 4:1-3]

The end of the wicked is described as “ashes under the feet” of the vindicated righteous. God assures the righteous:

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. [Romans 12:19]

Bible Teaching on Judgment on the Wicked

Eternal Death is the ultimate punishment of the wicked, in contrast to the reward of the righteous which is life everlasting. The end of the wicked will be eternal destruction and not eternal torture s the verses below demonstrate:

Like sheep they are appointed to the grave; death shall reign for them; and the upright shall have the rule over them in the morning; and their form is for rotting; the grave is their home. [Psalms 49:14]

“The hope of the righteous is gladness; but the hope of the wicked shall perish.“ [Proverbs 10:28]

“But Yahweh’s face is set against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.” [Psalms 34:16]

For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land. [Psalms 37:9]

Bible Teaching on the immortality of souls

The doctrine of eternal torture is built on the theory that the soul of the wicked is immortal and has to live on to burn in hell. The problem is solved if the soul is mortal like the body. However a close examination of few passages from the Holy Scriptures will demonstrate that souls do die:

Behold, all souls are Mine. As the soul of the father, also the soul of the son, they are Mine. The soul that sins, it shall die. [Ezekiel 18:4]

In Jesus’ own words:

And do not fear those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. But rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. [Matthew 10:28]

Bible Teaching on Resurrection Before Judgment

The Bible teaches that resurrection (i.e. rising from death) will occur before the final judgment. Judgment would be meaningless if a person receives his reward or condemnation before a judgment. The concept of souls going to heaven or hell immediately after death is incorrect according to scriptures. The following Bible passages help to bring a clear understanding on the subject:

“And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And those who are wise shall shine as the brightness of the sky; and those who turn many to righteousness shall shine as the stars forever and ever.” [Daniel 12:2-3]

Above is a clear passage teaching on resurrection and judgment. When we die (righteous or wicked) we all go to “Sheol” or “grave” and await the resurrection call. Those who are found righteous are given eternal life while the wicked are eternally shamed (not tortured!) Their punishment is in their resurrection that will be for condemnation and shame only. They will reflect on their life but it is now too late. Only a shameful (and possibly painful) eternal death will await them.

Jesus preached resurrection many times and gave this doctrine great importance. He calls upon the reader to pay attention:

“Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming in which all those in the tombs will hear His voice. And they will come out, the ones having done good into a resurrection of life; and the ones having practiced evil into a resurrection of judgment.” – [John 5:28-29]

“And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes on Him should have everlasting life. And I will raise him up at the last day.” [John 6:40]

“But when you make a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, and you shall be blessed, for they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” [Luke 14:13-14]

“And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” [Hebrews 9:27-28]

From the above passages it is clear that there will be a resurrection or a raising of the dead from their graves to be judged. This will happen at the appearance of Jesus Christ at the “end” of time or “last” day. Following the resurrection is when the judgments of God will be executed on the wicked.

Bible Teaching on Death

If we are willing to believe the words of Jesus and the prophets then we know we have to await a day of judgment as discussed in the previous section. It is commonly believed that people receive their reward for their deeds (good or bad) on the day of their death. This day of death is believed to be the day when souls migrate to heaven or hell. On the contrary the bible teaches that we wait the day of resurrection in our graves. At death our bodies decompose and waste away along with our plans and emotions. Death (as medical science would testify) is a state when we cease to exist (body and soul). Only an external force can trigger regeneration and this is what happens at resurrection. The following passages help us to understand the state of death:

“The grave cannot praise thee, death cannot celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth. The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day” [Isaiah 38:18,19]

The same state of death awaits both animal and man – there is no difference:

“I said in my heart with regard to the children of man that God is testing them that they may see that they themselves are but beasts. For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the beasts, for all is vanity. “ [Ecclesiastes 3:18-19]

“For in death there is no remembrance of you; in Sheol who will give you praise?” [Psalms 6:5]

“Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.” [Psa 146:3-4]

Without the hope of resurrection, we would rot and come to nothing when we die. We would perish. All our hopes, ambitions and plans would come to nothing.

To summarize:God will reward the righteous with everlasting life of blessing but the wicked will be destroyed eternally without hope. The wicked will not have everlasting life (in Hell) but will be punished as their actions deserve and then be eternally destroyed – this is their fate. God’s judgment is according to the measure of one’s deeds and what each man deserves. God is righteous, just and merciful.

Usage of the word “Hell” in the bible

Why is there such a big discrepancy in the understanding of hell? Why do church leaders teach something so “terrible” about a loving and merciful God? The reason is because of the misunderstanding of the word ‘Hell’. The doctrine of Hell is so widely misunderstood because translators have been inconsistent and have not conveyed its true meaning as we will shortly demonstrate. Translation is a very challenging job and is not free from bias and inconsistencies.

To seek out the truth we will look at the original Hebrew and Greek words that have been translated as “Hell” in our English Bibles. This exercise is very important to unlock the true meaning of the word “Hell”.

Usage of the word “Hell” in the Old Testament

In the English King James Version (KJV) of the Old Testament the word ‘hell’ appears thirty-one times (Deu 32:22; 2 Sam. 22:6; Job 11:8; 26:6; Psa 9:17; 16:10; 18:5; 55:15; 86:13; 116:3; 139:8; Pro 5:5; 7:27; 9:18; 15:11,24; 23:14; 27:20; Isa 5:14; 14:9,15; 28:15,18; 57:9; Eze 31:16,17; 32:21,27; Amo 9:2; Jon 2:2; Hab 2:5).

In the English Revised Standard Version (RSV) of the Old Testament the word ‘hell’ does not appear in any of these verses. Instead the word ‘Sheol’ appears.

Sheol

Sheol is a Hebrew word for grave which has been incorrectly translated as Hell in the King James Version (KJV). The New International Version (NIV) of the Old Testament does not use ‘Sheol’ or ‘Hell’ in any of the above verses but has rather translated Sheol correctly as ‘grave’, ‘death’ or ‘the depths’

In the verses where Sheol appears there is no association with the idea that this is a place of torment or punishment. Few verses which do comment on what is experienced in sheol indicate that there is a complete lack of conscious thought or deliberate action:

ü  “For in death there is no remembrance of Thee: in the grave [sheol] who shall give Thee thanks?” (Psa 6:5);

ü  “there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave [sheol]” (Ecc 9:10);

ü  “the grave [sheol] cannot praise Thee, death cannot celebrate Thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for Thy truth” (Isa 38:18).

‘Hell’ in the King James Version of the Old Testament is, therefore, to be understood as referring to that place to which all are gathered at death – viz. grave.

HELL = GRAVE (in Old Testament scriptures)

Faithful men such as Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Moses, David, Isaiah, etc. did not believe that the wicked would end up in a place of eternal torment. It was never part of the Old Testament teachings.
Usage of the word “Hell” in the New Testament

The Books of the New Testament were originally written in Greek. The Greek language three different words have been translated as “Hell” or “Grave” in the English Bibles. These are:

1. 1.    ‘Gehenna’ (Mat 5:22,29,30; 10:28; 18:9; 23:15,33; Mar 9:43,45,47; Luk 12:5; Jam 3:6)
2. 2.    ‘Hades’ (Mat 11:23; 16:18; Luk 10:15; 16:23; Acts 2:27,31; Rev 1:18; 6:8; 20:13,14)
3. 3.    ‘Tartaroo’ (2Pe 2:4).

 

We will look at these Greek words – their meanings and corresponding translations to understand how the discrepancy in the truth has come about.

Examples of translation inconsistencies:

• The New International Version (NIV) translates ‘Hades’ as ‘hell’ in Luke 16:23and as ‘realm of the dead’ in Acts 2:27.
• In the English King James Version of the New Testament it translates the word Hades as “Hell” in Acts 2:27 and “Grave” in 1Co15:55

What do these Greek words mean?

• ‘Gehenna’

‘Gehenna’ refers to ‘the valley of (the sons of) Hinnom’. In the Old Testament times it was associated with idolatry, fire rituals and child sacrifices (2Ki23:10; Jer7:31,32; 19:1-6; 32:35).

The location of Hell:ValleyofHinom, 2007,Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Valley_of_Hinom_PA180090.JPG

In New Testament times ‘Gehenna’ was still associated with fire and death. It was the place where the bodies of convicted criminals were thrown and where waste materials were deposited to be destroyed by the ever-burning fires. As the hot and corrosive conditions in the valley of Hinnom utterly destroyed anything left there, so also the unworthy will cease to exist. “Hell fire” or more correctly ‘Gehenna Fire’ is not, therefore, speaking of the nature of the punishment for those adjudged as wicked but is a picture of what will happen to the unworthy.

Example:

If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell (Gehenna). [Matthew 5:29]

Note the use of figure of speech – “gouge it out” – that is to say sacrifice the lust of your eyes that you may gain the kingdomof God. If we continue with our lusting or coveting eyes then our whole body will be destroyed in Gehenna.

HELLFIRE=FIREof a valley in New Testament times = EXPRESSION OF SPEECH OF DESTRUCTIONJesus used Gehenna in a figurative way to warn us of the seriousness and consequences of continual sin in our lives. Passages such as the above should not be misunderstood as eternal torture by fire.

• ‘Hades’

“Hades” is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew Sheol and generally refers to the place which the dead occupy i.e. the grave.

In the Modern Good News Version of the Bible it is accurately translated as follows:

“because you will not abandon me in the world of the dead; you will not allow your faithful servant to rot in the grave (Hades).” [Acts2:27]

The above verse has been translated as Hell in the King James Version:

“Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell (Hades), neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” [Acts2:27]

The King James Version is not consistent in its translation as it also translates “Hades” as ‘grave’ in this passage:

“O death, where is thy sting? O grave [Hades], where is thy victory?” (1Co15:55).

Prophecy of the destruction of death by Hades:

“And the sea gave up the dead in it. And death and hell [Hades or grave] delivered up the dead in them. And each one of them was judged according to their works. And death and hell [Hades or grave] were cast into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death. And if anyone was not found having been written in the Book of Life, he was cast into the Lake of Fire.” [Revelation 20:13-15]

Note how the judgment happens after the dead are raised to life. They are raised from “Hades”, i.e. their grave which is incorrectly translated as Hell by the King James Version.  In the above passage “Hades” should be translated as “grave” and not “Hell” as the wicked cannot be raised from “hell” to be judged.

Let us now look at how the Good News Bible translates the above passage:

“Then the sea gave up its dead. Death and the world of the dead also gave up the dead they held. And all were judged according to what they had done. Then death and the world of the dead were thrown into the lake of fire. (This lake of fire is the second death.)” [Revelation 20:13-14]

The above passage depicts God’s ultimate plan fulfilled – the day when death itself will be destroyed by fire. Death came about as a result of sin and a destruction of death signifies the end of Sin. Also, notice how judgment is according to each man’s works. God’s judgment will be fair. Even a criminal can expect a fair judgment and punishment from the LORD God Almighty as he “deserves” (and not a disproportionate punishment of eternal torture).

Ask yourselves some “burning” questions:

• What is the purpose of the “lake of fire”?
• What is the purpose of fire?
• What is the purpose of throwing “death” into fire?
• What is the purpose of throwing “grave” into fire?

The answers are simple. Fire is to destroy. Death, sorrow, pain and wickedness will eventually be completely destroyed and only the righteous will dwell with God for all eternity

HADES = GRAVE GRAVE for the RIGHTEOUS =TEMPORARY PLACETILL RESURRECTION Followed by Reward and Eternal Life GRAVE for the WICKED =TEMPORARY PLACETILL RESURRECTION Followed by PUNISHMENT Followed by PERMANANT DEATH

• ‘Tartaroo’

“Tartarus” was “regarded by the ancient Greeks as the abode of the wicked dead“ (Thayer).

This Greek word is used only once in the whole of scriptures:

“God did not spare the angels who sinned, but threw them into hell (Tartarus), where they are kept chained in darkness, waiting for the Day of Judgment”. [2 Peter 2:4]

The “sinning” angels in the above passage are not in pain or torture but awaiting their judgment in “Tartarus”. Punishment only happens after judgment. So in this context “Tartarus” is a figure of speech that Peter borrows from ideas of his day to just refer to the grave.

TARTARUS = GRAVE

Conclusion

All go to “hell” or Sheol or Grave when death comes. Even Jesus was no exception (see Acts 2:25-31) because the prophesy was that: “You will not leave My soul in Hades (Hell)”). Hell is not a fearful place where those who have not satisfied God’s requirements suffer eternal torment by fire.

•  The scriptures consistently preach eternal “destruction” (not eternal torture) of the wicked.
•  The purpose of fire is to destroy and not to torture eternally.
• God’s judgment is according to the measure of one’s deeds and what each man deservers.
• There will first be a Resurrection before Judgment.
• Death is a state of un-consciousness until the resurrection occurs. Body and Soul are held in “Sheol” or “Hades” until the Day of Judgment. All our Knowledge and Feelings perish at death.
• The concept of an “immortal” soul is false – souls die!
• The Righteous will be vindicated in the end!

Appendix – The parable of Lazarus and the Rich man

This parable presents a graphic view of a hell that most christians take as literal especially since it is the very words of Jesus.

The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him. And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. “The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone forces his way into it. But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one dot of the Law to become void. “Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery. “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house– for I have five brothers–so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.'”(Luk 16:14-31 ESV)

Deciphering the parable:

• The Lazarus in the story, most probably referred to the real Lazarus – the close friend of Jesus. There is only one person in the Bible having the name Lazarus. He lived in Bethany. He was the brother of Mary Magdalene and Martha. His name was both Simon and Lazarus and he was a leper.  [Mat 26:6  Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper…].
• Leprosy would have reduced Lazarus to a position of begging and the religious leaders had no sympathy because they probably regarded his leprosy as punishment for sin.
• Who is the Rich man? Why does he not give his name? Why is he mentioned to have FIVE brothers? We can guess who the ‘rich man’ represented because he wore purple and fine linen every day (priestly garments), he lived in luxury and ate rich. This is Israel’s religious leader who were Christ’s enemies.
• The rich man depicted Caiaphas – the high priest at the time of Jesus. The first-century Jewish historian Josephus is considered the most reliable literary source for Caiaphas.  He wrote, “Now the report goes, that this elder Ananus proved a most fortunate man; for he had five sons, who had all performed the office of a high priest to God, and he had himself enjoyed that dignity a long time formerly, which had never happened to any other of our high priests. . . .” (Antiquities, book XX, chapter IX, paragraph 1, p.423, Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 12th printing, 1974) Their names and years of service follow: Eleazar A.D. 16-17; Jonathan A.D. 36-37; Theophilus A.D. 37-41; Matthias A.D.41-43; Annas the Younger A.D. 62.
• John 18:13  “First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year”.
• The “five” brothers are hinted as the “five” sons of Annas.
• Why did Jesus not directly call the rich man by name? This was how Jesus’ spoke in many of his parables. After Jesus had finished the parable of the tenants of the vineyards (the tenants in the parable had killed the prophets and finally the son) the religious leaders perceived that he had spoken of them: “The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him at that very hour, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people.” (Luk 20:19 ESV)

Let us reconsider Jesus’ description of the rich man in detail (from Luke 16):

1. he was rich (vs.19)
2. dressed in fine linen (priestly garment) and purple (vs.19)
3. lived in luxury every day (vs.19)
4. in his lifetime he received good things (vs.25)
5. he had five brothers (vs.28) [or brother-in-laws]
6. they lived in his father’s house (vs.27)
7. they had Moses and the Prophets (vs.25)
8. but they did not listen to them (vs.29)
9. they would not be convinced even if someone were to rise from the dead (vs.31)

Let us consider the account of the resurrection of Lazarus and confirm that the rich man represents the religious leaders:

“When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.” (John 12:9-11 ESV).

 

Here we can clearly see that the Rich men in the parable signified the “chief priests”. The resurrection of Lazarus was the most powerful demonstration that Jesus was the messiah, yet he was rejected by Annas and his FIVE sons.

Jesus bore witness through the parable that even if the dead were to come to back to life they still would not believe.

“but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the Council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. (John 11:46-49 ESV)…. So from that day on they made plans to put him to death. (John 11:53 ESV).

Hell viewed from heaven

Having established who Jesus’ parable is addressing, let us now examine why Jesus painted the picture of Hell.

The picture of heaven and hell described by Jesus are both unpleasant. The story presents a “view” in heaven where people can see the torment in hell.  If hell is a one time destruction such a view may vindicate the righteous who have suffered at hands of the wicked.  However, if it really is a place of eternal torment, having to witness this from heaven sounds like a very unpleasant experience indeed.

Restaurants market themselves with a view towards the ocean or city etc. In the parable the “hell view” from heaven is prominent. In the light of the mercy and justice of God this has to be taken only in parabalic context.  It is symbolic of the condemnation of the powerful religious leaders, reiterated in many passages including those below:

“The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him.” (Luk 16:14 ESV)

“Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.” (Luk 20:46-47 ESV)

The idea of eternal torment and eternal soul stems from literature such as the Book of the Maccabees (post the second temple era). Reading extracted from 4 Maccabees 13:

“13 Each of them and all of them together looking at one another, cheerful and undaunted, said, “Let us with all our hearts consecrate ourselves to God, who gave us our lives, and let us use our bodies as a bulwark for the law. 14 Let us not fear him who thinks he is killing us, 15 for great is the struggle of the soul and the danger of eternal torment lying before those who transgress the commandment of God. 16 Therefore let us put on the full armor of self-control, which is divine reason. 17 For if we so die, Abraham and Isaac and Jacob will welcome us, and all the fathers will praise us.”

This was the commonly held belief of the people in Jesus’ day.   It appears to have come into Judaism when Greek myths were mixed with the faith of Abraham.  Jesus does not spend time correcting this unscriptural view of the afterlife, rather he uses their mythology to get their attention and instill so that his listeners may repent.

Jesus used such hard language against the high priest because they were enemies and hindrances of the truth:

“How horrible it will be for you, scribes and Pharisees! You hypocrites! You lock people out of the kingdom of heaven. You don’t enter it yourselves, and you don’t permit others to enter when they try. “ (Mat 23:13 GW)

Issues and Contradictions if the parable is interpreted literally

A. Did the real Lazarus go to Abraham’s bosom when he died?

The parable has to be interpreted in the context Jesus spoke about it. The real Lazarus did not go to Abraham’s bosom. In fact “Jesus wept”, signifying that he was not in paradise but in a corrupt state. Why should Jesus weep and not rejoice? The real state of the dead Lazarus was as Martha exclaimed: “”Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.” Joh 11:39. Jesus does not comfort Mary and Martha by telling that “Lazarus has gone to Abraham’s Bosom”.

B. Abraham himself is not yet in paradise and therefore cannot welcome others.  Only Jesus has made it to heaven as he is the author of salvation.

These claims are no doubt confronting to many, however the proof can be found int he following scriptures if we are prepared to believe the promise of God’s word.  From passages like Hebrews 11:13, 39-40 we know that Abraham is not literally in heaven; he is dead, awaiting the resurrection:

“11 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth… 39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. 40 God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.”  (ie this a promise for the future, at the resurrection).

Jesus is the only man who has made it to heaven:

“For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool.” (Act 2:34-35 KJV)

As an aside, many people believe that Enoch, Elijah and the thief on the cross are examples of people who are now in paradise.  Let us examine the Bible record to see if this is really true.

Enoch

“And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” (Gen 5:24 KJV)

“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” (Heb 11:5 KJV)

• From Hebrews 11:13, 39-40 quoted earlier, we can conclude that Enoch has not yet received his reward. His faith bears witness and he himself awaits the resurrection.
• The fact that Enoch was “translated” or “was not” does not imply that he went to paradise.
• Here is a classic example of how confusion arises: “When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?” (Joh 21:21-23 ESV)
• Since the text says he was “translated” or “moved”, it implies that he was taken from his current location to another location at so that he would escape death at that point in time.  Another less dramatic example of God moving someone for their protection is that of Baruch in Jeremiah 36:26: “And the king commanded Jerahmeel the king’s son and Seraiah the son of Azriel and Shelemiah the son of Abdeel to seize Baruch the secretary and Jeremiah the prophet, but the LORD hid them.” (ESV)

Elijah

“And as they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.” (2Ki 2:11 ESV) 

“Now when the sons of the prophets who were at Jericho saw him opposite them, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And they came to meet him and bowed to the ground before him. And they said to him, “Behold now, there are with your servants fifty strong men. Please let them go and seek your master. It may be that the Spirit of the LORD has caught him up and cast him upon some mountain or into some valley.” And he said, “You shall not send.” But when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, “Send.” They sent therefore fifty men. And for three days they sought him but did not find him. And they came back to him while he was staying at Jericho, and he said to them, “Did I not say to you, ‘Do not go’?” (2Ki 2:15-18 ESV)

• The fact that Elijah was picked up by a whirlwind does not imply that he eternally went to paradise.  Today if a Tornado strikes and picks up a person or object, we don’t think that they’ve gone to ‘heaven’, we know that they will eventually land somewhere else.  Even the prophets understood that Elijah was only translated or moved to another place and therefore requested Elisha to let them go and search for Elijah.  But as Elisha knew, it was not God’s will that they find him.  In hiding Elijah from them at that time, God’s intention was probably to establish Elisha as the next authority.  Similarly when Joshua was to take over as leader of Israel, God took Moses away to a place the people couldn’t find him, perhaps to ensure they didn’t make his burial place into a thing of idolatry.
• Today when we see a plane disappear into the heavens we do assume that the passengers have gone to paradise, rather that they are journeying to another location.
• In fact Elijah was very much alive on earth after Elisha succeeded him. We see evidence of this by the letter he writes after his disappearance. When Elijah was transferred to another location it was during the reign of Jehoshaphat, the father of Jehoram. Yet Elijah writes a letter to King Jehoram his son: “And a letter came to him from Elijah the prophet, saying, “Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father, ‘Because you have not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat your father, or in the ways of Asa king of Judah, but have walked in the way of the kings of Israel and have enticed Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem into whoredom, as the house of Ahab led Israel into whoredom, and also you have killed your brothers, of your father’s house, who were better than yourself,” (2Ch 21:12-13 ESV)
• A excerpt from Adam Clarke’s commentary of the bible: “From 2Kings2:11, it is evident that Elijah had been translated in the reign of Jehoshaphat, the father of Jehoram. How then could he send a letter to the son? Some say he sent it from heaven by an angel; others, that by the spirit of prophecy he foresaw this defection of Jehoram, and left the letter with Elisha, to be sent to him when this defection should take place; others say that Elijah is put here for Elisha; and others, that this Elijah was not the same that was translated, but another prophet of the same name. There are others who think that, as Elijah was still in the body, for he did not die, but was translated, he sent this letter from that secret place in which he was hidden by the Almighty”
•  In conclusion, Elijah did not attain eternal life before Christ. He also needed Christ for his redemption.

Thief on the cross

And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luk 23:43 ESV)

• The first issue with the literal interpretation of this verse is that Jesus himself did not go to paradise on the day of his death. As we see in verse below, he was in the grave (hell) until he was raised by his Father on the third day (Note the KJV and ESV translation):
  “He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.” (Act 2:31 KJV)
  “he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.” (Act 2:31 ESV)
• Only later on do we have the record of his ascension: “And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes,” (Act 1:9-10 ESV)
• Why did Jesus then say that the thief would be with him in paradise? The thief correctly understood the doctrine of afterlife and requested Jesus to show him kindness at his return and resurrection – “And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (Luk 23:42 ESV). This is a remarkable request! While people below mocked Jesus “Save yourself”, the thief had faith that Jesus would be restored to glory and at a future time restore the world. He was asking Jesus a thing to be done for him in the future – i.e. past his current plight on the cross when he would be justly judged by his maker. So Jesus replies (knowing also that his shame will be turned to glory): You do not have to wait for that day for me to show favour, I tell you “Today” that you will be saved. In other words, Jesus did not have look up the book of life and reconsider the whole matter but knowing the heart and faith of the man he judged him worthy of the kingdom that very day! The use of “Today” is very emphatic as it gave hope and assurance to die in hope for the man in agony of the cross and the condemnation he had received.
• Joseph in faith made a similar request to Pharaoh’s cupbearer to  “remember him” – believing fully that the cupbearer would be released from prison: “When all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison.” (Genesis 40:14)
• Noting that punctuation has been added by translators, look at the different meaning derived if a simple comma mark is moved:  “And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you today, you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luk 23:43 ESV)
• English translations of the Holy Scriptures use punctuation, specifically, commas, that did not exist in the original Hebrew and Greek. Translators inserted commas where they decided to put them, based upon their own ideas and interpretations of the Scriptures. In most cases, they are correct. In a few cases, they are not correct. A simple comma changes the meaning drastically and harmonizes the contradictions.

•  Resurrection is the key after life doctrine preached by Jesus and his disciples, however most christians hold one of the following views:

○     (a) the thief’s soul attained salvation the same day

○     (b)  the thief went into a paradise that was not heaven (intermediate place) “That immediately after death – the same day – the souls of the righteous will be made happy. They will feel that they are secure; they will be received among the just; and they will have the assurance of a glorious immortality” (quoted from the commentary of Albert Barnes)

• As an aside its surprising that we do not have christian people claiming to be alive for 1000 years based on a literal interpretation of this verse: “Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.”  (Joh 8:51 ESV)

Samuel and the witch of Endor – “tomorrow you and your sons shall be with me”

This amazing event in the life of King Saul includes a spectacular (though temporary) resurrection and points on where Samuel and Saul would go at the point of death.

“Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor. And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee. And the woman said unto him, Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land: wherefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to cause me to die? And Saul sware to her by the LORD, saying, As the LORD liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing. Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel. And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul.” (1Sa 28:7-12 KJV)

A close examination of the text reveals the following:

• “And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice” – clearly she was not expecting the real Samuel to appear!
• She could bring up her “actor Samuel” for any Tom, Dick and Harry,  but when the real Samuel appeared she knew immediately that the disguised man was none other than King Saul.
• The Samuel that came from the earth was real as his message was a sure prophecy from God.
• Interesting that in Samuel’s temporary resurrection we get information from him regarding the afterlife.
• “Then Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” (1Sa 28:15 ESV)
• “Moreover, the LORD will give Israel also with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons shall be with me.” (1Sam 28:19 ESV)
• Where was Samuel before he appeared? He was underground and unconscious/asleep.  He was brought “up”. Adam was cursed to go “down” to the dust from where he originated.
• What did he prophesy regarding Saul and his sons? They would “die” or join him in the sleep of death and corruption. Unlike the repentant thief he was not guaranteed paradise.
• Samuel was not at Abraham’s side. Saul the condemned was going to join Samuel not in paradise but in the grave.
• Again God uses a falsehood (the supposed power of mediums and witches) to declare his purpose to Saul. Does this imply that witches can bring up apostle Paul and Moses? No! But sometimes God uses our own mis-beliefs to fulfill his purpose.

C. Hell side view from heaven

Heaven becomes extremely unpleasant for its residents, if you look out of its window to see millions begging you for a drop of water and you cannot act.  Is this really what God has promised as a reward?  I know a few western Christians who even find coming to India hard on account of the beggars and the issue of facing poverty and the needy.

Here is an extract from a Jewish fable:

There is a famous midrash (story) about how in both heaven and hell people sit at banquet tables piled high with delicious foods, but no one can bend their elbows. In Hell everyone starves because they think only of themselves. In Heaven, everyone feasts because they feed each other. Source: http://judaism.about.com/od/judaismbasics/a/Afterlife–In–Judaism–Jewish–Beliefs.htm

D. Awaiting Jesus’ return for resurrection and judgment is meaningless if souls have already gone to an afterlife for reward or punishment. The “hope” of resurrection is a key teaching under the New Covenant:

“But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.” (Acts 23:6 KJV)

“But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.” (Acts 24:14-15 KJV)

“Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:12-14 KJV)

“So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:” (1 Corinthians 15:42 KJV)

“Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.” (2 Timothy 2:18 KJV)

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,” (1 Peter 1:3-4 KJV)

“But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:5-6 KJV)

“And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.” (Acts 17:32 KJV)

Future Judgment is meaningless if after we die the wicked go to hell and the righteous go to heaven or intermediate paradise.  God’s promise of Jesus’ return and subsequent resurrection and judgement of mankind is made pointless. Is Jesus really going to call the wicked back from their torment and send them back for some more torment?

E. Jesus’ death and resurrection, and his victory over sin and promise of resurrection are meaningless if people had already found their own way to eternal bliss.

Jesus is the first fruits:

“But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.” (1Co 15:20-23 ESV)

Jesus is the first person in human form to reach heaven!

Paul says he is the firstfruits, “then at his coming those who belong to Christ”

Salvation comes at Jesus’ return to those who have died in faith. No one has attained salvation for themselves without Jesus Christ:

“Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned” (Rom 5:12 ESV)

“so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. “ (Rom 5:21 ESV)