What will hell be like?

[afaithfulone4u]

It will be like when men completely remove the laws of God from the reach of their children. And do away with the peace officers who work as ministers of God, rather THEY know it or not,  who He ordained government to keep evil away from those who love peace.
And man will finally have it completely THEIR WAY to lie, cheat, steal, kill whomso ever they wish, in what ever manner they wish, for as long as they wish.
Total Hell! Darkness (evil, no light of the Word), without form( no order) and void(NO LOVE OF MEN OR GOD)
The Temptor is all around us and is coming down Rev.12:9 which side are YOU on? God is Sovereign over this whole earth, it is evil men whom set up rulers for their evil desires and God ALLOWS it, for He has a little known law call reaping what you sow, and men shall eat of the fruit they produce.

Rom 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
KJV

Written laws to say do this, don't do that, does not change the heart or actions of a man. God gave us His Spirit so that we would no longer just look at His Law/Word, but that we would learn HOW to be good so that no man needs to write a law for you to obey, you will already KNOW and Do what is right in the site of God and man.

For instance if you have company to your home and they begin to jump on your couch. Where you did not know that they did not have sense enough to respect your home, now you must make a law for them and say Please DO NOT jump on my couch. So everytime they come to your home, YOU are going to be watching them and they are going to be held under that law forever. But had they learned to not do such things no law would need be made for them. Simple example
The 10 commandments of God are the same yesterday, today and forever for the Word never changes. They are the Rock, Stone that the entire temple of God and  foundation of the world are built upon. But God gives us instinct to not lie, cheat or steal..... It is only when a law breaker breaks a law, that now another law must be made on top of the one they broke. For instance. Take a motor cycle rider on a country road, not using common sense decides to whip in and out traffic and cause and accident and dies because he had no head gear to protect his head. NOW a law has to be made that no one can ride without a helmet. He as a law breaker of the first civil law to drive safely, is not likely to keep the second law of the helmet either. But guess what?
The LAW ABIDING citizen who does obey civil laws for the most part, is the only one who suffers this accumulated law. It does nothing to change the behavior of the law breaker who pays no attention to law.
So that is why the written law is not good, it shows us as sinners, but it changes no one.
Written in the love of Truth for my brethren.

[p.rehbein]

What will hell be like?

LIKE HELL.............

[SwordMaster]

Hell will be cast into the Lake of Fire and consumed. At that moment, there will be no more hell, only the Lake of Fire.

And the Lake of Fire...what will it be like?

Like a lake of fire instead of a lake of water...

[Theodore A. Jones]

It will be like when men completely remove the laws of God from the reach of their children. And do away with the peace officers who work as ministers of God, rather THEY know it or not,  who He ordained government to keep evil away from those who love peace.
And man will finally have it completely THEIR WAY to lie, cheat, steal, kill whomso ever they wish, in what ever manner they wish, for as long as they wish.
Total Hell! Darkness (evil, no light of the Word), without form( no order) and void(NO LOVE OF MEN OR GOD)
The Temptor is all around us and is coming down Rev.12:9 which side are YOU on? God is Sovereign over this whole earth, it is evil men whom set up rulers for their evil desires and God ALLOWS it, for He has a little known law call reaping what you sow, and men shall eat of the fruit they produce.

Rom 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
KJV

Written laws to say do this, don't do that, does not change the heart or actions of a man. God gave us His Spirit so that we would no longer just look at His Law/Word, but that we would learn HOW to be good so that no man needs to write a law for you to obey, you will already KNOW and Do what is right in the site of God and man.

For instance if you have company to your home and they begin to jump on your couch. Where you did not know that they did not have sense enough to respect your home, now you must make a law for them and say Please DO NOT jump on my couch. So everytime they come to your home, YOU are going to be watching them and they are going to be held under that law forever. But had they learned to not do such things no law would need be made for them. Simple example
The 10 commandments of God are the same yesterday, today and forever for the Word never changes. They are the Rock, Stone that the entire temple of God and  foundation of the world are built upon. But God gives us instinct to not lie, cheat or steal..... It is only when a law breaker breaks a law, that now another law must be made on top of the one they broke. For instance. Take a motor cycle rider on a country road, not using common sense decides to whip in and out traffic and cause and accident and dies because he had no head gear to protect his head. NOW a law has to be made that no one can ride without a helmet. He as a law breaker of the first civil law to drive safely, is not likely to keep the second law of the helmet either. But guess what?
The LAW ABIDING citizen who does obey civil laws for the most part, is the only one who suffers this accumulated law. It does nothing to change the behavior of the law breaker who pays no attention to law.
So that is why the written law is not good, it shows us as sinners, but it changes no one.
Written in the love of Truth for my brethren.

"For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous." Rom. 2:13  One should not presume to be a teacher of the law when he knows very little about it.

[Rudy2D]

"Hell" is like nothing.

[Helen]

Hell is being away from God.  That's the first thing.  God is the source of love, joy, companionship, laughter, healing, wisdom, and so many other things we long for and find only in Him in their reality. 

Hell is an eternity without love, joy, companionship, laughter, healing, wisdom, and the rest.  At the very least it is still 'burning' with thirst for them.  Whatever else is involved, that is torture enough.

[DaveW]

Hell (actually the Lake of Fire) will be absolutely incomprehensibly bad.

It will be torture beyond anything imaginable, that would kill instantly except God keeps you from dieing or going insane or anything to give even a mircosecond of relief. Physical pain. Emotional pain. Spiritual pain.


And if you think that hell is devoid of God's presence:

Psalm 139:8  If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.

[FireSword]

Hell (actually the Lake of Fire) will be absolutely incomprehensibly bad.

It will be torture beyond anything imaginable, that would kill instantly except God keeps you from dieing or going insane or anything to give even a mircosecond of relief. Physical pain. Emotional pain. Spiritual pain.


And if you think that hell is devoid of God's presence:

Psalm 139:8  If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.

That was painful to read.
The hell that David speaks of is sheol the place of the dead. God can be found there, that's how Christians can rebuke demons in their dreams, when they visit hell.

The lake of fire is Gods cleansing fire to purify the wicked, since there is no more place for them (Rev 20), God has no choice but to purify them via fire.

[Helen]

The hell that David speaks of is sheol the place of the dead. God can be found there, that's how Christians can rebuke demons in their dreams, when they visit hell.

First of all, death means separation.  Physical death is separation from the body and spiritual death is separation from God.  So no, God is not where people are separated from Him.  Nor do Christians 'visit' hell at any time, dreaming or waking, let alone rebuke spirits of any kind in their sleep.

The lake of fire is Gods cleansing fire to purify the wicked, since there is no more place for them (Rev 20), God has no choice but to purify them via fire.

God has any choice He chooses.  But you also need to allow Bible to explain Bible.  In the parable of the sheep and goats, in Matthew 25, Jesus closes by saying, "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

As long as eternal life is, that is just as long as eternal punishment is.  Cleansing is done during our one life on earth, through Jesus Christ.  As Hebrews states, "...man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment." 

[willieH]

willieH:  Hi Helen... 


First...  the MAJORITY of Bible translators have decided that the English word "HELL", is an INVALID translation of ANY Hebrew or Greek term in Scripture... so "HELL", is not even a BIBLICAL issue...


Second...  We (as "followers") have been instructed by JESUS CHRIST,  ...to bring GOOD NEWS to the WORLD... isn't it about time, that "Christians" began following instructions? -- Mark 16:15 -- Matt 28:19-20

The hell that David speaks of is sheol the place of the dead. God can be found there, that's how Christians can rebuke demons in their dreams, when they visit hell.

First of all, death means separation.  Physical death is separation from the body and spiritual death is separation from God.  So no, God is not where people are separated from Him.  Nor do Christians 'visit' hell at any time, dreaming or waking, let alone rebuke spirits of any kind in their sleep.

Why do you not substantiate your claim, Helen?  Upon what Scripture(s) do you place this assertion?  "God is NOT where people are separated from Him?  Where is THAT Helen?  You speak your own words not His.   

The lake of fire is Gods cleansing fire to purify the wicked, since there is no more place for them (Rev 20), God has no choice but to purify them via fire.

God has any choice He chooses.  But you also need to allow Bible to explain Bible.  In the parable of the sheep and goats, in Matthew 25, Jesus closes by saying, "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

Just for starters, YOU (as do ALL other FINITE human beings), fail to understand the word "ETERNAL".   The concept of the "ETERNAL" contains BEGINNINGLESSNESS.   Please explain how something/anything (including GOD), can BE --- WITHOUT BEGINNING?   If you cannot explain and define this, then you attempt to utilize and attach an AWFUL and HEINOUS HINDERANCE upon others, which you DO NOT even UNDERSTAND, and therefore YOUR false applications of that WORD become IRRELEVANT, due to your ignorance of its meaning.

As long as eternal life is, that is just as long as eternal punishment is.  Cleansing is done during our one life on earth, through Jesus Christ.  As Hebrews states, "...man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment."

(1) --  JESUS  Himself noted that the JUDGMENT of THIS WORLD is NOW... (not later!  ) -- John 12:31 -- As God indicated in the beginning, ...(ALL) men DIE on the day they EAT. 


If you are not sure if you have "eaten" Helen,  ...then check yourself to see if you know what GOOD and EVIL are...  If indeed after you have made this examination of yourself you KNOW what GOOD and EVIL are,  ...then you have EATEN, and therefore you have DIED -- Gen 2:17 -- If you have "died", then you are FACING the "JUDGMENT", ...which happens to be going on... NOW (as JESUS (who IS the way, TRUTH and life) has informed us in His own WORDS -- John 12:31)!


(2) -- That which is ETERNAL has no "length".   It is IMMEASURABLE.  Anything which is indicated as having a "length", has been MEASURED.


(3) -- Facing "JUDGMENT" does not automatically imply that NEGATIVITY is the result.   JUDGMENT is that which GOD uses to TEACH RIGHTEOUSNESS unto the inhabitants of this world -- Isaiah 26:9 -- Even YOU, dear Helen... have been brought to your knees via JUDGMENT... as GOD convicted you of your SIN (which is His JUDGMENT upon you)... and YOU accordingly AGREED with His determination of you, and sought His FORGIVENESS for you misdoings...  His FORGIVENESS is what you received, and that He is PERFECTLY IMPARTIAL to ALL (and repeats His IMPARTIAL position throughout Scripture), so it is HIS FORGIVENESS that each shall receive from Him, as did YOU! -- Acts 10:34 -- Prov 28:21 -- Mark 12:14 -- Job 34:19 -- 2 Sam 14:14 -- 1 Chron 19:7 -- Eph 6:9 -- Rom 2:11 -- Gal 2:6 -- Col 3:25 -- Matt 22:16


PEACE...  ...willieH

[willieH]

Hell is being away from God.

First...  The WORD of God does NOT make this assertion that you imply.  Please provide a SCRIPTURE which notes that GOD is "SEPARATED" from ANYTHING at ANY TIME.    This statement is NOT based upon the BIBLE, rather... it is YOUR own personal SPECULATION, nothing more...


Second...  There IS NOT a "place" or capacity, in which YHVH God is "absent" -- Psalm 139:8 -- He is UNCHANGING -- Mal 3:4 -- so if He indeed EVER is "EVERYWHERE" in "EVERYWHEN", then He IS in that capacity ALWAYS. 

That's the first thing.  God is the source of love, joy, companionship, laughter, healing, wisdom, and so many other things we long for and find only in Him in their reality.

This I shall agree with Helen... but there is NOTHING in the Scriptures that states that ANYONE shall be SEPARATED from these things you list.  GOD is without respect of persons which means that He is IMPARTIAL -- Prov 28:21 -- Acts 10:34 -- (and ten other SCRIPTURAL mentions of this same thing) -- IOW, if YOU have found His MERCY, then EVERYONE shall find it... If YOU have found His FORGIVENESS, then EVERYONE shall find it... if YOU are SAVED, then EVERYONE shall be SAVED... as He does not "DO" for one, that which He is unwilling to "DO" for another... without regard that YOU presently, do not hold understanding of this principle.
 

Hell is an eternity without love, joy, companionship, laughter, healing, wisdom, and the rest.  At the very least it is still 'burning' with thirst for them.  Whatever else is involved, that is torture enough.

"Torture enough"?  Are you so callously removed from what you propose in YOUR above statement, that you cannot even behold what you just said, Helen?     Would YOU torture" someone Helen?  ...If not, then please tell me IN WHAT WAY you are "IN His Image" concerning the capacity of "torture" which you so CARELESSLY attach to our LOVING Father?   


Aside from that, ...there are several things TOTALLY awry and Scripturally OUT of ORDER, concerning this statement...


First...  The word "HELL" is (according to the MAJORITY of translators of Scripture into ENGLISH), an INVALID and INNACCURATE translation of ANY Hebrew or Greek term.  That the "Christian religion" has embraced this AWFUL representation of LOVE (which IS GOD) -- 1 John 4:8 -- is in itself a DEEP and SORROWFILLED travesty...  but that the religion which claims to "BEAR His name", has been the one which so SELFISHLY SLANDERS Him within their FALSE doctrine with such an UNMERCIFUL, UNLOVING, UNPEACEFUL, UNFORGIVING, UNSAVING perception (all OPPOSITE of the TRUE descriptive aspects of who and what He IS),  as to His doings concerning those whom He claims to LOVE (implying HYPOCRISY upon Him unto the WORLD) -- John 3:16-17 --  This ignorant discrepancy of Christianity,  ...IS and WILL BE, something severely dealt with BY Him upon the return of His Son -- Matt 7:22-23


Second...  There is NO such thing as "AN Eternity"...  The realm which GOD occupies is SINGULAR and ALL ENCOMPASSING.  Scripture does not mention that there are MULTIPLE "ETERNITIES".  Please note Scriptural references to support this claim. (of course you will not!)


Third...  That YOU yourself have NOT EVER personnaly witnessed this "place" (you call "HELL") yet make DESCRIPTIVE assertions OF IT as to the aspects OF IT,  ...is but verification of the spread of HEARSAY on your part. 


You are posting on the WORLD WIDE INTERNET, dear sister Helen... and I would urge you to take time to study this subject, and then offer TRUTH to the WORLD concerning its alleged existence.   If you do NOT, then you purposely IGNORE what is available to you, ...for which you shall pay DEARLY.  Please, I urge you, reconsider your part concerning this BLASPEMOUS INIQUITY of which you are presently a part. 


PEACE...  ...willieH

[BlackSepulcher]

What will hell be like?

Ever heard the common phrases such as "it's hot as hell outside" or "this hurts like hell"?

Well there you go.

[Wycliffes_Shillelagh]

I assume you mean the Gehenna/Tartarus type of hell, rather than the Hades/Sheol type of hell...

Gosh it would have been easier if the translators of the KJV Bible hadn't mistakenly used the same word to translate two different things.

Jarrod

[willieH]

willieH:  Hi BS...   


It is not my intention to anger you, but it IS my intention,    ...to WAKE YOU UP...   

What will hell be like?

Ever heard the common phrases such as "it's hot as hell outside" or "this hurts like hell"?

Well there you go.

FLESHLY speaking:


I gather that you esteem yourself as being, "cute" ...by stating these CARELESS words?   Those of us who read your post are supposed to get a GIGGLE out of your comment are we? 


In what way do you actually think "HELL" is a humorous subject, and therefore, FUNNY, BS?...   


Shall you next be making fun of Hitler's  BURNING of the JEWS, Blacksepulcher?   Was their misfortune describable by you?  And shall you apply your "hurts like hell" conclusion, unto them? 


Do you also think that "Hitler's" burning of the JEWS was a prophetic PRECURSOR to that which GOD (who says HE "loves the world" -- John 3:16-17) shall be DOING to MOST of His creatures?  And THAT is okay with you (as long as YOU aren't one of them)?   


Anyone who preaches that Hitler's acts were HEINOUS, but GOD doing the very same thing is RIGHTEOUS and DIVINE,  ...is babbling doubletalk from a FORKED TONGUE  which is filled with the defilements of DECEPTION... and IS CONDEMNED by God in the book of JAMES -- James 3:6-11 -- which CARELESSLY condemn men to "HELL"... that are MADE in the IMAGE of GOD...   even worse than they,  ...those who make a JOKE of this!


You think yourself funny?   You should be completely ashamed of this post. 


Since you seem to imply that YOU KNOW "how HOT HELL IS" and what "hurts like HELL"...


Exactly HOW did you come to KNOW something "hurts like HELL", BS?   Let's hear your description of something "hurting like hell" BS, since you had to have actually already WITNESSED this pain, in "HELL" -- right?


If you HAVEN'T witnessed this pain, then what gives you the right to comment as to what something in "HELL" hurts like? 


I think the TRUTH is, that you know little IF ANYTHING, about "HELL"...  and that you are just parroting TASTELESS commentary which you heard somewhere in your past,  which (like your comment here), was being spoken carelessly by others...



SPIRITUALLY speaking:


UNBELIEVABLE!      Is your name indicative of your spiritual positioning, BS?   


HELL is an UNBIBLICAL term...  the vast MAJORITY of translators do not find this English term a valid translational word for ANY Hebrew or Greek term.


Matter of FACT, 2/3's of the English translations don't EVEN ONCE, ...use the term HELL!


Aside from the KJV (54 mentions) and NKJV  (36 mentions) ---- the FEW that do use this term (the other THIRD), limit the appearances of "HELL" to 14 total mentions of it -- AT MOST!


Of course ...Since you entered into this conversation, and speak about the subject of HELL, ...you already knew that the KJV is NOT a complete translation, but is an ancient three hundred year old ---- [done in 1611]  ----- partial translation/partial revisement of other existent translations...


If you really wish to LEARN, ...here's a list of available ENGLISH translations in which you shall find LITTLE and mostly NOTHING about "HELL":


http://www.tentmaker.org/articles/Hell_is_Leaving_the_Bible_Forever.html


PEACE...    ...willieH

[willieH]

Hell (actually the Lake of Fire) will be absolutely incomprehensibly bad.

When are you gonna hit the books Dave?    "HELL" (whatever we might perceive it to be), is CAST INTO the Lake of Fire -- Rev 20:14 -- REASON and LOGIC demand that something/anything CANNOT be "CAST INTO ITSELF"...

It will be torture beyond anything imaginable, that would kill instantly except God keeps you from dieing or going insane or anything to give even a mircosecond of relief. Physical pain. Emotional pain. Spiritual pain.

Are you actually LISTENING to your own voice Dave?  Is this how YOU are made DAve?  In the IMAGE of a GOD which is UNIMAGINABLY ANGRY and which will TORTURE His Creatures with UNIMAGINABLE HORROR and TORMENT?  Does this describe the IMAGE of you, Dave?


Not me.  My GOD is LOVE... there is NO LOVE whatsoever, in such DOINGS.   You likely think HITLER was a prophetic illustration of GOD's REAL persona, eh?

And if you think that hell is devoid of God's presence:

Psalm 139:8  If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.

So not only do you believe that GOD is DIVINELY and UNIMAGINABLY worse than HITLER, but you also keep Him there 24/7 to WATCH the festivities, eh?


Your commentary is totally EMPTY of anything that can be considered as good, and devoid of the even the slightest TRACE of love, peace or mercy (all three BIBLICALLY descriptive aspects of YHVH God)...


It shall come to pass, that it is within the sorrowful existence of COMMENTARY such as YOURS,  ...that HELL existed at all.... And once ALL is said and done,  WITHIN YOUR NAKEDNESS will you appear, and you shall be ASHAMED -- as were Adam and Eve, in the Garden -- Gen 2:10 -- Rev 3:18 -- Unless you repent DaveW... and TURN from your folly.


The TRUTH of the WORD is that YHVH GOD of the Holy Scriptures is TRULY of PEACE -- Rom 15:11 -- and LOVE -- 1 John 4:8 -- and MERCY -- Psalm 136 (whole chapter) -- which SO LOVED the WORLD that He sent His ONLY Begotten Son to SAVE it... and SAVE it, He did...


But within the KNOWLEDGE of GOOD and EVIL... if you do not repent, shall your words appear within the columns of SHAME.  It is time to REPENT... that your SHAME not appear -- Rev 3:18 -- by REMOVING such words from the eyes of the WORLD, DaveW.


Which WORD clearly states that CURSING commentary toward MEN made in the image of YHVH (such as YOUR commentary herein) --- "ought NOT SO to BE"  -- James 3:9-11 -- and SHAME shall accompany those who clothe themselves with CURSINGS of men for which CHRIST died -- 1 Tim 2:6 -- which are LOVED by YHVH -- John 3:16-17 -- which are NOT to be CONDEMNED by ANYONE!


PEACE...  ...willieH

[thefixer]

My Dear willieH,
      Sister Helen has gave a very valid understanding on the subject. Perhaps the following passage will help you understand:

Luk 16:19  "There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day.
Luk 16:20  And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,
Luk 16:21  who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores.
Luk 16:22  The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried,
Luk 16:23  and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.
Luk 16:24  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.'
Luk 16:25  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.
Luk 16:26  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.'

Verse 26 describes a separation between those who are with God and those who are not. Every person will one day stand before the Throne of God and be judged. During that time the presence of will be impossible to Not see and feel. If you are His, you enter into His house for ever. If you are Not His you will be cast out of His presence for eternity. Your suffering will be intensified by the knowledge that you will never again get to feel His Love. (As implied in verse 24.)

Your brother in Jesus,
LeRoy (thefixer).

[raggthyme13]

Hell (actually the Lake of Fire) will be absolutely incomprehensibly bad.

It will be torture beyond anything imaginable, that would kill instantly except God keeps you from dieing or going insane or anything to give even a mircosecond of relief. Physical pain. Emotional pain. Spiritual pain.


And if you think that hell is devoid of God's presence:

Psalm 139:8  If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.

How can you live without feeling like vomiting (every moment of every day) thinking about your beloved family and friends enduring this forEVER, without end!!!???

From what I read, God says death and hell are ultimately cast into the lake of fire, which is the second death. Men can destroy the body but not the soul. God has the power to destroy both. I could never live life with one moment of peace or joy knowing those I love might endure such torment. I would be medicated all the time for paralyzing anxiety and fear. I don't know how you believe that and go on day by day. Really.

[DaveW]

How can I live with that?  I follow and love God.  He strengthens me.  That is how.

From what I read, God says death and hell are ultimately cast into the lake of fire, which is the second death.

Right.  And death (as used in the bible) means separated from God; NOT the cessation of cognizance.

Mankind was made in God's image.  While the fall distorted that image, it is still there. Part of that image is that we live forever somewhere.

[Beta]

Eccl.9v5, ....the dead know not anything, neither have they anymore a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.

Ps.145v20, the Lord preserves all them that love him; but all the wicked will he destroy.

Ps.37v20, but the wicked shall perish and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs, they shall consume, into smoke shall they consume away.

There is no eternal life for the wicked, nor will they be tormented for ever.
Mal.4v3, and you (the saints) shall tread down the wicked for they shall be ASHES under the soles of your feet.....

[SwordMaster]

Eccl.9v5, ....the dead know not anything, neither have they anymore a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.

Ps.145v20, the Lord preserves all them that love him; but all the wicked will he destroy.

Ps.37v20, but the wicked shall perish and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs, they shall consume, into smoke shall they consume away.

There is no eternal life for the wicked, nor will they be tormented for ever.
Mal.4v3, and you (the saints) shall tread down the wicked for they shall be ASHES under the soles of your feet.....

Remember that you cannot always take certain passages as being literal, which in this case you have. The evidence of such is here...(and we must take the Word of God over what people think or choose to believe)...

Revelation 19:20
And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur.

Just as a reminder, the Beast and the False Prophet were men...

Revelation 20:10
and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

So, we have the Beast and the False Prophet who were cast into the Lake of Fire, and then we see satan chained up for 1,000 years. Then satan is released again, goes on a rampage against Israel, is defeated and then he, too, is cast into the Lake of Fire "where the beast and the false prophet were". They had been there for over 1,000 years, alive, in the Lake of Fire, and they will continue to remain there for "ever and ever."

Whenever we come to APPARENT conflicts in the Scripture (because that's all they are, is apparent, not real) you must take a deeper look into all the passages dealing with that subject. The passages you quote speak of the physical bodies of those wicked dead, not their eternal souls/spirits. What the two passages that I give you above are dealing with is the eternal aspect of the wicked dead...

Revelation 20:15
And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

The fire within the Lake of Fire does NOT consume, just as the fire burning the bush before Moses did NOT consume the bush, that is an important aspect of the Lake of Fire that we need to understand.

Blessings!

[Beta]

Eccl.9v5, ....the dead know not anything, neither have they anymore a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.

Ps.145v20, the Lord preserves all them that love him; but all the wicked will he destroy.

Ps.37v20, but the wicked shall perish and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs, they shall consume, into smoke shall they consume away.

There is no eternal life for the wicked, nor will they be tormented for ever.
Mal.4v3, and you (the saints) shall tread down the wicked for they shall be ASHES under the soles of your feet.....

Remember that you cannot always take certain passages as being literal, which in this case you have. The evidence of such is here...(and we must take the Word of God over what people think or choose to believe)...

Revelation 19:20
And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur.

Just as a reminder, the Beast and the False Prophet were men...

Revelation 20:10
and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

So, we have the Beast and the False Prophet who were cast into the Lake of Fire, and then we see satan chained up for 1,000 years. Then satan is released again, goes on a rampage against Israel, is defeated and then he, too, is cast into the Lake of Fire "where the beast and the false prophet were". They had been there for over 1,000 years, alive, in the Lake of Fire, and they will continue to remain there for "ever and ever."

Whenever we come to APPARENT conflicts in the Scripture (because that's all they are, is apparent, not real) you must take a deeper look into all the passages dealing with that subject. The passages you quote speak of the physical bodies of those wicked dead, not their eternal souls/spirits. What the two passages that I give you above are dealing with is the eternal aspect of the wicked dead...

Revelation 20:15
And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

The fire within the Lake of Fire does NOT consume, just as the fire burning the bush before Moses did NOT consume the bush, that is an important aspect of the Lake of Fire that we need to understand.

Blessings!

ok, let us look at what YOU call the 'eternal aspects of the 'wicked dead. You seem to suggest they have an eternal soul/spirit.
Can you tell me WHEN they received the 'GIFT of eternal life so they could claim it as their eternal future ? because ALL Humans are born MORTAL....not immortal.
Are wicked people ever given God's 'HOLY SPIRIT which imparts eternal life ?
God gives His Holy Spirit to those who obey him ,Acts 5v32, Heb.5v9, not to the wicked who are disobedient and still in tresspass and sin and have not yet repented.

[raggthyme13]

How can I live with that?  I follow and love God.  He strengthens me.  That is how.

From what I read, God says death and hell are ultimately cast into the lake of fire, which is the second death.

Right.  And death (as used in the bible) means separated from God; NOT the cessation of cognizance.

Mankind was made in God's image.  While the fall distorted that image, it is still there. Part of that image is that we live forever somewhere.

I do not doubt that you love/follow God. But to live with the realization that people you love (if they do not come to Christ) will be tortured beyond all imagination forever and not to be sick continuously, I just cannot comprehend.

As to the sentence in red, can you tell me how you come to that conclusion biblically? Where does it explain specifically what being made in God's image means? And I'd especially like to know where God says that this relates to living forever somewhere.


Also, I am no scholar, but when Jesus says not to fear man (who can only kill the body and not the soul) but fear Him who is able to destroy both body and soul in Gehenna, doesn't it seem that He is speaking of the destruction of both in like manner? Meaning just as the body is destroyed, so is the soul destroyed?

[SwordMaster]

Eccl.9v5, ....the dead know not anything, neither have they anymore a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.

Ps.145v20, the Lord preserves all them that love him; but all the wicked will he destroy.

Ps.37v20, but the wicked shall perish and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs, they shall consume, into smoke shall they consume away.

There is no eternal life for the wicked, nor will they be tormented for ever.
Mal.4v3, and you (the saints) shall tread down the wicked for they shall be ASHES under the soles of your feet.....

Remember that you cannot always take certain passages as being literal, which in this case you have. The evidence of such is here...(and we must take the Word of God over what people think or choose to believe)...

Revelation 19:20
And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur.

Just as a reminder, the Beast and the False Prophet were men...

Revelation 20:10
and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

So, we have the Beast and the False Prophet who were cast into the Lake of Fire, and then we see satan chained up for 1,000 years. Then satan is released again, goes on a rampage against Israel, is defeated and then he, too, is cast into the Lake of Fire "where the beast and the false prophet were". They had been there for over 1,000 years, alive, in the Lake of Fire, and they will continue to remain there for "ever and ever."

Whenever we come to APPARENT conflicts in the Scripture (because that's all they are, is apparent, not real) you must take a deeper look into all the passages dealing with that subject. The passages you quote speak of the physical bodies of those wicked dead, not their eternal souls/spirits. What the two passages that I give you above are dealing with is the eternal aspect of the wicked dead...

Revelation 20:15
And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

The fire within the Lake of Fire does NOT consume, just as the fire burning the bush before Moses did NOT consume the bush, that is an important aspect of the Lake of Fire that we need to understand.

Blessings!

ok, let us look at what YOU call the 'eternal aspects of the 'wicked dead. You seem to suggest they have an eternal soul/spirit.
Can you tell me WHEN they received the 'GIFT of eternal life so they could claim it as their eternal future ? because ALL Humans are born MORTAL....not immortal.
Are wicked people ever given God's 'HOLY SPIRIT which imparts eternal life ?
God gives His Holy Spirit to those who obey him ,Acts 5v32, Heb.5v9, not to the wicked who are disobedient and still in tresspass and sin and have not yet repented.

You are confusing the Spirit of God (ruach) with the breath of God (ruach) that gives the physical body life. God created mankind as a tri-partite being (physical body, mind (soul), and spirit), he did not create him as bi-partite (physical body and mind (soul)).

James 2:26
For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

Yes, we are mortal as far as our physical bodies go, but we are all created with an immaterial, immortal spirit, which Scripture both teaches and affirms. Don't cherry-pick verses that only seem to support your view, do a topical study and research ALL of the passages that deals with the subject, because your view is unbalanced and in error. That is not MY call, that is Scripture.

Blessings!

[DeniseMistich]

Hell is being away from God.  That's the first thing.  God is the source of love, joy, companionship, laughter, healing, wisdom, and so many other things we long for and find only in Him in their reality. 

Hell is an eternity without love, joy, companionship, laughter, healing, wisdom, and the rest.  At the very least it is still 'burning' with thirst for them.  Whatever else is involved, that is torture enough.

Amen. And it starts in this life. And like so many others, I've already been there. NOT going back.

[SwordMaster]

Hell is being away from God.  That's the first thing.  God is the source of love, joy, companionship, laughter, healing, wisdom, and so many other things we long for and find only in Him in their reality. 

Hell is an eternity without love, joy, companionship, laughter, healing, wisdom, and the rest.  At the very least it is still 'burning' with thirst for them.  Whatever else is involved, that is torture enough.

Amen. And it starts in this life. And like so many others, I've already been there. NOT going back.

Amen!!!

[Beta]

Eccl.9v5, ....the dead know not anything, neither have they anymore a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.

Ps.145v20, the Lord preserves all them that love him; but all the wicked will he destroy.

Ps.37v20, but the wicked shall perish and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs, they shall consume, into smoke shall they consume away.

There is no eternal life for the wicked, nor will they be tormented for ever.
Mal.4v3, and you (the saints) shall tread down the wicked for they shall be ASHES under the soles of your feet.....

Remember that you cannot always take certain passages as being literal, which in this case you have. The evidence of such is here...(and we must take the Word of God over what people think or choose to believe)...

Revelation 19:20
And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur.

Just as a reminder, the Beast and the False Prophet were men...

Revelation 20:10
and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

So, we have the Beast and the False Prophet who were cast into the Lake of Fire, and then we see satan chained up for 1,000 years. Then satan is released again, goes on a rampage against Israel, is defeated and then he, too, is cast into the Lake of Fire "where the beast and the false prophet were". They had been there for over 1,000 years, alive, in the Lake of Fire, and they will continue to remain there for "ever and ever."

Whenever we come to APPARENT conflicts in the Scripture (because that's all they are, is apparent, not real) you must take a deeper look into all the passages dealing with that subject. The passages you quote speak of the physical bodies of those wicked dead, not their eternal souls/spirits. What the two passages that I give you above are dealing with is the eternal aspect of the wicked dead...

Revelation 20:15
And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

The fire within the Lake of Fire does NOT consume, just as the fire burning the bush before Moses did NOT consume the bush, that is an important aspect of the Lake of Fire that we need to understand.

Blessings!

ok, let us look at what YOU call the 'eternal aspects of the 'wicked dead. You seem to suggest they have an eternal soul/spirit.
Can you tell me WHEN they received the 'GIFT of eternal life so they could claim it as their eternal future ? because ALL Humans are born MORTAL....not immortal.
Are wicked people ever given God's 'HOLY SPIRIT which imparts eternal life ?
God gives His Holy Spirit to those who obey him ,Acts 5v32, Heb.5v9, not to the wicked who are disobedient and still in tresspass and sin and have not yet repented.

You are confusing the Spirit of God (ruach) with the breath of God (ruach) that gives the physical body life. God created mankind as a tri-partite being (physical body, mind (soul), and spirit), he did not create him as bi-partite (physical body and mind (soul)).

James 2:26
For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

Yes, we are mortal as far as our physical bodies go, but we are all created with an immaterial, immortal spirit, which Scripture both teaches and affirms. Don't cherry-pick verses that only seem to support your view, do a topical study and research ALL of the passages that deals with the subject, because your view is unbalanced and in error. That is not MY call, that is Scripture.

Blessings!

We each defend our understanding of scripture as being right thus causing disagreement.
To accuse others of being 'unbalanced and in error is not the best policy to get to the bottom of a problem.
How can a natural man be mortal and immortal at the same time ? Our first human state is entirely ''mortal'', ALL of us....body, soul and spirit which is 'ruach/breath giving us temporary physical life with ability to think and reason Job 32v8.There is nothing holy or eternal about this, ALL people have it so they can lead an earthly life.
We must be 'born again Joh.3, to receive God's Eternal Spirit...we are not born with it the first time. IF we were why a second birth ? We are to 'seek immortallity during our human lifetime, we don't have it to begin with Rom.2v7.
Unless we can have a discussion according to scripture it won't help our cause to make hurtful statements .

[SwordMaster]

Beta said...

We each defend our understanding of scripture as being right thus causing disagreement. To accuse others of being 'unbalanced and in error is not the best policy to get to the bottom of a problem.

I did not mean to offend. Please help me to understand how you would let someone know that their view is unbalanced and in error, and I will try to do so more kindly next time. The fact is, if the understanding lacks passages of Scripture from both sides, then it is unbalanced and in error. For example, if one takes only the passages regarding eternal life that speaks of belief, and fails to take into consideration those passages which speak of eternal life regarding obedience, then one's view on that subject is unbalanced and in error. I see no other way to say it...but again, if you have a better way, please tell me. I do not mean to offend, I meant it for instructional purposes...intending the idea that you need to study the subject in a whole sense, rather than only taking some of the passages dealing with the subject.

How can a natural man be mortal and immortal at the same time ? Our first human state is entirely ''mortal'', ALL of us....body, soul and spirit which is 'ruach/breath giving us temporary physical life with ability to think and reason Job 32v8.

Again, I do not mean to offend, but it appears that you are only thinking linearly. Yes, our bodies are mortal, but YOU and a spirit, an immortal spirit, temporarily dwelling within your mortal physical body. When your physical body dies YOU will continue to exist, there are many passages which teach this. The passages which you brought forth all speak of the mortal body, not the immortal spirit/soul...that is why I said that it was unbalanced.

There is nothing holy or eternal about this, ALL people have it so they can lead an earthly life.  We must be 'born again Joh.3, to receive God's Eternal Spirit...we are not born with it the first time. IF we were why a second birth ?

This is in error. The term "born again" is a misnomer, the actual Greek means "born from above" meaning born of God, NOT born again, and what it is referring to is NOT any kind of actual birthing process, but regeneration. Regeneration is when the Spirit of God comes to live within us, modifying our spiritual nature so that we have the ability to enjoy intimate communion with God...it does not mean that you do not have a spirit until you are regenerated. And again, the passage I gave you which you seemed to ignore in your post...

James 2:26
For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

The Spirit through James is not saying this pertaining only to those regenerated, but it is a universal principle. All people are born with a spirit, and when they are regenerated they receive the Spirit of God residing within them for God's purposes.

We are to 'seek immortallity during our human lifetime, we don't have it to begin with Rom.2v7.

The word used for "immortality" in Romans 2:7 is aphtharsía (ἀφθαρσία) and does not mean immortality, those versions of the Scriptures which translate it as immortality are wrong. The word means "incorruption" or "incorruptability," NOT immortality. You were born with immortality, again, because you are a spirit temporarily dwelling within a mortal body.

Unless we can have a discussion according to scripture it won't help our cause to make hurtful statements .

Again, I did not intend on causing hurt, and i apologize.

Also, to help you in this area, the following passages all speak of the spirit within man, especially the last one, where God says that He "formed the spirit of man within him," keep in mind that these are all pre-Christ passages, meaning that none of these examples speak of those who are regenerated (born from above).

Ecclesiastes 3:21
Who knows whether the spirit of man goes upward and the spirit of the beast goes down into the earth?

Ecclesiastes 8:8
No man has power to retain the spirit, or power over the day of death. There is no discharge from war, nor will wickedness deliver those who are given to it.

Ecclesiastes 11:5
As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything.

Ecclesiastes 12:7
and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

Isaiah 26:9
My soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me earnestly seeks you. For when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.

Zechariah 12:1
The oracle of the word of the LORD concerning Israel: Thus declares the LORD, who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth and formed the spirit of man within him:


Blessings!

[Beta]

Beta said...

We each defend our understanding of scripture as being right thus causing disagreement. To accuse others of being 'unbalanced and in error is not the best policy to get to the bottom of a problem.

I did not mean to offend. Please help me to understand how you would let someone know that their view is unbalanced and in error, and I will try to do so more kindly next time. The fact is, if the understanding lacks passages of Scripture from both sides, then it is unbalanced and in error. For example, if one takes only the passages regarding eternal life that speaks of belief, and fails to take into consideration those passages which speak of eternal life regarding obedience, then one's view on that subject is unbalanced and in error. I see no other way to say it...but again, if you have a better way, please tell me. I do not mean to offend, I meant it for instructional purposes...intending the idea that you need to study the subject in a whole sense, rather than only taking some of the passages dealing with the subject.

How can a natural man be mortal and immortal at the same time ? Our first human state is entirely ''mortal'', ALL of us....body, soul and spirit which is 'ruach/breath giving us temporary physical life with ability to think and reason Job 32v8.

Again, I do not mean to offend, but it appears that you are only thinking linearly. Yes, our bodies are mortal, but YOU and a spirit, an immortal spirit, temporarily dwelling within your mortal physical body. When your physical body dies YOU will continue to exist, there are many passages which teach this. The passages which you brought forth all speak of the mortal body, not the immortal spirit/soul...that is why I said that it was unbalanced.

There is nothing holy or eternal about this, ALL people have it so they can lead an earthly life.  We must be 'born again Joh.3, to receive God's Eternal Spirit...we are not born with it the first time. IF we were why a second birth ?

This is in error. The term "born again" is a misnomer, the actual Greek means "born from above" meaning born of God, NOT born again, and what it is referring to is NOT any kind of actual birthing process, but regeneration. Regeneration is when the Spirit of God comes to live within us, modifying our spiritual nature so that we have the ability to enjoy intimate communion with God...it does not mean that you do not have a spirit until you are regenerated. And again, the passage I gave you which you seemed to ignore in your post...

James 2:26
For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

The Spirit through James is not saying this pertaining only to those regenerated, but it is a universal principle. All people are born with a spirit, and when they are regenerated they receive the Spirit of God residing within them for God's purposes.

We are to 'seek immortallity during our human lifetime, we don't have it to begin with Rom.2v7.

The word used for "immortality" in Romans 2:7 is aphtharsía (ἀφθαρσία) and does not mean immortality, those versions of the Scriptures which translate it as immortality are wrong. The word means "incorruption" or "incorruptability," NOT immortality. You were born with immortality, again, because you are a spirit temporarily dwelling within a mortal body.

Unless we can have a discussion according to scripture it won't help our cause to make hurtful statements .

Again, I did not intend on causing hurt, and i apologize.

Also, to help you in this area, the following passages all speak of the spirit within man, especially the last one, where God says that He "formed the spirit of man within him," keep in mind that these are all pre-Christ passages, meaning that none of these examples speak of those who are regenerated (born from above).

Ecclesiastes 3:21
Who knows whether the spirit of man goes upward and the spirit of the beast goes down into the earth?

Ecclesiastes 8:8
No man has power to retain the spirit, or power over the day of death. There is no discharge from war, nor will wickedness deliver those who are given to it.

Ecclesiastes 11:5
As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything.

Ecclesiastes 12:7
and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

Isaiah 26:9
My soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me earnestly seeks you. For when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.

Zechariah 12:1
The oracle of the word of the LORD concerning Israel: Thus declares the LORD, who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth and formed the spirit of man within him:


Blessings!

Thank you for your reply....no harm done !
It is difficult to state one's opposing point so I will try to be less 'touchy.

I think we are agreed that there is a spirit in man from birth as seen from scripture. This is simply for our human,physical use/life. so far so good.
But why do we have to be 'born from above' if we are already immortal (as you say) ? it does not make sense !!! 
The human spirit from birth is temporary and only supported by breathing air. true, this spirit goes back to God when we die Eccl.12v7 but is for a different purpose than eternal life. It is for the purpose of God bringing the dead back to physical life once more at judgement time Joh.5v29. For not all who have ever lived and died have heard the 'life-preserving Gospel of salvation. Ezek.37
Whether they accept or reject God at the final judgement will decide if they enter the Kingdom or are cast into hellfire to be burnt up.God is not a vindictive monster to torment anyone for all eternity.(which would happen if the were born immortal. But thank God we are not but are given every help to attain to it !

[SwordMaster]

Beta said...

Thank you for your reply....no harm done !
It is difficult to state one's opposing point so I will try to be less 'touchy.

I think we are agreed that there is a spirit in man from birth as seen from scripture. This is simply for our human,physical use/life. so far so good.
But why do we have to be 'born from above' if we are already immortal (as you say) ? it does not make sense !!!

The term "born from above" was one way Jesus described regeneration. John described it a little bit differently here...

John 1:12-13
12   But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
13   who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

The phrase "gave the right" comes from the Greek word exousia - the authority, right, power, ability, capability to do something
In other words, through Christ we have been qualified to become children of God - it really has nothing to do with being immortal, it has to do with whether one is alive to God or not. Man is spiritually dead (a term which describes his relationship TO God), and in order for us to have a relationship WITH Him (spiritually alive) we must come to the point of entering into the covenantal relationship which He specifically designed just for that purpose.

One who abides in the New Covenant has a relationship WITH God, one who does not abide in that covenant does not have a relationship with Him, only TO Him, and that relationship does not give one eternal life. Eternal life is only found in Christ - the living covenant (Isaiah 42:6; 49:8). when one first enters into that covenant relationship with God, Scripture uses the term "born again" or "born from above" to denote the beginning of life through the covenant. Does that help?

The human spirit from birth is temporary and only supported by breathing air.

Actually, that is a little inaccurate (not trying to offend). The spirit has nothing to do with breathing air, that is the body. Once the body dies the spirit is loosed to go to its place before God, and then He sends it to wherever that person has placed himself through what he did with Christ (and other considerations). Spirit is not temporary at all, and you will find that no where in Scripture. The human spirit is eternal once it come into being, which is why Revelation states that the torment of those who go into the Lake of Fire lasts "forever." The concept of annihilationism (which certain false religions teach) is based upon passages of Scripture which address the physical body, NOT the spirit of man.

true, this spirit goes back to God when we die Eccl.12v7 but is for a different purpose than eternal life. It is for the purpose of God bringing the dead back to physical life once more at judgement time Joh.5v29. For not all who have ever lived and died have heard the 'life-preserving Gospel of salvation.

Again, the human spirit is eternal, it does not cease to exist or die, neither is there any such thing as "soul-sleep," none of this is supported by Scripture when the context of the passages are qualified.

Ezek.37
Whether they accept or reject God at the final judgement will decide if they enter the Kingdom or are cast into hellfire to be burnt up.

i do not understand your reference of Ezekiel 37...also, please show in the Scriptures where this idea comes from that men will be given the chance to accept Christ or not, and be allowed to enter heaven or be thrown into the Lake of Fire...because there are none that I am aware of. Man must choose here and now in this life, if he has heard the gospel - for those who have not heard the gospel, Romans 2 speaks of that...

Romans 2:13-16
13   For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.
14   For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law.
15   They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them
16   on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.

The native in darkest Africa or South American jungles who have never heard of the gospel, have the law of the light of conscience and nature, and God will judge them based upon what they choose to do in life, by how they live. If it is a sin in their culture to rape someone, and he chooses to rape, then he will be condemned. However, in some covenant cultures, when two men become blood-bothers through blood covenanting, if one of them is married, his wife now also becomes the wife of the other man, with full sexual rights according to their customs. therefore, if the blood-brother sleeps with his brother's wife, it is not a sin in their culture, such men would not be condemned. This is what it means by God judging them according to the secrets of men, and their consciences either bothering them because of sin, or not.

God is not a vindictive monster to torment anyone for all eternity.(which would happen if the were born immortal. But thank God we are not but are given every help to attain to it !

You are correct, God is not a vindictive monster who would torment anyone. when we leave behind what we have been taught by men of lesser knowledge of the Scriptures, we find that God does not "burn people for eternity," but rather that their torment originates not from the flames of the Lake of Fire, but from being able to see what the children of God are enjoying that they can never have nor be a part of. God does not torment people with eternal life, the fire of the Lake of Fire appears to be the prison bars, if you will, not the origin of their torment.

You also have to remember this, God gives all of us the choice to spend eternity future either with Him, in His presence, or in prison. It is every man's choice, just as it is today. if a man kills another today, he knows that he deserves life in prison (or death), therefore if he does kill someone, he is just asking for that sentence...just as you and I do with God.

Blessings!

[Beta]

Hello SM, you cover a lot of points in your post making a short reply inadequate. I have diminished vision so need to avoid long posts, hope you understand.
I believe that the breath we draw has very much to do with our physical life in the first instance for without it there can be no Mind or spiritual understanding.Once we stop breathing our conscious mind stops to function, it does not continue elsewhere UNTIL awakened once more by God in a resurrection to JUDGEMENT, not then at that time to eternal life Joh.5v29.I mentioned Ezek 37 to show a second PHYSICAL resurrection , breathing of air/wind, which is not an eternal state.
In your last paragraph you say : either eternal life with God or (eternal? )prison. Not correct, the judgement is either to LIFE or DEATH ! Death is extinction...as if you had not been Obed.v16.

[SwordMaster]

Hello SM, you cover a lot of points in your post making a short reply inadequate. I have diminished vision so need to avoid long posts, hope you understand.
I believe that the breath we draw has very much to do with our physical life in the first instance for without it there can be no Mind or spiritual understanding.Once we stop breathing our conscious mind stops to function, it does not continue elsewhere UNTIL awakened once more by God in a resurrection to JUDGEMENT, not then at that time to eternal life Joh.5v29.I mentioned Ezek 37 to show a second PHYSICAL resurrection , breathing of air/wind, which is not an eternal state.
In your last paragraph you say : either eternal life with God or (eternal? )prison. Not correct, the judgement is either to LIFE or DEATH ! Death is extinction...as if you had not been Obed.v16.

OK...short and sweet!

Correct, judgment is to either life or death...but spiritual death is not akin nor comparable to spiritual death. God says plainly (and we are to take His Word over what man teaches) that spiritual death is the second death, which is being cast into the Lake of Fire to dwell for the rest of eternity...

Revelation 20:14-15
14   Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.
15   And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

Revelation 21:8
But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."

As I showed you earlier, exampling it by the Scriptures having to do with the beast and false prophet, being in the Lake of Fire for over 1,000 years...there is no such thing as annihilationism, they will live - exist - in the Lake of Fire for the rest of eternity, unscathed by the spiritual flames.

Blessings![/size]