The Bible Doctrine of HELL Mark 9:43-48

The Lack of Preaching on Hell “…No traditional Christian doctrine has been so widely abandoned as that of eternal punishment. Its advocates must be fewer than ever before. The alternative interpretation of hell as annihilation seems to have prevailed even among many of the more conservative theologians.” (Richard Buckham). THE LACK OF PREACHING ON HELL It has been said that, ““…No traditional Christian doctrine has been so widely abandoned as that of eternal punishment. Its advocates must be fewer than ever before. The alternative interpretation of hell as annihilation seems to have prevailed even among many of the more conservative theologians” (Richard Buckham).  One preacher said, “The last sermon on hell I heard, I preached myself and that was 30 years ago” (Kenneth S. Kantzer).   Hell is not an enjoyable subject.  Spending time discussing the grace of God is certainly more comforting.  However, the grace of God cannot be fully appreciated until we understand what lies on the other side of the Divine

Challenges of Teaching on Hell Preachers do not want to appear unloving People desire a marketable Gospel Churches do not want to drive people away Preachers do not want to appear unloving.  Defending a position is not the same as desiring a position.  However, the reality is that there will be people who will suffer eternally for their sins. People desire a marketable Gospel.  Teaching on hell is akin to touring the sausage factory, we may know that the undesirable and uncomfortable reality exists, but no one wants to dwell on it We do not want to drive people away.  The thought that a visitor might hear such a sermon and leave thinking we are a hateful people drives us to seek “positive” material to discuss.  However, there is no reason to seek salvation if we have no fear of condemnation.

The Bible Doctrine of Hell What is hell? Who will be in hell? How does God’s grace allow for hell to exist? Preachers do not want to appear unloving.  Defending a position is not the same as desiring a position.  However, the reality is that there will be people who will suffer eternally for their sins. People desire a marketable Gospel.  Teaching on hell is akin to touring the sausage factory, we may know that the undesirable and uncomfortable reality exists, but no one wants to dwell on it We do not want to drive people away.  The thought that a visitor might hear such a sermon and leave thinking we are a hateful people drives us to seek “positive” material to discuss.  However, there is no reason to seek salvation if we have no fear of condemnation.

Hell is a Place of Suffering Two words are translated “hell” in modern versions - tartarus and gehenna Gehenna is taken from the valley of Hinnom where King Ahaz and Manasseh offered their sons as sacrifices to Baal and Molech – 2Chron 28.3; 33:6 The valley became synonymous with God’s judgment and wrath A PLACE OF SUFFERING Two words are translated “hell” in modern versions - Tartarus (1 Pet 2:4) and Gehenna (12 of the 13 occurrences in the NASB) Gehenna is taken from the valley of Hinnom where King Ahaz and Manasseh offered tier sons as sacrifices to Baal and Molech - 2Chron 28.3; 33:6 Jeremiah saw this as a place of God’s judgment against idolatry and referred to it as the “valley of slaughter” - Jer 7:30-34; 19:1-13; 32:34-35 Isaiah predicted that Assyria would be destroyed with fire at Hinnom (Topeth) - Is 30:29-33 The valley became synonymous with God’s judgment and wrath Matthew 10:28 tells us that the suffering here is worse than what man can inflict Mk 9:43-48 states that being maimed is better than the suffering to be experienced in hell The term

Hell is Hopeless Separation from God Separation from God without hope of reconciliation is the true punishment of hell – 2 Thess. 1:7-9 Pictured as “outer darkness” Matt. 25:30 The wicked are walled off from fellowship with God – Rev. 21:27 HOPELESS SEPARATION FROM GOD 2Thess 1:7-9 - Here we see the true punishment of hell - complete separation from God with no hope of reconciliation Matt 25:30 - Matthew uses the punishment of the one talent man as a transition into the judgment scene which ens again with the separation of God and the wicked Rev 21:27 - John has presented the great city with its walls representing fellowship with God (vs. 22) yet those who practice sin shall never come into it

Hell is Eternal Jesus’s quoting of Isaiah 66 is intended to emphasize the unending nature of this punishment The punishment of hell will last as long as the glory of heaven – Matt. 25:46 The destruction of the one in hell refers to “loss, not of being, but of wellbeing.” (Vine’s) AN ETERNAL CONDITION Mk 9:43-48 - The consistent quoting of Is 66 is intended to emphasize the unending nature of this punishment Here the agents of suffering are seen as undying and consistently doing the work of causing suffering Matt 25:46 - It lasts as long as heaven Rev 14:11 - It offers no rest “forever and ever” Matt 10:28 - “destroy” does not limit the duration of the punishment.  The term is “ a strengthened form of ollumi, signifies “to destroy utterly”; in middle voice, “to perish.” The idea is not extinction but ruin, loss, not of being, but of wellbeing. This is clear from its use, as, e.g., of the marring of wine skins, Luke 5:37.”  (Vines, 622)

Who Will be in Hell? The Devil and his angels – Matt. 25:41 The most horrible sinners – 2Thess. 1:6-9; Rev. 21:8 Many “good” people – Matt. 7:21- 24, 15:7-14; Heb. 10:26-29 THE DEVIL AND HIS ANGELS Hell was prepared and intended for the devil and his angels - Matt 25:41 This was the consequence of their sin - 2Pet 2:4 It will be their eternal home of torment - Rev 20:10

How is Hell Consistent with God’s Grace Grace is not God God’s desires and His holiness are demonstrated in His attributes Grace does not prevent God from establishing conditions THE DEVIL AND HIS ANGELS Hell was prepared and intended for the devil and his angels - Matt 25:41 This was the consequence of their sin - 2Pet 2:4 It will be their eternal home of torment - Rev 20:10