Lesson 19
God destroys those who fight against him at the close of the second resurrection time with fire. They had their opportunity to believe and follow Jesus but ultimately chose to follow Satan instead. Being resurrected into a physical mortal body like they had during their first lifetime they will die for the second time in God’s consuming fire. Having been given a fair opportunity to follow Jesus, they will never be resurrected to life again. Now twice dead, they remain as ashes. Their punishment will be eternal and everlasting.
Malachi 4:2-3 King James Version
2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. 3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts.
The punishment of the wicked will last forever but they will not experience eternal punishing. They will be dead, unaware of the splendid life carrying on without them. They had their opportunity to follow Jesus but followed Satan and his deceptions instead. Being mortal flesh and blood, God will respect their choice to reject him and will begrudgingly let them die. Some believe sinners will be tormented forever in the fires of hell, but they would need to have an everlasting life for that to happen and everlasting life is reserved for those who believe in Jesus. “that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
The New Testament Greek words tartaroo, Hades, and Gehenna are used when describing where the dead reside and are often translated into the word hell. The Greek language reflects it’s pagan background in the meaning of its words. Just as Christians don’t believe we have to cross the river Styx with the ferryman Charon to get to hell, we should read the Greek words used through a Hebrew lens in order to get the Godly perspective. If we don’t filter out the pagan beliefs, our concepts of what hell means can leave us with a perception that does not reflect a correct Hebrew belief.
The Old Testament Hebrew word sheol which means “the world of the dead” was always translated as hell. It is not a place holding conscious souls, those beliefs have their origins in pagan Greek philosophy.
The Hebrew word Hinnom, which is a valley where garbage and animal carcasses were continually being burnt, was also used as a word describing where some of the dead may go. What are your beliefs about hell? Do you know the origins of those beliefs? Have you studied the biblical background of your beliefs? Which scriptures do you use to support your beliefs?