Is Hell Real? Part 1

Using our principles of interpretation that we learned in our last lesson, we are equpped to follow God's instruction which says

 

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15, NIV) "Handling the word of truth" involves correct interpretation of the bible "... not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." (1 Corinthians 2:13, KJV)

 

 

There is the popular teaching in Christianity that the soul of man will be eternally destroyed in hell where God sends the finally inpenitent. Is this the God that you or I serve? Or would want to serve? Would you be delighted to do God's will knowing that if you didn't, He delighted to slow roast you over an ever-burning fire.

 

Let's examine the bible caefully. A popular text used to support this idea is:

 

"And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame." (Luke 16:22-24, KJV)

There are several inconsistencies that make it obvious that the parable is fictional. 

1. Lazarus dies, goes to "hell" and sees Abraham and the beggar from "hell"
2. The beggar goes into the arms of Abraham rather than God
3. Lazarus asks for water to cool him in "hell"?

These three are sufficient to prove that the story was not to be applied literally, but instead teach a spiritual truth. Jesus used 

a popular story in His day to capture the attention of His hearers. The Jews prided themselves that they were descendants of Abraham

"... We are Abraham's seed, and have never yet been in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?" (John 8:33 ASV) Therefore, Jesus reached them at their level.

He was teaching them that there was no second probation after death. "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment," (Hebrews 9:27 NKJV) There is no second chance, no purgatory, only today. Jesus said "...Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts." (Hebrews 4:7 NKJV) "...Behold, now is the acceptable time. Behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2 WEB)

In our next study we will examine the issue of how "hell" "eternal" and "everlasting" are used in the bible.