The Greek word “geenna” translated hell, as we outlined before is used to be a place of punishment. This word has falsely been used to establish the notion of an ever-burning hell. Let us see how this word is used in scripture.
"Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels…And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal." (Matthew 25:41, 46) "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10:28)
In addition to these texts, others often quote "But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire… And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell… And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell." (Matthew 5:22, 29, 30)
As well as “And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.” (luke 9:47, 48) And “And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.”(Isaiah 66:24)
These passages of scripture, rather than prove the existence of “hell” each refer to the final destruction of the wicked or the “second death.” It is in this sense that “geenna” is used to show the separation that sin causes. Isaiah says “Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. (Isaiah 59:1, 2)
Sin separates us from our loving heavenly Father. He is the fountain of living waters. Why oh why should anyone choose other than to submit, be forgiven and cleansed and be prepared by going “… on unto perfection [of character]; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,” (1 Corinthians 6:1) for the second coming of our Lord and Saviour Christ.
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