Monday, March 10, 2008
Hell
I've been grappling with this subject for some time now. I've received a comment from Nathaniel, Bruce, and Kevin regarding this issue and thought it would be nice to have an open dialogue in a forum like this. I hope we can all learn and grow through this space. I must say that I've been struggling with the whole concept of hell for the last year or so. I can't help but believe that hell is more a separation from God than an actual place. While I believe everything Christ did on the cross, i.e. atonement for sin, judgment, victory over Satan and death, I also believe that separation from God and His love is, basically, hell. I can't reasonably get my head around an actual place of fire and brimstone where unbelievers burn forever. How could such an eternity come close to actuating any sins a mortal could be guilty of during this lifetime. I can understand, however, that separation from God would mean separation from His favor, protection, order, love, and consistancy among other things. Not having these for all of eternity would be a hell. But can a believer reasonably believe that hell as a place can be justified for anyone other than Satan and his minions? I send this to all of you on my break because I'd like to hear the rebuttal. Additionally, I think it is sadly comical that many Christians get bent out of shape over peripheral concepts such as speaking in tongues, hell, bible translations, and others. The necessities of the faith are pretty basic when you come to think of it. I guess the main reason I am texting this to all of you is because Skyler is beginning to ask these questions and I want to be informed when it comes to answering these questions with my kids. Thanks
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3 comments:
Yes, hell is an interesting concept.
One verse that comes to mind when I read your thoughts and questions is Romans 8:38 It says nothing can ever separate us from the love of God.
He is not willing that any be lost. Hell is a place/condition that we choose for ourselves.
I, too, think that the concept of actual fire burning, even our own burning flesh, is nothing compared to the actual punishment that our own disobedience of God deserves. However, it is hard to describe what hell actually is, then.
I believe that hell is so unspeakably awful that the best metaphors and imagery that's possible is what we have in the Bible - all that stuff about fire.
If it sounds bad, and it does, to our limited minds, then the purpose and intent of the scripture was accomplished.
Ed Warkentin
Meant to leave this url:
http://ewarkentin.edublogs.org/
"But can a believer reasonably believe that hell as a place can be justified for anyone other than Satan and his minions?"
Read Rev. 20:11-15
How much clearer can this be? If you hold a differing view, it is not because the bible is "fuzzy" or unclear. Just as there are 2 births, i.e., physical and spiritual, there is also 2 deaths, the physical and the spiritual. Does not your church teach you sound doctrine? Perhaps too much re-thinking that which does not need to be re-thought? Hell. Very basic, very real. Study what Jesus Christ of Nazareth had to say about hell. Very real place, very basic doctrinal statement. Don't agree? Study scripture.
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