Hell - Part 1 Hell - too often a forgotten subject in the church. Many people want to remain willfully ignorant about the final judgment and Hell. It is popular among many to ignore or deny the reality of hell. Many ridicule the idea of hell. They say they are realists and are concerned with life on earth. Bad situations now are "Hell on earth". Those who speak of heaven and hell are labeled as "escapists" who cannot face reality as it is. The opposite is true. Those who fill themselves up with this life and refuse to think of the judgment to come and the eternal consequences are the true escapists. They are the ones not willing to face reality. The subject of hell is not pleasant to anyone. Many ignore it, ridicule it, use it for jokes and cursing, but it is a very serious subject. Does the Bible really teach that some will be eternally lost and punished in an everlast ing hell? If so, dare we ignore this aspect of our teaching? There is much confusion on this subject. Part of the problem comes from the King James Version translating several different Greek words into the one English word "hell". Words translated Hell in the King James Version 1. "Hades" is used the same way as the Hebrew word "Sheol". In the LXX, "Sheol" was translated by "Hades". These words refer to the place of the dead before the final judg ment. Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Acts 2:27, 31 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. Revelation 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. Rev. 20:14 shows "Hades" is not the final eternal hell, but the place of the dead before the final judgment. After the final judgment, there will be no use for the place of the dead and it will be cast into the lake of fire. "Hades" is translated "grave" in 1 Cor. 15:55, KJV 1 Corinthians 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 2. "Tartarus" is used only one time. It is the place of punishment for wicked spirits be fore the final judgment. 2 Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment. Jude 6 And angels who did not keep their own domain, but abandoned their proper abode, He has kept in eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day. This is probably what the demons were referring to in Matt. 8. Matthew 8:28-29 And when He had come to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes, two men who were demon-possessed met Him as they were coming out of the tombs; they were so exceedingly violent that no one could pass by that road. And behold, they cried out, saying, "What do we have to do with You, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?" This is the part of Hades where the rich man was after death, but before the final judg ment. Luke 16:22-23 Now it came about that the poor man died and he was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried. And in Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away, and Lazarus in his bosom. From these passages, it appears that Hades is divided into two sections. One section is a place of torment and is called "Tartarus" and the other section is a place of comfort for the righteous who are waiting for the final judgment. This is the place called "Paradise" when Jesus was talking to the thief on the cross. A Comparison of the descriptions of Jesus and the Rich Man in Hades Acts 2:27, 31 Because Thou wilt not abandon my soul to Hades, Nor allow Thy Holy One to undergo decay... He looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that He was neither aban doned to Hades, nor did His flesh suffer decay. Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in para dise. John 20:17 Jesus said to her, "Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren, and say to them, 'I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.'" 3. "Gehenna" is a transliteration into Greek from the Hebrew word "Gehinnom". (valley of Hinnom was where children were burnt to Molech in the days of Kings Ahaz and Manasseh, Jer. 7:31) King Josiah desecrated it and the area was turned into rubbish heap where a fire burnt continually. The valley was a place of a nauseous stench and was recognized as a filthy and polluted land where nothing of any value could be found. Everything there was destined for de struction and there was nothing there worth saving. (Like garbage dumps before "Sanitary land fills") "Gehenna" is found only 12 times in the N.T. and 11 times Jesus was speaking. This is the place called a "Lake of Fire" in the book of Revelation. This is the final, eternal hell, the place of eternal punishment where all unforgiven sinners will be cast into for eternity. What is Hell Like? 1. Hell is to be Feared A.When Jesus sent the 12 through Israel, He first warned them to not to fear troubles that were ahead, but to fear "Him". Why? Matthew 10:28 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 [Gehenna]. Context is "fear God", but why fear? Because what He can do to you. B.Context: Jesus is warning the multitudes of the of the hypocrisy of Pharisees Luke 12:1-5 Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Accordingly, whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms shall be proclaimed upon the housetops. And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who after He has killed has authority to cast into hell [Gehenna] yes, I tell you, fear Him! 2. Hell is a Place of Unquenchable Fire And Corruption It is hard to imagine a place like what Jesus described in Mark 9. In the context, Jesus was warning about stumblingblocks. Mark 9:43-48 And if your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life crip pled, than having your two hands, to go into hell [Gehenna], into the unquenchable fire, (where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.) And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame, than having your two feet, to be cast into hell, (where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.) And if your eye causes you to stumble, cast it out; it is better for you to enter the king dom of God with one eye, than having two eyes, to be cast into hell, where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. Many object to teaching this. They claim we should follow God because of love, not out of fear. We should be able to grow to the point where we are serving out of love, but there is nothing wrong with fearing that which is to be feared! Fear may be a lower level of motivation than love, but it is effective. Children often have a low level of motivation for obedience (pain) but they are to grow into a desire to do right. (why spankings that do not cause pain are often ineffective, they produce no fear to motivate obedience) Galatians 6:7-8 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap eternal life. 3. Hell is a Separation from God When we are without God we are without hope - Ephesians 2:12 Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 25:45-46 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power. The last picture given in Bible is them being shut out of the eternal city in which the righteous enjoy the presence and fellowship of God. 4. Hell is a Place of Darkness Matthew 8:11-12 And I say to you, that many shall come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven; but the sons of the kingdom shall be cast out into the outer darkness; in that place there shall be weeping and gnash ing of teeth. Matthew 22:12-13 and he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without wedding clothes?' And he was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, and cast him into the outer darkness; in that place there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' Matthew 25:28-30 Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.' For to everyone who has shall more be given, and he shall have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. And cast out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 2 Peter 2:17 These are springs without water, and mists driven by a storm, for whom the black dark ness has been reserved. Jude 12-13 These men are those who are hidden reefs in your love feasts when they feast with you without fear, caring for themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, doubly dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up their own shame like foam; wandering stars, for whom the black darkness has been reserved for ever. a. "blackness of darkness" - KJV, NKJV, ASV b. "blackest darkness" - NIV c. "deepest darkness" - NRSV 5. Hell is a Place of Suffering Matthew 26:24 The Son of man goes as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Romans 2:8-9 But to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation. There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek. Revelation 14:9-11 And another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or upon his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; and they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name. Revelation 20:10 And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. "Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth" Matthew 8:11-12 And I say to you, that many shall come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven; but the sons of the kingdom shall be cast out into the outer darkness; in that place there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 13:41-42 The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all stumbling blocks, and those who commit lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire; in that place there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 22:10-13 And those slaves went out into the streets, and gathered together all they found, both evil and good; and the wedding hall was filled with dinner guests. But when the king came in to look over the dinner guests, he saw there a man not dressed in wedding clothes, and he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without wedding clothes?' And he was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, and cast him into the outer darkness; in that place there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' Matthew 24:49-51 and shall begin to beat his fellow slaves and eat and drink with drunkards; the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour which he does not know, and shall cut him in pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites; weeping shall be there and the gnashing of teeth. Matthew 25:30 And cast out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 6. Hell is a Place of Punishment Punishment for sin is a concept many want to ignore today. Once people get to the point where they can ignore the punishment God inflicts on sin, they will also ignore the need of punishment in society for crimes committed and the need of punishment for misbehavior in children. Hebrews 10:26-31 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. Anyone who has rejected Moses' law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. And again, "The Lord will judge His people." It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 2 Peter 2:9 then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment. 2 Thessalonians 1:9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, Matthew 25:46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. 7. Hell is Eternal Matthew 25:41 Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels. Matthew 25:46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. Eternal is from aionios {ahee-o'-nee-os} 1) without beginning and end, that which always has been and always will be 2) without beginning 3) without end, never to cease, everlasting Romans 16:26 but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal [aionios] God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith. Hebrews 9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal [aionios] Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? The knowledge of Hell reminds us of how great is the challenge and responsibility of those who know and understand in the realm of evangelism. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Any who truly understands hell will do all they can to help save the lost. Edward Gibbons in The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, vol. II pg. 142 "One of the major causes of the growth of the Ancient Church was its belief in endless torment for those outside the fellowship." Some people think it is not good to frighten people to heaven, but we should be frightened away from Hell. We are responsible to teach others. This is why there is an urgency to preach to all men. 2 Corinthians 5:10-11 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men... We are watchmen - Ezek. 33, we know of the judgment to come. We must cry out and warn all we can. If you saw one in a house fire, not realizing the danger, would you remain calm, and softly tell that person they need to get out? Some have no fear of God Romans 3:18 There is no fear of God before their eyes. This is one reason for lack of conviction and growth in many churches. A weak gospel is being offered, one that makes people feel good about themselves but not much more. In this rough world we are in, too many churches and Christians are too soft and sentimental to make any headway. They want to sit around and have their ears tickled by listening only to that which makes them "feel good" instead of facing reality as it really is. The Good News cannot be fully grasped or appreciated until one has been confronted with the bad news of sin its consequences. One does not know how to really appreciate what God has done until he is conscious of what the alternative for him would have been. God is not revealed as one who causes good people to suffer in hell. He is revealed as one who at infinite cost has wrought to the end that sinners, believing in Christ may not perish but have everlasting life. The coming of Jesus into the world and the death of Christ on the cross demands a recognition of man's terrible plight, his tragic fate. Unless man was in desperate trouble which was of eternal consequences the coming of Christ and His crucifixion were of little significance. The keystone of our faith is the doctrine of hell, because without this truth there is no reason for the necessity of the cross and the urgency of the preaching of the gospel to the whole world. Redemption means nothing without the fact of hell. The reason so many are so apathetic, they have never seen themselves as sinners destined for damnation. One will not work out his salvation with fear and trembling if there is no divine judgment in the future and if there is not threat of condemnation. Some want to say that God could not condemn anyone to hell because He loves to much. They misunderstand His true nature. 1. God is love - 1 John 4:8, 16. 2. God is a consuming fire - Hebrews 12:29 God is our Father. In the first century, fathers were obeyed. When there was disobedience, discipline was real. He was the one who provided for, cared for, but you did not dare talk back to. If there was willful disobedience the consequences were severe. There is no reason to equate Fatherhood with softness. One may call a lenient father loving but a child in their heart knows better. Any father who refuses to be the head and lets his children do as they please has no respect. God has shown love and mercy by offering of Jesus. What more could we dare ask for? Do we dare say this was not enough? Dare we say there is not enough evidence to believe? He has provided as way for us to escape, but will not force forgiveness on anyone. It is for any who want it. If we refuse, God is also a just God, justice demand punishment. If any choose to make Satan their father, they will live with him. We live with the one we choose to follow Our Lord was very serious when He spoke on hell. Many do not want to hear it. They have itching ears, and cannot endure sound doctrine, Hell is part of sound doctrine that must be endured. It is not pleasant. 1. People in Noah's day didn't want to hear of the coming judgment. 2. Jews didn't want to hear the prophets of the warnings of destruction. 3. Jews didn't want to hear Jesus. They killed him who was truth. They all wish they had listened now. Are you willing to hear today? Acts 24:25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. We all should tremble at the thought of going to hell. Wayne Wells wayneliz@twave.net http://users.twave.net/ncc Hell - Arguments Against Eternal Torment - Part 2 Some today teach that those who are cast into hell will be burned up and cease to exist. This may be more pleasant to believe, but is it what the Bible is teaching? Different ones try to prove that hell is only temporary in different ways. One common method used by JW's is to claim that after death, a person loses all con sciousness and is resurrected at the final judgment. Then the righteous are given their reward, (either heaven or a rebuilt earth) and the wicked are burned up in hell and cease to exist. Matt. 22:30-32 In debate with the Sadducees, Jesus said: Matthew 22:29 ...You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. Matthew 22:31-32 But regarding the resurrection of the dead, have you not read that which was spoken to you by God, saying, 'I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? He is not the God of the dead but of the living. " Jesus quoted Exodus 3:6, which recorded events 400 years after Abraham's death. When God spoke to Moses, He said He was the God of Abraham. According to Jesus, Exodus 3:6 implies that after death, man is conscious even though separated from his body. Luke 16 also plainly teaches consciousness after death. Some try to call the rich man and Lazarus a parable, although Jesus never called it a parable. Objections to Hell being Eternal Torment 1. A God of Love could not do this. An Eternal hell could not be Just. To be consistent, we would have to say: "If the love of God cannot allow suffering in the next life, neither can it allow suffering in this life. Since suffering is real in this life, therefore love of God is not real." Some have rejected God by this kind of reasoning. The Bible says, "God is love." (1 John 4:8) Would a loving God really tor ment people forever? Would you do so? You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth (Jehovah Witnesses) pg. 81. This is man judging by his own finite and fallible standards the infinite and infallible God. Isaiah 55:8-9 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. God is not love only. God is also Holy. When His holiness comes in contact with sin, it is expressed as wrath. This is as much of the character of God as His love. 2. Eternal Torment is Not a Fair Punishment For Only a Few Years Of Sin To torment a person eternally because he did wrong on earth for a few years is contrary to justice. You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth pg. 89. Man fails to see the justice of God in punishing sin because man fails to see the terrible ness of sin. It is rebellion against the holiness of God. Even in human courts, the time it takes to commit a crime is not considered when hand ing down a sentence. It may have taken only a few seconds to commit a murder, but the punishment may still be execution or life in prison. We can see the seriousness of sin when we look at its punishment, and the price it took to pay for it, the death of the Son of God on the cross. Does the Bible Teach Eternal Torment in Hell? A. Matthew 10:28 Matthew 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Some argue that "Destroy" means "Annihilated", or "to cease to exist." The Bible is its best commentary. 1. Demon who possessed a man in a synagogue in Capernaum Mark 1:24 Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to de stroy us? 2. Demons who possessed two men living among the tombs at Gadarenes Matthew 8:29 And suddenly they cried out, saying, What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time? The demons knew what "destroy" meant. They understood they were destined for tor ment and it frightened them. To see what torment is, we can read about the rich man who was torment in flames while in Hades - Luke 16:24. What torment or destruction were the demons worried about? Luke 8:28-31 And seeing Jesus, he cried out and fell before Him, and said in a loud voice, "What do I have to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me." For He had been commanding the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had seized him many times; and he was bound with chains and shackles and kept under guard; and yet he would burst his fetters and be driven by the demon into the desert. And Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Legion"; for many demons had entered him. And they were entreating Him not to command them to depart into the abyss. "Abyss" or "Deep" is from "Abussos" and is also used in these verses Revelation 9:1-2 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star from heaven which had fallen to the earth; and the key of the bottomless pit was given to him. And he opened the bottomless pit; and smoke went up out of the pit, like the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by the smoke of the pit. Revelation 9:11 They have as king over them, the angel of the bottomless pit; his name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in the Greek he has the name Apollyon. Revelation 20:1-3 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottom less pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while. 1.The demon in the synagogue did not want to be destroyed. 2.The demons at Gadarenes did not want to be tormented by being cast into the "deep" or "abyss". They understood that being destroyed does not mean a ceasing to exist. After Satan is cast into the same place he is not destroyed, but is released after a 1,000 years for a short time. Matthew 10:28 shows there is something worse than separation from the body. 1.To destroy the body is to separate the body and Spirit. The body no longer functions well enough for the spirit to remain. James 2:26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. 2.To destroy the soul in hell is to separate it from God who is the giver of life and being cast into the everlasting fire. .1 John 5:11-12 And the witness is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. "Destroy" is from "Appollumi". It does not mean extinction, but indicates ruin, or loss. (Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words) "Appolumi" is used in these verses. None indicate a ceasing to exist. Matthew 9:17 Nor do men put new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the wineskins burst, and the wine pours out, and the wineskins are ruined; but they put new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved. Matthew 10:5-6 ...Do not go in the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter any city of the Samaritans; but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Matthew 10:39 He who has found his life shall lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake shall find it. Matthew 18:11 For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. Mark 2:22 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and the skins as well; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins." Luke 15:4 What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? Luke 15:8 Or what woman, if she has ten silver coins and loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? Luke 15:24 for this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found. 'And they began to be merry. Romans 14:15 For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. 1 Corinthians 8:11 For through your knowledge he who is weak is ruined, the brother for whose sake Christ died. 2 Peter 3:5-6 For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. Matthew 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. The meaning of extinction or a ceasing to exist is not in any of these passages. Everything lost, ruined, or destroyed still exist, but they are not fulfilling their intended purpose. B. The Use of "Destruction" to Describe the Fate of the Wicked. Matthew 7:13 Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. Romans 9:22 What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction? Philippians 3:18-19 For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. 1 Timothy 6:9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. Hebrews 10:39 But we are not of those who draw back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul. 2 Peter 2:1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. 2 Peter 3:16 as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. In all of these verses, the word "apoleia" is used. "Apoleia" (the noun form of the verb "Appolumi") signifies "waste" or "ruin", not extinction or a ceasing to exist. Mark 14:4 And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? C. Ecclesiastes 3:19-20 Ecclesiastes 3:19-20 For what happens to the sons of men also happens to animals; one thing befalls them: as one dies, so dies the other. Surely, they all have one breath; man has no advantage over animals, for all is vanity. All go to one place: all are from the dust, and all return to dust. Some claim there is no difference between man and beast. All go to the same place. As far as death is concerned there is no difference, all die! This doesn't prove man is unconscious when he dies! This is simply saying that death brings the bodies of both animals and man to the same place. The context of this passage shows there is a difference between man and animals. The very next verse says "the spirit of the sons of men, which goes upward" Ecclesiastes 3:21 Who knows the spirit of the sons of men, which goes upward, and the spirit of the animal, which goes down to the earth? Compare Eccl. 3:21 to Eccl. 12:7 Ecclesiastes 12:7 Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it. What does the Bible mean when it says the spirit of man "goes upward" or "returns to God"? Luke 23:46 Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit. Acts 7:59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. The Spirit of Man is More than a Life Force or Breath As Some Teach It knows, has intelligence. It grieves. 1 Corinthians 2:11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him?... Daniel 7:15 I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit within my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. Matthew 26:41 Keep watching and praying, that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Mark 2:8 And immediately Jesus, aware in His spirit that they were reasoning that way within themselves, said to them, "Why are you reasoning about these things in your hearts? Mark 8:12 And sighing deeply in His spirit, He said, "Why does this generation seek for a sign? Truly I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation." John 13:21 When Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, that one of you will betray Me." Acts 17:16 Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was being provoked within him as he was beholding the city full of idols. 2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 1 Peter 3:4 but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. D. Ecclesiastes 9:5 Ecclesiastes 9:5 For the living know that they will die; but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. What applies to one part of the passage applies to the other. If the dead do not know anything in absolute sense then there is also no reward! There is a restriction on this when the context is understood. Ecclesiastes 9:6 Indeed their love, their hate, and their zeal have already perished, and they will no longer have a share in all that is done under the sun. The phrase "Under the Sun" is used 27 times in Ecclesiastes. This is speaking of physical life on the planet earth. The dead know not anything under the sun, not because they are unconscious, but because they are not under the sun anymore. They are now in another realm. The dead have no love, hate, zeal and reward under the sun. E. Ecclesiastes 9:10 Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, verily, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going. The context is still life "under the Sun". Ecclesiastes is dealing with practical advice for this life. Ecclesiastes 9:9-11 Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which He has given to you under the sun; for this is your reward in life, and in your toil in which you have labored under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, verily, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going. I again saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift, and the battle is not to the warriors, and neither is bread to the wise, nor wealth to the discerning, nor favor to men of ability; for time and chance overtake them all. Life "Under the Sun" is the View of These Passages. It does not mean that man ceases to exist after death, but he does cease to exist as far as life in this realm is concerned. Job 14:10-12 But man dies and lies prostrate. Man expires, and where is he? As water evaporates from the sea, And a river becomes parched and dried up, so man lies down and does not rise. Until the heavens be no more, He will not awake nor be aroused out of his sleep. Job 34:14-15 If He should determine to do so, If He should gather to Himself His spirit and His breath, all flesh would perish together, and man would return to dust. Psalm 146:3-4 Do not trust in princes, in mortal man, in whom there is no salvation. His spirit departs, he returns to the earth; in that very day his thoughts perish. F. Malachi 4:1-3 Malachi 4:1-3 For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and every evildoer will be chaff; and the day that is coming will set them ablaze," says the Lord of hosts, "so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who fear My name the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall. And you will tread down the wicked, for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day which I am preparing," says the Lord of hosts. A coming day is prophesied. What day is it in the context? Malachi 3:1 Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming," says the Lord of hosts. Malachi 4:5 Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord. The Fulfillment Matthew 11:7-10 And as these were going away, Jesus began to speak to the multitudes about John, "What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' palaces. But why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I say to you, and one who is more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, 'Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.' Luke 1:67-76 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people... And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; For you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways; Matthew 17:10-13 And His disciples asked Him, saying, "Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?" And He answered and said, "Elijah is coming and will restore all things; but I say to you, that Elijah already came, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they wished. So also the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands. " Then the disciples understood that He had spoken to them about John the Baptist. Luke 1:17 And it is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous; so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. This passage is warning of the coming day that Elijah (John the Baptist) will be sent. This is the generation to which the Messiah was sent. They rejected the Messiah and were rejected by God and the nation was destroyed in 70 AD. The rebellious Jews were destroyed and the church, the eternal kingdom of Daniel 2:44 was established. Matthew 21:43 Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you, and be given to a nation producing the fruit of it. Matthew 23:33-36 You serpents, you brood of vipers, how shall you escape the sentence of hell? Therefore, behold, I am sending you prophets and wise men and scribes; some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city, that upon you may fall the guilt of all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. Truly I say to you, all these things shall come upon this generation. Matthew 24:1-2 And Jesus came out from the temple and was going away when His disciples came up to point out the temple buildings to Him. And He answered and said to them, "Do you not see all these things? Truly I say to you, not one stone here shall be left upon another, which will not be torn down." Matthew 24:34 Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Luke 21:20-22 But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that her desolation is at hand. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are in the midst of the city depart, and let not those who are in the country enter the city; because these are days of vengeance, in order that all things which are written may be fulfilled. Luke 11:46-51 But He said, "Woe to you lawyers as well! For you weigh men down with burdens hard to bear, while you yourselves will not even touch the burdens with one of your fingers. Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and it was your fathers who killed them. Consequently, you are witnesses and approve the deeds of your fathers; because it was they who killed them, and you build their tombs. For this reason also the wisdom of God said, 'I will send to them prophets and apostles, and some of them they will kill and some they will persecute, in order that the blood of all the prophets, shed since the foundation of the world, may be charged against this generation, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who perished between the altar and the house of God; yes, I tell you, it shall be charged against this generation. Malachi is prophesying of the judgment on the wicked Jews and the victory achieved by the righteous who follow the Messiah. Christians did not literally tread down the Jews, but in the spiritual battle, the Christians are "more than conquerors". Wayne Wells wayneliz@twave.net http://users.twave.net/ncc A Place of Eternal Torment - Part 3 Those who teach that hell is not forever misunderstand the nature of death. Death is not a ceasing to exist but a separation James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. Genesis 2:17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die. When Adam and Eve sinned, they came to know the guilt of sin. They became separated from God that day. Yet, they continued to live physically, and would still be able to live physically forever if they were allowed to continue eat of the tree of life. A person can be dead while yet physically alive. They are dead in the sense they are separated from God. Luke 9:60 But He said to him, "Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God." Luke 15:23-24 and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found. 'And they began to be merry. Ephesians 2:1-3 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. Ephesians 5:14 For this reason it says, "Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you." Colossians 2:13 And when you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, 1 Timothy 5:6 But she that lives in pleasure is dead while she lives. 1 John 5:12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. First death = separation from body. Second death = separation from God. The second death is no more a ceasing to exist than the first death. It is a separation, not extinction. Hell is Eternal Torment a. Jesus described hell as the place "where the worm does not die and the fire is not quenched" - Mark 9:43-48 This is a picture of something worse than Valley of Hinnom! When the Jews threw out the body of criminal in the valley of Hinnom - the worms ate it and the fire burned it. Once it was consumed, the worm and fire are gone. In Gehenna - the fire and worm continues, because the body continues to exist, although in a very corrupted state. b. Hell is a place of "Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth". How can this be if the person is not conscious? Matt. 8:12, 22:13, 24:51, 25:30, Luke 13:28 c. The devil, beast and false prophet will be tormented forever in the lake of fire. Revelation 20:10 And the devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. "Tormented" is from "Basanizo" "To torture, or to vex with grievous pains." Thayer's Greek Lexicon d. All who worship the beast will be tormented forever in the lake of fire. Revelation 14:9-11 ...If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or upon his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; and they have no rest day and night, those who wor ship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name. e. All the lost will be cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 21:8 But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral per sons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." A Problem for those who say Hell is a Ceasing to Exist - Matthew 25:46 Matthew 25:46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. Both "everlasting" and "eternal" are translated from aionios {ahee-o'-nee-os} "without beginning and end, that which always has been and always will be; never to cease, everlasting" Whatever meaning is applied to the punishment must be applied to the reward. The contrast is not between eternal existence and eternal nonexistence, but between eternal life and eternal punishment. Both of them implying eternal existence. If Death is Ceasing to Exist and Nonexistence is Punishment, then: 1. We were all being punished before our lives began. 2. Both the righteous and the wicked are punished during the time between their death and the judgment. 3. Babies and children who die suffer the same punishment as the worst of sinners like Hitler, and Stalin. 4. All animals receive the same final punishment as the most wicked sinner 5. Death does separate us from the love of God. How can you love that which does not exist? Romans 8:38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 6.The final punishment given by man and God are identical. We need not fear God's as "sorer". Matthew 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 18:6 But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Hebrews 10:28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant... an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 7.The latter end of apostates will not be worse than for others. 2 Peter 2:20 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. Nonexistence is no part of heaven or hell, happiness or misery. Extinction puts an end to both. Many Want to Deny the Biblical Teaching of Hell 1.Modernists and many social gospelers deny it. 2.Universalists claim no one goes there. 3.Catholicism softens the doctrine of Hell by claiming many to go to purgatory for a temporary period. 4.Denominationalism compromises hell by watering down sin, teaching that there are many ways to got to heaven and emphasizing positive themes to the elimination of negative warnings such as hell. We can be just as guilty by neglecting to warn of the dangers of Hell. We can be so afraid of offending that we neglect to warn of the danger. We must let people know plainly in a way that cannot be misunderstood. If we go about putting out the fires of hell, we also put out the fires of evangelism. If sinners are not going to suffer torment in hell forever it is not imperative that we preach the gospel to them with patience, love, and great plainness of speech. We will instead be more interested in friendships and feeling good than in snatching their souls from the fires of Hell. 2 Corinthians 5:11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men... Fear of eternal Hell has greatly diminished in our society. This can be seen in the way people live. Some polls indicate that only 1-2% of Americans believe they are in danger of going to Hell. Reason it is so difficult to teach many today. If there is no belief in danger, there will be no attempt to escape. Matthew 7:13-14 Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruc tion, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. May God help us renew our faith in Him that we may more earnestly flee the eternal torment of Hell and seek the eternal reward of heaven and open doors for us to preach. Mark 16:15-16 And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. Romans 2:5-11 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who "will render to each one according to his deeds": eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness -- indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God. Fear of the Lord Changes Behavior! Fear of the Lord is often a forgotten subject today. Many say it only means having respect for God. The idea of respect is included in the fear of the Lord, but that is not all there is to it. Rejection of the fear of the Lord sometimes comes from a misunderstanding of 1 John 4:18. 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. If we are living as we should, we should not be living in trembling terror of God's judgments. If we are in sin, there is nothing wrong in being afraid. We would be foolish to not be afraid. Jesus used the fear of hell as a motivator to get people to repent. There is nothing wrong with people in sin to be afraid of hell. However, we are not to remain in this condition. We are to grow spiritually and draw closer to God. The closer we get to God, the more our motive for obedience will be love instead of fear. When love is perfect, then fear is gone. How many have perfect love? John 14:21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me While we are to be growing, as long as we have weakness, suffer temptation, stumble in sin, there will be a place for godly fear. We should grow to the point where fear is not our primary motivator, but in this life, we will never be without the fear of the Lord in the absolute sense. Below is a small sample of available passages teaching our need to fear the Lord. Genesis 20:10-11 Then Abimelech said to Abraham, "What did you have in view, that you have done this thing?" And Abraham said, "Because I thought, surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will kill me on account of my wife. Exodus 20:19-20 Then they said to Moses, "You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die." And Moses said to the people, "Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin." Leviticus 19:14 You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but shall fear your God: I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:32 You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the Lord. Leviticus 25:17 'Therefore you shall not oppress one another, but you shall fear your God; for I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 25:36 Take no usury or interest from him; but fear your God, that your brother may live with you. Leviticus 25:40-43 As a hired servant and a sojourner he shall be with you, and shall serve you until the Year of Jubilee... You shall not rule over him with rigor, but you shall fear your God. Deuteronomy 10:12 And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, Deuteronomy 28:58-59 If you do not carefully observe all the words of this law that are written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and awesome name, THE LORD YOUR GOD, then the Lord will bring upon you and your descendants extraordinary plagues -- great and prolonged plagues -- and serious and prolonged sicknesses. 1 Samuel 11:6-7 Then the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard this news, and his anger was greatly aroused. So he took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the territory of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying, "Whoever does not go out with Saul and Samuel to battle, so it shall be done to his oxen." And the fear of the Lord fell on the people, and they came out with one consent. 2 Samuel 23:3 The God of Israel said, The Rock of Israel spoke to me: 'He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. 2 Chronicles 14:13-14 And Asa and the people who were with him pursued them to Gerar. So the Ethiopians were overthrown, and they could not recover, for they were broken before the Lord and His army. And they carried away very much spoil. Then they defeated all the cities around Gerar, for the fear of the Lord came upon them; and they plundered all the cities, for there was exceedingly much spoil in them. 2 Chronicles 17:10 And the fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat. 2 Chronicles 19:4-7 So Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem; and he went out again among the people from Beersheba to the mountains of Ephraim, and brought them back to the Lord God of their fathers. Then he set judges in the land throughout all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city, and said to the judges, "Take heed to what you are doing, for you do not judge for man but for the Lord, who is with you in the judgment. Now therefore, let the fear of the Lord be upon you; take care and do it, for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, no partiality, nor taking of bribes." 2 Chronicles 20:29 And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries when they heard that the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel. Nehemiah 5:15 But the former governors who were before me laid burdens on the people, and took from them bread and wine, besides forty shekels of silver. Yes, even their servants bore rule over the people, but I did not do so, because of the fear of God. Psalm 2:11 Serve the Lord with fear, And rejoice with trembling. Psalm 36:1 An oracle within my heart concerning the transgression of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes. Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 3:7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate. Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 10:27 The fear of the Lord prolongs days, But the years of the wicked will be shortened. Proverbs 14:27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death. Proverbs 16:6 In mercy and truth atonement is provided for iniquity; and by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil. Isaiah 8:13 The Lord of hosts, Him you shall hallow; Let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread. Jeremiah 5:21-24 Hear this now, O foolish people, Without understanding, Who have eyes and see not, And who have ears and hear not: Do you not fear Me?' says the Lord. 'Will you not tremble at My presence, Who have placed the sand as the bound of the sea, By a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass beyond it?... But this people has a defiant and rebellious heart; they have revolted and departed. They do not say in their heart, "Let us now fear the Lord our God, Who gives rain, both the former and the latter, in its season. He reserves for us the appointed weeks of the harvest." Daniel 6:25-26 Then King Darius wrote: To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you. I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the living God, and steadfast forever; His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed, and His dominion shall endure to the end. Haggai 1:12 Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the Lord their God had sent him; and the people feared the presence of the Lord. Malachi 3:5 And I will come near you for judgment; I will be a swift witness against sorcerers, against adulterers, against perjurers, against those who exploit wage earners and widows and orphans, and against those who turn away an alien -- because they do not fear Me," says the Lord of hosts. Luke 12:4-5 And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who after He has killed has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him! Romans 3:10-18 As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one. Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit"; "The poison of asps is under their lips; Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood; Destruction and misery are in their ways; And the way of peace they have not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes." 2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Ephesians 5:21 submitting to one another in the fear of God. Hebrews 12:28-29 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire. Revelation 15:4 Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested. Wayne Wells wayneliz@twave.net http://users.twave.net/ncc