A Study of Hell

By Bob Myhan

The King James Version of the Bible has much to commend it. Unfortunately, it uses the word, “hell,” to translate three distinct Greek words, which do not all refer to the same thing.

The first is Gehenna, which is used only by Jesus and James and always refers to the final abode of the wicked and impenitent. It was named after “a place in the Valley of Hinnom south of Jerusalem where human sacrifice had been offered [Jer. 7:31] and where continuous burning of rubbish made it a fit illustration of the lake of fire” (The Bible Knowledge Commentary).

The second is Hades (literally, “the unseen”), which refers “to the abode of the dead between death and the resurrection. In it the souls of the wicked are in torment, and those of the righteous enjoy a paradise.” (J.W. McGarvey, The Fourfold Gospel) That Hades includes paradise seems obvious by comparing Luke 23:43 & Acts 2:22-31. Paradise seems to be equivalent to “Abraham’s bosom,” which is mentioned only in Luke 16:22 in relation to Hades.

McGarvey observes,

“The joys of Paradise were conceived of as those of a feast, and the expression ‘Abraham's bosom’ is taken from the custom of reclining on couches at feasts. As a guest leaned upon his left arm, his neighbor on his left might easily lean upon his bosom. Such a position of respect to the master of the house was one of special honor, and indicated great intimacy (John 1:18; 13:23). What higher honor or joy could the Jew conceive of than such a condition of intimacy and fellowship with Abraham, the great founder of their race?—Matt. 8:11.” (The Fourfold Gospel)

The third is Tartarus, which is used exclusively by Peter (2 Pet. 2:4) and refers to the place of confinement of “the angels who sinned” till “the judgment of the great day” (Jude 6).

This writer is convinced that Gehenna—and all other references to the final state of the wicked and impenitent—are figures of speech for complete and eternal separation from God. All these figures involve assaults on one or more of the five physical senses—touch, sight, hearing, taste and smell. Nothing will touch the bodies of those in hell except unquenchable flames. There will be absolutely no light, which will result in the blackness of darkness. The only thing those in hell will hear will be the weeping and gnashing of teeth. And the taste and smell of burning brimstone will abound. The bodies we will be given at the resurrection will be different from those we have now (1 Cor. 15:35-50). One’s present flesh and blood body is well suited for life on earth. Paul calls it “a natural body.” The word translated, “natural,” is the adjective form of the Greek word, “psuche,” which is often translated, “soul.” One’s future body is called “a spiritual body.” “Spiritual” is the adjective form of “pneuma,” which is often translated “spirit.” All of this seems to indicate that the body we now have is fitted for the soul but the body we shall have will be fitted for the spirit. Jesus implied that gender distinctions will not exist in the resurrection (Matt. 22:29-30). Paul writes, “flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God ,” indicating that the spiritual body will not be of flesh and blood.

We know not what the substance of that body will be or what senses it will have but this writer can imagine no greater discomfort than to be in a place of utter darkness, where the only sound is the weeping and gnashing of teeth, the only smell and taste is that of burning brimstone, and the only physical sensation is the pain of fire.

These, therefore, are appropriate figures for the plight of those who are eternally separated from God. The torment of hell will involve psychological pain and agony. Not physical pain but the anguish and grief of knowing you could have rendered obedience and service unto God and gone to heaven but you did not because you would not. Those in hell will be tormented forever and ever, not by God but by their own consciences. &

Christians in Bikinis

By Mike Thomas

A man got out of bed one morning and went outside to get the paper. The neighbors who saw him could not believe their eyes. The man had nothing on but his underwear! In his haste, he had apparently forgotten to put on his robe before leaving the house. So there he was, sporting nothing but a pair of Hanes and house slippers, and a red face to match.

This fictitious story is a sad reality this time of year. There are many people walking around in their underwear in public at swimming pools and beaches. The only difference is the name of the clothing has been changed from underwear to swimwear. And instead of frowning at the thought of being seen half-naked, people given to immodesty find it liberating to wear such attire. There are even Christians who think it is okay to wear bikinis in public. Is it even possible for those professing godliness (1 Timothy 2:10)?

When Adam and Eve discovered their nakedness and tried to hide it with fig leaves, they were still considered inappropriate to God, who made more clothes for them to wear (Genesis 3:21). This illustrates well the fact that man’s standard of modesty often differs from God’s. He expects us to avoid things that promote the exposure of the flesh, whether it is in wearing things too skimpy or too tight. A Christian is not to be given to lewdness and lascivious behavior (Romans 13:13). This can definitely be accomplished through the way we dress…and undress in public. A prostitute dresses in a special way when advertising her body (Proverbs 7:10). This same motive is seen by many in water parks and beaches. They may not be advertising their bodies for money, but they advertise their bodies for sexual attention nonetheless. This is lewdness. Shame on them. And shame on those who can take their family to such places and act like it won’t have an effect on them. People in underwear are always going to get attention! (Beaver Dam, Kentucky ) &

Editor’s Note: God made no distinction as to how much of the respective bodies of Adam and Eve were to be covered. Yet many men make such a distinction today, even among the Lord’s people. Men will go outside bare-chested though they would not want their wives to do so.

“Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin, and clothed them.” (Gen. 3:21)

The Prayer of Praise (2)

By Mitch Simpson

Just as there are several reason why God desires that we praise Him, there are several reasons why we ought to want to praise God.

First, praising God alters one’s perspectives.

·         It awakens us to who God really is.

·         It awakens us to see ourselves more clearly.

·         It awakens us to re-evaluate our troubles.

·         It awakens our proper dependence upon and faith in the Lord God.

·         It awakens in us a greater desire for the life offered in Christ: eternal life in the presence of God in heaven.

Second, praising God aids our victory in spiritual warfare.

Third, praising God promotes our spiritual growth.

Fourth, praising God sets all prayer in its proper perspective so that we speak to God in the way that we ought. &