Regarding Hell (yes another religion topic)

Before asking my question let me just say that I believe in evolution and the Big Bang theory. But I also believe that evolution was a process guided by God and that the Big Bang was of God's doing. I truly believe God is a logical being and that he just doesnt "poof" create things with no process but instead created life and the world around us through a process so that we may explore life and gain knowledge for our pleasure and curiosity. I dont believe that "evolution" somehow guided itself and made a world of such complex creatures and intelligent beings but I do however believe in the process itself. I also want to say that I come from a muslim background and I dont think that Islam contradicts with what I mentioned above. But my question is is not why some believe and dont believe, but rather its concerning Hell and concerns people of the muslim and christian faith. Why is Hell eternal, and if you believe it is, how do you make sense of it?

This has been bothering me for a really long time and I just cant make any sense of it. Ya sure some people deserve Hell for the things they have done but eternity is just overkill. Eternal punishment for a finite life full of finite sins does not make sense to me. But then again God knows things that I will never know but unfotunately it will always bother me until I find the answer. Another thing that really bothers me is that christians believe that muslims will go to Hell and vice versa but the fact of the matter is is that someone who grew up christian is probably going to die a christian and someone born muslim is probably going to die a muslim and same thing with every religion. Everyone pretty much gets brainwashed with what their parents taught them. So people who believe Hell is eternal, how do you make sense of it, and why is it eternal? Sorry for the long read btw.

*Edit*

I had this bookedmarked a long time ago but didnt really read it because it was really confusing. I read it again just now and it was still a bit confusing but it still made sense overall. Its about hell in Islam and it not being eternal. So if anyone wants to check it out, here you go.

http://www.yuksel.org/e/religion/hell.htm

I'm sure exactly what you want to know. You asked about 100 questions.

Someone once told me that they believed that Hell was not a place or a state like Heaven. Those who are good and deserving go to Heaven, and those who are not deserving of Heaven get nothing (and that is what hell is). Now I can't remember what this explaination of "nothing" was, be it some form of limbo, or perhaps just stop existing at all (as in the athiest belief).

I'm sure exactly what you want to know. You asked about 100 questions.

Pirate700

Many on this site would try to argue that hell is not eternal. Regardless of that, Scripture and all orthodox church traditions teach that hell is an eternal place of torment apart from God. Outside of these orthodox teachings are theories of annihilation (hell not being eternal but ceasing to exist) and future redemption outside of this life (no biblical case for this whatsoever).

With that said, the reason why the punishment for is infinite is because the the wrong doing is infinite. While sins against humanity and against ourselves are finite, sins against an infinite God are themselves infinite.

As far as your statement regarding keeping the faith of your upbringing, that is indeed the case. However, this truth is one of the reasons why Christianity promotes evangelism to such a degree. If all hear the message of Jesus and reject him, are they not without excuse?

That's a question that I myself struggle to find the answer for. I'm glad to see another logical, thinking religious person on here. Beware however, that OT is predominantly atheist, though I doubt you'll get as much hate since you're muslim. Anyway back on topic, I think alot of folks idea of hell may be mistaken. I've come to conclusion that hell is existence apart from God, whether the fire and brimstone and stuff is real or not, the real torture would be living totally separated from God and therefore anything that is good. Basically the idea is that you are an eternal being one way or the other, and you can chose to be with God for eternity or without God for eternity. Hope I've helped..Penguinchow

Many on this site would try to argue that hell is not eternal. Regardless of that, Scripture and all orthodox church traditions teach that hell is an eternal place of torment apart from God. Outside of these orthodox teachings are theories of annihilation (hell not being eternal but ceasing to exist) and future redemption outside of this life (no biblical case for this whatsoever).

With that said, the reason why the punishment for is infinite is because the the wrong doing is infinite. While sins against humanity and against ourselves are finite, sins against an infinite God are themselves infinite. As far as your statement regarding keeping the faith of your upbringing, that is indeed the case.

However, this truth is one of the reasons why Christianity promotes evangelism to such a degree. If all hear the message of Jesus and reject him, are they not without excuse?

mindstorm

With that said, the reason why the punishment for is infinite is because the the wrong doing is infinite. While sins against humanity and against ourselves are finite, sins against an infinite God are themselves infinite.

mindstorm

[QUOTE="Penguinchow"]That's a question that I myself struggle to find the answer for. I'm glad to see another logical, thinking religious person on here. Beware however, that OT is predominantly atheist, though I doubt you'll get as much hate since you're muslim. Anyway back on topic, I think alot of folks idea of hell may be mistaken. I've come to conclusion that hell is existence apart from God, whether the fire and brimstone and stuff is real or not, the real torture would be living totally separated from God and therefore anything that is good. Basically the idea is that you are an eternal being one way or the other, and you can chose to be with God for eternity or without God for eternity. Hope I've helped..sexy_fool69

[QUOTE="Penguinchow"]That's a question that I myself struggle to find the answer for. I'm glad to see another logical, thinking religious person on here. Beware however, that OT is predominantly atheist, though I doubt you'll get as much hate since you're muslim. Anyway back on topic, I think alot of folks idea of hell may be mistaken. I've come to conclusion that hell is existence apart from God, whether the fire and brimstone and stuff is real or not, the real torture would be living totally separated from God and therefore anything that is good. Basically the idea is that you are an eternal being one way or the other, and you can chose to be with God for eternity or without God for eternity. Hope I've helped..sexy_fool69

Hell is not a Biblical teaching, if you don't believe me, try to find a scripture that states hell exists. Also the Bible in 1 John 4:16 states that "God is love." So if God is love why would He create a place where people are tormented forever? Doesn't make sense.

As far as your statement regarding keeping the faith of your upbringing, that is indeed the case. However, this truth is one of the reasons why Christianity promotes evangelism to such a degree. If all hear the message of Jesus and reject him, are they not without excuse?

mindstorm

Now where have you been lately? I've missed reading your posts. :P They're always very well thought out.Penguinchow

[QUOTE="mindstorm"]

With that said, the reason why the punishment for is infinite is because the the wrong doing is infinite. While sins against humanity and against ourselves are finite, sins against an infinite God are themselves infinite.

ghoklebutter

Many on this site would try to argue that hell is not eternal. Regardless of that, Scripture and all orthodox church traditions teach that hell is an eternal place of torment apart from God. Outside of these orthodox teachings are theories of annihilation (hell not being eternal but ceasing to exist) and future redemption outside of this life (no biblical case for this whatsoever).

With that said, the reason why the punishment for is infinite is because the the wrong doing is infinite. While sins against humanity and against ourselves are finite, sins against an infinite God are themselves infinite.

As far as your statement regarding keeping the faith of your upbringing, that is indeed the case. However, this truth is one of the reasons why Christianity promotes evangelism to such a degree. If all hear the message of Jesus and reject him, are they not without excuse?

mindstorm

Ya buts that the case with every religion. A muslim truly believes in what he believes in, a christian truly believes in what he believes in , a jew truly believes in what he believes and so on and so forth. And most of these religions have a similar quote in their sacred texts about others hearing about their religion but still not believing in them. Im pretty sure GOD understands this, and he does have a right to be angry at people not believing in him, but eternity is just overkill.

Hell is not a Biblical teaching, if you don't believe me, try to find a scripture that states hell exists. Also the Bible in 1 John 4:16 states that "God is love." So if God is love why would He create a place where people are tormented forever? Doesn't make sense.

TheMadGamer

Hell is not a Biblical teaching, if you don't believe me, try to find a scripture that states hell exists. Also the Bible in 1 John 4:16 states that "God is love." So if God is love why would He create a place where people are tormented forever? Doesn't make sense.

TheMadGamer

Matthew 13:42: "And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth."

Matt 25:41: "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."

Mark 9:43-48: And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched."

Luke 16:24: "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."

Revelation 20:13-15: "...hell delivered up the dead which were in them...And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."

Revelation 21:8: "But the fearful, and unbelieving ... shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone."

Really man? I wasn't aware anybody even questioned it.

[QUOTE="mindstorm"]

As far as your statement regarding keeping the faith of your upbringing, that is indeed the case. However, this truth is one of the reasons why Christianity promotes evangelism to such a degree. If all hear the message of Jesus and reject him, are they not without excuse?

DigitalExile

Why would believing make it any more true? How can you make certainty from faith?joao_22990

Hell is not a Biblical teaching, if you don't believe me, try to find a scripture that states hell exists. Also the Bible in 1 John 4:16 states that "God is love." So if God is love why would He create a place where people are tormented forever? Doesn't make sense.

TheMadGamer

Many on this site would try to argue that hell is not eternal. Regardless of that, Scripture and all orthodox church traditions teach that hell is an eternal place of torment apart from God. Outside of these orthodox teachings are theories of annihilation (hell not being eternal but ceasing to exist) and future redemption outside of this life (no biblical case for this whatsoever).

With that said, the reason why the punishment for is infinite is because the the wrong doing is infinite. While sins against humanity and against ourselves are finite, sins against an infinite God are themselves infinite.

As far as your statement regarding keeping the faith of your upbringing, that is indeed the case. However, this truth is one of the reasons why Christianity promotes evangelism to such a degree. If all hear the message of Jesus and reject him, are they not without excuse?

mindstorm

[QUOTE="mindstorm"]

Many on this site would try to argue that hell is not eternal. Regardless of that, Scripture and all orthodox church traditions teach that hell is an eternal place of torment apart from God. Outside of these orthodox teachings are theories of annihilation (hell not being eternal but ceasing to exist) and future redemption outside of this life (no biblical case for this whatsoever).

With that said, the reason why the punishment for is infinite is because the the wrong doing is infinite. While sins against humanity and against ourselves are finite, sins against an infinite God are themselves infinite.

As far as your statement regarding keeping the faith of your upbringing, that is indeed the case. However, this truth is one of the reasons why Christianity promotes evangelism to such a degree. If all hear the message of Jesus and reject him, are they not without excuse?

Bluestorm-Kalas

I'd actually argue that all of us deserve death and hell because none but Christ is truly good. :o Sure, we might not bad from the world's standards and might do a lot of civil good, but we are repulsive compared to the goodness, greatness, and holiness of God. Thus, the only way we can enter into the presence of God's goodness is to have Jesus Christ intervene on our behalf (thus, the Son of God Jesus Christ taking our place for our sin upon the cross).

mindstorm

You know what I meant. :P

I'm kinda just... against religion altogether. I honestly have no problem with the idea of God even though personally I don't believe that God/A God exists. However, there's something about religion... maybe it's the way it seperates peoples ideas of the same thing (goodness, God) and says "Your way is wrong" (when/if it says that, or when people misinterpret their religion to mean that) and then it starts getting messy and people start getting arrogant and self righteous and it just repluses me.

Which sort of had nothing to do with your post. :lol:

[QUOTE="Pirate700"]

I'm sure exactly what you want to know. You asked about 100 questions.

sexy_fool69

[QUOTE="mindstorm"]

Many on this site would try to argue that hell is not eternal. Regardless of that, Scripture and all orthodox church traditions teach that hell is an eternal place of torment apart from God. Outside of these orthodox teachings are theories of annihilation (hell not being eternal but ceasing to exist) and future redemption outside of this life (no biblical case for this whatsoever).

With that said, the reason why the punishment for is infinite is because the the wrong doing is infinite. While sins against humanity and against ourselves are finite, sins against an infinite God are themselves infinite.

As far as your statement regarding keeping the faith of your upbringing, that is indeed the case. However, this truth is one of the reasons why Christianity promotes evangelism to such a degree. If all hear the message of Jesus and reject him, are they not without excuse?

Bluestorm-Kalas

[QUOTE="mindstorm"]

I'd actually argue that all of us deserve death and hell because none but Christ is truly good. :o Sure, we might not bad from the world's standards and might do a lot of civil good, but we are repulsive compared to the goodness, greatness, and holiness of God. Thus, the only way we can enter into the presence of God's goodness is to have Jesus Christ intervene on our behalf (thus, the Son of God Jesus Christ taking our place for our sin upon the cross).

DigitalExile

You know what I meant. :P

I'm kinda just... against religion altogether. I honestly have no problem with the idea of God even though personally I don't believe that God/A God exists. However, there's something about religion... maybe it's the way it seperates peoples ideas of the same thing (goodness, God) and says "Your way is wrong" (when/if it says that, or when people misinterpret their religion to mean that) and then it starts getting messy and people start getting arrogant and self righteous and it just repluses me.

Which sort of had nothing to do with your post. :lol:

I'm not a fan of arrogant Christians myself. Heck, read Matthew 23 and you can see that Jesus wasn't either. :P

[QUOTE="TheMadGamer"]

Hell is not a Biblical teaching, if you don't believe me, try to find a scripture that states hell exists. Also the Bible in 1 John 4:16 states that "God is love." So if God is love why would He create a place where people are tormented forever? Doesn't make sense.

mindstorm

Alright, I'll use an illustration to back my comment.

What would you think of parents who kept their children imprisoned day after day, or even tortured them? If you would be disgusted by such acts, should you not also be disgusted by a god who would cause his children to be tormented forever in fire?

So if cruelty and torture disgust us, how much more must they disgust God, who is love as I previously brought out.

Also the doctine of hellfire goes against justice. As Paul brought out "The wages sin pays is death." (Romans 6:23) and he also says "He who has died has been acquitted from his sin." So if death completely removes a person's indebtedness, why should he then suffer eternally for only a lifetime of sin?

Thus, the Bible shows that hellfire, as it is generally understood, does not exist.

Also, to comment on the scripture you just quoted the fiery lake mentioned there is only a symbol for annihilation, or eternal destruction. So there is no suffering in the lake of fire, or Gehenna, any more than there is in Hades (or, Sheol), where faithful servants of God, as well as wicked people, go.

Well I figure I am in hell right now. It is only fair that I go to heaven when I die... no? Is anyone else with me here? To answer the question... the idea of hell is absurd and doesn't really make any sense...just like most religious things. They are on the surface... things, ideas and theories with no substance.

Well I figure I am in hell right now. It is only fair that I go to heaven when I die... no? Is anyone else with me here?Diablo112688

Many on this site would try to argue that hell is not eternal. Regardless of that, Scripture and all orthodox church traditions teach that hell is an eternal place of torment apart from God. Outside of these orthodox teachings are theories of annihilation (hell not being eternal but ceasing to exist) and future redemption outside of this life (no biblical case for this whatsoever).

With that said, the reason why the punishment for is infinite is because the the wrong doing is infinite. While sins against humanity and against ourselves are finite, sins against an infinite God are themselves infinite.

As far as your statement regarding keeping the faith of your upbringing, that is indeed the case. However, this truth is one of the reasons why Christianity promotes evangelism to such a degree. If all hear the message of Jesus and reject him, are they not without excuse?

mindstorm

I disagree. How can something against humanity that ISN'T infinite sin suddenly become infinite towards God. God is eternal, omnipotent, and absolute. None of the menial things we do here in our day to day lives can hurt or harm him in any way and an unconditionally loving absolute consciousness like that would not condemn it's own creation to eternity of damnation. It's too bad that for 2,000 years our species has believed a myth about ourselves (that we are inherently evil, born in sin, and condemned by God outright) that we've made it a very real reality in our world in this age (and throughout all history). It really is a shame.

Alright, I'll use an illustration to back my comment.

What would you think of parents who kept their children imprisoned day after day, or even tortured them? If you would be disgusted by such acts, should you not also be disgusted by a god who would cause his children to be tormented forever in fire? [comment 1]

So if cruelty and torture disgust us, how much more must they disgust God, who is love as I previously brought out. [comment 2]

Also the doctine of hellfire goes against justice. As Paul brought out "The wages sin pays is death." (Romans 6:23) and he also says "He who has died has been acquitted from his sin." So if death completely removes a person's indebtedness, why should he then suffer eternally for only a lifetime of sin? [comment 3]

Thus, the Bible shows that hellfire, as it is generally understood, does not exist. [comment 4]

Also, to comment on the scripture you just quoted the fiery lake mentioned there is only a symbol for annihilation, or eternal destruction. So there is no suffering in the lake of fire, or Gehenna, any more than there is in Hades (or, Sheol), where faithful servants of God, as well as wicked people, go. [comment 5]

TheMadGamer

[1] Well, I wouldn't think a God like that would be justified either. However, the Christian God does not torment his children but his enemies.

[2] Good point (though irrelevent assuming the first comment to be true. Matthew 7:11 even backs this point up).

[3] Wrong definition of death. Death is seperation from the Father who is Life and the life-giver, not simply being in a casket in the ground.

[4] Ummm... I'm not sure I see how? Your argument completely negates all the Scriptural mention regarding punishment?

[5] This better?

"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life" (Matt. 25:46).

"The sinners in Zion are terrified; trembling grips the godless: 'Who of us can dwell with the consuming fire? Who of us can dwell with everlasting burning?'" (Isaiah 33:14).

"He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power" (2 Thess. 1:8-9).

[QUOTE="mindstorm"]

Many on this site would try to argue that hell is not eternal. Regardless of that, Scripture and all orthodox church traditions teach that hell is an eternal place of torment apart from God. Outside of these orthodox teachings are theories of annihilation (hell not being eternal but ceasing to exist) and future redemption outside of this life (no biblical case for this whatsoever).

With that said, the reason why the punishment for is infinite is because the the wrong doing is infinite. While sins against humanity and against ourselves are finite, sins against an infinite God are themselves infinite.

As far as your statement regarding keeping the faith of your upbringing, that is indeed the case. However, this truth is one of the reasons why Christianity promotes evangelism to such a degree. If all hear the message of Jesus and reject him, are they not without excuse?

MystikFollower

I disagree. How can something against humanity that ISN'T infinite sin suddenly become infinite towards God. God is eternal, omnipotent, and absolute. None of the menial things we do here in our day to day lives can hurt or harm him in any way and an unconditionally loving absolute consciousness like that would not condemn it's own creation to eternity of damnation. It's too bad that for 2,000 years our species has believed a myth about ourselves (that we are inherently evil, born in sin, and condemned by God outright) that we've made it a very real reality in our world in this age (and throughout all history). It really is a shame.

Yes, God wants us to have a relationship with Him. As James 4:8 brings out "Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you."

I agree completely, but we are not considered a child of God unless we are his. When we come to repentance before the Father, we become an adopted child of God. Being a human does not mean a person is automatically a child of God. (Besides, Jesus is the only true child of God.) Romans 8:38-39 even states, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." However, "us" includes those who are followers of Christ (just read the context to see).mindstorm

[QUOTE="mindstorm"] I agree completely, but we are not considered a child of God unless we are his. When we come to repentance before the Father, we become an adopted child of God. Being a human does not mean a person is automatically a child of God. (Besides, Jesus is the only true child of God.) Romans 8:38-39 even states, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." However, "us" includes those who are followers of Christ (just read the context to see).Bluestorm-Kalas

Romans 1:18-20 shows that all innately know enough about God to have no excuse (though, this innate knowledge of God can be "taught out" or willed out by the individual). With that said, even those who have never heard the name of Christ are without excuse. Is this a hard thing to grasp emotionally? Of course it is! That's why it's so imperative for Christians to spread the message. Romans 10:14-15 even says, "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'"

That's hard to say with complete certainty. However, the chances are lower for him than a child growing where Christianity flourishes (not merely existing like most of America, but truly flourishing). As far as whether it's the father's fault for the child never knowing Christ, it's hard to say. Sometimes that may very well be the case but one cannot make the argument of that always being true (for are we all not descendants of sinners?).

Romans 1:18-20 shows that all innately know enough about God to have no excuse (though, this innate knowledge of God can be "taught out" or willed out by the individual). With that said, even those who have never heard the name of Christ are without excuse. Is this a hard thing to grasp emotionally? Of course it is! That's why it's so imperative for Christians to spread the message. Romans 10:14-15 even says, "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'"

mindstorm

Someone has a solidified religion that they were taught to believe, never once hearing of Christianity, but they believed in this other deity. What happens to them if they die? Does their faith to that deity sort of give them a bypass for the Christian god or is it hell for them? That seems, in a way, unfair, because it's not the fault of the child he was taught different.

One more question and I'll leave you alone. :P

Someone has a solidified religion that they were taught to believe, never once hearing of Christianity, but they believed in this other deity. What happens to them if they die? Does their faith to that deity sort of give them a bypass for the Christian god or is it hell for them? That seems, in a way, unfair, because it's not the fault of the child he was taught different.

Bluestorm-Kalas

lol. :P

I honestly wish I could say that the person wouldn't be punished, but I've never seen anything indicating otherwise from Scripture. Some Christians have tried to argue that there will be less of a punishment, but I haven't really found the biblical evidence to say that. Scripture is extremely clear that in Christ alone can one gain access to the Father.

If I were to make a form of your argument, I'd point out how those in the Old Testament before the time of Jesus came to know God through Christ. You see, those who were followers of God before the time of Christ, not only did they worship a creater as opposed to the creation, but they realized their sin and sought a savior who would eventually be Jesus Christ. Does this mean there are some in these times who have never heard the name of Christ but still have received his grace gaining salvation? Maybe, but it's hard to say. I can't say I'd trust that argument enough to risk the salvation of others however. It's best we just tell the nations as we are told. :P

In your reference to children, what I can say is that there is strong biblical evidence that an infant or small child will not go to hell. I say this because at the death of his child, King David said, "But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me" in 2 Sam. 12:23. This at the very least shows that the child of a believer will not face punishment (though, I'd assume it would be all young children).

[QUOTE="TheMadGamer"]

Hell is not a Biblical teaching, if you don't believe me, try to find a scripture that states hell exists. Also the Bible in 1 John 4:16 states that "God is love." So if God is love why would He create a place where people are tormented forever? Doesn't make sense.

mindstorm

You believe in scripture that was written by the same people who believed in magic? 0_o

Why is Hell eternal?

sexy_fool69

It's not, only the consequences of hell are eternal. What happens in hell?

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28)

Why do people believe it's eternal? Because the King James Version (the first English version) translated like 7 different words into 'Hell', and further confusing the situations is the Greek word Aion.

In the King James Version, the word Aion is typically translated as 'everlasting', 'forever and ever' and so on. This isn't what Aion means. Aion means 'an unspecified period of time but not an eternity'.

What are the wages of sin? Eternal punishment? NO!

Romans 6:32: For the wages of sin is death;

And what about those who recieve salvation?

Romans 6:32: but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Eternal punishment in hell would require eternal life for the wicked. Eternal life is only granted to those who recieve salvation.

Why did God kick Adam and Eve out of the Garden?

And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: (Gen. 3:22)

Adam and Eve were removed from The Garden specifically so they wouldn't live forever in their fallen state. This is why death became necessary.

Those in hell CAN'T live forever because they can't take of the Tree of Life. Even those in Heaven must take of the Tree of Life to live forever:

Rev 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Rev 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

Rev 22:2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Rev 22:3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

i am a muslim and about your question, i dont think im brainwashed or something and there is a reason we have brains. We need to know whats wrong and whats right. In the holy book it says that God created the world in 6 or 7 days i dont remember that part :P(sry) it says he could create the world in 1 day. But he wanted to learn us to be patience. And about the hell part its actually different from religious to religious...

Following a religion is a waste of time, just believe in whatever you want to believe in. That's how religion started.

I believe that hell is place where bad spirits choose to go; a gate where evil spirits hang at an alternative world. I don't believe in hell how other's believe, where there would torture and screaming with some crazy evil orgy.

I believe this because of personal experience of meeting bad spirits they cross through this world from an alternative demension when the gates are open or crossed.

Because souls magically pops up in unlimited amount, if hell is not eternal and put souls back on earth, we will over populate.magicalclick

The word translated as soul in the Old Testament is the Greek word 'Nephesh', which means literally 'To Breathe'.

The Bible doesn't teach that we have immortal souls. It teaches that we are mortal beings who will die an be bodily resurrected at some time in the future. You don't 'die and go to Heaven or Hell', you die and rot, until your body is reformed at Resurrection.

[QUOTE="br0kenrabbit"]

[QUOTE="magicalclick"]Because souls magically pops up in unlimited amount, if hell is not eternal and put souls back on earth, we will over populate.magicalclick

The word translated as soul in the Old Testament is the Greek word 'Nephesh', which means literally 'To Breathe'.

The Bible doesn't teach that we have immortal souls. It teaches that we are mortal beings who will die an be bodily resurrected at some time in the future. You don't 'die and go to Heaven or Hell', you die and rot, until your body is reformed at Resurrection.

The Bible tells us what death is like:

Deu 31:16 And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thou shalt sleep with thy fathers; ...

"But wait!" I hear you say. "That was BEFORE Christ! AFTER Christ, as soon as people die they go to heaven or hell, like the thief on the cross!" Not true. Let's take a look.

Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

Doesn't this prove that as soon as Jesus and the Thief die on the cross, they will be together in paradise? No, it doesn't. The comma was added during translation, and does not appear in the original text. Let's move that comma one word...

Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee To day, shalt thou be with me in paradise.

Sounds stilted in English but you get the idea. It's a promise MADE on this day, not that will HAPPEN on this day. Need further proof?? How could Christ have been in Paradise with the Thief ON THE FIRST DAY if after the third day he still says:

John 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father:

Death is sleep. We sleep until we are ressurrected, and we DO NOT have immortality UNTIL THEN.

1 Cor 15:51 Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
1 Cor 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
1 Cor 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
1 Cor 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
1 Cor 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

(Note that immortality is not received or "put on" until the second coming. We do not have it until then.)

1 Th 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
1 Th 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent (precede) them which are asleep.
1 Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1 Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.