Presenting Biblical answers to tough questions.

Q: Is it possible that hell is just a reference to the struggles of this life?

A: Believers must constantly be on guard against the urge to shy away from truths that make us uncomfortable. It is tempting to explain away the Bible passages which discuss hell and eternal torment, and there are a variety of ways people have attempted it. The problem is that all of these attempts are the theological equivalent of sticking our heads in the sand.

It really must come back to the simple message of Scripture. Think of it this way: in order to benefit from the profound promise of John 3:16 I must take the verse at face value and accept the truths which it clearly communicates. Many find this easy to do because the truths of John 3:16 are fairly pleasant to believe in. But if we are to be honest and consistent in our understanding of God’s Truth, then we must be just as straightforward in interpreting verses such as Luke 16:23-24, Revelation 20:10, and Revelation 21:8. Each of these verses indicate the final destination for the ungodly is a place of profound and eternal torment. The only escape from this eternal doom is faith in Christ’s atoning sacrifice (John 3:18, 36).

God tells us these truths with good reason. He does not desire any to perish but all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). The passages that teach about hell are a warning to people everywhere to escape the wrath of God through the outlet He has provided: faith in Christ. But how can people respond to these warnings unless they are clearly communicated (Romans 10:14)? As uncomfortable as it is, Christians must remain committed to the clear truths of Scripture; we must clearly communicate the bad news of eternal peril so people can understand the good news of eternal life through Christ!

If you have a question that you would like a Biblical answer to, you can send it via email to [email protected] or by mail to Formoso Church; P.O. Box 66; Formoso, Kan. 66942