I'M
SCARED— OF GOD AND HELL!
Perhaps if you've been reading
some of our other stories, you may be learning that God really is A
WONDERFUL, KIND AND LOVING HEAVENLY FATHER!
But still you hear these
terrible stories about how God will put bad people in HELL and torture
them and burn them for ever and ever!
You hear that as soon as we
die, we either go to heaven right away or we go to HELL and be tortured
for always! Some people even tell you that even if you are going to get to
go to heaven, you still have to go to PURGATORY and be tortured for a few
thousand years to get rid of your sins!
They say that God is made happy
when He hears the wicked people screaming in pain— and you wonder— HOW
CAN A GOD OF LOVE DO SOMETHING HORRIBLE LIKE THAT??
WELL— as
always— the TRUTH sets us free from fear. The Bible does NOT teach that
we go to Heaven or Hell when we die.
It does not
say people will be burned forever and ever although there are a few verses
that seem to say that when we don't understand what they mean.
AND the
BIBLE never heard of a place called PURGATORY!! You can search from cover
to cover and you will not find it in the Bible!
LET'S LEARN
THE TRUTH— SHALL WE?
THE 'DEADER' GOES BY
Tom
and Tony were bored with life. It had been raining and raining and raining
for I don't know how long, and they had played with all their toys until
they had lost interest in everyone of them.
Tony,
the smaller of the two, was at the window, mournfully repeating the old
refrain: "Rain, rain, go to Spain"; but the rain was very
obstinate this afternoon. It just wouldn't go.
Suddenly,
however, Tony raised a shout of eager interest.
Something
was happening in the street. “Tom!" he cried, “come here and have
a look! There's a deader going by."
“A
what going by?" asked Tom.
“A
deader. See, look at the lovely flowers and the nice shiny cars."
“What
a long procession!" exclaimed Tom, running to the window. “My, what
a lot of cars! That must be Mr. Jones's funeral. "
“I
'spect he must be pretty hot by now," said Tony.
“Hot!
Why ever should he be hot?"
"
'Cos he was a bad man, and Satan must have popped him into the fire right
away."
"How
do you know he was a bad man?" asked Tom, surprised at his little
brother's certainty as to poor Mr. Jones's fate.
"
'Cos," replied Tony solemnly, "I heard him swear one day when he
was in our house. And he used to smoke. And I heard Mamma say he went home
drunk one night. So I ' spect he'll be poked down and down where it's
very, very hot, and he'll smell like roast…"
"Tony!"
cried a voice from the other side of the room. "What is that you're
saying?" "Hello, Auntie," said both boys together, turning
around. "We didn't know you had come."
"I
think I came just in time," said Auntie.
“You
did," said Tony eagerly. "Come and see the deader going by! He's
almost gone now, but you can still see the cars."
"Tony,"
said Auntie, "you shouldn't speak like that about a funeral. Poor
Mrs. Jones and all the family are very, very sad about it, and you should
be sorry for them and not make fun about it."
"We
weren't making fun," said Tom indignantly. "We were only
looking, and Tony was saying where he thought Mr. Jones had gone."
"But
Tony was quite wrong," said Auntie, "and you should both have
known better."
”But
that's what my teacher told me happens to bad people," said Tony with
a grieved air.
“Then
he was wrong."
"But
it was a lady."
“Then
she was wrong," said Auntie; "and if you will come over here by
the fire, I will tell you all about it." Glad for any sort of change,
the two little boys rushed over to grab the most comfortable seats beside
the fire. "Now go on, Auntie," said Tom, now as interested as
Tony.
"Well,"
said Auntie, "I am going to tell you just what is found in the Bible.
For that is God's Book, where He tells us how man came into this world and
what happens to him when he goes out of it.
"First
of all, how did man come into the world? I am going to read a text in the
second chapter of Genesis, verse seven: 'The Lord God formed man of the
dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and
man became a living soul.' Now, Tony, how many things go to make up a
man?"
"Two
things," said Tony.
"Good
boy," said Auntie. "That's right. First, the dust of the ground,
and second, the breath of life. The two together make a 'living soul.'
Separate them, and death comes. Do you see?"
"I
s'pose that's what makes a deader," said Tony.
"Yes,"
said Auntie, with a smile, "a deader. We read of this separation at
death in Ecclesiastes, chapter twelve, verse seven, where it says, 'Then
shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit [which is
another word for breath] shall return unto God who gave it.' So you see
that when the body and the breath are separated, there is no more a living
soul"
This
was rather deep for Tony.
"Do
you mean there is nothing left to be poked down into a fire by
Satan?" he said after a pause.
"That's
exactly right," said Auntie. "There just isn't anything left.
Now, if I turn over the page I read here in chapter nine, verse five, that
'the dead know not any thing'; and again in verse ten, 'There is no work,
nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave.' It couldn't be
plainer, could it?"
"No,"
said Tom. "It's very plain. But don't good people, then, go to heaven
when they die?"
"How
can they?" said Auntie. "The same thing happens to them as to
the bad people. The two parts; the dust and the breath; separate, and
there is no more living soul. The people are simply dead."
"But,
Auntie," asked Tony, reluctant to let go of his idea, "won't the
bad people ever be poked down into a big, hot fire?"
"And
won't the good people ever go to heaven?" asked Tom.
"Oh,
yes," said Auntie. "While it is perfectly true that the dead
know nothing, and are as fast asleep as tired little boys after a hard
day's play, yet one day they will all wake up and come to life
again.
Jesus
has told us that. He said: 'The hour is coming, in the which all that are
in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; they that have
done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil,
unto the resurrection of damnation.' That is found in the fifth chapter of
John, verses twenty-eight and twenty-nine; but there are other texts that
say the same thing.
There
is no doubt whatever that the dead will be raised to life, and then the
good people will be rewarded and the bad people punished."
"But,
Auntie," asked Tom, "when will it happen? Thousands of years in
the future?"
"I
don't think so, dearie. You see, Tom, there is a definite time fixed by
God for the dead to be raised. In Paul's first letter to the
Thessalonians, the fourth chapter and sixteenth verse, we are told that
'the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven: . . . and the dead in Christ
shall rise.' From this it is clear that all the good people who have gone
to sleep in death believing in Jesus will be awakened by His glorious
voice calling to them when He comes again. And many today believe that it
will not be very long before that happens."
"But,
Auntie," said Tony, with a worried look on his face, "what about
the fire for the wicked people? Isn't there anything about that?"
"Oh,
yes, Tony," said Auntie. "That is just as clear, too, though
there is only time to read you one text now. Here it is in the twentieth
chapter of Revelation and the ninth verse. Here you have the story of what
happens to all the wicked people who are brought back to life to hear
their final sentence from God. It says, 'Fire came down from God out of
heaven, and devoured them.' "
"A-a-a-a-h!"
exclaimed Tony as though fully satisfied at last. "I knew they'd get
it sometime."
"And
the fire will burn up everybody and everything bad?" asked Tom.
"Yes,
dear," said Auntie. "Everything bad will be burned up, and God
will make a glorious new home for all the people who love Him; and in that
happy, happy land there will be no more sickness or pain, and nobody will
ever die any more."
"And
we shall never see a deader going by again?" said Tony. "No,
dear," said Auntie with deep feeling; "thank God, never, never
again. "
What and Where Is Hell
In our PAGE
ABOUT DEATH we learned what happens to a person when he dies. We saw
that those who accept Jesus as their Saviour and obey Him, are sleeping in
their graves until He comes back to awaken them at the resurrection.
There are
many, however, who pay no attention to what the Bible teaches; they will
not listen to Jesus; they refuse to obey His commandments. It is
impossible for Jesus to take them to heaven in their sins. What will
become of them? In looking for the answer to this question, we need to
know exactly what the Bible teaches. Only God can give us the true answer.
1. Who
first promised man that he could disobey God and never die?
But
of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath
said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
And
the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth
know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and
ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. Genesis 3:3-5
Note:
This is the only text in the Bible that promises man that he can disobey
God and have eternal life and it was Satan's Lie!
2. Who was
really speaking through the serpent?
And
the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and
Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth,
and his angels were cast out with him. Revelation 12:9
3. What did
Jesus say Satan is?
Ye
are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He
was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because
there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own:
for he is a liar, and the father of it. John 8:44
Note:
We need to remember who it was that was speaking to Eve, promising her
that she could disobey God and continue to live. God says Satan is a liar.
What two
resurrections did Jesus say there would be?
Marvel
not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the
graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done
good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto
the resurrection of damnation. John 5:28, 29
How Many
Are Now in Hell?
4. In what
direction are most people traveling?
Enter
ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that
leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because
strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and
few there be that find it. Matthew 7:13, 14
Note:
How sad it is that there are far more wicked people in the world than
there are good people. All who refuse to follow the right way will be
lost. Those who are not willing to live according to God’s laws here,
would be most unhappy in heaven.
Many
religions of the world teach that when a wicked person dies he goes
immediately to a place called "hell." where he is tormented with
fire forever. Many heathen religions have taught this for centuries.
Several hundred years ago this false teaching came into the Christian
church.
Others
say that a good God would not torture someone forever because of a few
years of wrong living. They believe that there really is no hell, and that
this is just God’s way of threatening people to make them do what is
right. They make God to be the liar! But, the question is, What does the Bible teach?
5. What
reward does sin bring?
For
the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23
Note:
The wages of sin is death--not life. If, as many people believe, the dead
live for ever in hell fire, then they would really have eternal life too,
just as do the righteous. The difference would be that the righteous live
in peace and happiness, while the wicked suffer.
6. When
does Jesus say all men will receive their reward?
For
the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and
then he shall reward every man according to his works. Matthew 16:27
Note:
This verse, tells us that none will receive his
reward until Jesus comes with all His angels. Therefore the wicked are not
now in hell.
7. Where
did He say those who have done evil are now, while they await the
resurrection?
Marvel
not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the
graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done
good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto
the resurrection of damnation. John 5:28, 29
Note:
What would be the need of calling the wicked from their graves in the
resurrection day if they were already in hell? Why should they come up for
judgment if they were already suffering in hell for hundreds of years?
That would be very unreasonable.
Jesus teaches that the
wicked sleep in their graves until the resurrection day, when they will
come forth to receive their punishment. They are not now suffering in
hell!
8. For whom
was the fire of destruction originally prepared?
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. Matthew
25:41
9. When
will Satan and his angels receive their punishment?
And
the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own
habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the
judgment of the great day. Jude 6
10. What is
this death called?
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 20:14, 15
Note:
No sin defiled heart can enter heaven. It was sin that nailed Jesus to the
cross. You won’t hold on to it, will you? Let Jesus free you from sin
and write your name in the book of Life!
11. To what
are the wicked compared?
For,
behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud,
yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh
shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them
neither root nor branch. Malachi 4:1
Note:
Stubble is what is left in the field after the grain has been harvested.
It is very dry and burns very hot and very quickly.
12. When
the fire has completed its work, what will be left?
And
ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes
under the soles of
your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts.
Malachi 4:3
13. To what
did Jesus compare the wicked?
The
field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the
tares (weeds) are the children of the wicked one. Matthew 13:38
14. What
happens to the weeds?
As
therefore the tares (weeds) are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be
in
the end of this world. Matthew 13:40
When does
this take place?
As
therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be
in
the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and
they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them
which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall
be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 13:40-42
Note:
How nicely this goes along with the statement of Jesus in Matthew 11:22
where He speaks of a day of judgment as a future event. It would be wrong
to think that a person is being punished before he has been judged!
15. Where
will the fire burn the wicked?
And
they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the
saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of
heaven, and devoured them. Revelation 20:9
Difficult Texts Explained:
You may
ask, "But do not some texts speak of eternal torment which will last
forever, of eternal fire, and unquenchable fire?" Yes, there are
those texts, but let’s look at some other Bible texts and see if they
will help us understand these other more difficult texts. We must always
remember that the Bible does not contradict itself!
16. Under
certain circumstances, how long was a Hebrew servant to serve his master?
Then
his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the
door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through
with an awl; and he shall serve him for ever. Exodus 21:6
Note:
Clearly, in this case, the term "forever" means as long as the
servant lived, and no longer.
For how long a period of
time did Samuel’s mother indicate he was to serve the Lord in Shiloh?
But
Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until
the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before
the LORD, and there abide for ever. 1 Samuel 1:22
For how
long did she intend he was to serve the Lord?
Therefore
also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to
the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there. 1 Samuel 1:28
Note:
In order to understand the meaning of these terms, we have to look at
other passages that use the same words or phrases. The term forever was as
long as Samuel lived. In both the Old and New Testaments, the term forever
is used more than fifty times with reference to something that has already
come to an end.
17. How
long did Jonah say he was in the fish?
I
went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was
about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O
LORD my God. Jonah 2:6
Note:
In the case of Jonah, the term "forever" was an even shorter
period of time than it was in the other texts we have just looked at.
18. How long was Jonah
really in the fish?
Now
the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in
the belly of the fish three days and three nights. Jonah 1:17
19. What
word is used to describe the fire that destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah?
Even
as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving
themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set
forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Jude 7
Note:
If you will go back and read verse 6 also, you will see that the writer is
comparing the fires that destroyed these wicked cities with the fire of
the last days that will destroy the wicked.
20. What
was left when this fire had completed its work?
And
turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an
overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live
ungodly. 2 Peter 2:6
Note:
Peter tells us that when the fire had completed its work, nothing was left
but ashes. Remember that this was exactly what Malachi 4:3 said would be
left of the wicked after the fire of destruction in the last day had done
its work.
What did
God say about the fire that would burn Jerusalem if the people continued
to rebel and disobey His commandments?
But
if ye will not hearken unto me to hallow the sabbath day, and not to bear
a burden, even entering in at the gates of Jerusalem on the sabbath day;
then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the
palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched. Jeremiah 17:27
Note:
A number of years later, because the people continued to disobey God, King
Nebuchadnezzar came against the city and burned it with fire. See 2
Chronicles 36:19. Even though God had said the fire would be unquenchable,
we would not understand that this fire is still burning today. When God
said, through the prophet Jeremiah, that the fire would be unquenchable,
He meant that no man would be able to put it out until it had done its
appointed work of destroying the city.
A God of Love
How does
God feel about the death of the wicked?
Say
unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death
of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye,
turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
Ezekiel 33:11
What is
this work of God destroying sinners called?
For
the LORD shall rise up as in mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the
valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to
pass his act, his strange act. Isaiah 28:21
Note:
The terrible work of destroying the lost is a "strange act" for
Jesus to do. His whole life was spent and sacrificed in trying to help
save men. It will be a fearful, heartbreaking time when Jesus at last
comes to do "His act, His strange act" of destroying those who
have rejected His pleadings and for whom He gave His life.
The Complete End of
Sin
How will
God bring to an end our memory of the sad past?
And
God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more
death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain:
for the former things are passed away. Revelation 21:4
Note:
How kind God is! In Isaiah 65:17 we read: "For behold, I create new
heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come
into mind." There will be a complete end to the suffering of the lost
and even the memory of them will be no more.
Remember that not one
person will be destroyed unless he has rejected the opportunity to be
saved. Jesus will save all who will accept Him as their Saviour. Those who
knowingly cling to sin must pay the penalty--the second death.
God will
soon set fire to the horrible rubbish pile of sin in this old world. He is
going to clean the universe of the very memory of sin. Sin will be
destroyed wherever it is found. In mercy Jesus pleads with you to forsake
sin so that you will not be destroyed at last.
Jesus wants
to save you. He cannot bear to think of even one soul being lost. He
suffered and died on the cross to open the doors of Heaven for you! Will
you not say, "Jesus, I surrender all"?
NO MATTER WHO
YOU ARE, YOUNG OR OLD, WEAK OR STRONG, JESUS WILL SAVE ALL WHO COME TO HIM
AND ASK FOR FORGIVENESS AND POWER TO LIVE A LIFE THAT PLEASES HIM.
NO ONE WILL BE
LEFT OUT OF HEAVEN WHO REALLY, TRULY CHOOSES TO GO THERE!
BACK TO
SCARE-DEE CAT
WHAT'S
NEW?