Will Hell Last Forever?

Introduction:

A cover article in major news magazine reports that 64% of Americans believe in reality of hell. Yet it is rarely mentioned in many churches. We know that the first emphasis in Jesus’ preaching was on God’s goodness & love. But He was not embarrassed to warn of the reality and dreadfulness of the final state of the lost. In 11 texts, we find Jesus referring to hell – so we need to consider His teaching about divine justice. Jesus taught that actions have consequences & that there will be a reckoning for every sin (Mt. 16:27). The road we choose through life will terminate in life or destruction. But will hell last forever?

I.  What is the doctrine of annihilation?

A.    Annihilationism or conditionalism states that the sentence of hell will not be eternal.

1.     After a period of time (that God determines) when fitting punishment is dealt out, the condemned soul will be utterly destroyed – i.e., wiped out of existence entirely.

B.    Conditionalists rely heavily on OT passages.

1.     Psa. 9; 21:4-10; 49:8-20; 58:7-8; Pro. 2:21-22; 10:25; 12:7

B.    Annihilationists emphasize scriptures referring to hell as the 2nd death.

1.     Rev. 2:11; 20:6, 14, 21:8; Rom. 6:23

II. Arguments made in favor of this doctrine:

A.    Hell is inconsistent with the nature of God – it goes against His goodness, kindness, and mercy. Titus 3:3-5 – God is good, kind, and merciful.

1.     Deut. 32:4; Isa. 45:21; Hos. 14:9; 1 John 1:9 – God is also just.

2.     Without justice, there is no mercy!

B.    The punishment of hell is disproportionate to the sin for which it is inflicted.

C.    Hell reflects on the wisdom of God, since it involves His whole creation in an awful failure.

1.     We may not have all the answers…Rom. 11:33; Psa. 145:3; 36:6; Deut 29:29

D.    Hell is where men always die, yet never die, never live, but always live.

III. Descriptions of hell indicating conscious torment.

A.    It is a place of outer darkness. Mt. 8:12; 22:13; 25:30; 2 Pet. 2:17; Jude 13

1.     This darkness is a darkness of gloom & utter loneliness.

B.    There will be weeping & gnashing of teeth. Mt. 8:12; 13:42, 50; 22:13; 24:51

1.     This describes the intense mental anguish of utter sorrow and regret.

2.     Eternity is designed for the wicked that they cannot forget their rejection of God.

C.    It is eternal punishment – Mt. 25:41, 46; Rev. 20:10

D.    Rom. 2:6-11 – indignation, wrath, tribulation, and anguish

1.     How can this happen to unconscious, non-existent people?

E.     It is an unquenchable fire. Mt. 13:42, 50 – Jesus called hell a furnace of fire.

1.     Mk. 9:43-48 - an unquenchable fire.

2.     Mk. 9:43-48 – where the worm does not die…

a)    Reference to Isa. 66:24

b)    The fire & the eating worm never accomplish the annihilation of those who are in hell.

F.     Rev. 14:9-11

1.     Contrast 14:11 w/14:13.  The contrast is on “rest.”

2.     This proves that the lost endure continual, unceasing, conscious torment.

Conclusion:

A.    People are conscious after they die.

B.    One cannot torment an unconscious, non-existent person.

C.    Do what you must to get to heaven.