Would God send someone to Hell?

Would a loving God send someone to Hell?  This is among the top handful of reasons why some people reject Christianity.  And that is not hard to understand.  Why would God be portrayed as the most loving being by far and yet also send the majority of people into everlasting torment?  Sin is awful and our choice, but “everlasting torment”…  The argument is that He could have designed things so that doesn’t happen.  What does the Bible actually say about the two big questions:

  • Is Hell before or after the Judgement Throne or both?
  • Which fits God’s character best as He has revealed about Himself?

Most people understand and accept that rejecting and working against an authority figure rightfully can lead to consequences.  The real question is, “What does the Bible actually say about does God send people to Hell?”  The answer is “Yes” … and “No”.  Yes, Hell is an appropriate punishment for rejecting God, but most misunderstand how the Bible actually describes Hell.

Overview:

CS Lewis is a very well respected theologian and saw how the actual verses could go either way.  Here is his quote.  “But I notice that Our Lord, while stressing the terror of hell with unsparing severity usually emphasizes the idea not of duration but of finality. Consignment to the destroying fire is usually treated as the end of the story—not as the beginning of a new story. That the lost soul is eternally fixed in its diabolical attitude we cannot doubt: but whether this eternal fixity implies endless duration—or duration at all—we cannot say.”  CS Lewis – The Problem of Pain.

It should be noted that the broad base of today’s theologians believe that “punishment” continues into and on-going in eternity.  That said, there is debate because it could be said that a plain reading of the majority of related scriptures could indicate that the torment is for the period between our death on the earth and the final judgement where those that reject God “perish” / “are destroyed”.  For example, the rich man and Lazarus is a scene of tormenting fire while this earth still exists because the rich man wants to warn his relatives.  In 2 Peter 2:4,9, it says that God cast the rebellious angels into Hell “until Judgement”.  Additionally, the most famous verse in the New Testament, John 3:16, seems to contrast “perishing” and “eternal” life.

Some other key points:

  • Gehenna is commonly attributed to Hell and placed after the Judgement Throne, but Gehenna is never mentioned in Revelation.  Some make it another name for the Lake of Fire, but there is no scriptural support for that other than using the eternal torment framework position to place it there.  Also, Gehenna was a dumping ground outside Jerusalem with a fire “that didn’t burn out”.  Two notes:  1) That flame did go out – it doesn’t exist today, and 2) the things thrown into that flame were consumed, not continuing to exist in the flames.
  • “Death and Hades” are thrown into the Lake of Fire after the Judgement Throne.  We know that death no longer continues, so the most direct interpretation for Hades, which houses the lost, would also no longer exist.
  • The judgement of the Lake of Fire is called the “second death”.  Since the first death is our physical death, the best interpretation of this would be our soul death.
  • Eternal torment is described as day and night forever and ever.  Notes on both part of that:  1) We know from Revelation that night no longer exists in Heaven, and 2) Just as before this earth, it is likely that the concept of time no longer exists in Heaven.  So “forever and ever” likely ends when this world goes away.  Genesis 1 “in the beginning” references “time” beginning at the start of Creation and it likely ends when Creation goes away (Rev 21:1).  The problem of “day and night” not existing in Heaven does not seem to be addressed by those supporting torment continuing in eternity.
  • It should be noted for those that do not fear Hell that it is a horrible place.  Not only are the flames unbearable, God’s hand of restraint will be removed and so people like Hitler, Stalin, rapists, mass murderers, etc. will be even more cruel towards others than here on Earth.
  • Note that if it is true that torment goes on in eternity, that would be because these people have decided to continue in their rejection of God even during torment.  We do see that in Revelation in various places such as Rev 16:9.

Annihilation (judgement finalized in eternity) timeline:
We sin (reject God’s truths) during our life –> We die and go to Hell and it’s torment (“hosted” by Abraham) before the Judgement Throne –> We are judged by our works in the books of Revelation 20:11-15 –> We are thrown into the Lake of Fire and consumed along with death and Hades.

The root question is around if God’s judgement is “finalized in eternity” or “for all of eternity”.

More details:
The Bible verses:

Some notes on the statements made in parable of the rich man and Lazarus:

  • This scene is before the Judgement Throne because people are still living on the Earth.  In other words, it is NOT in eternity.
  • The primary host is Abraham, not Jesus.  Abraham is not mentioned in Revelation as the focus in the end times is Jesus. This is similar to the 7 verses in Matthew and Luke that mention weeping and gnashing of teeth. Abraham is mentioned as a host, not Jesus. Also in those 7 verses, some refer to the outer darkness which is associated with Hades (holding place “before” judgement), but not in relation to the Lake of Fire.
  • It mentions a great chasm fixed between them which sounds exactly like being out of the presence of God.  Alternative to this is mentioned below in reference to 2 Thessalonians 1:9.
  • There is torment and flames which are typically described as the conditions in Hell.
  • These last two are conditions we attribute Hell and are not called out in Revelation about the Lake of Fire.  More on the Lake of Fire later.

Here are 4 groups of verses that seem to indicate “destruction” or “perish” after Judgement.

  • Verses with “destroy” or “perish”
    • Psalm 37:20:  But the wicked shall perish… they shall vanish – like smoke they will vanish away.
    • Matthew 10:28:  Do not fear those that can kill body, but not soul.  Rather, fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
    • Psalm 1:6:  … but the way of the ungodly shall perish
    • Matthew 7:13-14:  Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction…
    • Romans 6:23:  For the wages of sin is death … (“death” is different than “eternal torment”)
    • Philippians 3:19:  whose end is destruction …
  • Verses that sound like Hell, but are before the Judgement Throne
    • Luke 16:19-31:  Rich man and Lazarus:  This is not referencing eternity since the earth still exists (people are still there for someone to “go talk to”).  It clearly shows “torment” while this earth still exists (i.e. before final judgement)
    • 2 Peter 2:4,9:  … cast them into Hell / keep under punishment … “until the judgement” (not after judgement)
  • Verses that contrast “eternal life” and “perishing”
    • John 3:16:  … whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life …
    • John 10:28:  [saved] will not perish but have eternal life
    • Hebrews 10:39:  But we are not of them who shrink back to destruction; but have faith that saves the soul.
    • James 4:12:  There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy.
  • Other interesting verses
    • Jude 1:7:  “just as Sodom and Gomorrah … serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.” (Sodom and Gomorrah are not burning anymore and the people there perished.  Yet the Bible says they are undergoing the judgement of eternal fire.  If it just means they are lost and their end is judgement, any group that God destroyed would have been a fine example.  But they were destroyed by fire which fits “serve as an example” if people perish in the Lake of Fire.)
    • Revelation 21:8:  The word “death” here is used over 100 times in the NT and clearly means death.  Note that this verse is right after the Judgement Throne.

A verse for on-going punishment

  • Matthew 25:46:  “These shall go away into eternal punishment but the righteous into eternal life.”  If this verse is pulled out of its context and read stand alone, it seems to be a very clear indicator that people that reject God will have eternal punishment.  But context, always important to Bible study, opens the door to this verse potentially fitting fine into the finality of punishment picture.  Some points on that:
    • The verse doesn’t elaborate on whether the punishment is final or on-going.  As noted below, Revelation 20:11-15 (v14) indicates that the judgement (punishment) for rejecting God is the second “death.”
    • The context for this verse (Matthew 25:46) is all of chapter 25.  This chapter has three sections.  Each has extended commentary on what people did to deserve an outcome and then a brief statement of outcome.  The primary focus on each section is what they did to deserve what happened, not details on the final outcome.
    • The verses in the 4 groups above contrast “destruction” (or perish) and “eternal life” (death vs. life).  But this verse contrasts “eternal punishment” vs “eternal life”.  Someone going through punishment is still alive.  So, contrasting “punishment” to “life” is not really a contrast.  If punishment continues into eternity, a better contrast to “eternity in punishment” would be “eternity in Heaven”.

Unclear verses

  • Daniel 12:2:  eternal “life” vs eternal “contempt” (Technically, you don’t need to be living to be an object of contempt.  Hitler is a perfect example of a dead person that is still an object of contempt.)
  • Revelation 20:14-15 (context is v11-13) People experience the second “death” when they are thrown into the Lake of Fire.  (Presuming first death is physical death, the second death would likely be our soul death and we would no longer exist)
    • Observation in v14:  “Hell” is “cast into” the Lake of Fire.  So, The Lake of Fire is clearly not Hell.  As noted above in 2 Peter 2:4,9, Hell is a place before judgement.
  • Malachi 4:1-3  Non-believers will be “like stubble … set ablaze … ashes under the soles of our feet”.  Sounds like consumed by fire and no longer alive.

Verses with day and night

  • Revelation 14:11:  And the smoke of their torment ascends up forever and ever and they have “no rest day or night”.  Revelation 21:1-3, 23-25 and 22:5 clearly indicate “night” no longer exists in eternity (after the Judgement Throne).  God uses the phrase “day and night” at the beginning of Creation (Genesis 1) and at the end of this Creation (Revelation 22).  Creation has a purpose and that purpose will be completed at the Judgement Throne.  People that trusted God transition from living in Creation (earth / Universe) to living in Heaven (New Jerusalem).
  • Revelation 20:9-10:  People are “consumed”, but the Devil and false prophet are tormented “day and night” forever and ever.  (Another reference with day and night)
  • Because God uses “day and night” at the beginning and the end of Creation, they should be treated similarly and it makes sense they are indicators of boundary markers of Creation.

Cast into lake of eternal fire (but no indication if consumed by the fire or not – See Rev 20:14-15 in “Considerations” below)

  • Matt 18:8:  If hand causes to stumble better to cut off than enter eternal fire
  • Matt 25:41:  Those on the left to be cast into eternal fire
  • Mark 9:43:  And if your hand makes you sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched.

Some words can be translated into more than word.  In these cases, it is important to look at the context of the verse and also how the word is used elsewhere in the Bible.

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:9 uses the words “eternal destruction” and “away from the presence of the Lord”.  Some may say that the latter phrase indicates on-going existence in eternity.  That is possible, but the word “olethros” is used a total of 5 times in the New Testament and two of the most clear are in 1 Corinthians 5:5 and Hebrews 11:28 where it clearly means destruction.  “away from the presence of the Lord” may not be referencing the perspective of the person, but of God.  This person is no longer in the presence of the Lord.  God is omnipresent – is anything still in existence outside of His presence?  Only if they no longer exist.
  • The word “apollumi” used in John 3:16 is used over 90 times in the New Testament.
    • It is nearly always translated as “lost/lose” (most often permanently), “destroy(ed)” or “perish(ed)”.  It is translated “ruined” in some Bible translations in regards to a burst wineskin.  Some point out that the wineskin still exists.  Others point out that it has become useless and discarded making it effectively dead.
    • The times that it is translated “lost” sometimes do not mean death such as in the parables of the lost sheep,  the lost coin and the prodigal son.  But other times, indicates something that is “eliminated” such choosing to “lose” our life in order to live for God.
    • The majority of the instances are “perish(ed)” or “destroy(ed)”.  Some examples:  Matthew 2:13 where Herod sought to “destroy” the infant Jesus and killed all boys under 2 years old; Matthew 5:29 where God says to take out your eye if it causes you to stumble; Mark 3:6 where the Pharisees sought to destroy Jesus after he healed on the Sabbath;  Luke 17:29 where the people of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed.

So, those are the key verses for the topic.  What do they say if you take them all as a group and just read them as written?

Some things to consider:

  • It is possible that the concept of time does not exist in eternity which would not be surprising since apparently we will be living for all eternity.  It is believed that “time” “began” during Day 1 of Creation (Genesis 1 says “In the beginning”).  God also said that He “stretched the Universe” which sounds very much like the Big Bang.  Even secular scientists currently believe “time and space” began at the Big Bang.  Since both the Bible and science describe that time had a beginning at the creation of the Universe, it would not be surprising if the concept of time no longer exists after Creation ends (Revelation 21:1 says “the Heavens and Earth pass away”).  Along that line, whenever the phrase “forever and ever” is used, it “could be” a term used during “time” while earth and the Universe still exist or it could reference eternity.  Not conclusive.  More on this topic on our science page.  Note that we “might” transition from “time” to “eternity” when we die which would impact our perception of the duration of the torment experienced before the Judgement Throne.
  • God could leave the eternal fire forever in eternity as a visible reminder even after those that rejected Him have perished.  With our enhanced understanding and memory in Heaven, we only need the fire in eternity, not the actual on-going torment, as a reminder.  As noted above, we don’t need Hitler to actually be alive to have the reminder of what he did.
  • If verses seem to fall on both sides of a topic, the next question is, “What best fits God’s character?”  Would God’s character more likely subject someone to torment without end or would His character more likely punish them for all to see and then end their existence?
  • Revelation 20:14-15 is the actual account of when the unsaved are thrown into the Lake of Fire.  Note how “Death and Hades” and “those not found in the book of life” are both “thrown into the Lake of Fire”.  Since death will be no more in eternity (Rev 21:4) and there will be no more need for Hades, it is reasonable to expect they are consumed in the Lake of Fire.  If so, context would say this couplet of verses would favor support that the unsaved are also consumed once they are cast into the Lake of Fire.

Summarizing the two possibilities of punishment for all eternity or finalized in eternity:

  • What happens before the end of this earth and the outcome of the Judgement Throne:
    • For all eternity:  The story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31 sounds like what it would be like once people go to the final Lake of Fire at the end of this world as described in Revelation 20:14-15.  The rich man is experiencing tormenting heat.  That would imply there is pre-Judgement Throne torment from when we die until the Judgement Throne and then torment again after the Judgement Throne for all of eternity.
    • Finalized in eternity:  The torment is from when we die (like in the rich man and Lazarus story and 2 Peter 2:4,9) and then they are consumed in the Lake of Fire.  Reminder that Revelation 20:14 calls the Lake of Fire the second death.
  • Verses with “forever and ever”:
    • For all eternity:  These are generally interpreted to mean that they apply to all of eternity even if “time” no longer exists.
    • Finalized in eternity:  These are generally interpreted to mean they only apply to when “time” is a part of our existence.
  • Verses with “day and night”:
    • For all eternity:  The apparent conflict between these verses with “day and night” applying to the time after the Judgement Throne where “night” no longer exists (Revelation 21:23-25 & 22:5) does not seem to be addressed.
    • Finalized in eternity:  These verses support “finalized in eternity” because the punishment in them would end when “nights” no longer exist.  This also ties back to the beginning of Creation which would support the idea that “days and nights” are a condition that only exists for this time that Creation exists.
  • Verses with the words “perish(ed)” or “destroy(ed)”:
    • For all eternity:  When the words “olethros” (Strongs G684) or “apollumi” (G622) are used, they are generally interpreted to mean something like “ruined” or “experiencing destruction for all of eternity”.
    • Finalized in eternity:  The large majority (but not all) of the use of these two words are in verses where perish(ed), destroy(ed) or lost forever (effectively dead in usefulness).  It uses the word destruction correctly since destruction that never ends is not destruction because it never reaches destroyed – it is eternal torment.  Perish(ed) and destroy(ed) are the most direct reading of the large majority of these verses.
  • Two notes:
    • Punishment for all eternity is the common view today.  It is the safe position.  But there have been other “common view” positions on topics of Bible interpretation in history that many in the Church later determined to not be correct.
    • A thought that applies to both interpretations:  Regarding the people that reject the free gift of loving and wise Heavenly Father.  He cannot allow those people into Heaven because they would make Heaven the same mess we have here.  More on that in the video and on the website on “Why did someone have to die?”  Note that the impact of our rejecting God’s truths and love not only affects ourselves, but also affects other people who may then have various impacts on other people which may include long term distress.  We do these things throughout our lives and so the impact is far worse than we will ever realize.  The result is the strife we see in this world.  So, judgement is the outcome for rejecting God either way.  The only difference is duration and God’s character.

Final thoughts:
Most of us, whether in theology, science, politics, etc. tend to focus on data that supports a position and minimize data that contradicts that position.  I suspect that is why CS Lewis concluded “we cannot say”.  That said, if you don’t support “on-going torment in eternity”, you likely will be subject to negative feedback.

One final note:  God does not send anyone to Hell.  People make that choice when they reject God who is far more loving and wise than them.  What fits God’s character best, tormenting them for all of eternity or punishing with finality?  What do the verses God gave us actually say in a direct reading?