What Is Hell And Does Hell Exist?

“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28 (KJV)

Where Is Hell?

The Bible says that the wicked receive their punishment on the earth and that the earth is the place where the wicked are punished with fire.

"If the righteous is repaid on earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner" Proverbs 11:31 (English Standard Version)

"But by the same word the present heavens and earth have been stored up (reserved) for FIRE, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly people... But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will vanish (pass away) with a thunderous crash, and the elements will be dissolved with FIRE, and the earth and the works that are upon it will be burned up." 2 Peter 3:7,10 (Amplified Bible)

When Does Hell Start?

Hell occurs at the end of the world. "As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Matthew 13:40-42 (NIV)

No one is burning now. All are reserved unto the day of judgement. "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:" 2 Peter 2:9 (KJV)

It occurs at the close of the millennium. "And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog, and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. 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 20:7-9 (KJV)

It is refered to as the second death. There is no resurrection from it. The wicked will be destroued forever. "And death and hell were cast into the lake of FIRE. This is the second death." Revelation 20:14 (KJV)

What Is The Punishment For Sin?

DEATH (not eternal suffering) is the punishment for sin.

For example, Jesus (in paying the price for sin) did not suffer continually in hellfire. He tasted death for everyone.

The Wicked Are To Be Destroyed

• The righteous receive eternal life the wicked perish. John 3:15-16
• The believer receives everlasting life; the unbeliever does not. John 3:36
• Death OR eternal life is offered to humanity Romans 6:23
• The soul can be destroyed in hell Matthew 10:28
• Sinners are cut off. They shall be no more. Psalms 37:9-11, 22, 34

How Are The Wicked Destroyed?

• They consume into smoke. Psalms 37:20
• They are devoured by fire. Revelation 20:9
• Fire destroys the wicked and they become ashes. Malachi 4:1-3

Does The Bible Support Eternal Sufering In Hell?

The following Bible texts in regards to Hell are the most commonly misunderstood passages that require careful evaluation to determine their real meaning.

Where in the Bible is such a doctrine of eternal torment in fire to be found? It isn't there! As you turn the pages of the Bible you will discover a hell but it is a literal, burning hell, not the kind pictured to frighten people into becoming Christians.

The Truth About Hell

• The Wicked Are To Be Destroyed - John 3:15-16; John 3:36
• Death OR Eternal life is offered to humanity - Romans 6:23; Matthew 7:13-14
• Both the Body & Soul are destroyed in Hell - Ezekiel 18:4; Matthew 10:28