Category Archives: HEAVEN & HELL

DISPENSATIONAL BIBLE STUDY, Does Israel’s Little Flock have a hope in Heaven?, HEAVEN & HELL, THE NATION ISRAEL

Does Israel’s Little Flock have a hope in Heaven?

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DOES ISRAEL’S LITTLE FLOCK HAVE A HOPE IN HEAVEN?

by Shawn Brasseaux

As Pauline dispensationalists, we understand that we the Church the Body of Christ are God’s heavenly people whereas the nation Israel is God’s earthly people. Yet, some verses seem to challenge that position. Our critics in denominational circles appeal to these passages to argue against us, claiming the Bible says Israel also has a hope in heaven. We will carefully consider the case they have built against us, comparing verses with verses, and we will see what God’s Word actually says. “For what saith the Scriptures?”

We must consider the following:

  • Luke 10:20: “Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.”
  • Hebrews 3:1: “Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;….”
  • Hebrews 10:34: “For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.”
  • Hebrews 11:16: “But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.”
  • Hebrews 12:22-23: “But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,….”
  • 1 Peter 1:4: “To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,….”

Perhaps you are shocked to learn Israel is connected to “heaven” in Scripture. However, these verses really should not surprise us. After all, we are quite familiar with John the Baptist’s message, are we not? Matthew chapter 3: “[1] In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, [2] And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Israel’s Gospel message is certainly related to “heaven.” As you can read, “the Gospel of the Kingdom” (Matthew 9:35) involves the preaching of “the kingdom of heaven” (cf. Matthew 4:17). None of this should actually astonish us because John’s message links to Daniel 2:44-45, verses written six centuries prior.

Daniel chapter 2 says: “[35] Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth…. [44] And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. [45] Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.”

If you read this chapter in its entirety, you will see how the Bible enumerates the Gentile empires that will rule over Israel (the Middle East—Earth!) until Jesus Christ returns at His Second Coming. At that Second Coming, the Lord Jesus Christ will establish an earthly kingdom to replace the pagan Gentile governments that went before. Pay attention to verse 44: “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.” Who will set up this kingdom? The Bible says “the God of heaven” will inaugurate that kingdom; therefore, it is titled “the kingdom of heaven.”

When John the Baptist, or even the Lord Jesus Himself (Matthew 4:17), preached, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand,” we know they are referring to Heaven coming on the Earth. It is not that believers here are going up to live in Heaven forever but rather Heaven is coming down to them on Earth and they living on Earth forever. “Our Father which art in heaven… Thy kingdom come,” the Israeli saint prays according to the petition of Matthew 6:9-10. Even Moses, 15 centuries before Christ, understood it would one day be “as the days of heaven upon the earth” (Deuteronomy 11:21). Therefore, the Apostle John wrote of Israel’s Little Flock in Revelation 3:12: “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.”

It is important to notice that the Israeli saints do not have a lasting presence in Heaven. That is true of us, however. Israel does not judge or rule over angels. That is true of us, however (1 Corinthians 6:3). We as members of the Church the Body of Christ are not promised the Earth. In stark contrast, the nation Israel is promised the Earth: “The meek shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5; Psalm 37:9,11). Our glorified bodies are “eternal in the heavens” (2 Corinthians 5:1). This is not true of Israel. We members of the Body of Christ share in Christ’s authority in the heavenly places: “And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6-7). This is not true of Israel. We could continue the comparisons (see Colossians 1:5,16-20), but these should suffice in addressing our critics’ claims.

We close this section by quoting Ephesians 1:20-23 to highlight the location of the Body of Christ’s eternal inheritance: “[20] Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, [21] Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: [22] And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, [23] Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”

The Old Testament saints (although physically dead) are currently in the New Jerusalem, in the third heaven, as per Hebrews 12:22-23: “But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just [righteous] men made perfect,….” However, the Heavenly Jerusalem is not permanently in Heaven, so those Old Testament saints living in it are not perpetually in Heaven. New Jerusalem comes down to Earth in Revelation chapters 21–22. Ultimately, though, even with all this said, we still recognize the hope of the Old Testament saints remains the same: the God of heaven setting up an earthly kingdom that lasts forever (Daniel 2:35,44-45).

Revelation chapter 21: “[1] And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. [2] And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. [3] And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God…. [10] And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,….”

Israel’s eternal hope, while an earthly kingdom, is called “the kingdom of heaven” for three reasons. Firstly, it is Heaven on Earth (Deuteronomy 11:21). Secondly, the God of Heaven establishes it (Daniel 2:44-45). Finally, it currently exists in the third Heaven until it descends to Earth where it remains forever (Revelation 21:1-3,10).

Saints, please remember us in your monthly giving—these websites do cost money to run! 🙂 You can donate securely here: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux, or email me at arcministries@gmail.com. Do not forget about Bible Q&A booklets for sale at https://arcgraceministries.org/in-print/booklets-bible-q-a/. Thanks to all who give to and pray for us! By the way, ministry emails have really been backed up this year. I am handling them as much as humanly possible. Thanks for your patience. 🙂

Also see:
» Will living in Heaven forever be boring?
» What is the difference between “the Kingdom of God” and “the Kingdom of Heaven?”
» Why are the heavens “not clean in God’s sight?”

HEAVEN & HELL, Will living in Heaven forever be boring?

Will living in Heaven forever be boring?

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WILL LIVING IN HEAVEN FOREVER BE BORING?

by Shawn Brasseaux

No, not at all!

Religious tradition causes us to see life in Heaven forever as monotonous—the same old mindless, daily routine (like religion itself!). Perhaps the most prevailing idea of existence in Heaven is someone floating on a cloud, strumming a harp, and singing endless praises to God. Of course, after a few years (let alone eternity), that would become pretty dull!

Growing up, this author heard the claim that the Bible never really tells us what we will be doing in Heaven. In reality, however, this is not true. If we study the Scriptures—what most people simply refuse to do—we will see existence in Heaven as something that grows better and better with the passing of the decades, centuries, and millennia. Heaven is a place of intense activity. There is certainly time in Heaven, as the absence of time is motionlessness. Time as related to eternity is endless, stretching forever and ever. Doubtless, our limited minds struggle to comprehend anything that is limitless (do we not live in a world of the temporary?). Whether we understand it or not, the fact remains that eternity future will never stop!

Brethren, it is no secret that life on Earth is fraught with distractions and weaknesses. We do not use our brains to their full potential either. There will be no such restrictions for us in the ages to come. Eternity in Heaven will be a time of tremendous learning, the likes of which we will not know until we actually get there. We will not have the limitations that hinder us now: there will be no false teaching to trouble and confuse us, no petty denominational arguments to sidetrack and divide us, and no fleshly inclinations to afflict and distress us. Such peace and serenity will never become intolerable or “boring!”

We will now read and briefly discuss several Bible passages that aid us in understanding what our life in Heaven will be like.

Let us start in Ephesians chapter 2: “[1] And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; [2] Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: [3] Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” Saints, before we came to faith in Jesus Christ, this was our lot in life. We were under Satan’s control, dead in our trespasses and sins, and on our merry way to Hell! Then, something drastic occurred….

“[4] But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, [5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved; ) [6] And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: [7] That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. [8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast. [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

Why did God save us from our lost estate (verses 1-3)? Why did He not let us go on to Hell forever? Why did He intervene—sending Christ to die for our sins, to let us trust Him as our personal Saviour, thereby allowing us to escape that horrible fate we deserved? The answer lies here: “[6] And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: [7] That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” Father God’s purpose in saving us from our sins and Hell’s flames is that He has a mission for us to undertake in the heavenly places. We, as saints, are now qualified to participate in His Son Jesus Christ’s reign and glorification in Heaven!

Notice verse 7: our heavenly assignment spans “the ages to come!” Dear brethren, here are the endless eons of eternity. Eternity is actually a set of uninterrupted and successive ages, each one building upon the previous. “Same old, same old” is absolutely not the case in eternity in Heaven! With each subsequent era, Almighty God will reveal to a greater (and even greater!) extent “the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus!”

Indeed, we on Earth study the Scriptures to better understand God’s grace… but the riches of that grace have yet to be grasped. Even though we can spend our whole earthly life searching and memorizing the Scriptures, we will never fully comprehend every last detail of the message of grace (let alone the rest of the Bible)! It would help if we said it like this: once we get to Heaven, God will declare, “Look, do you see this marvelous truth here? I have something more profound and thrilling to show you now! Did you see that doctrine there? Now, let me present this to you—something even better than what I just showed you!” This cycle repeats without end. The riches of God’s grace are so deep that they are actually never exhausted; therefore, our learning about that grace never ceases either.

As ages upon ages upon ages roll by in Heaven, we are growing in the Scriptures, gaining a greater awareness of exactly what Father God had in mind so long ago when He rescued us from Satan’s evil world system. We see His work in the heavenly places, and as we labor with Him up there, we better grasp His purpose and plan for glorifying His Son Jesus Christ through us functioning in those heavenly places. The details of that plan are so plentiful and so intricate that our education in them cannot stop. Here, dear friends, we plumb the immeasurable depths of God’s wisdom!

Ephesians chapter 3 concludes with a doxology, the Apostle Paul praising God as he closes his prayer for us the Body of Christ: “[20] Now unto him [Father God] that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, [21] Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” The “world without end” refers to the permanent arrangement of us in the heavenly places. Here is life forever in Heaven, an expansion of the truths presented in chapter 2—the Church the Body of Christ living by Christ Jesus in order to glorify Father God. How exciting! Yet, brethren, there is more!

Colossians and Ephesians are companion, or sister, epistles. Therefore, we should compare them. Let us consider what Colossians chapter 1 declares: “[16] For by him [the Lord Jesus Christ] were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: [17] And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. [18] And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. [19] For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; [20] And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”

The governmental offices that the Lord Jesus Christ created in heaven and earth have been corrupted. Sinful man and fallen angels have perverted these positions of power. Therefore, these offices must be purged of evil and restored to God. The nation Israel is God’s people who will return Earth unto Him. The Church the Body of Christ is God’s people who will return Heaven unto Him. In other words, we will reign in Heaven with Jesus Christ for His glory, that Father God ultimately be glorified.

We will turn now to Philippians chapter 3: “[20] For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: [21] Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” These “things” are those we already read about in Colossians chapter 1—offices of government (particularly those in Heaven). Our glorified bodies are the means whereby we are equipped to function in the heavenly places (see 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 and Romans 8:18-26).

Finally, read 2 Timothy chapter 2: “[10] Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. [11] It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: [12] If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: [13] If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.” Our time in Heaven will be spent administrating God’s work throughout the universe. It will be like Earth’s governments are managed today—just without sin! There are more stars in the sky than there are grains of sand on all of Earth’s beaches! Such celestial bodies are so numerous that it will take an eternity to visit them all. Here is our domain, brethren, the eternal destiny of us the Church the Body of Christ. We will “judge angels” (1 Corinthians 6:3): “reigning with [Christ],” we rule over even the angelic beings, a massive host of millions upon millions, teaching them all the Word of God as we ourselves continue learning it!

Also see:
» What is the “fire” at the Judgment Seat of Christ?
» Will we know if a loved one is not there in heaven with us?
» What happens after death?

HEAVEN & HELL, SOUL SALVATION FROM SINS, What happens after death?

What happens after death?

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WHAT HAPPENS AFTER DEATH?

by Shawn Brasseaux

Like all Bible topics, we must remember to approach it dispensationally. We will begin by presenting some basic information about a human’s physical and spiritual makeup. Then, we will explain physical death and its subsequent events as outlined in Scripture.

Physical death is described most graphically in Genesis 35:18: “And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin.” Upon death, we see the person’s physical body lying motionless and immediately undergoing the grisly process of decomposition. Here are the limits of the “natural eyes.” Through the eyes of faith, however, we see can see more—much more.

We understand that his or her invisible person—the “real” or permanent individual—has vacated that temporary tent or shell and relocated to another dimension. No longer housing the soul and the spirit, the physical body can be buried in the earth to return to the dust from which it came (Genesis 3:19). Death is not a termination but a separation. We continue to exist after death, just in a different form. Our spiritual body has separated from our physical body; to wit, the “inward man” has departed the “outward man” (2 Corinthians 4:16). The physical body now lacks a spirit (memory, vocabulary, frame of reference, and perception) and a soul (mentality, conscience, will/volition, and emotional seat). Both the spirit and the soul are linked at the mind, and they remain connected even after death. They are simply not attached to a physical body.

Peeling back the curtains of the mysterious afterlife, the Holy Spirit reveals to us in Luke chapter 16: “[19] There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: [20] And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, [21] And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

“[22] And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; [23] And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. [24] And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. [25] But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. [26] And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

“[27] Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: [28] For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. [29] Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. [30] And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. [31] And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.”

The Bible says, after death, the angels indeed carried the soul of the believer (Lazarus) into “Abraham’s bosom” (verse 22), what Jesus Christ termed “paradise” (Luke 23:43) and “the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40). Read Luke 16:22 again: “And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; [23] And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.” The Bible is silent about anyone or anything coming to retrieve the rich man’s spiritual body though. He—his soul and spirit—simply fell into the heart of the earth. “Hell” is said to be downward or beneath our feet (Proverbs 15:24; Isaiah 14:9).

Although the rich man’s body is buried, he has eyes and can still see (Luke 16:22-23). He has a tongue and can experience thirst (verse 24). The rich man can talk and hold a conversation with Abraham whom he recognizes (verses 24-31). He also has a detailed memory of his life on earth (verses 25,27-28). The rich man is completely aware of his torment in flames (verse 24). Here are his soul and spirit, existing outside his body, just as conscious as we are right now, able to be exercise senses and use logic as we do now. Abraham, a believer, is on the paradise side of the afterlife. He too can remember, reason, and speak. Both have a will or volition to make decisions.

Friends, the above information is true even now concerning the afterlife, with a few exceptions. Here is where dispensational Bible study is critical (2 Timothy 2:15). “Paradise” has been moved to “the third heaven” (2 Corinthians 12:1-4). Therefore, believers in Christ go to Heaven today, as opposed to the heart of the Earth (see also Hebrews 12:22-24). Also, in this the Dispensation of Grace, angels do not play the role they once did in believers’ lives. We study Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon, to see that to be the case. Now, angels do not come to collect a Christian’s spiritual body when he or she dies. Instead of angels (as with Lazarus), the indwelling Holy Spirit Himself personally escorts the Christian into Heaven. What a remarkable trip that is!

Ephesians chapter 1: “[12] That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. [13] In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, [14] Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” The Holy Spirit preserves us Christians spiritually as we live on Earth, and this will be equally valid once we leave Earth! “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30). After the saint exhales his or her final breath, the Holy Spirit rapidly transports soul and spirit into the third heaven. It is an instant awareness, much like waking up to a new morning—only a million times better! Yes, they know where they are, they are enjoying praising the Lord, and we will see them again!

Some religionists contend that we cease to exist when we physically die. On the basis of 2 Corinthians chapter 5, we know this to be a lie. “[6] Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: [7] (For we walk by faith, not by sight: ) [8] We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” Notice verse 8—“to be present with the Lord.” “To be” means we still exist after death!

Paul the Apostle said in Philippians chapter 1: “[21] For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. [22] But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. [23] For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: [24] Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.” Again, “to be” describes Christians after physical death. Paul stated that dying “is gain” and “far better.” How ridiculous these statements would be if death were the cessation of existence!

The souls and spirits of all people currently physically dead will be reunited with their physical bodies one day. Concerning members of the Church the Body of Christ, they will be joined with their new bodies at the Rapture (Romans 8:18-25; 1 Corinthians 15:35-58; 2 Corinthians 4:16–5:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). They will reign with Christ in His heavenly kingdom (Ephesians 1:20-23; Colossians 1:16-20). All other believers of the ages will be resurrected at the Second Coming of Christ, to reign with Christ in His earthly kingdom (Revelation 20:1-6). Exactly 1,000 years later, all unbelievers of the ages past now in Hell will be bodily resurrected to be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment, and then thrown into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:11-15).

My friend, if you are without Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, do not waste another moment being lost. You can pass from eternal death to eternal life right now—and you are strongly urged to immediately believe on the Lord Jesus Christ! “Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). He shed His sinless blood to pay for everything that is wrong with you. If you die and wake up in Hell, it will be your own fault because Almighty God did everything to prevent you from going there. Those of us in Christ need not fear death or anything that will happen afterward. We are well aware of what heavenly bliss awaits us in the next life—as well as the eternal doom that looms for those outside of Christ.

P.S.: Dear reader, just in case you “do not believe in the afterlife,” you should be warned that you will most definitely believe in it one second after death… when it is too late!

Also see:
» Is Luke 16:19-31 merely a parable?
» How can a “loving” God send people to Hell forever?
» Will we know if a loved one is not there in Heaven with us?

Are there levels of Hell?, HEAVEN & HELL

Are there levels of Hell?

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ARE THERE LEVELS OF HELL? WILL SOME RECEIVE GREATER PUNISHMENT THAN OTHERS?

by Shawn Brasseaux

Are there different levels of Hell? Will some people experience greater eternal torment than others? Will God treat some lost people harsher than others at the Great White Throne Judgment? Are there degrees of punishment of eternal punishment? Let us look in the Bible!

The Lord Jesus said in Matthew 10:14-16: “[14] And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. [15] Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. [16] Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”

He also said Matthew 11:21-23: “[21] Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. [22] But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. [23] And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. [24] But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.”

Jesus Christ also spoke in Mark 6:10-12: “[10] And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. [11] And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. [12] And they went out, and preached that men should repent.”

And, Jesus said in Luke 10:9-14: “[9] And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. [10] But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, [11] Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. [12] But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city. [13] Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. [14] But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you.”

Chorazin and Bethsaida would receive greater judgment compared to Tyre and Sidon. Capernaum would receive greater judgment compared to Sodom and Gomorrah. This is all in reference to the Great White Throne Judgment, when all the lost (unsaved) of the ages stand before Jesus Christ, to be sentenced (from Hell) to the eternal Lake of Fire. The Lord Jesus said that it would be “more tolerable” for Sodom and Gomorrah in the Day of Judgment than it would be for the people who were listening to Him speak during His earthly ministry. He also said it would be “more tolerable” for Tyre and Sidon than Chorazin and Bethsaida—Chorazin and Bethsaida were towns where He did some of His mightiest works. The people living in Jesus’ day had God living in their midst. They had more opportunity to hear more of God’s doctrine than the people of Sodom and Gomorrah (who lived many centuries earlier). In addition, Chorazin and Bethsaida heard more truth than Tyre and Sidon. Thus, God would hold them more accountable.

John the Apostle wrote in Revelation 20:11-15: “[11] And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. [12] And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. [13] And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. [14] And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. [15] And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

Part of their “works” is how many times they had opportunities to know God’s words and blatantly refused them. The Lord Jesus said in John chapter 12: “[46] I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. [47] And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. [48] He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” In other words, the more you heard from God’s Word, the more words by which you will be judged! How much more today concerning the people who have a completed Bible and yet never open it! A fearful thought, indeed!

That is why we need to come by faith in Jesus Christ right now. Friend, do not waste another moment. Trust the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour. He died for your sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). He died to pay for everything that is wrong with you. God does not want you to go to Hell. He sent His Son to die in your place. You die and go to Hell, my friend, and you will never forget the fact that you read these words and did nothing with them! You will never forget how you rejected the Gospel of the Grace of God!

LEVELS OF THE UNDERWORLD

Scripture uses various terms when it speaks of the underworld. In addition to “hell” where lost people go (Matthew 11:23; Luke 10:15; Luke 16:23; Revelation 20:13-14)—“hades”—the Greek Bible also teaches on the idea of “hell” by using the name “gehenna” (Matthew 5:22,29,30; Matthew 10:28; Matthew 18:9; Matthew 23:15; Matthew 23:33; Mark 9:43,45,47; Luke 12:5). For more information, please see our study on “gehenna” linked at the end of this article.

Peter used a unique word (ταρταρόω; tartaroo) to describe the place where God is holding evil, fallen angels. That word, found only once in the Greek Bible, is rendered “hell” in 2 Peter 2:4 in our King James Bible: “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment….” This is evidently a special part of Hell, not where lost souls of men go. It is apparently inside the Earth as well.

We also read about “the bottomless pit.” Whether this is part of Hell, the Bible does not say. It too is in the heart of the Earth. The “bottomless pit” contains certain evil spirit beings, grotesque and horrific monsters which will be released on Earth during the seven-year Tribulation (Revelation 9:1-11). Various other evil spirit beings dwell in the “bottomless pit” (Revelation 11:7-8). Satan will be bound in the “bottomless pit” for 1,000 years during the reign of Christ on Earth (Revelation 20:1-3).

There is also the “lake of fire,” mentioned only four times (Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:10,14-15). A similar title is “the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone” (Revelation 21:8). This is the “maximum security prison” where those in Hell will go forever after they are sentenced/judged at the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15). The Lake of Fire may very well be at the bottom of the universe, as far from God’s presence as possible.

OTHER MISCELLANEOUS FACTS ABOUT ETERNAL PUNISHMENT

As leader of all rebellions (angels and people), Satan will surely have the hottest place of all in the Lake of Fire. See Revelation 20:10: “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” The Antichrist and the False Prophet (the political leader, and the religious leader, respectively) of the seven-year Tribulation, they will have the next hottest “condos” in hellfire. Fallen angels will be harshly judged because they have lived longer and incited more rebellion that individual humans have.

The various other sinners of the ages may very well be grouped by their specific sins. Revelation 21:8: “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” They will all have the own portion, their own “reward,” for their evil, as well!

Also see:
» What is “gehenna?”
» How can a “loving” God send people to Hell forever?
» Is Luke 16:19-31 a parable?

HEAVEN & HELL, If God is everywhere is He suffering in Hell?, Miscellaneous, SOUL SALVATION FROM SINS

If God is everywhere, is He suffering in Hell?

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IF GOD IS EVERYWHERE, IS HE SUFFERING IN HELL? HOW CAN PEOPLE IN HELL BE SEPARATED FROM HIM IF HE IS OMNIPRESENT?

by Shawn Brasseaux

These resemble the conundrums Bible skeptics like the throw out to make Christians stumble. With the believer in Christ dazed, he grows silent, and the scoffer slyly relieves himself of a further confrontation with the truth. Yet, the scoffer will not escape the Divine wrath he himself will face in Hell if he dies in his sins! God is absolutely everywhere; to wit, He is omnipresent. So, then, what of His relationship to those in Hell?

Let us turn to Psalm 139 for the answer. We see God’s omniscience (“all-knowledgeable”): “[1] O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. [2] Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. [3] Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. [4] For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. [5] Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. [6] Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.”

Then, we note His omnipresence (“all-present”): “[7] Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? [8] If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. [9] If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; [10] Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. [11] If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. [12] Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.”

Next, we see His omnipotence (“all-powerful”): “[13] For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. [14] I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. [15] My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. [16] Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. [17] How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! [18] If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.”

Finally, in verses 19-24, King David closes the chapter by responding to the foregoing affirmations: “[19] Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men. [20] For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain. [21] Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? [22] I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies. [23] Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: [24] And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Nothing is hidden from the Creator God’s view (verses 7-12). Even acts committed in pitch darkness are as visible to Him as deeds done in broad daylight! Strange as it sounds, His Word, the Holy Bible, “sees” all things as well. That stunning revelation is discovered in Hebrews 4:12-13: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his [the Bible’s!!] sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”

God is God, so He is everywhere. Yet, since He is God He can also hide Himself from any particular being if He so chooses. He can be present but not reveal Himself to that individual: the knowledge of His presence can be removed as well. That is to say, He is able to withdraw intimate communion, remove awareness of presence, and still be literally there. A crude example that may aid our understanding here is to consider someone nearby who is daydreaming. Physically, he or she is next to us but his or her attention is elsewhere. Despite close proximity, personal interaction with the person is impossible. He or she is unavailable on a heart-to-heart, spirit-to-spirit basis. The same is true of someone sitting right next to us who refuses to pay attention to what we have to say.

In the case of sin, a man’s spirit is dead—separated from God’s Spirit (Ephesians 2:1-3). There is no fellowship because of the barrier of sin. Regeneration, or the Holy Spirit giving life to that dead human spirit, is the answer (Titus 3:4-7). The Holy Spirit uses the Gospel of Grace (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) as the means whereby He gives life to the believing sinner (see Ephesians 2:4-9). The death of Christ becomes the sinner’s death to sin’s penalty and power, the burial of Christ is the putting away of the sinner’s old identity in Adam, and the resurrection of Christ becomes the sinner’s new life (see Romans chapter 6). This is how a lost person becomes a saint, moving from Adam to Christ—positionally and practically!

Until trusting the Gospel, lost people live in God’s creation, function in His sight, and yet cannot have a personal relationship with Him. They must exercise faith in Christ to gain union with Him. It does not matter how many church memberships, tithes, and prayers are on their account, they are still sinners, fallen short of His glory and righteousness. If they want eternal life and forgiveness of sins, if they want to be saints, they will have to rely on what Jesus Christ did at Calvary to pay for their sins. Nothing they do will ever replace or supplement His finished crosswork!

As long as there is breath in the lost person’s physical body, he or she can trust Christ and have intimate communion with Father God. That person can pass from spiritual death to spiritual life. His or her eternal destiny is not yet fixed. Once the soul leaves the physical body at death, however, the separation of a sinner from God is permanent. It can never be reversed, as temporariness has been traded for eternality. “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). The finality of Hell makes it all the more horrific. Hell transitions into the Lake of Fire, the place where lost human souls and evil angels (including Satan) wind up in Revelation chapter 20, especially verses 11-15. The Lake of Fire is the final destination of all creatures doomed to suffer the eternal wrath of a holy, righteous God. They are never released. They can never enjoy God’s love or presence. Why this harsh penalty? That is where they chose to go when they previously rejected His love and presence!!! It is not His fault they were foolish! They should have come to Him when He graciously offered them a friendship! More than enough time was given them on Earth to react positively to His Word.

CONCLUSION

Yes, God is everywhere, including Hell, but He surely cannot suffer His own wrath. That is most silly. Furthermore, the souls in Hell are unable to enjoy His presence there. He sees their souls and hears their cries but will do nothing to rescue them. They have decided to reject His Son Jesus Christ forever. No, they are certainly not reformed—only growing more antagonistic toward Him because they have been fully given over to their preference (sin). They are not sorry they have sinned; they just regret to be suffering punishment for it. The God of the Bible values free will, and knows they have no use for Heaven. He cannot use them for His glory either. All they care about is self. They spurned His beloved Son the Lord Jesus Christ, and trampled under foot His self-sacrifice on Calvary offered to pay for their sins. How can we expect Him to overlook such folly?

Also see:
» How can a “loving” God send people to Hell forever?
» Are the flames of fire in Hell literal?
» Why is Hell forever if life on Earth is but decades?

Are the flames of fire in Hell literal?, HEAVEN & HELL

Are the flames of fire in Hell literal?

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ARE THE FLAMES OF FIRE IN HELL LITERAL?

by Shawn Brasseaux

Scripture describes Hell as “everlasting fire.” For instance, “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). Celebrated “Christian” preachers and teachers have wondered—and even publicly questioned—whether these are literal descriptions or merely figures of speech. They say that, contrary to popular belief, Hell may not necessarily be actual flames (as we would think of, say, a furnace or campfire). Perhaps, they suggest, the word “fire” really describes the burning remorse and searing emotional pain of being separated from God forever. Is that so? “For what saith the Scriptures?”

No doubt, the Bible does employ figures of speech. “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Surely “Lamb” is a figure of speech. Was Jesus an actual wool-bearing creature? No (obviously). “Lamb” describes His character as opposed to bodily appearance. Christ said in Luke 13:32, “Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.” King Herod was certainly not a bushy-tailed animal in outward form; he was a sly, foxlike person in personality. However, when we come to the issue of Hell and its “fire” in Scripture, a figure of speech does not appear to be the case.

Friends, we should be careful never to allegorize or spiritualize the Bible (“it says this, but it really means that”). Such examples would be, “The word ‘Israel’ is actually ‘the Body of Christ,’” “‘Jerusalem’ really means your hometown,” and so on. This is nothing but employing (limited) human reasoning to make sense of (profound) Divine thoughts. It will never work and it will never get us to Bible truth; we must let the Holy Spirit teach us, and not human philosophers (1 Corinthians 2:1-16)!

In Luke chapter 16, we read (Christ speaking): “[19] There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: [20] And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, [21] And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. [22] And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; [23] And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. [24] And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.”

The rich man’s physical body was buried in the ground on Earth’s surface (verse 22). While Lazarus (poor) was not buried, he nevertheless is physically dead as well. Yet, in spirit form, both are still very much alive and conscious of their surroundings. The rich man’s soul is thirsty, as he is “tormented in this flame” (verse 24). He desires Lazarus to dip his finger in water and give him some relief. If this thirst were a “thirst for God” (as the feel-good preachers claim), what then are we to make of Lazarus dipping his finger in “water?” That would not make sense! Lazarus was to get some of God’s presence and bring it to the rich man’s soul? How exactly was Lazarus to ease burning remorse and searing emotional pain? No, there is an actual soul involved, there is an actual flame involved, and there is actual water involved—except they are in the spirit world. There is more than searing emotional pain going on here. An external source troubles a soul in Hell.

In the material world, physical fire inflicts injury on physical skin, and physical water quenches physical fire. Likewise, in the spiritual world, there is spiritual fire that inflicts injury on man’s spiritual makeup, and spiritual water quenches that spiritual fire. We can understand that only to some degree, as we have not experienced it ourselves. Nevertheless, the Bible says it and we should believe it. The soul has fingers, and they can be dipped into spiritual water just as we can dip our physical fingers in physical water. As our physical eyes see, so our souls can see. Otherwise, “eyes” in the passage is nonsense as well. Our souls have tongues as well. They have memory. (Scary to say the least!)

“[25] But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. [26] And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. [27] Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: [28] For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. [29] Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. [30] And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. [31] And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.”

People are not sorry when they die and go to Hell. They do not want anything to do with God then just as they do not want anything to do with Him now. The rich man did not ask for forgiveness, he did not confess his sins or apologize for anything he did. All he wanted was his way, even if it meant arguing with God’s man Abraham! In Hell, lost souls are completely given over to sin. There is no limit to their hatred for God; it is endless. They are not remorseful for what they have done but they are sorry for getting caught (sorry for now suffering severely and endlessly). There is unfathomable emotional trauma in Hell, no doubt, painful memories of rejecting the Gospel, but there is much more pain than that.

Let us turn to Mark chapter 9 for amplification (Christ speaking again): “[43] And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: [44] Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. [45] And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: [46] Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. [47] And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: [48] Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. [49] For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. [50] Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.”

In the spirit world, fire does not consume—it preserves (verses 49-50)! This is where it is unlike the physical world, wherein fire eradicates. Like physical salt preserves meat, spiritual fire conserves souls. Remember Exodus chapter 3? “The bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed” (verse 2). The LORD God in His wisdom has invented a fire that does not annihilate; it can burn continually and whatever it burns can thus burn forever as well. Souls are endlessly tormented in Hell. The suffering never ends, and the fire is never quenched (verses 44,46,48). Their “worm”—or weakening soul—never passes out of existence. Sin continually distorts them, disfiguring them further and further, but they are just as aware of their surroundings as ever before. Indeed, it is horrible, but sin has a penalty—and it is eternal!

Thankfully, the God of the Bible loved us, and sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins, to be our sacrifice, our fully-satisfying payment, that we not be sacrificed in Hell. We do not have to go to Hell unless we want to do so! Friend, come by faith in Christ alone to Almighty God, and be forgiven and saved for Hell today… before it is too late!

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31). You may also read all of Romans chapter 3.

Also see:
» How can a loving God send people to Hell forever?
» Is Luke 16:19-31 a parable?
» Why is Hell forever if life on Earth is but decades?

HEAVEN & HELL, SIN, Why are lost people not judged for their works immediately after physical death?, Why are lost people not judged for their works immediately after physical death?

Why are lost people not judged for their works immediately after physical death?

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WHY ARE LOST PEOPLE NOT JUDGED FOR THEIR WORKS IMMEDIATELY AFTER PHYSICAL DEATH?

by Shawn Brasseaux

The Bible says in Revelation 20:11-15: “[11] And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. [12] And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. [13] And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. [14] And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. [15] And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

In verses 12-13, the dead are “judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works… they were judged every man according to their works.” This occurs at the Great White Throne Judgment, not immediately after physical death. When unsaved people (those without Jesus Christ) die and go to Hell today, they are not judged according to their works. There is a great delay until Judgment Day. Why?

The Great White Throne Judgment (see passage above) will occur after the 1,000 years (Millennial Reign—see Revelation 20:1-10). Those 1,000 years will follow the seven-year Tribulation and Second Coming of Christ (see Revelation chapters 1–19). The seven-year Tribulation will come after the Rapture (see 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:9 and 2 Thessalonians 2:1-13). The Rapture will conclude the Dispensation of Grace (see prior Thessalonian verses). In other words, there is a long time between physical death and lost people being judged according to their works. Why is there a delay between suffering in Hell and being sentenced to agonize in the Lake of Fire? Why are the unsaved not instantly judged after death and immediately enter the Lake of Fire?

It is really quite simple. Lost people’s “works” are not over yet. Although they may be physically dead, their writings remain with us even now, their policies still affect us, the religions they invented remain, and so on. They are still inflicting damage on society, still misleading the masses, and still promoting Satan’s policy of evil. These are their “works,” although they are no longer physically present here on Earth. God is letting the fruit of their work bear out entirely. Until all that influence is destroyed with the present heaven and earth (see Revelation 20:11), the degree of eternal penalty of the lost will not be determined.

Saints, please remember us in your monthly giving—these websites do cost money to run! 🙂 You can donate securely here: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux, or email me at arcministries@gmail.com. Do not forget about Bible Q&A booklets for sale at https://arcgraceministries.org/in-print/booklets-bible-q-a/. Thanks to all who give to and pray for us! By the way, ministry emails have really been backed up this year. I am handling them as much as humanly possible. Thanks for your patience. 🙂

Also see:
» Can Jews who believe in God, the Father, but who reject Jesus, be saved from eternal damnation?
» Why did God not accept Cain’s sacrifice?
» Why did God judge Nadab and Abihu so strictly?

ESCHATOLOGY (END TIMES) / PROPHECY, HEAVEN & HELL, How are the Beast and the False Prophet “cast alive” into the Lake of Fire?, How are the Beast and the False Prophet “cast alive” into the Lake of Fire?

How are the Beast and the False Prophet “cast alive” into the Lake of Fire?

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HOW ARE THE BEAST AND THE FALSE PROPHET “CAST ALIVE” INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE?

by Shawn Brasseaux

Revelation 19:20 says as pertaining to the Second Coming of Christ, “And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.” How are the Beast and the False Prophet “cast alive” into the Lake of Fire? Does that mean they will be unconscious once they wind up in there?

When the Bible text says thus, it means that the Beast and the False Prophet will not experience physical death before entering the spiritual realm. They will be alive on Earth and Jesus Christ (at His Second Coming) will suddenly pick them up physically and toss them right into the Lake of Fire. In other words, there will be no burial for either, and thus no bodily trace of them left on the planet. They will not defile the Earth once the Second Coming occurs; namely, their graves will not even be here to corrupt the Promised Land.

These two men, the Beast (Antichrist, political leader) and the False Prophet (religious leader), will have deceived the world for the seven years leading up to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Now, they will experience the wrath of God, eternal judgment, in the Lake of Fire and Brimstone (Sulfur).

Even after 1,000 years in the Lake of Fire, they will still exist. They will not be consumed, for the fire will preserve them! Look at Revelation 20:10: “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet ARE, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” You will notice in the earlier nine verses that 1,000 years have passed since the close of chapter 19 (our study’s opening verse). Stated another way, it is a millennium later that Satan himself meets the fate of the Beast and the False Prophet. They three, along with all of God’s other enemies (unsaved mankind and fallen angels), will “be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” There is no ended punishment; it is a literal eternity of suffering, full consciousness! If you want to see the human element added to the Lake of Fire, look at verses 11-15.

Perhaps this may help you better understand the Beast and the False Prophet being cast alive into the Lake of Fire. Remember, there are other people who do not die in Scripture. For example, Elijah never died physically—he was caught up alive into Heaven (2 Kings 2:11). Neither did Enoch die physically—he too simply went to be with God (Genesis 5:23-24). Members of the Church the Body of Christ who are alive at the Rapture (future) will never experience physical death either (1 Corinthians 15:51-54—“we shall not all sleep [die physically];” 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17—“we which are alive and remain… we which are alive and remain…”). As Elijah, Enoch, and the living Church the Body of Christ meet eternal bliss without enduring physical death, so the Beast and the False Prophet meet eternal damnation without experiencing physical death!

Also see:
» Are 2 Thessalonians 1:9 and Revelation 14:10 contradictory?
» Did Pharaoh drown in the Red Sea?
» How can a “loving” God send people to hell forever?

HEAVEN & HELL, Is Hell almost full?

Is Hell almost full?

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IS HELL ALMOST FULL? WILL IT EVER RUN OUT OF ROOM?

by Shawn Brasseaux

The Lord Jesus Christ revealed some staggering truths in Matthew 7:13-14: “[13] 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: [14] Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Understandably, people dislike the Bible here. They want to believe that everyone is God’s child, and that everyone will go to Heaven eventually (an incorrect idea known as “universalism”). Therefore, they dismiss the ideas of Hell, divine wrath, God’s judgment against sin, justice in the afterlife, as fiction. However, if we are to be Bible believers, we must face the truth of the Bible and believe the truth of the Bible. Jesus Christ said more about Hell than He did about Heaven. Hell is indeed the real, eternal fate of all who die without faith in Christ’s finished crosswork as sufficient payment for their sins.

We can search the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, cover to cover, and find the majority always going against God. At any and every point in human history, we find just a very small fraction of believers when compared to the global, national, or municipal human population. Remember, for example, the eight believers on the Ark during the Great Flood of Noah’s day (Genesis 7:7; 2 Peter 2:5). Where were the millions—if not billions—of other people on the globe? Why, they perished in God’s wrath, being drowned in the floodwaters! There were less than 10 believers in the whole city of Sodom (Genesis 18:32; Genesis 19:24-25)! Consider the 7,000 believers in the whole nation Israel in Elijah’s day (1 Kings 19:18)! Think of the approximately 120 believers in Jerusalem after Christ’s three-year earthly ministry (Acts 1:20)! We could go on and on and on, but we trust the point has been made with these Scriptures.

So, the Holy Bible causes us to conclude that Hell is real place. The Holy Bible also shows us that many people have gone there in history, many are going there today, and many will go there in the future. When we think about the Lord Jesus’ words in Matthew chapter 7, and the above sample verses, that leads us to only one conclusion. There are billions of people in Hell today—and billions more will eventually arrive there! Of course, the questions naturally follow. Has Hell almost reached its capacity? Will Hell ever run out of room?

Hell is a spiritual place; we cannot see it with physical eyes or touch it with physical hands. As we know, the dimension in which it is situated is not the same as the dimension in which we exist. Whatever laws are appropriate here are not necessarily applicable there: we cannot take the laws of physics and nature that are true here in this dimension and make them fit another dimension. We do not know enough about the spiritual world. Personally, I have never been there, and neither have you, and all we have is the Bible’s testimony that Heaven is real and Hell is real. While there are various things in the spiritual world that we would recognize—fire, chariots, weapons, trees, water, animals, light, darkness, musical instruments, governmental organization (crowns, thrones), bread, et cetera—other elements we would not know or understand. There is no limit of time, for example. (When you think about it, endless time is the most unsettling aspect of Hell.)

When we wonder if Hell is going to run out of room, we are thinking of it from our physical point-of-view. We think of a physical building being able to hold only so many flesh-and-blood bodies before it reaches capacity. However, Hell is not like that (for the Bible is true that Hell can hold all of God’s enemies). We do not know the size of a human soul other than it is smaller than the physical body that houses it. A human soul could be the size of a human hand… or the size of the period at the end of this sentence. Whatever size the human soul is, Hell is large enough to contain all those billions that have died before us, and it is large enough to handle billions more. Has Hell almost reached its capacity? (No. More are still destined there if they die without Christ!) Will Hell ever run out of room? (No. It will always have vacancies!)

That is why it is important, dear friend, to not go another day without knowing the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour. Do not delay. We are all sinners by birth, and have fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). However, the Lord Jesus Christ came to die for our sins, to shed His blood to pay for our sins, that we be made righteous of God in Christ. “Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

Romans 3:24–4:8: “[3:24] Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: [3:25] Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; [3:26] To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. [3:27] Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. [3:28] Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. [3:29] Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: [3:30] Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. [3:31] Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

“[4:1] What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? [4:2] For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. [4:3] For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. [4:4] Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. [4:5] But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. [4:6] Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, [4:7] Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. [4:8] Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.”

Also see:
» How can a loving God send people to Hell forever?
» Why is Hell forever if life on Earth is but decades?
» If dispensational Bible study is true, how come so few believe it?

HEAVEN & HELL, Is there time in Heaven? What about in eternity?

Is there time in Heaven? What about in eternity?

IS THERE TIME IN HEAVEN? WHAT ABOUT IN ETERNITY?

by Shawn Brasseaux

There is a common idea—I even once held to it—that there is no time in Heaven. A related idea is that there is no time in eternity. I will show you what verses caused me to reject those positions. You can consider them and decide for yourself what you will believe about it.

It is interesting that the Apostle John, in the Book of the Revelation, provided what are evidently the only Bible verses on this subject.

Firstly, we deal with the question about time in Heaven. Revelation 8:1 comments: “And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.” During the judgments of the future Tribulation period, there will be “silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.” Such horrific events are about to fall on planet Earth, and the angels watch in awe and silence! According to Psalm 83:1, even God is silent here! Evidently, there must be some reckoning of time in Heaven, or Revelation 8:1 is meaningless.

Now, to our second question. Will there be time in eternity? Yes, according to Revelation chapter 22, verse 2: “In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” In the ages to come, on the New Earth, the tree of life will bear a new manner of fruit “every month.”

Time as we know it had a beginning, according to Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” However, now that it has begun, it will never end. There will never be a cessation of time, for time is necessary to have activity. Eternity is not the absence of time, but rather endless time.

Also see:
» How old will we be in heaven?
» Is faith in Christ alone enough to go to heaven? Do not the devils believe?
» Why are the heavens not clean in God’s sight?