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I have had a situation where a brother attending our church in small group has expressed doubts as to whether the lost remain in hell forever; as well as whether there is a state of "soul sleep" between the death of the body and our Resurrection.
This isn't the first time I've run into someone who felt that there was a "soul sleep" due to verses describing what appears at first glance to verify that theory. The answer lies in the meaning of the passage as to the word "qeber" which indicates the body ceasing to exist and "sheol" which is the realm of the underworld (in O.T. times where all went before the Resurrection allowed Satan not to hold the power of death). ( Heb. 2:14-15; Psalm 68:18; Matt. 27:52-53).
A logical analysis would determine that if we did cease to exist; there would no longer be wrath against us so that if we were to revive and we didn't exist for a time; then He would suddenly have to rekindle wrath; and also have to take into account the time when we weren't around as we couldn't still have a sin nature in that case. It also nullifies what appears to be a real account of Lazarus and the rich man in hell where Abraham was mentioned; along with those who appeared at the Transfiguration having to be explained away as some apparation.
It also puts a major damper on our evangelism. What kind of conviction do we have if the messenger is in doubt of God's Word in such a metter? There are dozens of mentions of hell even in the Old Testament in Psalms; as well as the account in Numbers where Korah and his immediate family was taken alive to hell ( Numbers 16:32-33). I haven't seen the stats on that subject but with the rejection of many key doctrines by today's so called "evangelicals" I would bet at least half don't believe in a literal hell.
In short to not include hell with heaven is like cutting all verses about the wicked attached to ones about the righteous; decimating Psalms.
I have had a situation where a brother attending our church in small group has expressed doubts as to whether the lost remain in hell forever; as well as whether there is a state of "soul sleep" between the death of the body and our Resurrection.
This isn't the first time I've run into someone who felt that there was a "soul sleep" due to verses describing what appears at first glance to verify that theory. The answer lies in the meaning of the passage as to the word "qeber" which indicates the body ceasing to exist and "sheol" which is the realm of the underworld (in O.T. times where all went before the Resurrection allowed Satan not to hold the power of death). ( Heb. 2:14-15; Psalm 68:18; Matt. 27:52-53).
A logical analysis would determine that if we did cease to exist; there would no longer be wrath against us so that if we were to revive and we didn't exist for a time; then He would suddenly have to rekindle wrath; and also have to take into account the time when we weren't around as we couldn't still have a sin nature in that case. It also nullifies what appears to be a real account of Lazarus and the rich man in hell where Abraham was mentioned; along with those who appeared at the Transfiguration having to be explained away as some apparation.
It also puts a major damper on our evangelism. What kind of conviction do we have if the messenger is in doubt of God's Word in such a metter? There are dozens of mentions of hell even in the Old Testament in Psalms; as well as the account in Numbers where Korah and his immediate family was taken alive to hell ( Numbers 16:32-33). I haven't seen the stats on that subject but with the rejection of many key doctrines by today's so called "evangelicals" I would bet at least half don't believe in a literal hell.
In short to not include hell with heaven is like cutting all verses about the wicked attached to ones about the righteous; decimating Psalms.
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