Expert: Elder Greg Madden - 1/19/2010

Question
Hi Mr Madden,

I am currently reading "A divine revelation of Hell" by M.K.Baxter.

I must say it's quite a heavy book and so far very saddening, yet i feel its a good book because it really puts your perspective into focus in life and shows you what your priorities should be.

My question to you is: Could you explain the story behind hell and death being thrown into the lakes of fire. Is that what will happen at the second coming? Will Hell exist for all eternity or will God, kind of, get rid of Satan and Hell - like wipe out his existence?
Also the author briefly mentioned the "Lamb's book of life" - what is it? Is that where our names are recorded after salvation or were they there before we were born?
If you have not read it - i would highly recommend it! Its just so sad - i often think if there is a point in me getting a worldly career - i keep thinking i should just drop everything, go to bible college and spreading the gospel and evangelising if you will...Because reading this book has made me realise i don't want to see my friends going to hell!
Anyways thanks again, your input will be highly appreciated!
God Bless! P.S. Did you get my follow up message about the diamond bricks? (lol)

Answer
Daniel,

Thank you for your questions and the opportunity to help. As to "A divine revelation of Hell", I listen to Mary Baxter read her book on tapes several tears ago and had a similar reaction as yourself. However, I would have to say that though I do not doubt the sincerity of Ms Baxter, her book has several theological issues that I would disagree with. I know this was not your question, but I felt that I should at least mention this to you and advise you to be careful when reading anything. And as to the "message about the diamond bricks" you mentioned, I did not get that follow up message.

As to your questions about the lake of fire, is hell eternal, and the Lambs Book of lfe, please allow me to share with you what I have learned about these subjects...

The lake of fire, mentioned only in Revelation 19:20 and 20:10, 14-15, is the final hell, the place of eternal punishment for all unrepentant rebels, both angelic and human (Matthew 25:41). It is described as a place of burning sulfur, and those in it experience eternal, unspeakable agony of an unrelenting nature (Luke 16:24; Mark 9:45-46). Those who have rejected Christ and are in the temporary abode of the dead in hades/sheol have the lake of fire as their final destination.

The punishment of the wicked dead in hell is described throughout Scripture as “eternal fire” (Matthew 25:41), “unquenchable fire” (Matthew 3:12), “shame and everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2), a place where “the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:44-49), a place of “torment” and “fire” (Luke 16:23-24), “everlasting destruction” (2 Thessalonians 1:9), a place where “the smoke of torment rises forever and ever” (Revelation 14:10-11), and a “lake of burning sulfur” where the wicked are “tormented day and night forever and ever” (Revelation 20:10).

The punishment of the wicked in hell is as never ending as the bliss of the righteous in heaven. Jesus Himself indicates that punishment in hell is just as everlasting as life in heaven (Matthew 25:46). The wicked are forever subject to the fury and the wrath of God. Those in hell will acknowledge the perfect justice of God (Psalm 76:10). Those who are in hell will know that their punishment is just and that they alone are to blame (Deuteronomy 32:3-5). Yes, hell is real. Yes, hell is a place of torment and punishment that lasts forever and ever, with no end. Praise God that, through Jesus, we can escape this eternal fate (John 3:16, 18, 36).

Revelation 20:15 declares, “If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” The Book of Life is the set of names of those who will live with God forever in heaven. It is the roll of those who are saved. This Book of Life is also mentioned in Revelation 3:5; 20:12; and Philippians 4:3. The same book is also called the Lamb’s Book of Life because it contains the names of those who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lord Jesus (Revelation 13:8; 21:27).(gotquestions.org)

Daniel, please let me know if this helps or if you have any further questions.

Elder Greg Madden