Expert: Cooper P. Abrams III - 7/25/2006

Question

 Dear Pastor Abrams,

 I have a few questions concerning Heaven and Hell. I have tried hard to be a Christian, and have often struggle with these questions. I hope that you will be able to help me.

1) The concept of Hell have often bothered me. Is it true that people who don't accept Jesus will go to Hell? If that is the case, then would that be Just of God?
It is hard for me to accept that someone like the Dalai Lama who has fought for peace, love, and compassion is going to get the same punishment as someone who has committed serious crimes.

2) The concept of Heaven also has be bothered. If there is someone you love like a brother who is not a christian, and is in Hell. And you are in Heaven, can you really call that Heaven? Do you know what I mean? Knowing that one of your family members or close friend who is in Hell, and you are in Heaven. Are you really happy?

Thanks for your time,
Nash

Answer
Hi Nash,
   The answer is simple, but somewhat difficult to explain.  However, the Bible has much to say about hell.   In John 3:16-18 Jesus Himself explained the way of salvation.  In verse 19 Jesus made the following statement:  "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." (John 3:19)    He said that "light" meaning the truth about God, we has His creation, and Jesus Christ the Savior was come to mankind, but man many many rejected it because their deeds were evil.  In other word, God's way is the way of righteousness, but man loved his sin more than his eternal soul.  Man loved his sin more that accepting God's grace and salvation.  Many men simply reject God because they like sin and want to continue in it.  They know that God is righteous and therefore cleanses men of sin and sinful behavior.

    In Romans 1:18-23, God further explains that all men are without excuse who reject God.   God Himself seeks them and bring them to truth and save them.  However, again men instead of believing God and receiving His grace mercy and eternal life...rejected the truth they know of God, even though God has revealed Himself to all men.   Men then change the truth of God into lies, and made themselves gods to they liking...made like man, birds, animals and creeping things.
    So the Dalai Lama, knows the truth, but instead practices a false religion and sets himself up as a god.  He teaches that he holy...and is the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama which is absolutely not true.   He worships a god, Buddha, that does not exist.  His good works are done in the flesh and done in pride.  He is very proud of being a humble humanitarian.   He rejects truth and God's righteous and instead leads men away from truth to believe a lie and worship a false god.  He has made his own choice as to believe God's truth that God revealed to him and he has rejected that truth.   Man is not saved by good works, but by belief in faith in Jesus Christ and His work of redemption.  God says there is only one way to be saved and go to heaven and that is through Jesus Christ.

    God cannot bless a lie or honor a false religion.

    God came to the earth because He knew that man was a sinner and unable to redeem or save Himself.   So, God came, Incarnate in Jesus Christ and He...God...paid the penalty for the sins of the world Himself.  That is the ultimate act of love.  He took on Himself the pain and suffering for man's sins.    But to receive salvation a man must accept God's offer of free grace, salvation and eternal life.  God will not force Himself on any man, but respects the will and desires of all men.   So He will not force salvation on someone who rejects it and would rather go to hell instead.Over the years I have talked to hundreds of people who knew about hell and believed it to be true...but they still rejected Jesus Christ and God's forgiveness and grace.  You see they loved their sin.

   You may find the following helpful.

What the Bible teaches about Hell.
Hell is the place of punishment and imprisonment for those who rebel against God. It was created for Satan and the rebellious angels (Mt. 25:41). Unsaved men will go there also (Mt. 25:41-46). In the O.T. the word Hell (sheol) has two meanings. Sometimes it means the place where the bodies of the dead are laid (Ps. 6:5; Ec. 9:10; Is. 38:18,19). Usually, though, it means the place where departed spirits go (Ge. 37:35; De. 32:22; Ps. 9:17; 16:10; 55:15; 30:3; Pr. 9:18; 15:24; 23:14; Is. 5:14; 14:15; Eze. 31:16; 32:21,27).

WHAT IS HELL LIKE? (1) A place of punishment (Mt. 25:46). (2) A place of banishment (2 Th. 1:9). (3) A place of fire (Mt. 13:42,50; Mk. 9:44-48; Re. 20:15; 14:10). (4) A place of torment (Lk. 16:23; Re. 20:10). (5) A place of worms (Mk. 9:44,46,48; Is. 66:24). (6) A place of darkness (2 Pe. 2:17; Jude 13). (7) A place of consciousness and feeling (Lk. 16:23). (8) A place of thirst (Lk. 16:24). (9) A place without hope of escape (Lk. 16:26). (10). A place of unfulfilled desires and unanswered prayers (Lk. 16:27-31). (11) A place of wailing and gnashing of teeth (Mt. 25:30; 24:51). (12) A place of remorse (Lk. 16:27-28).

BIBLE DESCRIPTIONS OF HELL: (1) "hell fire" (Mk. 9:47). (2) "the fire that never shall be quenched" (Mk. 9:43,45). (3) "where the worm dieth not" (Is. 66:24; Mk. 9:44,46,48). (4) "an abhorring to all flesh" (Is. 66:24). (5)" tormented in this flame" (Lk. 16:24). (6) "everlasting destruction" (2 Th. 1:9). (7) "flaming fire taking vengeance" (2 Th. 1:8). (8) "everlasting punishment" (Mt. 25:46). (9) "perdition" (2 Pe. 3:7). (10) "tormented day and night forever and ever" (Re. 20:10). (11) "cast into the lake of fire" (Re. 20:15). (12) "tormented with fire and brimstone" (Re. 14:10). (13) "no rest day nor night forever and ever" (Re. 14:10). (14) "wailing and gnashing of teeth" (Mt. 13:42,50). (15) "cast into a furnace of fire" (Mt. 13:42,50). (16) "depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire" (Mt. 25:41). (17) "cast him into outer darkness" (Mt. 22:13).

WHAT WILL NOT BE IN HELL? The following things will not be in Hell: God, the Bible, Christians, hymns, fellowship with friends and loved ones, light, hope of escape, love and kindness, pleasure, comfort, the preaching of the Gospel, rest, pain killing drugs, books, animals, money, entertainment, freedom, choice, pity, sports, hope, mercy.

ARE THE WICKED ANNIHILATED IN HELL? (1) Plain Bible passages say the sinner will suffer in Hell eternally (Mt. 25:46; Mk. 9:43-48; Re. 14:10-11; 19:20; 20:10). (2) The Bible says the punishment of the unsaved will be worse than violent death (Mk. 9:42). This proves the punishment is not annihilation, but is eternal torment. (3) Jesus said it would have been better if Judas had never been born (Mt. 26:24). Jesus' words make no sense if Judas was only going to be annihilated.

THE LORD JESUS CHRIST'S TEACHING ON HELL. See Matt. 5:22; 12:23; 13:42,50; 18:8-9; 23:33; 25:41,46; Mk. 9:43-48; Lk. 16:19-31.

Briefly what does the Bible teach about Heaven:
   Heaven has three meanings in the Bible. (1) The atmosphere surrounding the earth (Ge. 1:6-8). (2) The region of the sun, moon, and stars (Ge. 1:14-19; Ps. 19:1). (3) The place where God has His throne (Ps. 80:14; Is. 66:1; Mt. 5:16,45,48). It is this Heaven from which Jesus came to earth (Jn. 3:13) and to which He returned after His resurrection (Ac. 1:11). From there Christ will return to earth in the future (Mt. 24:30; Ro. 8:33,34; Ph. 3:20; 1 Th. 4:16; He. 6:20). The Apostle Paul visited this Heaven and called it paradise (2 Co. 12:1-4). This is called "the third heaven" (2 Co. 12:2) and "the heaven of heavens" (De. 10:14; 1 Ki. 8:27; Ne. 9:6).

Who lives in Heaven? (1) The living God (He. 12:22-24). (2) Angels innumerable (He. 12:22). (3) The spirits of redeemed men (He. 12:23).

What is Heaven like? (1)IT IS A HOLY PLACE--no sin or evil (Ps. 20:6; 1 Co. 6:9-10; Re. 21:8,27; 22:15). (2) IT IS A PLACE OF WORSHIP (Re. 4:8-11). (3) IT IS A PLACE OF PARADISE (Lk. 23:43; 2 Co. 12:4; Re. 2:7). Things that are there: Spectacular beauty (Re. 4:2-3; 21:18-21); mansions (Jn. 14:2); a wonderful throne (Re. 4:2-6); wonderful creatures (Re. 4:6-8); wonderful odors and music (Ps. 45:8); fullness of joy (Ps. 45:8); horses (Re. 19:14); wonderful rivers (Re. 22:1); wonderful trees (Re. 22:2). (4) IT IS A PLACE OF GLORY (Ps. 73:24). The Lord Jesus is the Lord of glory (1 Co. 2:8). Glory refers to kingly splendor and wealth (Mt. 6:29); God's brilliant light (2 Ch. 7:1-3; Lk. 2:9; Mt. 17:1-3; Lk. 9:29-31; Re. 21:11,23); great beauty (Is. 63:1); and the manifestation of God's unfathomable wisdom and power (Ps. 19:1). (5) IT IS A PLACE WITHOUT ANY UNPLEASANT THING. No sorrow, pain, or death (Re. 21:4), no hunger or thirst (Re. 7:16), no darkness (Re. 22:5). (6) IT IS A PLACE OF SERVICE (Re. 22:3). (7) IT IS A PLACE IN WHICH EVERYONE IS LIKE JESUS CHRIST (He. 2:10-11; Ro. 8:29; 1 Jn. 3:1-2).

What is in Heaven? (1) The glorious throne of God (Re. 4:2-5). (2) Jesus Christ at the right hand of God the Father (Ac. 7:56; Ep. 1:20). (3) Seven lamps of fire (Re. 4:5). (4) Innumerable angels (He. 12:22). (5) The blood of Christ (He. 12:24). (6) The church of the firstborn (He. 12:23). (7) The 24 Elders (Re. 4:4). (8) The four beasts (Re. 4:6-9). (9) Enduring substance (He. 10:34). (10) Mansions (Jn. 14:2). (11) Unspeakable words which earthlings have never heard (2 Co. 12:4). (12) The book of Life and the books of record (Re. 20:12). (13) Harps and vials of odors (Re. 5:8). (14) Glorious singing and worship (Re. 5:11-14; 19:6,7). (15) Ivory palaces (Ps. 45:8). (16) Lovely fragrances (Ps. 45:8). (17) Glorious clothing (Ps. 45:13-14; Da. 7:9; 10:5; Mt. 17:2; Re. 15:6). (18) The oil of gladness because of righteousness (Ps. 45:7). (19) The golden altar of incense (Re. 8:3). (20) Glorious instrumental music (Re. 14:2; 15:2). (21) Angels flying (Re. 14:6). (22) Rest from earthly labors (Re. 14:13). (23) Glorious foundations and pavements (Re. 4:6; 15:2). (24) Great voices (Re. 16:1). (25) White horses (Re. 19:11,14).

What is going on in Heaven now? (1) WHAT JESUS IS DOING: Enjoying the Father (Pr. 8:30; Jn. 1:1); interceding for believers (Ro. 8:34; He. 7:25; 1 Jn. 2:1-2); overseeing the work of world evangelism (Mk. 16:19-20); overseeing the churches (Re. 1; Ep. 1:22-23); preparing a place for believers (Jn. 14:1-3); waiting for His second coming (He. 10:12-13). (2) WHAT CHRISTIANS ARE DOING: resting from their earthly labors (Re. 14:13); praising God (Re. 4:10-11); being comforted (Lk. 16:25); enjoying paradise (Lk. 23:43; 2 Co. 12:3-4); serving the Lord (Re. 7:15); waiting for the completion of God's plans (Re. 6:9-11); waiting for their resurrection bodies (1 Th. 4:14-16); observing Jesus' eternal glory (Jn. 17:24); learning and discussing mysteries (2 Co. 12:4); praising and talking about the Lord (Ps. 145:1-11); rejoicing over people being saved on earth (Lk. 15:7,10).

Books in Heaven. (1) The book of life (Re. 20:12; Lk. 10:20). (2) The book of tears (Ps. 56:8). (3) The book of remembrance (Mal. 3:16). (4) The book of births (Ps. 139:16).

Do people recognize one another in Heaven? (1) Our names are recorded in Heaven, and we will be known by our names (Lk. 10:20). (2) Moses and Elijah were known by Peter even though he had never seen them before (Mt. 17:3-4). (3) The rich man recognized Lazarus and Abraham (Lk. 16:23). (4) The disciples recognized Jesus after His resurrection, except when their eyes were kept from recognizing Him (Jn. 21; Lk. 24:16). (5) Our recognition will be perfect in Heaven; it is not reasonable to think that we know less there than on earth.

What should be the Christian's attitude toward Heaven? (1) We should set our minds on Heaven (Col. 3:1-3). (2) We should live holy lives fit for Heaven (Col. 3:5; Ep. 5:8; 1 Pe. 2:11). (3) We should lay up treasures in Heaven (Mt. 6:20; 1 Ti. 6:19). (4) We should act like citizens of Heaven and pilgrims on earth (He. 11:13-16; Ph. 3:20). (5) We should be certain of Heaven (1 Jn. 5:11-13). (6) We should be aware of Heaven in our daily lives (He. 12:1-2).

------------------------------------------

For a clear explanation of salvation please go to:
For a clear explanation of God's plan of salvation please go to:  http://bible-truth.org/gospel.html  This article explain what the Bible says about Salvation.  Please look up each scripture passage for yourself to see what God has said.

   If you have further comments or questions please write.

Cooper P Abrams III
Romans 12:1-2
Bible-truth.org
" Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity"  (1 Corinthians 16:13-14 )