Expert: Eric Christy - 3/17/2006

Question
I am wondering about the support given to ETERNAL LIFE in HELL.  All I've been able to find is the promise of DEATH to those who are wicked, evil, etc.  And I've come across some info re: the Greek word translated to English as "eternal", that it should be "age" (as in a period of time with a beginning and an end), I think the word was "Aion" in Greek.  Doesn't "death" and "dead" mean that you no longer live, so you no longer think or feel?  And is it true that what is translated as "hell" in English, is really SHEOL and HADES, and that neither of those words means "eternal torture"?  Thank you for your time and perspective!

Answer
Hi Sherry,

If we look at Matthew 25:46, we see an important statement by Jesus on this matter of eternal heaven and eternal hell. Here Jesus states "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life"--(NIV). The word "eternal" applies to both those in heaven as well as those in hell. So, if "eternal" means only 'age-lasting' then there would be an end to hell for those there, but there would also be an end to heaven for those there. Not a good thing for those in heaven, eh.

If heaven is eternal, then so is hell. There's no getting around this biblical concept. Those who choose to reject salvation through faith in what Jesus accomplished for them, suffer horrific agony for an eternity in hell for their foolish rebellion, while those in heaven, because they had the wisdom to accept Jesus as their savior, live in joyous harmony with God and Christ Jesus. Our eternal destiny is our choice. Specifically, our choice. It's like this: God casts a vote for you, the Devil casts a vote against you, and YOU are the tie-breaker.

Hell is as long lasting and just as real, as heaven is. And both require a choice that WE make, as God and the Devil have already made their choices.

Now, do I like the reality of an eternal hell? Hell no! But, that is what the Bible teaches, and while it teaches it, I do not like it. But what I like has no bearing whether hell is eternal. What I like does not matter in this regard. What does matter is what God has said about it. And what He has said about it is that heaven and hell are eternal.

What are your thoughts?

Eric