Navigating the Concept of Hell: Understanding and Finding Peace

The Dilemma - It often feels logical to trust that the Bible is true, but the doctrine of hell can be a heavy burden. Imagine going to the bank, watching TV, or browsing online and seeing pictures of people, feeling that they might be headed for an eternity of torment. How can one reconcile this with a belief in a loving God who desires the salvation of all souls?

God's Sovereignty and Human Freedom

It's important to remember that God willed the salvation of all souls worldwide. He has granted humanity free will, allowing us to choose Him or not. However, it is within our capacity to understand our own hearts, but not the hearts of others. Trust in the statement by author Malachi Martin that no person would willingly choose hell. According to Hostage to the Devil, spirits are real and deeply affected by their choices and destinies.

The Burning of Gehenna: An Ancient Metaphor

The term "burning" in the Bible often refers to the burning garbage dump outside Jerusalem, known as Gehenna. This dump was historically used for the disposal of bodies of criminals, perhaps the most feared punishment in the ancient world. The fires of Gehenna were a symbol of spiritual death and eternal separation from God. It's crucial to understand that the fires of hell as a place of enduring torment is not a biblical concept but a Greek mythological concept.

According to the Book of Job, all human beings go to the spirit world at death. The Bible also speaks of reincarnation, where after death, we are judged for our actions in this life and will rest until we come back to earth to complete our judgment. Consider the verses in 2 Samuel 7, which prophesy the establishment of a never-ending kingdom.

Reincarnation and Biblical Interpretation

Biblical verses such as 2 Samuel 7:10-17 talk about Solomon, who committed iniquity in his old age. However, Jesus, the world's savior, is explicitly mentioned in John 9 as being beaten with stripes of men. The concept of a carnal mind cannot comprehend reincarnation, but the spiritual mind can. verses like Ecclesiastes 3:14-17 describe the constant recurrence of events, which can only be understood through the lens of reincarnation.

Examples from Scripture:

2 Samuel 7:10brMoreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them that they may dwell in a place of their own and move no more neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more as beforetime...13 He shall build an house for my name and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom...15 my mercy shall not depart away from him...16 thy throne shall be established for 9:1brAnd as Jesus passed by he saw a man which was blind from his 3:14brI know that whatsoever God doeth it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it that men should fear before him.

These passages suggest a cycle of life and death, where judgment follows death, and the concept of once die, then judgment is central to understanding these texts.

Changing Your Perspective

To find peace in the concept of hell, consider viewing people, including yourself, as individuals whom God loves and desires to save. The road to salvation is a dynamic process and not a one-time event. Focus on your own journey and the grace and mercy that is available to you. Speculating about others' destinies can lead to unnecessary anxiety and doubt. Trust that God will guide you and, in time, provide the grace to assist others on their paths.

Conclusion - Navigating the complex concept of hell requires understanding the different interpretations and contextualizing biblical teachings with a broader perspective. By focusing on personal spiritual growth and trust in God's love and mercy, one can find peace and meaning in their beliefs.