Does Hell Really Burn Forever?

Read John 3:14-16 and pay close attention to Jesus' words. "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." The Greek word translated "perish" is "apollymi" and it means "to destroy utterly." So the passage does not contrast living in heaven forever vs. living in hell forever. The passage contrasts living with God forever vs. being utterly destroyed!

The Bible tells us God "alone has immortality." 1 Timothy 6:16. Since humans are not immortal, In order for mortal humans to burn forever in hell, God, who IS love, would have to keep sinners alive throughout eternity just so He could torture them in the fires of hell forever.

The notion of God burning people for eternity comes from Greek mythology; not God's word. To the contrary, the Bible says, "Evildoers shall be cut off; but those who wait on Yahweh, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more; indeed, you will look carefully for his place, but it shall be no more. But the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace." Psalms 37:9-11.

Peter describes the means by which sinners will be cut off or utterly destroyed saying, "The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up." 2 Peter 3:10. So fire is involved, but did you notice the language? "Burned up;" not burn forever.

Peter continues saying, "Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells!" 2 Peter 3:13. Today is a great day to reject a fiery utter destruction and choose eternal life where righteousness dwells! "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16.

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