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Apostolic Life in the 21st Century

What Will Hell Be Like?

Aug 12, 2024
In this discussion, Dr. David K. Bernard, a renowned expert on biblical interpretations of Hell, delves into the complex and often contradictory depictions of the afterlife in scripture. He examines the Apostle John's vision in Revelation and the significance of the Lake of Fire. Bernard also differentiates between terms like Sheol, Hades, and Gehenna, illuminating the contrasts between the righteous and unrighteous. He explains hell’s metaphorical meaning, focusing on spiritual anguish and the eternal consequences of rejecting divine grace.
17:24

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Biblical descriptions of hell reveal a complex nature involving temporary states like Hades versus eternal separation exemplified by Gehenna.
  • The judgment process in hell may vary based on individual knowledge and intent, ensuring a just and fair evaluation by God.

Deep dives

Understanding Hell and Its Terminology

The concept of hell is complex, as it encompasses various meanings in biblical texts, each represented by different Greek terms. In Revelation 20, the term 'hell' refers to Hades, which signifies a temporary place of the dead, distinct from the permanent judgment location known as Gehenna or the Lake of Fire. These distinctions indicate that the biblical narrative does not treat hell solely as a place of eternal punishment, but rather as a temporary state for souls awaiting judgment, as illustrated by the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. Therefore, the essence of hell includes a waiting period for both the righteous and the unrighteous until the final judgment occurs.

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