Quote:
Originally Posted by manna-man
Eternal life is a gift/reward.
I know...Tough subject. Most people can't deal with it...kinda like death.
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It is a tough subject!
Steve Gregg did a very thoughtful and well researched book on the subject called, "Hell - Three Christian views of God's final solution to the problem of sin."
3 Views of Hell Book at Amazon
Steve Gregg lecture on 3 Views of Hell
Steve Gregg Q&A on Hell (FYI - audience questions not so clear)
The 3 views of Hell presented are:
1. Traditionalism - eternal conscious torment (promoted by Augustine)
2. Annihilationism - soul is no more (possibly after a period of torment)
3. Universalism - all eventually restored (possibly after a period of torment)
Steve goes into church history quite a bit, regarding these three views, and painstakingly breaks-down scripture for each of these view. His stated goal is just to present these views and not to draw his own conclusions. I found it a very fascinating read, to say the least - I would highly recommend it for anyone wanting to really dive into what the word says on this topic, and to also get an understanding of how these views came about.
Personally, I lean toward something of a mix of these . . .
I can't say I know for sure what hell is all about, so I just tell others, "Whatever it is, the bottom-line is this - IT'S NOT GOOD and therefore is something to avoid at all costs! And the only way to do that is salvation through Jesus Christ!"