Now eternity is a long time, isn't it? It's like for ever. There's no end to it.
I wondered whether a loving God would really wish someone to be in hell for eternity. No matter what an individual has done, we humans would think that for ever is a long time and would wish to release such a soul from hell after a period ... don't know how long! So is God less merciful than us humans? Surely not!
Then I wondered something else. C S Lewis is quoted as having said that the doors of hell are locked from the inside. Maybe the souls in hell are so intent that they are right, and God is wrong, that they do not want to leave hell. However bad the place is. Could this be a possibility to explain eternity? But then, if it is a burning fire as said in the Bible, surely anyone would want to get out!
Then I remembered another quote of C S Lewis, "There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, 'Thy will be done,' and those to whom God says, 'All right, then, have it your way.' "
So, maybe, (and this is me thinking), perhaps those souls who believe in God and love and obey Him go to Heaven; and the others just disappear. No more soul after their death. This is NOT Biblical of course. It is me thinking. Perhaps wrongly. Maybe at the last judgement those souls to whom God says "depart from Me" really depart for ever.
What do you think? What does your pastor or priest think? Is it really a fiery furnace for eternity?
I think Hell is a real place. I hope I am wrong about that.
ReplyDeleteI attend an evangelical church. They teach that we make our choice here on Earth. After that there is no going back.
Funny, though, I was just thinking about this topic this morning. I recall hearing of a person's NDE. Near death experience. He said he was in Hell, but he realized where he was and prayed. Jesus came and took him out. He was surprised and asked if Jesus was doing the right thing. Um. Ha ha? Anyway, in the story Jesus stopped mid-air and assured the person that He was doing the right thing.
I think Jesus doesn't follow the rules.
Jesus often mentions hell in His teachings, and I too believe it is a real place. But I wonder, was He being graphic about ever burning fires for the audience of the time?
DeleteGod bless, Sandi.
...it certainly is.
ReplyDeleteAmen Tom. God bless.
DeleteI love the quotes from C. S. Lewis, Victor, and I believe he's right. We are the ones who choose hell; God never wants us to be there. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteYes, I think Lewis has a point, Martha.
DeleteGod bless you.
According to the Bible, hell is definitely a real place. That's the end of the story from my perspective.
ReplyDeleteGood point, Joyful. I agree.
DeleteGod bless.