Pastoral Letter 22 Jul 2018

Hell is one place that most people find easy to understand but hard to accept. They say, “How can a loving God send people to hell?” Neither man nor devil could have made up such a place, because it is abhorred by both (Matt 8:29; James 2:19). But hell is a reality because the Bible teaches it. It is a constant reminder to us that God is holy and just. Every unsaved individual (who has not received God's offer of salvation) will go to hell. There are several biblical terms that describe the place of the condemned dead. (Biblical terms are adapted from “Bible Doctrines for Today” by Michael C. Bere published by Pensacola Christian College on Lesson 49: Reality of Hell).

1. The Hebrew word “sheol” (Job 17:13-16; Prov 15:24;23:14)

The primary meaning of this word is "the present state of death," or "the grave." It is translated "pit" three times (Num 16:30,33; Job 17:16). It is translated "grave" thirty-one times (Gen 37:35; 1 Sam 2:6; Job 7:9; Eccles 9:10). It is translated "hell" thirty-one times (Deut 32:22; 2 Sam 22:6; Job 11:8; Prov 23:14).

2. The Hebrew phrase "valley of Hinnom" (2 Chron 28:3;33:6; Jer 7:31)

This valley is an actual place near Jerusalem. It is believed that it was here that the heathens made their children "pass through the fire" to Baal (Jer 19:5) and Molech (2 Kings 23:10; Jer 32:35). The valley of Hinnom became a type (a picture) of punishment and misery, because the bodies of dead animals and criminals were burned at its ever-burning fires. Isaiah referred to it as a kind of place to which the unsaved go at death (Isa 66:24).

3. The Greek word “hades” (Matt 16:18; Acts 2:27, 31)

This word is the New Testament Greek translation of the Hebrew word “sheol.” Like “sheol,” this word stresses the future of the body. It is translated "hell" ten times in the New Testament (Matt 11:23; 16:18; Luke 10:15; 16:23; Acts 2:27,31; Rev 1:18; 6:8; 20:13,14) and translated "grave" once (1 Cor 15:55).

4. The Greek word “tartaros” (2 Pet 2:4)

It is found only once in the New Testament (2 Pet 2:4) and appears to mean "incarcerated in eternal torment."

5. The Greek word “gehenna” (Matt 12:22-30)

This word is the Greek translation of the Hebrew phrase "valley of Hinnom." It also emphasizes the future destiny of the unsaved. It denotes a place of everlasting torment (Matt 10:28; 18:9; 23:15, 33; Mark 9:43-47; Luke 12:5). Jesus Christ mentioned this word in every instance except one by Apostle James (James 3:6).

For those who end up in hell, they will continue their existence there in the following state:

1. Physically Tormented

a. Torment (Matt 8:29; Luke 16:23-25; Rev 20:10)

b. Fire (Mark 9:43-44; Luke 16:24; Rev 20:15)

c. Darkness (Matt 8:12; Jude 13)

d. No rest (Isa 57:20-21; Rev 14:11)

e. Brimstone (Rev 14:10; 19:20; 20:10; 21:8)

f. Thirst (Luke 16:24)

2. Mentally Tormented

a. The memory of shunned or rejected salvation opportunities (Luke 16:25).

b. The hopelessness of their situation (Luke 16:26; Rev 20:10).

3. Spiritually Tormented

The agony of hell is not just physical or mental. The unsaved will be in spiritual agony as he is separated from God forever and ever. There is a spiritual vacuum within every man which can only be filled by God's presence, but what an emptiness to be without God and without any hope of ever knowing Him! The greatest agony of hell will be the absence of God. And the opposite is true: the greatest joy of heaven will be the presence of God.

4. Justly Tormented

a. God's judgment will be greater for some (Luke 10:12-14; 11:31-32).

b. God's judgment will be more tolerable for others (Matt 10:5; 11:20-24).

c. God's judgment will be doubled for some (Rev 18:5-6).

Be sure that those who are in hell will desire to die, yet they cannot. They will desire to repent, yet no one will hear. This is a terrible place beyond our furthest imagination. Do you want to go there? If you do not, have you found the way to escape this terrible place? God does not want any of us to end up there. He wants us to be saved. And the only way to be saved is through Jesus Christ. Only He can save you and cleanse you of all your sins, and you will not be condemned to hell. Will you believe in Him as your Lord and Saviour and be saved? May God help us. Amen.


Yours in Christ,
Pastor Dennis Kwok



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