Is Hell Eternal?

We  believe in a hell just as tormenting as the hell declared by those who believe it to be eternal with the only difference being that we see it as not eternal, but for a set time and duration. It is regrettable that the word “aion” which means an indefinite period of time, has been wrongly translated as `forever, and eternal.’ It makes it seem that hell is everlasting, when such is not the case when the original word is used. The word Hell is also used as translation in place of the original three words in the New Testament. Gehenna the most common, used twelve times. Hades is used eleven times, and Tartarus only once. Gehenna was a place where the refuse of Jerusalem was cast out and destroyed.

Jesus said, truly I say to you, you will not come out of there [Gehenna] until you have paid up the last cent. The word “until” unmistakably confirms Gehenna is of a limited duration. Once the penalty is exacted, release follows, but not before. Note He addressed these words to a mixed audience of believers and unbelievers (Mt. 5:1; 7:28; 8:1). (See also Mt. 18:34-35).

Hades is the Greek word for the Hebrew, Sheol which means grave. It refers to the state following death for both righteous and unrighteous. Tartarus is a holding area prior to judg- ment for angels who have sinned (2Pe. 2:4)

Hell is not essentially for punishment, but is for correction. It seems to be true that, whether in life or death, we ‘learn obedience by the things we suffer.’ When the correction has done its work, it will cease and the person may go higher and learn more of the nature of his Father and Creator.

A wise and loving Father has prescribed a remedy or treatment with purpose until the cleansing work has been done. When the work has been done, only an evil purpose would keep a person in torment forever.

It is sad that the churches have made such a dogmatic stand that death brings to halt any mercy or opportunity for Spiritual growth. I don’t believe that the Bible teaches that. If that were so, why did Jesus descend into hell to preach to the disobedient of Noah’s time?

For further study read “Hope Beyond Hell” by Gary Beauchemin