LITERAL Hellfire Torment—Not A Bible Teaching

[Alter2Ego]

The teaching of literal hellfire torment is commonplace in Christendom and non-Christian religions. This teaching defames the Creator and portrays him as a sadist who tortures people in literal flames of fire for all eternity—as punishment for wrongdoings committed during the relatively brief human lifespan.


Hellfire believers insist that the wicked will literally experience pain while burning in literal flames of fire—after they have died. So that brings us to the questions below.



DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Are there are scriptures in the Judeo-Christian Bible to support the teaching of literal hellfire torment? If you believe that to be the case, please quote up to three (3) scriptures and include Bible book, chapter, and verse, along with a brief explanation for why you believe the verses are talking literal hellfire torment.


2. According to those who believe in literal hellfire torment, only wicked people will wind up in hell. Is that what you believe?


3. Does the Bible teach that humans have an immortal soul that survives the death of the person so that the soul can then be burned in eternal flames? If so, please present scriptures to that effect to prove it (no more than 3 scriptures at a time, please). Follow the steps indicated at Question #1.


4. When people are being tortured in hellfire, wouldn't they have to KNOW or be conscious/aware of the fact that they are being burned? I mean to say, what's the point of punishing people in a burning hellfire if they aren't even aware?


5. Those who believe in literal eternal torment say that the person's soul is being burned forever. What is the soul? Are animals souls also, or does the term "soul" apply only to humans?



Alter2Ego

 

[First and the Last]

1. Are there are scriptures in the Judeo-Christian Bible to support the teaching of literal hellfire torment? If you believe that to be the case, please quote up to three (3) scriptures and include Bible book, chapter, and verse, along with a brief explanation for why you believe the verses are talking literal hellfire torment.

Matthew 25:41, "Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:"

Underscores the solemn reality of eternal judgment for those who reject God's offer of salvation. The phrase "Depart from me, ye cursed" reflects the final separation between God and those who have lived in disobedience and sin. The "everlasting fire" symbolizes the eternal punishment that awaits the wicked, a fate that was originally intended for "the devil and his angels." This scripture emphasizes the holiness and justice of God, who cannot tolerate sin. God offers salvation to all through Jesus Christ, and it is through accepting His sacrifice, repenting of sins, being baptized in Jesus' name, and receiving the Holy Spirit that one can escape this dreadful destiny. The verse serves as a sobering reminder of the urgency of living a life in accordance with God's commandments and embracing the full gospel message to ensure one's place among the righteous, who will inherit eternal life with God.

Matthew 25:46, "And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal."

Emphasizes the stark contrast between the eternal destinies of the righteous and the wicked. The verse illustrates the finality and seriousness of God's judgment. "Everlasting punishment" denotes a state of perpetual separation from God, where the wicked face the consequences of their rejection of His grace and commandments. This punishment is not merely temporary but eternal, underscoring the importance of repentance and living a life in alignment with God's will. Conversely, "life eternal" for the righteous signifies an unending fellowship with God, characterized by joy, peace, and fulfillment in His presence. United Pentecostals, who emphasize the necessity of holiness, baptism in Jesus' name, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit, interpret this verse as a call to live a sanctified life, continually seeking God's guidance and striving to embody His righteousness. This distinction between the fates of the righteous and the wicked serves as a powerful motivation for believers to pursue a deeper, more committed relationship with God and to share the message of salvation with others.

Mark 9:43,"And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:"

Serves as a powerful admonition emphasizing the severity and eternal consequences of sin. In this passage, Jesus illustrates the drastic measures one should take to avoid sin and its eternal repercussions. The "hand" represents actions and deeds, suggesting that if one's actions lead them into sin, it is better to completely remove the source of temptation rather than risk eternal damnation. The phrase "fire that never shall be quenched" is an unending and conscious torment in hell for the wicked. This aligns with the emphasis on living a holy and consecrated life, fully surrendered to God, and striving for righteousness. The passage calls believers to a radical commitment to purity and godliness, reflecting the seriousness with which one should approach their spiritual walk to ensure their place in eternal life with God, rather than suffering eternal separation and torment.

 

[First and the Last]

2. According to those who believe in literal hellfire torment, only wicked people will wind up in hell. Is that what you believe?

Hell is a place of judgment for those who reject God's salvation through Jesus Christ. John 3:16-18 clearly states that those who do not believe in the Son are already condemned because they have not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. Revelation 21:8 provides a list of those who will face the second death in the lake of fire: "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." Therefore, it is not just the explicitly wicked, but all who refuse to accept Christ's offer of salvation, who will face this judgment.

 

[First and the Last]

3. Does the Bible teach that humans have an immortal soul that survives the death of the person so that the soul can then be burned in eternal flames? If so, please present scriptures to that effect to prove it (no more than 3 scriptures at a time, please). Follow the steps indicated at Question #1.

The Bible does indicate that the soul continues after physical death. Ecclesiastes 12:7 says, "Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it." This suggests an ongoing existence of the spirit after death. Jesus also spoke of eternal punishment and eternal life in Matthew 25:46: "And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal." This parallel implies that both outcomes are of equal duration. Additionally, Luke 16:22-24 tells the story of the rich man and Lazarus, where the rich man, after death, finds himself in torment: "And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame." This story, while a parable, illustrates the belief in conscious existence after death, where the unrighteous experience torment.

 

[First and the Last]

4. When people are being tortured in hellfire, wouldn't they have to KNOW or be conscious/aware of the fact that they are being burned? I mean to say, what's the point of punishing people in a burning hellfire if they aren't even aware?

The concept of conscious torment is indeed supported by scripture. In Luke 16:24, "And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame." the rich man in hell is described as being in torment and fully aware of his suffering, even engaging in a conversation with Abraham. Revelation 14:11 also depicts the torment of those who worship the beast: "And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night." This continuous state of unrest implies an awareness of suffering. These scriptures suggest that part of the judgment involves a conscious experience of the consequences of rejecting God.

 

[First and the Last]

5. Those who believe in literal eternal torment say that the person's soul is being burned forever. What is the soul? Are animals souls also, or does the term "soul" apply only to humans?

In biblical terms, the soul (Hebrew: "nephesh," Greek: "psyche") refers to the entire being of a person, encompassing both physical and spiritual aspects. Genesis 2:7 states, "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." This indicates that humans are living souls created by God. While animals are also described as living beings (nephesh) in Genesis 1:20-21, the human soul is distinct in its capacity for eternal relationship with God and moral accountability. Jesus highlighted the value of the soul in Matthew 16:26: "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" Thus, the human soul is unique in its eternal significance and relationship to God.

 

[B-A-C]

Hell is a temporary place. The Lake of Fire is a permanent place. Hell itself will eventually be thrown into the Lake of Fire.

Rev 20:14; Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.

"ALL" non-Christians will be thrown into the Lake of Fore. No exceptions.

Rev 20:15; And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

The Bible does say this is a place of torment.

Rev 20:10; And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

Rev 14:9; Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand,
Rev 14:10; he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.
Rev 14:11; "And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name."

Luke 16:22; "Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried.
Luke 16:23; "In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and *saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom.
Luke 16:24; "And he cried out and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.'
Luke 16:28; for I have five brothers—in order that he may warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.'

Matt 25:44; "Then they themselves also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?'
Matt 25:45; "Then He will answer them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.'
Matt 25:46; "These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

The same word for "eternal" ins used twice in verse 46 here. Eternal punishment and eternal life. If there is no eternal punishment, then there is no eternal life.

The Bible does mention a place of "outer darkness".

Matt 8:12; but the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
Matt 22:13; "Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
Matt 25:30; "Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

There has been some debate about what this outer darkness is, but it doesn't really matter because if their name isn't in the Book of Life, they end up in the Lake of Fire anyway.

Everyone is resurrected, even the wicked. Everyone comes back to life and lives forever, the question is... where do you spend eternity?

John 5:27; and He gave Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man.
John 5:28; "Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice,
John 5:29; and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.

Acts 24:15; having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.

Rev 20:13; And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds.
Rev 20:14; Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.
Rev 20:15; And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

There is some debate over whether non-Christians get a new body or not.

1Cor 15:35; But someone will say, "How are the dead raised? And with what kind of body do they come?"
1Cor 15:42; So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body;
1Cor 15:43; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power;
1Cor 15:44; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.

But the semantics doesn't matter to me. Whether they have some kind of body or not doesn't matter. They will be able to feel pain and torment no matter.

 

[B-A-C]

There are two words that are similar in the Bible.

αἰώνιος
aiōnios
ahee-o'-nee-os
From G165; perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well): - eternal, for ever, everlasting, world (began).
Total KJV occurrences: 71

αἰών
aiōn
ahee-ohn'
From the same as G104; properly an age; by extension perpetuity (also past); by implication the world; specifically (Jewish) a Messianic period (present or future): - age, course, eternal, (for) ever (-more), [n-]ever, (beginning of the, while the) world (began, without end). Compare G5550.
Total KJV occurrences: 128

aion and aionios. One simply means a long time, but not forever. Kind of like the Bronze age, or the Jurassic age, it could be thousands or even millions of years, but not forever.
The other is literally forever, never ending, eternal.

Matt 12:32; "Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.
Matt 13:49; "So it will be at the end of the age; the angels will come forth and take out the wicked from among the righteous,
Mark 10:30; but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life.
Luke 18:30; who will not receive many times as much at this time and in the age to come, eternal life."

These are examples of where the word "aion" is used for a given time period.

Matt 25:46; "These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
John 3:16; "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

These are examples of where the word "aionios" is used to mean forever.

Some people will try to tell you they are the same word, but they are not.

 

[KingJ]

The teaching of literal hellfire torment is commonplace in Christendom and non-Christian religions. This teaching defames the Creator and portrays him as a sadist who tortures people in literal flames of fire for all eternity—as punishment for wrongdoings committed during the relatively brief human lifespan.


Hellfire believers insist that the wicked will literally experience pain while burning in literal flames of fire—after they have died. So that brings us to the questions below.



DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Are there are scriptures in the Judeo-Christian Bible to support the teaching of literal hellfire torment? If you believe that to be the case, please quote up to three (3) scriptures and include Bible book, chapter, and verse, along with a brief explanation for why you believe the verses are talking literal hellfire torment.

Yes, many. Probably over a hundred scriptures. For starters, eternal hell is ''called'' the lake of fire.

2. According to those who believe in literal hellfire torment, only wicked people will wind up in hell. Is that what you believe?

What do you believe?

3. Does the Bible teach that humans have an immortal soul that survives the death of the person so that the soul can then be burned in eternal flames? If so, please present scriptures to that effect to prove it (no more than 3 scriptures at a time, please). Follow the steps indicated at Question #1.

Yes, many. One that comes to mind is Matt 25:46.

4. When people are being tortured in hellfire, wouldn't they have to KNOW or be conscious/aware of the fact that they are being burned? I mean to say, what's the point of punishing people in a burning hellfire if they aren't even aware?

They will be aware. Read Luke 16.

5. Those who believe in literal eternal torment say that the person's soul is being burned forever. What is the soul? Are animals souls also, or does the term "soul" apply only to humans?

What is the difference between the soul and spirit of humanity? | GotQuestions.org

What is the difference between the soul and spirit of humanity? Is the spirit part of the soul, or are the two entirely separate?

www.gotquestions.org

----------------------------

This is a terrible OP. You have put no effort into your view or belief. You demand scriptures but post none. You expect the reader to do all the work.

Many today cannot accept scripture on hell as God ''is'' good. What one has to do is gain a better understanding of the A-Z of scriptures on the topic and on those that define God. This is not a simple topic to discuss.

I have created this thread here where I try explain what one can expect in hell. What to expect in hell

 

[Alter2Ego]

1. Are there are scriptures in the Judeo-Christian Bible to support the teaching of literal hellfire torment? If you believe that to be the case, please quote up to three (3) scriptures and include Bible book, chapter, and verse, along with a brief explanation for why you believe the verses are talking literal hellfire torment.

Yes, many. Probably over a hundred scriptures. For starters, eternal hell is ''called'' the lake of fire.

KingJ:

You responded as follows:

"Yes many. Probably over a hundred scriptures. For starters, eternal hell is "called" the lake of fire.



You are telling me what you believe without providing scriptural support, King J. Please present scripture that indicates: "eternal hell is "called" the lake of fire."

No more than three verses of scripture at a time, please.

Alter2Ego

 

[Alter2Ego]

2. According to those who believe in literal hellfire torment, only wicked people will wind up in hell. Is that what you believe?

What do you believe?

KingJ, you responded as follows to Question #2 in my OP: "What do you believe?"

My response to your above question is that I'm trying to see where others stand on this issue and then we will see what scripture says.


Alter2Ego

 

[Alter2Ego]

3. Does the Bible teach that humans have an immortal soul that survives the death of the person so that the soul can then be burned in eternal flames? If so, please present scriptures to that effect to prove it (no more than 3 scriptures at a time, please). Follow the steps indicated at Question #1.

Yes, many. One that comes to mind is Matt 25:46.

KingJ, your response to my third OP question was: "Yes, many. One that comes to mind is Matt 25:46."


My response to your above reply in which you said Matthew 25:46 is proof that humans have an immortal soul that survives their death is this:

Matthew 25:46 is part of Jesus' parable of the sheep and the goats. Nowhere in that entire chapter 25 does it say anything about an immortal soul. What verse 25 does say is the following:

New International Version
“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

 

[Alter2Ego]

4. When people are being tortured in hellfire, wouldn't they have to KNOW or be conscious/aware of the fact that they are being burned? I mean to say, what's the point of punishing people in a burning hellfire if they aren't even aware?

They will be aware. Read Luke 16.

KingJ, you replied that I should read the entire chapter of Luke 16 to find scriptural support -- for your belief -- that the dead are aware that they are burning in literal hellfire. Suppose you point me to the exact verses within that chapter where that's stated, because I read Luke 16 and didn't find anything that says what you're claiming.

 

[Alter2Ego]

5. Those who believe in literal eternal torment say that the person's soul is being burned forever. What is the soul? Are animals souls also, or does the term "soul" apply only to humans?

What is the difference between the soul and spirit of humanity? | GotQuestions.org

What is the difference between the soul and spirit of humanity? Is the spirit part of the soul, or are the two entirely separate?

www.gotquestions.org

----------------------------

This is a terrible OP. You have put no effort into your view or belief. You demand scriptures but post none. You expect the reader to do all the work.

Many today cannot accept scripture on hell as God ''is'' good. What one has to do is gain a better understanding of the A-Z of scriptures on the topic and on those that define God. This is not a simple topic to discuss.

I have created this thread here where I try explain what one can expect in hell. What to expect in hell

KingJ:

You responded to my question with a weblink. I don't do links unless the specific words are quoted from a source, after which I will go to the website to confirm what has been quoted. So at this time, I will await your response to Question #5 from my OP.

 

[Alter2Ego]

Hell is a temporary place. The Lake of Fire is a permanent place. Hell itself will eventually be thrown into the Lake of Fire.

Rev 20:14; Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.

B-A-C:

If hell is a literal place of fiery torment, please explain to the rest of us how hell itself will be thrown into the Lake of Fire.

 

[Alter2Ego]

Luke 16:22; "Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried.
Luke 16:23; "In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and *saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom.
Luke 16:24; "And he cried out and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.'
Luke 16:28; for I have five brothers—in order that he may warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.'

B-A-C:

The story of the Rich Man and Lazarus is a parable. A parable is a fictitious story.


Definition of Parable:
"A parable (pronounced PAIR-uh-bull) is a short story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. It comes from a Greek word meaning "comparison."

https://literaryterms.net/parable/

 

[Alter2Ego]

Matt 25:44; "Then they themselves also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?'
Matt 25:45; "Then He will answer them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.'
Matt 25:46; "These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

B-A-C:

Matthew 25:44-46 is part of another of Jesus' parables. Eternal punishment refers to annihilation.

 

[KingJ]

KingJ:

You responded as follows:

"Yes many. Probably over a hundred scriptures. For starters, eternal hell is "called" the lake of fire.



You are telling me what you believe without providing scriptural support, King J. Please present scripture that indicates: "eternal hell is "called" the lake of fire."

No more than three verses of scripture at a time, please.

Alter2Ego

No. I will not.

Until you show me that you have actually researched this topic, I will not waste anymore time with you.

If you have researched this topic, done 'your' homework, you would not be asking such silly questions / making such silly requests. You would post a rebuttal to a well know belief.

I am telling you, now please grasp this, there are over a hundred scriptures. Go and do your homework.

You started this thread all wrong. If you came here asking for help and advice, people would be obliged to help you and show you the scriptures. ''Do the homework'' for you. But instead you come here as though you are waiting to set people up with your winning hand.

 

[KingJ]

KingJ:

You responded as follows:

"Yes many. Probably over a hundred scriptures. For starters, eternal hell is "called" the lake of fire.



You are telling me what you believe without providing scriptural support, King J. Please present scripture that indicates: "eternal hell is "called" the lake of fire."

No more than three verses of scripture at a time, please.

Alter2Ego

Imagine rudely poking people for explanations on a very sensitive and complex topic of eternal punishment and not knowing that scripture says eternal hell is called the lake of fire.

You have just shown that you need to be 'babied' from step 1 on this topic. Good luck finding someone here to entertain you.

 

[Alter2Ego]

No. I will not.

Until you show me that you have actually researched this topic, I will not waste anymore time with you.

If you have researched this topic, done 'your' homework, you would not be asking such silly questions / making such silly requests. You would post a rebuttal to a well know belief.

I am telling you, now please grasp this, there are over a hundred scriptures. Go and do your homework.

You started this thread all wrong. If you came here asking for help and advice, people would be obliged to help you and show you the scriptures. ''Do the homework'' for you. But instead you come here as though you are waiting to set people up with your winning hand.

KingJ:

At Question 1 of my OP, I asked the following, and notice the words bolded in yellow:

"1. Are there are scriptures in the Judeo-Christian Bible to support the teaching of literal hellfire torment? If you believe that to be the case, please quote up to three (3) scriptures and include Bible book, chapter, and verse, along with a brief explanation for why you believe the verses are talking literal hellfire torment."

Since you claim there are "over a hundred scriptures" in support of literal hellfire torment, the ball is in your court.

FYI: I've researched the Bible for decades and have not found a single verse of scripture within the 66 books that speak about literal hellfire torment. Not one single verse.