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QUESTION 147
Some say that all of the unsaved will be cast into hell, and then cease to exist. Is there any Bible support for this belief?

ANSWER:
Some people can always find a verse they can either twist around, or take out of context in order to teach what they already believe. It is best to read the Bible without preconceived ideas. In this way the Holy Spirit is able to enlighten us.

There is a vast difference between eternal life and eternal existence. The saved are said to have the former and the unsaved the later. They will exist forever. Here are three verses which are exactly the same, where Jesus told us of eternal damnation: "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched." Mark 9:44, Mark 9:46 and Mark 9:48. And again, "And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name." Revelation 14:11. And again, "And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever." Revelation 20:10. And again, "And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal." Matthew 25:46. And again, "Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;" 2 Thessalonians 1:9. Everlasting destruction and punishment would not be everlasting if it cease after a while.

Jesus said, "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Matthew 10:28. The word "destroy" means "loss of well being."

Dear Reader, "Are you going to escape the damnation of hell?" You will, only if you repent of your sins and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ to save you. "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation;" Hebrews 2:3.

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen