Most Christians claim to believe the Bible is God's Word.
At the end of each Bible reading in many church services the reader says something like "This is the Word of the Lord".
And yet, depending on already-decided points of view, there are some parts of the Bible that are ignored or not believed by many Christians.
Most of the church believe there are parts of the Bible that teach that the end result for non-believers is hell, as many popular English translations put it. This is interpreted as eternal torment or destruction, or even annihilation by some scholars.
Two examples:
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
[Matthew 25 : 41 NIV]
They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed.
[2 Thessalonians 1 : 9 -10 NIV]
There are other parts of the Bible that suggest the end result is reconciliation to God, life for all people.
Two examples:
Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people.
[Romans 5 : 18 NIV]
For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
[1 Corinthians 15 : 22 NIV]
If we believe the Bible really is the Word of the Lord, then both of these positions must be true. So how do we handle this apparent "contradiction"?
If the end result for non-believers in Christ is eternal destruction or annihilation, then what are we to do with the 'life for all' verses?
Alternatively, if the end result is life for all people, then what are we to do with the 'destruction' verses?
I find it much easier to believe the "life for all people" verses and explain the "hell" verses as a part of the journey for some people, rather than the other way around.
Indeed, I find it impossible to say the end result is destruction and yet there is still life for all.
As readers of this BLOG will know, I have found it easier to believe "life for all people" is more consistent with a God of love who sent His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2 : 2)
That means I must be able to explain those seemingly contradictory "hell" verses. I have done so throughout the many years this BLOG has been online, but if I have missed explaining any, please raise them in the Comments section and I will do my best to address them.
Blessings, Barry.
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