What is your idea of hell? You probably just accepted, without question, this world’s idea of hell as a horrifying, night-marish place of never-ending torture for lost sinners. It is time to take a look at where hell came from and what hell is?

The Encyclopedia Americana states: "The main features of hell as conceived by Hindu, Persian, Egyptian, Grecian, and Christian theologians are essentially the same." The Western religious leaders through the Middle Ages borrowed the doctrines of eternal torture FROM THE PAGAN PHILOSOPHERS. Certain of these writers of the Middle Ages had such tremendous influence on the Christian-professing world, that their writings and teachings came to be generally accepted and believed, until it became the doctrine of the Christian professing world. Among these influential writers were Augustine (345-430 A.D.), and Dante Alighieri (1265-1321 A.D.). Dante wrote a tremendously popular book titled, The Divine Comedy, in three parts - Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise.

There is another book titled Dante and His Inferno, which sums up the history of the Christian-professing doctrine of hell. This factual history says that "of all poets of modern times, Dante Alighieri was, perhaps, the greatest educator. He possibly had a greater influence on the course of civilization than any other man since his day . . . he wrote, in incomprehensible verse, an imaginative and lurid account of a dismal hell - a long poem containing certain phrases which caught the attention of the world, such as, `all hope abandon . . . ye, who enter here!' This had a tremendous impression and influence on the popular Christian thought and teaching. His ‘Inferno' was based on Virgil and Plato."

Dante is reported to have been so fascinated and enraptured by the ideas and philosophies of PLATO and VIRGIL, who were pagan philosophers, that he believed they were divinely inspired. Here is an article on Virgil from the Americana: "Virgil, pagan Roman poet, 70-19 B.C., belonged to the national school of pagan Roman thought, influenced by the Greek writers. Christians of the Middle Ages, including Dante, believed he had received some measure of divine inspiration."

Plato was a pagan Greek philosopher, born in Athens, 427 B.C., a student of Socrates. He wrote the famous book, Phaedo, on the immortality of the soul, and this book is the real origin of the modern belief in the immortality of the soul.

So, the world's concept of "hell" is admittedly a product of centuries of man's thinking on the great problem of reward and punishment which man associates with human deeds. IT DID NOT COME AS A REVELATION FROM GOD, but is rather the product of man's thinking - using human reason to decide what only God can reveal!

Where does this current idea of hell lead us? There are more than three billion people on the earth. There are millions of people who live in China, India, and parts of Asia and Africa who have never heard the only name by which men may be saved - the name of Jesus Christ! Your Bible says: "... there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12.)

If this religious doctrine of hell is correct, then all of these unsaved people who have never heard the name of Jesus, who have not had a chance for salvation, have gone to hell at death and are eternally lost in tormenting "hell fire"!

Can you really believe that is the plan by which an all-wise, all-merciful, loving God is working out His purpose here below? What is the TRUTH?

In this Bible Study let’s take an honest look at what the Bible says about hell.

1. What punishment did Christ warn would happen to those who would not quit sinning? (Mark 9:43.) Did He say they would "go into hell?" Did He say there would be a fire there? (Same verse.) Did Christ repeat this warning two more times in Verses 45 and 47?

Note: Christ says there really is a hell. "Hell" is an English word. Mark wrote the words of Christ in the Greek language. This Greek word that Mark was inspired to write down, which was translated "hell" was gehenna. Note that Christ associated the Greek word gehenna with fire.

Note: On the use of the word "hell" in the New and Old Testament, from A Dictionary of the Bible edited by James Hastings says: "Keep in mind, as we read his material, that the Old Testament was originally written in the Hebrew language, and that the New Testament was originally written in the Greek language."

Hastings says: "In our Authorized Version the word `hell' is unfortunately used as the rendering of three distinct words, with DIFFERENT IDEAS [or MEANINGS]. It represents, 1. the 'sheol' [grave] of the Hebrew Old Testament, and the `hades' [grave] in the [original Greek] New Testament . . . It is now an entirely misleading rendering, especially in the New Testament passages. The English revisers, therefore, have substituted [the original Greek word] `hades' for [the word] `hell' in the New Testament .... "The word `hell' is used 2. as equivalent to [the Greek word] 'tartaros' (II Peter 2:4.) , [a place of restraint for fallen angels which occurs only once in the Bible] . . . and, 3. more properly as the equivalent of [the Greek word] `gehenna' [gehenna-fire punishment] ...."

So we see that the real meanings of three different Greek words --- "hades" ("sheol" in Old Testament), "tartaros," and "gehenna"- have been confused with each other because translators have attempted to make the one English word "hell" cover all three meanings!

2. In the K.J.V. does Luke 12:5 and Acts 2:31 contain the word "hell"? In Luke 12:5 the word "hell" is again the Greek word "gehenna" but the word "hell" in Acts 2:31 is the Greek word "hades" (Continued on page 3)

which means the grave. We can see in these two verses that the English word "hell" can have different meanings. Keep this point in mind when you read the New Testament. You may want to look up these words in Strong’s Concordance.

3. What happens to a person when he dies? Does he return to the dust from which he was made? (Genesis 3:19, Eccl. 3:20, 9:2.) Do man and beast go to the same place when they die? (Eccl. 3:19-20.)

4. Can anyone think after he perishes? (Psalms 146:4.) Are the dead unable to remember God? (Psalms 6:5.) How much do the dead know? (Eccl. 9:5.)

Note: A person who is dead has no more consciousness than a dead animal has.

5. What place does God say man goes when he dies? (Eccl. 9:10.) Did Job realize he would go to the grave after death? (Job 17:13.) Were worms of the earth to be his companions? (Verse 14.)

6. Must all people die at least once? (Hebrews 9:27, 1 Corinthians 15:22.) Did Christ take upon Himself the same mortal flesh of which we are composed? (Hebrews 2:14.) Didn’t He also have to go to the grave as all mortal men do? (Acts 2:31.)

Note: The original Greek word in Acts 2:31 which has been translated "hell" in the K.J.V. is "hades" which means the "grave." Christ did not go down into a fiery hell, but merely into a grave. God does not sentence anyone to a fiery hell immediately after he dies, but merely to the grave.

7. Was Jacob, in speaking of his son whom he thought to be dead, certain he was already in a grave? (Genesis 37:35.)

Note: The evidence is that the unrepentant sinner, or anyone else, does not go to a place of torment at death! They go to the grave, where they know ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.

8. Does it make sense for an unrepentant person to be sent to be tortured in an ever burning hell without being judged formally? Did Jesus say there would be a resurrection of judgment? (John 5:28-29.) Did Peter also mention a day of judgment? (2 Peter 2:9.) Is this a time when the unjust are judged for punishment? (Same verse.) When is this judgment to be? (Hebrews 9:27.)

Note: It is plain that a person will receive final judgment from God at some time after he dies.

9. Is God able to bring people up alive from the grave? (1 Samuel 2:6.) Does Revelation 20:13 prove there is to be a great future "resurrection to judgment"?

Notice that those who are in their watery graves and earthly graves and those who have not been buried are to be resurrected to judgment in the future.

10. What is the wages and reward for sin? (Hebrews 10:26-27, Romans 6:23.)

Note: This judgment comes on people because they sin willfully. Notice also that the "wages of sin" is eternal death which is the opposite of life.

11. What did Christ warn would happen to those who do not repent of their sinful ways? (Luke 13:3, John 3:16.)

Note: To "perish" means to become destroyed or ruined, cease to exist, deteriorate, spoil, to die.

12. Is death the "wages of sin"? (Romans 6:23.) Is the "gift of God" eternal life"? (Same verse.) Did Christ show by His parable of the tares that there was to be a future harvest? (Matthew 13:24-30.) Do the tares represent unrighteous people and the wheat represent those who are righteous? (Same verses.) Did Christ say the unrighteous (the tares) will be burned?

13. What did Christ warn the Scribes and Pharisees of His day would be their fate? (Matthew 23:33.)

Note: the Greek word translated here as "hell" is "gehenna" meaning the Valley of Hinnom. Christ was referring to the fire that burned in the Valley of Hinnom as a type of complete destruction of the wicked by fire. The Valley of Hinnom was the city dump located just outside of Jerusalem.

14. Did Jesus speak of "unquenchable" fire in Mark 9:43-48? Did Jeremiah speak of "unquenchable" fire in Jeremiah 17:27?

Note: Jesus repeated five time for emphasis, that this coming "hell fire" (gehenna) which shall destroy the wicked, would never be "quenched." Christ constantly used the Jerusalem refuse or garbage fire, that burned in the Valley of Hinnom on the south side of Jerusalem to illustrate the final "hell fire" which is to occur at the time of the future purification of the earth’s surface. Was the fire that burned the city refuse quenched in those days? The fires in the Valley of Hinnom kept burning as long as there were bodies of dead people, animals, or refuse, to burn. THEN they naturally went out! It is important to notice that these fires accomplished their purpose of consuming the dead bodies and refuse, and that it was only after they had accomplished this purpose that they burned themselves out. They were never quenched prematurely by anyone.

Note: God used Jeremiah to warn the wicked inhabitants of Jerusalem that He would devour their palaces and that the fire would not be quenched. This unquenchable fire accomplished its purpose and obviously it went out by itself.

15. Is there a day coming in the future that will be extremely hot like an oven? (Malachi 4:1.) Will it be so hot that it will burn and consume the wicked? (Same verse.) Will the righteous ultimately walk on the burned up ashes of the wicked? (Malachi 4:3.) Who will do this? (Same verse.)

16. Will the wicked whose names are not written in the "book of life" be cast into the coming "lake of fire" only after the coming judgment? (Revelation 20:11-15.) What is this "lake of fire"? (2 Peter 3:10.)

Note: This "lake of fire" will be our earth’s surface burning up and all things will be burned up except those who have been given the gift of eternal life, converted to spirit beings into the Kingdom of God.

In Conclusion: The Bible’s "hell fire" - gehenna fire - the "lake of fire" will consume completely those who are put into it. It’s a lot HOTTER than Dante’s "hell fire" which he believed to be only hot enough to torment. This Bible "hell fire" will totally consume the disobedient! Never will they exist again. Death means death, cessation of life and consciousness - total oblivion!

This knowledge of hell should motivate us to seek the Kingdom of God first (Mat. 6:33), to love God and keep His commandments (1 John 5:2.) 

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Scripture Reading:   (Mark 9:43-47 KJV) 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: {44} Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. {45} And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: {46} Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. {47} And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:

1.) (Mark 9:43-47 KJV) 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: {44} Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. {45} And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: {46} Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. {47} And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:

2) (Luke 12:5 NKJV) "But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!

(Acts 2:31 NKJV) "he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption.

3.) (Genesis 3:19 NKJV) In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return."

(Ecclesiastes 3:20 NKJV) All go to one place: all are from the dust, and all return to dust.

(Ecclesiastes 3:19-20 NKJV) For what happens to the sons of men also happens to animals; one thing befalls them: as one dies, so dies the other. Surely, they all have one breath; man has no advantage over animals, for all is vanity. {20} All go to one place: all are from the dust, and all return to dust.

(Ecclesiastes 9:2 NKJV) All things come alike to all: One event happens to the righteous and the wicked; To the good, the clean, and the unclean; To him who sacrifices and him who does not sacrifice. As is the good, so is the sinner; He who takes an oath as he who fears an oath.

4.) (Psalms 146:4 NKJV) His spirit departs, he returns to his earth; In that very day his plans perish.

(Psalms 6:5 NKJV) For in death there is no remembrance of You; In the grave who will give You thanks?

(Ecclesiastes 9:5 NKJV) For the living know that they will die; But the dead know nothing, And they have no more reward, For the memory of them is forgotten.

5.) (Ecclesiastes 9:10 NKJV) Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.

(Job 17:13-14 NKJV) If I wait for the grave as my house, If I make my bed in the darkness, {14} If I say to corruption, 'You are my father,' And to the worm, 'You are my mother and my sister,'

6.) (Hebrews 9:27 NKJV) And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,

(1 Corinthians 15:22 NKJV) For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.

(Hebrews 2:14 NKJV) Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,

(Acts 2:31 NKJV) "he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption.

7.) (Genesis 37:35 NKJV) And all his sons and all his daughters arose to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted, and he said, "For I shall go down into the grave to my son in mourning." Thus his father wept for him.

8.)(John 5:28-29 NKJV) "Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice {29} "and come forth; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.

(2 Peter 2:9 NKJV) then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment,

(Hebrews 9:27 NKJV) And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,

9.) (1 Samuel 2:6 NKJV) "The LORD kills and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and brings up.

(Revelation 20:13 NKJV) The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.

10.) (Hebrews 10:26-27 NKJV) For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, {27} but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.

(Romans 6:23 NKJV) For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

11.) (Luke 13:3 NKJV) "I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.

(John 3:16 NKJV) "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

12.) (Matthew 13:24-30 NKJV) Another parable He put forth to them, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; {25} "but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. {26} "But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. {27} "So the servants of the owner came and said to him, 'Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?' {28} "He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.' The servants said to him, 'Do you want us then to go and gather them up?' {29} "But he said, 'No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. {30} 'Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn."' "

13.) (Matthew 23:33 NKJV) "Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?

14.) (Mark 9:43-48 NKJV) "If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched; {44} "where 'Their worm does not die, And the fire is not quenched.' {45} "And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched; {46} "where 'Their worm does not die, And the fire is not quenched.' {47} "And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire; {48} "where 'Their worm does not die, And the fire is not quenched.'

(Jeremiah 17:27 NKJV) "But if you will not heed Me to hallow the Sabbath day, such as not carrying a burden when entering the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day, then I will kindle a fire in its gates, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched."' "

15.) (Malachi 4:1 NKJV) "For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up," Says the LORD of hosts, "That will leave them neither root nor branch.

(Malachi 4:3 NKJV) You shall trample the wicked, For they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet On the day that I do this," Says the LORD of hosts.

16.) (Revelation 20:11-15 NKJV) Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. {12} And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. {13} The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. {14} Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. {15} And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

(2 Peter 3:10 NKJV) But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.