Hell is also described as a place where “the worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.” (Mk 9:48, quoted by Jesus from Isa 66:24) Those both refer to God Himself, who cannot die. His chastisement is like an unquenchable, consuming fire, and the pangs of conscience He sends gnaw like a worm deep within. “For our God is a consuming fire.” (Heb 12:29)

 So, the words themselves do not require “eternal” torment. Now step back a bit and consider the nature and character of God as revealed in Scripture. Is this “eternal torment” consistent with His awesome holiness and His terrible hatred and wrath against sin? I don’t think so, for Scripture always reveals a God who, though hating the sin, loves the sinner and is “not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” (2 Pet 3:9) Unconditional love, grace, mercy, patience, forgiveness, kindness, and compassion are all aspects of God’s eternal character, just as much as His hatred of sin. “His anger [wrath] is but for a moment, but His favor [mercy, lovingkindness] is for a lifetime.” (Ps 30:5) For “He does not retain His anger forever.” (Mica 7:18) No, I think my “Ultimate Reconciliation” is far more consistent with God’s true nature.

But surely such an important doctrine would be clearly stated in God’s holy Word?! Well, yes, it is, though the truth is often veiled for those who don’t want to believe. Jesus often spoke in parables to hide the truth. “To you it is granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest, in parables, in order that seeing they might not see and hearing they might not understand.” (Lk 8:10)

So, if you really want to know the truth, pray now that the Holy Spirit will open your mind and heart to these passages.

“If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.” (Rom 10:9)

“…no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit. (1 Cor 12:3b)

“Therefore also God highly exalted Him [Jesus], and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, on earth, or under the earth [in hell], and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil 2:9-11)

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