Hell vs. the Grave

[Cherub8]

If we look at the latest translations of the Bible, we see that the word 'hell' found in KJV is often replaced by the term 'grave.' To be honest, I cannot help but question the existence of eternal suffering. Yes, everyone certainly does deserve that, but honestly, I am struggling to believe that God would predestine some to that end.

Is it possible that "the grave" is simply nothingness?

I have no bias, so if it can be proven either way, I'll accept the answer. I considered posting this in general theology, but thought it would be best to address this to those who hold the same beliefs, particularly regarding predestination.

 

[Jon_]

If we look at the latest translations of the Bible, we see that the word 'hell' found in KJV is often replaced by the term 'grave.' To be honest, I cannot help but question the existence of eternal suffering. Yes, everyone certainly does deserve that, but honestly, I am struggling to believe that God would predestine some to that end.

Is it possible that "the grave" is simply nothingness?

I have no bias, so if it can be proven either way, I'll accept the answer. I considered posting this in general theology, but thought it would be best to address this to those who hold the same beliefs, particularly regarding predestination.

Is your speculation that the non-believing simply cease to be if they are judged unrighteous and barred entry into the kingdom? That's an interesting thought, but I can't think of any place in Scripture that that view is supported.

The Westminster Shorter Catechism addresses this:

Q. 19. What is the misery of that estate whereinto man fell?
A. All mankind by their fall lost communion with God,[47] are under his wrath[48] and curse,[49] and so made liable to all the miseries of this life,[50] to death[51] itself, and to the pains of hell forever.[52]

The Scripture proof for [52] is these:

Matthew 25:41, 46. 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.... And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. 2 Thessalonians 1:9. Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; Revelation 14:9-11. And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 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.

Source: http://www.reformed.org/

 

[Tertiumquid]

If we look at the latest translations of the Bible, we see that the word 'hell' found in KJV is often replaced by the term 'grave.'

In the Old Testament this happens frequently. But, remember that to properly interpret the Old Testament, we use the clearer teachings in the New Testament. The more explicit statements of Scripture interpret the less explicit.Many end times folks us the Old Testament as a means of determining prophecy, rather than looking for their fulfillment in the New Testament. So with the doctrine of “Hell” we want to gather information, but with caution- always remembering the more explicit statements in the New Testament interpret those statements in the Old Testament.

To be honest, I cannot help but question the existence of eternal suffering. Yes, everyone certainly does deserve that, but honestly, I am struggling to believe that God would predestine some to that end.

Which is the easier thing to accept? Eternal punishment, or annihilation? I think the idea of living my entire life happily in my sin, knowing that I will be punished by total extinction and not eternal punishment is strangely comforting. Indeed, eat drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die.I will again be free to live my life as I want. I will be annihilated at the end, so who cares?

Is it possible that "the grave" is simply nothingness?

The Jehovah's Witnesses argue this way:


“If you were to translate a book from a foreign language into English and there you found the foreign word for bread 65 times, would you translate it 31 times bread, 31 times fish, and three times meat? Of course not. Why? Because if you did your translation would not be correct. For what is bread cannot at the same time be fish or meat and vice versa. The same holds true with the word “sheol.” If sheol is the grave, it is impossible at the same time to be a place of fiery torture and at the same time a pit.”



Walter Martin has rightfully pointed out that the average Jehovah’s Witness then, hell (sheol) is literally “the grave,” the place where mortals await the resurrection. Unbelievers await anahilation.Their chief argument is that a Greek or Hebrew word always means one thing and has no contextual connotation. This is a typical Jehovah’s Witness approach. It would be interesting to apply the same logic they use to the word “bread”: In the Hebrew text, the word lechem is translated “bread” 238 times, one time as “feast,” 21 times as “food,” one time as “fruit,” 5 times as “loaf,” eighteen times as “meat,” one time as “provision,” twice as “victuals,” and once as “eat.”

I have no bias, so if it can be proven either way, I'll accept the answer. I considered posting this in general theology, but thought it would be best to address this to those who hold the same beliefs, particularly regarding predestination.

I think we all have bias. The sinful nature in me hates the doctrine of eternal punishment.



I would suggest beginning in the New Testament and studying the doctrine of Hell closely. Then work your way into the Old Testament.



Take Care,
James Swan