Hell

[meepmoopmeep]

could it be possible that life as we know it, the world around us is in fact Hell, and that we all suffer until we find peace with God and only then will we die and be risen to Heaven?

 

[eoe]

no.

 

[catwoman2]

I wonder why you say that, Meepmoopmeep?

Have you read the Gospels lately? Jesus talked about Hell as another place from Earth. If I were you, I'd slowly read the NT and ask God to guide you.

For nonbelievers, this life on Earth will be the best they'll ever have it. Hell is nasty.

 

[meepmoopmeep]

i'm sorry, i'm going through a lot of trials as of late... you're right, i just need to read the Gospel more...

 

[DaveS]

Hmmm a bit of Buddhist teaching?

Well I personally don't discount any beliefs, particularly beliefs that may ultimately actually help you in your walk with God. I think the existance of Hell, existance of Satan, the workings of Hell etc. etc. are all questions that do not matter for a Christian. However, if the questions about Hell are what is keeping you back in your walk then I would just stick with a personal theory that does answer your struggles so you can get on with your life.
It's what I have done with regards to these questions and I don't really care if I'm wrong - a God that punishes you for not getting a piece of minor theology correct is quite frankly a petty God which I would have great difficulty in believing in!

 

[Leah]

no.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[leothelioness]

My thoughts exactly.

Mine too. He beat me to it!

 

[Itrenore]

I believe that God does not want suffering to continue forever. However, the Bible does use the word "forever" in reference to Hell. This must mean that there are people who will always reject God and embrace sin no matter what. The thought has crossed my mind before that maybe this world is Hell. It is a different place though. With the exception of natural disasters and some diseases, many of the suffering that we endure is a result of sin.

Edit: Yeah, the one word answer "no" works

 

[RonnyRulz]

could it be possible that life as we know it, the world around us is in fact Hell, and that we all suffer until we find peace with God and only then will we die and be risen to Heaven?

Right on brother. You're really close.

Hell is just living without God, like you said. Being on Earth without Jesus is 100% hell. You got that right.

Being with Jesus is Heaven. You don't have to die to get to Heaven, He has been there waiting for you before you were even planned to be created.

Hell = Being without Jesus on Earth
Heaven = Being with Jesus on Earth

The "afterlife" may or may not be a heightened sense of Heaven/Hell, but regardless, I am here to witness that without Jesus on Earth is 100% Hell and with Jesus on Earth is 100% Heaven. And you can't go past 100%, that's impossible. So you can conclude with yourself, if Heaven/Hell is 100% on Earth, then it doesn't really matter about an afterlife because you can't go past 100%.

I testify to this, I would rather cease to exist than to suffer just ONE MOMENT without Jesus. No one can tell me I'm wrong because I live this. I live in 100% Heaven with Jesus, and I live in a reality that if I were to be just one moment without Jesus, it would be 100% Hell.

After I die you can send me to Heaven or you can send me to Hell, but regardless where I go, because Jesus, Father, Holy Spirit will never leave me and will always be beside me, nomatter where I go will be Heaven. Whether it's Hell, Heaven, or Earth. I'm in Heaven and will forever be in Heaven. Eternal Life. Eternal friendship. Eternal God. Eternal Love.

Of course don't get me wrong, there IS a place of paradise. Although Heaven isn't a place it's a person (Jesus, and Jesus ONLY) there is a paradise with streets of gold, beautiful colors, and amazing beauty.

 

[eoe]

Just as an FYI: the OP borders on gnosticism given that it might lend one to believe that:
matter (the world around us) is evil (hell)
and...
with secret knowledge - enlightenment - we can escape the evil material world.

 

[oldsage]

Just as an FYI: the OP borders on gnosticism given that it might lend one to believe that:
matter (the world around us) is evil (hell)
and...
with secret knowledge - enlightenment - we can escape the evil material world.

What most don't seem to remember is that God created the earth and created it good. All we see that God created is good. For us to call it evil...well, seems wrong.

Chris

 

[clayharryman]

What most don't seem to remember is that God created the earth and created it good. All we see that God created is good. For us to call it evil...well, seems wrong.

Chris

Don't forget the fact that the earth, and everything in it, is fallen and under the enemy's control. Adam chose to hand it over to Satan when he chose to reject God's command.

 

[Mikecpking]

Don't forget the fact that the earth, and everything in it, is fallen and under the enemy's control. Adam chose to hand it over to Satan when he chose to reject God's command.

Sorry, but scripture teaches otherwise:

1. Exodus 9:29
   Moses replied, "When I have gone out of the city, I will spread out my hands in prayer to the LORD. The thunder will stop and there will be no more hail, so you may know that the earth is the LORD's.
   Psalm 24:1
   [ Of David. A psalm. ] The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;
   1 Corinthians 10:26
   for, "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it."

We are also to be caretakers as instructed by God in Genesis 1

 

[cavymom]

Humans on earth can recieve the Holy Spirit.

Now why would the HOLY Spirit live in hell?

Earth is not hell, the Holy Spirit is testament to that fact.