A
while back I wrote post on Jesus
teaching on hell. I specifically looked at his use of Gehenna in Mark 9:45 – 48, and I showed by a commentary on Isaiah
66 that this reference was directly tied to the destruction of the temple and
Jerusalem. The phrase where worm does not
die is a midrashic reference to Isaiah 66:24 and as such cannot be a proof
text for eternal punishment in hell. Yet, this is one of the key verses in the
current evangelical doctrine of hell.
The
concept of eternal punishment does not exist in the Old Testament at all.
Sheol, the Hebrew word for grave is translated as hell in the KJV. If you
search all the other versions of the bible, you will find that hell does not
exist in the Old Testament. The reason is that the scholars will not mislead
people into believing that the Old Testament concept of Sheol is the equivalent
of the interpretation of the concept of hell suggested by the New Testament writings. Therefore, the
first mention of the concept of hell is founded in the use of Gehenna in the New Testament. Sheol was simply the grave.
So
then, what is the meaning of Gehenna?
Gehenna, was a garbage dump outside of Jerusalem that burned all the time. The other
words that are translated as hell in the KJV New Testament is hades and tartaros. Hades is the
underworld in Greek mythology and tartaros
is the lowest region of hades. The
only reference to unquenchable fire is found in the Mark 9:40 – 48 passage.
Since I have shown that as being a reference to the destruction of the temple
and Jerusalem, that it is a prophetic metaphor of the judgment that will ensue,
then it is a pretty weak place to build a case for eternal punishment.
Now,
before you go ballistic or blow an artery… (notice this is metaphorical
language, I do not mean literally blow an artery or become a bullet)… I will readily
acknowledge that Paul states that we will *ALL* stand before the judgment seat
of Christ (Romans 14:10 & 2Corinthians 5:10.) That should be more than
sufficient to help us not think that we will get over on God. Think for a
minute… You (and I) but I am addressing you right now are going to stand before
Christ and give an account of what we did in this body. Kind of a sobering
thought ain’t it? I am sure it will be for loving correction but still. Just
think about it for a minute.
So,
am I a universalist? I’m not 100% sure… I lean that way. Is there a possibility
that the wicked will simply be annihilated? Certainly, that is a possibility
that I will not rule out. One thing I know for sure. The smug individuals that
have ostracized Carlton Pearson will indeed have to stand before the judgment
seat of Christ and let’s just say that I would not want to be them.
The
thing that makes me a universalist the
most is my belief in the absolute sovereignty of God. I am not a TULIP
Calvinist but I would say that I am close to a TUUIP Calvinist. ;-) In case you are wondering... it stands for Total
Depravity; Unconditional Election; Universal Atonement; Irresistible Grace;
& Perseverance of the Saints. That is the only model that fits with my
unwavering belief in the sovereignty of God.
So
how are the wrongs righted you ask? How are debts paid? That is above my pay
grade. ;-) Suffice it to say that I do believe in a *JUST* God who will make
sure that we all advance in love.
If our sins are remembered no more, and as far as the east is from the west removed, then what is left for judgement?
ReplyDeleteMelanie,
DeleteRight on, girl!
Roger
I don't think God is angry at anyone. He has the best view of our humanity and is quite pleased in His Son's performance and character. Now, we all need to simply get into the heavenlies (where we really are) experientially and "see" with His eyes.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Joe!
Hi Melanie,
ReplyDeleteGreat question. First, you are correct, Jesus has handled it all so there is no judgment as far as being acceptable to God. The way that the institutional church has operated, forcing obedience to be acceptable to God... whether or not one makes it in, judgment as a very negative possibility this all detracts from the process of transformation. However, there should be some kind of accountability for how one treats his fellow human. It is not a function of being in or out, heaven or hell but rather a critique of how we have loved. Jesus will be perfect at it and it will have importance in our eternal growth into the manifestation of the son's of God. It would be speculative for me to tell you how I think it works. If we had a more loving, kinder gentler doctrine, the saints could actually aid each other in accountability with out being judgmental. Knowing that we are in Christ, should make a difference in our love for God and each other. In other words, it should transform us. I don't know if this makes sense but if you want more clarification be sure to ask the questions. And, of course, I could be wrong... the judgment seat of Christ may have been a first century phenomenon.
Hi Roger,
ReplyDeleteGood point, we do need to walk in the reality of who we really are. At least, I for sure do!
God may remember our sins no more but we still need to be mindful of the commandments of God. We still need to put into play the second greatest commandment, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
ReplyDeleteSo do we sin because we know we will be forgiven? No. Romans 6:15, What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means!