Brad Alles

The study of the last things, or eschatology, continues with more on the eternal state of hell.  In hell, unbelievers will experience damnation and eternal separation from God in both body and soul. Hell is pictured as a place of weeping and gnashing teeth (Matthew 8:12), where both body and soul will be tormented and destroyed (Revelation 14:11; Matthew 10:28). Yet what’s worse, beyond this emotional and physical torment, is the total separation from God for all time. 2 Thessalonians 1:9-10 declares, “They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed.”

No one can comprehend total separation from God, because everyone has the blessings of His creation here on earth. For example, we have family and friends. In Matthew 5:45, Jesus said, “‘He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.’” What’s more, the Spirit, the Good News, and the Church are accessible to all. But no more after Judgment Day; unbelievers will be totally separated from God then. Imperfect beings cannot be in a Perfect Being’s presence. But there is a way to be with God—through the Way, Jesus (John 14:6). No one comes to the Father except through Him.