The Location of HELL
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Summary of Inductive Study on Hell
Is hell in the depths of the earth or is it some “spiritual” realm in the heavens someplace? Whether or not you “believe” in hell, we’re going to look at some of the clues in the Bible to see if we can shed some light on this hellish mystery.
In a couple of my previous hubs, HELL: Sheowl, Hades, Tartaroo, Geenna and How to do an Inductive Bible Study we saw that “hell” has three different meanings. Sheowl (also spelled Sheol) and Hades are the same hell (Hebrew word/Greek word). Hades appears to be where human souls that have not accepted Jesus Christ as Savior dwell after physical death, awaiting the final hell, which is the Lake of Fire (Geenna). Likewise, we saw that Tartaroo is the “deepest abyss of Hades” where the angels who sinned in the days of Noah are incarcerated, also awaiting the final hell, which is the Lake of Fire (Geenna).
Why do some think that Hades/Tartaroo is in the depths of the earth? Well, first we must look at Ephesians 4:9-10: “(Now this expression, "He ascended," what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.)” Was Jesus buried in the “lower parts of the earth”? No. He was buried in a tomb that sits on the face of the earth.
To study this further, let’s read 1 Peter 3:18-20: “For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison, who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water.”
Again, verify more by reading 2 Peter 2:4: “For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell (Tartaroo) and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment;”
Considering all this, we can reasonably conclude that Sheol/Hades/Tartaroo is in the depths of the earth. But, what about the final hell (Geenna), the Lake of Fire?
About Geenna: The Lake of Fire
In reading all passages regarding Geenna, the Lake of Fire, the description includes “fire and brimstone”. In doing a study about brimstone, it is actually the Greek word theion (thi'-on); prob. neut. of theios (thi'-os) [in its or. sense of flashing]; sulphur:-brimstone. Brimstone is inflammable sulphur. Sulphur is not present in space; only in earth. Have you ever been to a hot springs? You will smell an odor produced by Hydrogen Sulphide. In fact, the one place you will find fire and brimstone together is an erupting volcano! Truly, the molten lava appears as a “lake of fire”, does it not? Prior to a volcanic eruption, this fiery liquid is known as “magma”, basically melted rock. How hot does rock have to get before it melts? Lava can reach up to 1,250° Celsius, which is 2,000° Fahrenheit, and it has to be hotter than that to be called magma.
In the book, All the Miracles of the Bible, Herbert Lockyer explains that brimstone is a once common English name for sulphur, signifying “burning stone” and refers to the inflammable character of the element. In the case of Sodom and Gomorrah, you might be surprised to know earthquake and volcanic activity was present.
“Under Mount Usdom (Sodom) there is a stratum of salt 150 feet thick. Above this is a stratum of marl mingled with free sulphur. It is a burned out region of oil and asphalt. A great rupture in the strata occurred. At the proper time, God kindled the gases. A great explosion took place. The salt and the sulphur were thrown into the heavens red hot, so it did literally rain fire and brimstone from heaven.”
Considering the stratum of salt, does it now make sense that Lot’s wife “turned into a pillar of salt” in Genesis 19:26?
Back to the Lake of Fire, I decided to also look up the word “fire” used in the Bible. It is the Greek word pur (poor); a prim. Word; “fire” (lit. or fig., spec. lightning):-fiery, fire. Lightning? Well, I then did more research on volcanoes and lightning. An article I read states that when volcanic gasses and materials are thrust high into the air, lightning can be triggered inside the ash clouds. Such electrical activity frequently accompanies large eruptions, and have done so at least 150 times in the past two centuries.
Considering the smoke and ash clouds, combined with volcanic lightning, it brings me to this passage found in Revelation 14:10-11: "...he will 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 goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name."
Salvation is Yours Today!
The Bible states in Philippians 2:9-11 “For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
While some interpret this to mean “all are or will be saved”, God would not have mentioned hell in the Bible, nor would the Bible warn us about hell, if this were the case. The demons confessed who Jesus Christ was, and yet shudder (Mat 8:29; James 2:19). Truly, all things in heaven and on earth and under the earth are subject to God’s authority. He is both righteous and just; He grants eternal life as well as condemnation and judgment. God is perfect and we are not. There is only one way to be made perfect in God’s sight and it is through accepting the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, who shed His own blood on the cross for you.
Revelation 1:18 states about Jesus, “I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forever more, Amen; And have the keys of hell [Hades] and of death.”
If you have not yet given your heart to Jesus Christ, I invite you to read my hub Come to JESUS: Salvation. John 3:36 states, “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." God loves you that much to have made THE WAY to save you. Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” Will you accept Him today?
- Did Jesus Preach In Hell?
I dont know about you, but Ive heard and read the teaching that people of the Old Testament werent officially saved until Jesus Christ died on the cross. In fact, their souls are said to have waited someplace (some call Paradise in the earth), ...
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Sister JD you are so good at digging into these things. Finding all of these facts that are so interesting is your speciality. I've always said to take the Scriptures literally unless otherwise stated in the text. It says "those under the earth" and that means just what it says. We don't know everything but we know enough to form a pretty good opinion until we are told everything. I loves ya.
Great work, Judah's Daughter.
You are a very good teacher and writer. Thank you.
Truly awesome hub you've written here. It makes the reader more want to consider Jesus's offer of retribution by acceptance. Keep up the sharing, faith gets stronger with every prayer we pray. We whom love the Lord Jesus know that HELL is not an option. Write On, in Christ Jesus namesake.
You are blessed and using your gift very well! :)
wonderful writing i love this
Again, your research is impeccable. I love how you give the facts of hell, with all the undeniable references, and then you give the solution to hell through knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Awesome hub.
Again another great teaching!
Hi, my name is Judi. Read your piece on "Where or What is Hell" and was captivated. Look forward to reading more. Thank you! Judi
I have recently become convinced by the scriptures that the people who face the White Throne Judgement will be sent into the Lake of Fire, never to be heard from nor thought of again.
"And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20.11-13,15 KJV)
I'm not trying to convince anyone else; just telling you where I am. It took me a long time to come to that conclusion; but I could easily change my mind, if I should see some convincing scriptural evidence somewhere down the road.
What is unrefutable is the fact that Jesus is the only path to salvation and GRACE is everything.
Yes, Old Mr. Lamb of God & Lion of Judah holds the keys of death & hell in his hands. Those are some mighty big keys. The God of Israel & of all Creation, not I, has already cast judgment on any who worship the Beast & the Image of the Beast, as well as anyone who takes the Mark of the Beast. The world of man's technology has now increased that a literal Mark of the Beast is now possible even on a global basis as God spoke about the increase in knowledge but not in any good light at all.
So if a literal Mark of the Beast comes then basically all conversations are a moot point at that time as things will be up to the individual to accept or reject the mark.
Good research! I've been taught, and believe that hell is the absence of God.
Thanks JD, but I don't know how to join, I though I was, or if I would have the time.
Gene
I need prayer.
I am struggling with my Christian walk right now. I'm in a tight spot and I feel like I cannot move. I look into my future and it seems so uncertain. I hate my life right and I want a change and a sense of direction. I feel so alone right now. I know that Jesus is w/ me but sometimes I dont feel His presences. I am tired of waking up in every morning doing the same thing day in an day out. This world sucks and the job market sucks. I cant even find a good job because I lack experience or an advanced degree. This is a cry out for help cuz I am broke spiritually, mentally, and financially. I live w/ my parents and I am growing sick and tired of them. I dont want to end up like the Prodigal son but when you feel like there is no hope what do you do? I feel so down, hurt and worthless. Seriously I am about to reach my breaking point.
I need a shoulder to cry on
:o(
Hi JD, been real busy, just went through a cyclone, everything’s ok.
Poor Roy, it’s sad, but I understand and like you said, hopefully what we wrote will benefit those silent ones that are reading, this has been a good learning experience and warning for them because weirdness doesn’t come from just reading the Bible, it comes from outside, some one has to plant it in our minds, the parable of the wheat and the tares is a good illustration of this.
Post, dear one, you’re not alone, every child of God has been there or is there at some time in their walk with the Lord. May I say it is just a test of your faith, do you really believe God is with you when you are going through the ‘dark times’? During these times we claim God’s promises for us like, “Do not let your heart be troubled, I will never leave you or forsake,” or “My God will supply all of my (make it personal) needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” There are lots of promises we can claim, I found reading the Psalms to be very helpful and comforting in these times. What He is working out in this part of your salvation, or sanctification, or walk with Him is, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” May I suggest also you read the fourth chapter of Philippians and what Paul wrote about his ‘dark times.’ May I also humbly suggest that you go and ‘cry on Jesus’ shoulder’, that is why He has allowed this to ‘come to pass,’ (notice that it ‘comes’ and when its purpose has been accomplished it will ‘pass’) to draw you to Him and He is really the only one that has the answers.
May I suggest that you need to return to the last place you heard God talking to you, build an alter (that’s what Abraham did to remind himself that God had talked to him) and rest in whatever He said, what ever verse He revealed to you in your heart read it over and over, claiming the promise AND appropriating it into your life(that’s called building an alter), God always meets us where we are and you will find He will always be there to comfort you.
Please allow me to speak foolishly as Paul said, but it is for your benefit, I’m a missionary in a third world country, where I live is in the top 10 most expensive places to live in the world, He told me to come here without any financial support, that He would supply all of my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus, I’ve been here almost twenty years and I live daily in faith that He will supply my needs and He has never once let me down, like David said, ‘I’ve never seen the righteous begging bread,’… my cup truly runneth over, Praise be to God from whom all mercy flows.
I tell you that dear one to show you that your God, our Father is faithful and he isn’t a respecter of persons, He doesn’t love me more that he loves you, He is and will work things out in your life, trust in Him, …the just live by faith.
You know JD, what we write, our personal experiences, are proof of our faith (I will show you my faith FROM my works) it easy to cut n’ paste and spout bile, but I haven’t seen one time, these people that dispute God’s Word, give a testimony of how God IS working in their lives from their walk in faith.
Time for work, may the Lord richly bless you, I’ll be praying for you Post (can you tells us your name?) you have lots of brothers and sisters in Christ that are praying for you too,
Gene
I have been healed and strengthened. Thank you Jesus for not giving up on me. If I did not have Jesus in my life I dont have a clue what I would do in these perilous times we live in. THANK YOU JESUS!!!!!!!!
:0)
I agree JD, hell is a literal place where Lazarus and the rich man could look out and see each other, one in hell and one in Abraham's Bosom. I hear people say that God wouldn't send people to hell and I tell them, hell is not where you go for your sin, your sin was paid for, eternal hell is the equal and opposite measure of the grace you rejected in Jesus Christ. Reject Christ's salvation, then you can be your own savior and save yourself, problem is... you can't, but God will let you make that choice anyway. Sad.
I have been reading, its been a pleasure.
- Harlan
I like your answer/angle too, I will put that among my responses, there are several ways to say it, and some are more appropraite for various ears, depends on who you are witnessing to - if you can get a feel for that particular person. I don't generally don't use the word Hades myself. I know a lot of people use it and I know what they mean generally, but a lot of people in the occult believe Hades is a place where you simply go party for all eternity, even some occult dictionary's define it that way. Some people even look forward to going to Hades. If you're witnessing to someone who believe's that and you say Hades, they may be confused and think you mean somewhere to go party forever. Hell, however, is predominately understood - tho not always - as somewhere they don't want to go. Again, I guess its who you are talking to, how well you know them and what there level of understanding is. I don't like to witness to someone in just a few minutes time, but sometimes that's all they give you too.
But, God says to put forth the word and it won't return void. I guess that is important to keep in mind too.
- Always a pleasure talking to you sis.
- In Christ
- Harlan
Judah's daughter you are truly an inspiration. 2nd timothy 2:15 says "study to show or (present) yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" I can see you in this scripture! It is easy to see that you are a student of the word of God and that you have a strong relationship with him that you absolutely cherish! All I can say to you sista is WRITE ON!!! (SN:I am now a follower!)
OH I have learned so much from you... Thank you for writing for us... And you are so blessed with writing for everyone...
Enjoyed reading your Hub sister...
Great hub Judah's daughter. Although God doesn't tell us for sure about these things, it does seem to make sense. I guess we will find out for sure on judgment day - a day of rejoicing for all who believe! Blessings to you.
Would God make us do something that He himself will not do?
Mat 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
Mat 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Mat 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
Mat 5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
Mat 5:47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
Mat 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
So we are to do good to our enemies, but God burns his? Be perfect like God is perfect? Based on this passage, from the mouth of Jesus, does God burn people forever? If you only love people who love you back then that does not make you special... but God's love is different in that He loves and does good to everyone... is that not what Jesus is saying here?























"Quill" 2 years ago
Excellent Hub Judahs Daughter, yet another well written and researched writing.
Thank you and as always what you write is taken from the Word. I look forward to the many responses to the subject and veiws of what hell really is all about. We are likely getting a more clear picture in our daily lives and the world we are seeing change all around us than we care to think about.
Many Blessings