What About Annihilation?

“What About Annihilation?”

Rev. 20:10; Mark 9:42; Matt. 26:24 

 

SUBJECT: HELL/EVANGELISM

THEME: Perhaps a better understanding of Hell will stir us to become more consistent evangelists for our Lord.

RELEVANCE: Our compassion for the perishing multitudes must be informed and aroused by the realities of Hell, to encourage us to become involved or remain with the task of evangelism. Multitudes are dying without Christ and going to Hell, who will give themselves to consistently point them to Christ?

INTRODUCTION:

The dreadful final future of the unsaved is distinctly outlined for all to witness! Rev. 20:14-15, And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. [15] And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

This is why we need to be motivated to share the Gospel and send out missionaries! Our neighbors and the world are destined for a Devil’s Hell forever! We must be concerned to reach them for Christ before it’s too late. But a question lingers that I must answer.... 

MESSAGE:

Are The Unsaved Annihilated in Hell? (No!)

This question has been asked out of a desire to defend the merciful nature of God, “Are people eventually annihilated in Hell?”. People failed to accurately see how grave sin really is and how much God finds it offensive. We tend to feel sorry for the unsaved, but what about God’s righteous nature? We tend to value people’s comfort more than we value God holiness without even realizing we are. We all want to hurry to emphasize the loving compassion of God while at times ignoring His righteousness and love for justice. We default to avoiding the awkwardness this realization may create for a sinner. Another result is we’re incline to find it unbelievable that a good God would commit ‘good’ people to Hell forever.

A. CONSIDER THE CLEAR STATEMENTS OF SCRIPTURE.

God deals with these matters in the clearest terms in many cases.

1. Sinners Will Suffer in Hell Eternally.

Rev. 20:10, And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

The final and permanent defeat of Satan, who is cast into the lake of fire to join the beast and the false prophet (one thousand years later) to face eternal torment. This verse triumphs the ultimate victory of God over evil at the end of the age.

·       “The Devil” as the deceiver of nations—Satan, is finally captured and judged.

·       “The Lake of Fire and Brimstone” the absolute, inescapable divine judgment and total separation from God.

·       “The Beast and the False Prophet” Human or political systems and false religious powers that previously opposed God and were thrown in earlier.

·       “Tormented…Forever” the permanent, irreversible, and conscious nature of their ultimate defeat.

2. The Punishment of the Unsaved Will Be Worse than Violent Death. This demonstrates that the punishment is not annihilation but a form of everlasting torment. Mark 9:42, And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

·       Mark 9:42 tells us that leading a new or vulnerable believer into sin is a severe spiritual crime. Jesus dramatically emphasizes that drowning with a heavy stone tied to one’s neck is better than facing God’s judgment for corrupting someone’s faith. Jesus warns that tempting others to do wrong or shaking the faith of a believer carries heavy accountability.

·       This vivid execution of a verdict illustrates God’s complete devastation, finality, and inescapable judgment. All this points to final and ultimate accountability for sinfulness before our Lord. Beloved, wickedness is not dismissed, overlooked, or remains unaddressed. No, one will get away with anything! (Mt. 25:46; Mk. 9:43-48; Re.19:20; 20:10).

·       Revelation 14:10-11, 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: ¹¹ 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.

Revelation 14:10-11 details judgment upon those who worship the beast and receive its mark, describing their punishment as drinking the unmixed wine of God’s wrath and eternal torment with fire and brimstone before the angels and the Lamb. Sufferers will face torment by fire and brimstone in the presence of holy angels and the Lamb. Will this punishment eternally endure? The smoke of torment ascends forever without day or night rest.

B. CONSIDER UNMISTAKABLE WARNINGS OF THE LORD JESUS.

Jesus said it would have been better if Judas had never been born (Mt. 26:24). Jesus' words make no sense if Judas was only going to be annihilated.

·       Matthew 26:24, The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.

·       While acknowledging God’s sovereign will (Christ’s impending betrayal and death are destined by Scripture) to secure our salvation and His necessary death, Jesus affirms the agonizing doom on Judas Iscariot for choosing to betray Him. The stark warning reveals personal accountability and the supreme gravity of actively opposing God’s purposes.

·       It would have been better “for that man if he had not been born”: This ancient Jewish idiom describes the ultimate, irreversible tragedy of divine judgment. It highlights the terrifying reality that whatever temporary earthly gains Judas received were infinitely outweighed by the eternal consequences of his betrayal.

Hell has eternal consequences that must be grappled with by the unsaved and the saved individuals. Jesus warned in Matthew 10:28, “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Our Lord highlights the distinction between physical and spiritual realities, urging us to prioritize our spiritual well-being over earthly fears. Jesus contrasts the limited power of humans to harm the body with God’s ultimate authority over both body and soul. We are encouraged to remain steadfast in our faith despite potential persecution or threats. The focus is on the eternal consequences of one’s spiritual state rather than temporary physical harm. Jesus correctly provokes us to think deeply about the Fear of Man vs. Fear of God, Spiritual Resilience, and the Eternal Perspective.  

Ultimately, the core message of Matthew 10:28 centers on making choices that align with our faith. We should deliberately choose to follow God’s path toward eternal life while placing less emphasis on earthly concerns. This shift greatly impacts how we view challenges and fears, guiding us toward a life dedicated to our faith.

As we reflect on Matthew 10:28, we find that overcoming fears requires aligning our focus on God and our spiritual lives. It invites us to build faith without boundaries and recognize that our eternal purpose far surpasses earthly worries. Instead of letting fear control our actions, we can choose courage that comes from faith in God. Embracing the liberating truth of this passage, we can confidently navigate our lives, spreading love while trusting in God’s perfect plan. –David Miller

“When we fear God, we free ourselves from the chains of anxiety concerning what man might do to us.” – David Platt

CONCLUSION:

We need compassion for the perishing multitudes stirred by the reality of Hell! This encourages us to become involved or remain committed to the tasks of evangelism and discipleship. Often, we miss the important work of showing God will vindicate His righteous nature…perhaps we never really realize this significant ministry, but people are accountable to the Creator Himself. He will judge finally one day…. Beloved, it’s guaranteed! 

Still Growing in Christ

 

 "Still Growing in Christ"

Romans 5:3-4; 1 Timothy 4:15; Hebrews 5:14; James 1:2-4

 

Theme: The chances of being sidetracked increase with trouble and pain, but we must remain focused on learning of the Lord and drawing closer to Him.

Relevance:

Scripture frames pain as a brief test that builds endurance, spiritual strength, and eternal hope.

Introduction:

The idea of maturing in Christ is a subject we have given substantial thought to and have even taught this on a regular basis. Still the possibility of distraction exists, especially during painful experiences; we must focus ourselves on spiritual growth still. The following thoughts help us do just that.

Lesson:

God even Deals with Overcoming Hardships as a Positive Means to our Continuous Growth.   

     A.  Trials test our faith and produce endurance, which leads to spiritual completion and maturity. James 1:2-4, My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3, Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4, But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

     Believers can discover deeper joy during life’s hardships. Difficult times test and strengthen our faith, building patience—endurance. Enduring these tests with patience helps us grow spiritually mature, strong, and complete in our faith, lacking zero crucial qualities for life.

·       “Divers temptations” point to various trials, tests, or troubles sent to try our character, rather than enticements to sin.

·       “Count it all joy” is purposefully choose a mindset of complete holy gladness. This means changing how we view pain…reframing it to see it as a tool for growth instead of just another bad event.

·       “Patience” is steadfast endurance, perseverance, or the ability to remain strong under heavy pressure.

·       “Perfect and entire” or spiritually mature, fully developed, and whole in character, rather than completely sinless.

·       “Wanting nothing” refers to no essential spiritual quality or strength needed for life is missing.

The components that we can immediately adapt are surrounding learning—that is habitually learning with people devoted to God as the primary resource—especially those who are biblically successful in areas we desire progress. We must learn through others ministries. It may be shocking, but we really have incredibly few original thoughts.... Most biblical concepts typically came from someone else…which came from someone else…. This is fairly a humbling fact that helps us remain teachable—always seeking growth in the Lord. Yet, life is full of illustrations of brokenness eventuating into considerable growth:

·        Broken and Repaired: Pottery fixed with gold paint, showing that damage makes life unique.

·        The Heavy Load: A person carrying a big rock or giant book, showing how stress builds inner strength.

·        The Storm: A ship moving through big waves, showing bravery during scary changes.

Many Biblical and Historical Examples Demonstrate Using Faith to Face Challenges:

          ·       Joseph’s Pit to Palace: Sold into slavery and falsely imprisoned, Joseph learned humility, perseverance, and deep compassion. He later recognized that God used those hardships to preserve many lives (Genesis 50:20).

          ·       Corrie ten Boom’s Prison Experience: Imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp where she lost her family, Corrie ten Boom learned firsthand that “no matter how deep our pit, God’s love is deeper still.”

          ·       John Bunyan in Bedford Jail: Arrested for preaching without a license, Bunyan used his time in confinement to write The Pilgrim’s Progress, an enduring Christian allegory of persevering through life’s trials.

     B. Suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope, not quitting and giving up. Romans 5:3-4, “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:”

     Christ’s followers can rejoice during hard times because tough situations build inner strength. Enduring trials leads to proven character, which then builds a strong and confident hope. 

·       “Tribulations” are hardships, pressures, troubles, or suffering.

·       “Glory in” is to rejoice or exult in, not because pain is good, but because of what God achieves through it.

·       “Worketh patience” or produces endurance, steadfastness, or the ability to remain under pressure without giving up.

·       “Experience” is proven character, testing, or spiritual maturity that has stood the test of time.

·       “Hope” is a certain, confident expectation of God’s promises and eternal good that does not disappoint.

Believers can find joy and purpose in these hard times. Difficult trials build patience, patience builds proven character, and that character strengthens a confident, unshakeable hope in God. We conscientiously reframe suffering as a tool for spiritual growth rather than a punishment.

·       Reflect on the Refiner’s Fire: Precious metals like silver and gold are heated intensely so that impurities rise to the top and can be skimmed off. A refiner knows the process is complete only when he can see his own reflection mirrored in the metal.

·       Meditate on the Next Mile Wisdom: Reminiscent of early explorers facing a daunting 450-mile wilderness trek, the best advice is often given by an old guide: “Just think about the next mile you have to go, never about all 450.” Faith calls believers to trust God for daily, step-by-step grace (Matthew 6:34).

C. It is Extremely Helpful to Note the Spiritual Progression! These verses outline a step-by-step chain reaction in our lives:

     ·       Trial comes first.

     ·       Patience is forged by surviving the trial.

     ·       Character is shaped by long-term patience.

     ·       Hope is the final outcome, rooted deeply in God’s love.

     D.  God in His Wisdom Gives Us Visual Symbols of Growth to Help Us Stay with It and Not Quit.

·        The Mountain Climb: A small person walking up a steep and rocky hill. This shows that reaching the top takes hard work.

·        The Lotus Flower: A pretty flower growing out of thick, dirty mud. It tells us that beauty and wisdom come from bad places.

·        The Kink in the Tree: A tree trunk with a sharp bend that keeps growing tall anyway. It proves that scars do not stop life.

Conclusion:

There must be no genuine differences in our personal philosophy and these thoughts presented in the Word. Concentration in the Scriptures will always be greater than our ideas, but the impressions of mentoring, training our minds to think, and processing godly concepts are all components we must take ownership. There are helpful disciplines we must adopt:

     ·       Fix your eyes on Jesus: Hebrews 12:2 encourages looking past the immediate trial to Jesus, the author and finisher of faith.

     ·       Reframe the pain as temporary: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 notes that outer struggles are light and momentary compared to unseen eternal glory.

     ·       Keep on praying without ceasing: Philippians 4:6-7 tells us to swap anxiety for prayer and thanksgiving to receive God’s peace.

     ·       Depend on God’s daily grace: 2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us that God’s power is made perfect in weakness. 

Learning during hardships means growing stronger through hard times. We grow wiser when we face dark days, pain, difficulties, or heavy work. Beloved, learning of Christ who points constantly to God must be the goal for us. We will enjoy discovering truths and insights we’ve never seen or thought about before. Consider, the Spark in the Dark: A small light bulb or glowing star shining in a black room. It means a new idea is born from trouble.

Child of God, Recall the Deep-Rooted Sapling: Trees that grow in sheltered, easy environments develop shallow roots. Hard winds, storms, and rocky soil force a tree’s roots to go deep into the earth, resulting in a core strength that withstands future devastation. (Unknown)

The scriptures should always be the final authority in every matter. If the subject was not important enough for God to address it directly or in principle in the Bible, then it is okay for us to be quiet about it as well. You and I may have a personal preference, but that’s all it is…a personal preference. We are not free to elevate that idea to a requirement or standard for others. Know that trials deepen faith, build character, and produce resilient hope.

Today there are many avenues to ingest more Bible content and godly substance. Though we must proceed with real caution, much can be learned as we apply ourselves. We may study more Bible chapters, read more helpful commentaries and books, listen to solid podcasts, watch spiritually edifying videos, listen to inspiring individuals speak in person, set under God-centered preaching and teaching, pay close attention to a panel that’s assembled with godly growth in mind, and many other ways to expose our hearts to God’s truth. There are notable benefits relationally, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and experientially for such endeavors. God works powerfully through a willingness to submit ourselves to His authority in our lives. It is wise to cultivate a holy fear of God as we endeavor. So, take seriously this effort to intentionally learn and develop in the Lord. A life could not be better spent learning and obeying Him. 

Hell’s Shocking Realities

“Hell’s Shocking Realities”

Rev. 20:11-15

 

SUBJECT: HELL/EVANGELISM

THEME: Perhaps a better understanding of Hell will stir us to become more consistent evangelists for our Lord.

RELEVANCE: Our compassion for the perishing multitudes must be informed and aroused by the realities of Hell, to encourage us to become involved or remain with the task of evangelism. Multitudes are dying without Christ and going to Hell, who will give themselves to consistently point them to Christ?

INTRODUCTION:

The dreadful final future of the unsaved is distinctly outlined for all to witness! Rev. 20:14-15, And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. [15] And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

This is why we need to be motivated to share the Gospel and send out missionaries! Our neighbors and the world are destined for a Devil’s Hell forever! We must be concerned to reach them for Christ before it’s too late.  

MESSAGE:

I.  What Is Meant by “Hell”?

Hell is the place of imprisonment and punishment for those who revolt against God.

A. HELL WAS ORIGNALLY CREATED FOR SATAN AND THE REBELLIOUS ANGELS. Matthew 25:41

B. UNSAVED PEOPLE WILL BE COMMITTED TO HELL ALSO (Mt. 25:41-46).

C. THE LORD JESUS CHRIST TAUGHT AND WARNED PEOPLE MUCH OF AN ENDLESS HELL.

D. IN THE O.T. THE WORD HELL (SHEOL) HAS TWO MEANINGS WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND. Hell in common usage designates the grave and the place of future punishment for the unbelieving.

II. What Is Hell Really Like? (N.T.)

We need not be confused or vague about our perceptions of Hell. God afford us reliable insight into this subject in the Bible, especially the New Testament.

A. IMAGERY WE MUST PAY ATTENTION TO!

Hell is a place of conscious and everlasting punishment, judgment, and fiery torment for the wicked, the devil, and his angels.  

1. A Place of Punishment.

Matthew 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Hell is described as a real and final place of conscious torment, fire, and everlasting punishment for unrepentant sinners who reject God.

A.   The Idea of Punishment in Hell is Evident!

·        Revelation 20:15, And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

·        2 Thessalonians 1:9, Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

·        Matthew 13:42, And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

B.   God Warns of the Eternal Punishment of Hell.

·        Everlasting Punishment is Depicted: And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal (Matthew 25:46).

·        Fire and Brimstone are Mentioned: And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone... and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever (Revelation 20:10).  

·        The Fiery Furnace is Declared: The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 13:41-42).  

When referring to the final place of permanent punishment and fire, God uses imagery of unquenchable fire and eternal separation from God’s presence.  

2. A Place of Banishment.

2 Thes. 1:9, Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

They Shall Experience Everlasting Destruction, Vs 9   “....with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;”

A.   The phrase “Everlasting Destruction” is not a reference to total annihilation or a ceasing to exist.  Once a life begins it will last forever; the soul and spirit of a person will never cease to exist, they are everlasting in their nature.

B.   It actually means to be eternally separated from the presence of God—banished. This is just what the verse said.  It means complete and final ruin and loss from all that life and eternity could have been. It means being excluded from all the joy, pleasure, companionship, peace, and satisfaction of Heaven. Cut off, banished, separated from God and His glory forever! Everlasting destruction in HELL!

C.   Rev 21:8, But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Leon Morris said, “If there is any truth in scripture at all, this is true---that those who stubbornly refuse to submit to the gospel, and to love and obey Jesus Christ, incur . . . .   an infinite and irreparable loss.  They pass into a night on which no morning ever dawns.”

3. A Place of Fire.

Mark 9:44-48, Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. [45] And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: [46] Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. [47] And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: [48] Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. (See also Mt. 13:42,50; Mk. 9:44-48; Re. 20:15; 14:10)

1. Everlasting Fire is Defended: Matthew 25:41 declares eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
2. The Lake of Fire is Delineated: Revelation 20:15 tells us anyone not found in the book of life will be cast into a lake of fire.
3. A Fiery Furnace is Described: Matthew 13:42 points to a furnace of fire where there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Hell is often described using fiery imagery to convey ultimate judgment, ongoing destruction, or eternal separation from goodness. These descriptions representing literal physical flames are powerful and profound indicators for spiritual anguish, darkness, and loss.

4. A Place of Darkness.

2 Peter 2:17, These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. These false religious charlatans are fake! They promise spiritual help and wisdom but offer nothing real or sustaining. These deceivers are completely useless and face a final judgment of eternal darkness in Hell showing they lead people into spiritual blindness and will end up separated from God.

We are warned to watch out for corrupt leaders. These individuals use smooth words, appeal to carnality, and false promises of freedom to trick new believers, but they are really just chasing money and pleasing their own carnal desires.

“The mist of darkness is reserved for ever” points to their perpetual destination. Despite their boasting and manipulation, eternal gloom and divine blackness—judgment are safely stored up “reserved” as their certain punishment (Compass Bible Church). God describes aspects of final punishment using this imagery of “darkness.”

A.   There are Clear References to Darkness

·       “Outer Darkness”: Matthew 8:12, Matthew 22:13, and Matthew 25:30 explicitly use the phrase “outer darkness” where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.

·       The “Mist of Darkness”: 2 Peter 2:17 and Jude 1:13 both speak of the “mist of darkness” or “blackness of darkness” reserved for the unrepentant.

B.   Resolving the Apparent Contradiction of Light and Darkness Imagery

·       Merged Ideas are the Correct Focus, not Contradictory: Many view these descriptions as complementary or literally multiple facets of separation from God, conveying total ruin, distress, and the absence of God’s light rather than a mere physical contradiction.

By “outer darkness,” we mean a state of intense separation, deep anguish, sorrow, and regret. Separation from God’s light involves complete detachment from God, who is the Source of light, goodness, and life. Beloved, we are referring to powerful and profound, multifaceted spiritual and physical torment.

B. DESCRIPTIONS THAT ARE HEART GRIPPING!

Visuals of Hell often evoke deep fear because of raw human suffering and psychological terrors. These haunting depictions warn people, enforce moral convictions, and explore the absolute depths of despair. To say the least, these depictions are nothing short of heart gripping!

1. There will be Consciousness and Feelings.

Luke 16:23, And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. (Also see Matt. 25:30)

The Bible views conscious feelings and emotions as an essential, designed part of human personhood. Because people are made in God’s image, experiencing emotions reflects God’s own capacity for love, grief, joy, and anger. Rather than ignoring feelings, Scripture teaches us to acknowledge, process, and align them with his truth.

A.   Hell is a Space of Awaken and Active Perception. The Bible portrays hell (Gehenna or the lake of fire) as a place of active, conscious awareness. Rather than a state of extinction, the lost will have experiences involving specific emotional and physical reactions like sorrow, pain, and distress.

B.   Note these Wide-Awake Expressions of Conscious Sufferings:

·        Deep Weeping: Jesus repeatedly uses the phrase “weeping” to denote intense sadness, grief, and crying out.

·        “Gnashing of Teeth”: The associated phrase “gnashing of teeth” points to severe physical pain, anger, frustration, or profound regret.

·        Torment and Anguish: When we examine Revelation 14:10 closely we note individuals being “tormented with fire and brimstone (sulfur),” implying an ongoing, conscious sensory and psychological burden.

·        No Rest Ever: Revelation 19:3 and 14:11 state there is “no rest day or night,” indicating an unbroken, alert state of suffering rather than unconsciousness or sleep.

The imagery of hell acts as a gripping, hyper-conscious awakening. These are stark, terrifying visuals—like unquenchable fire, dark pits, and eternal separation—they jolt the human conscience, forcing a sudden, acute awareness of mortality, moral accountability, and the heavy weight of earthly choices.

2. There will be Wailing and Gnashing of Teeth.

Matthew 25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Jesus uses this powerful imagery to describe the profound anguish, sorrow, and ultimate rejection experienced by those excluded from the Kingdom of God. –Bible Gateway

A.   The Bible, phrase “gnashing of teeth” appears seven times used only by Jesus in the Gospels (six times in Matthew, once in Luke) to describe the intense anguish, sorrow, and despair of those shut out from the kingdom of God. The phrase portrays extreme pain, agonizing grief, and bitter regret or frustration over eternal loss. (See Matt. 8:12; 13:50; 22:13; 24:51; Luk. 13:28)

B.   Often when Jesus uses this phrase “gnashing of teeth”, it also symbolizes intense anger, rage, and bitter resentment rather than mere physical pain. These actions reflect bitter fury instead of humble repentance! People in outer darkness feel indignant rage and resentment toward God and the righteous because these individuals missed out on their expected rewards. The “gnashing of teeth” captures the defiant responses, outraged frustrations, rebellious attitudes, angry reaction to final judgment and eternal separation from God…an unyielding irritation towards God and His kingdom.

The Bible also uses many other descriptions of Hell! A place of remorse (Lk. 16:27-28), torment (Lk. 16:23; Re. 20:10), a place of worms (Mk. 9:44, 46, 48; Is. 66:24), thirst (Lk. 16:24), a place without hope of escape (Lk. 16:26), and a place of unfulfilled desires and unanswered prayers (Lk. 16:27-31). Beloved, these are heart breaking realizations regarding real people’s forever experiences. We need selfless courage to reach and warn them of the wrath to come!