Hell. Psalms 9:17. The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.; . Hermans Note; This scripture clearly cannot refer to the grave alone because even the righteous go to the grave! Surely God is stating that judgment is awaiting those who die in their sins, never having received the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.; Matthew 9:22. But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.; . Hermans Note; Again, this scripture clearly cannot refer to the grave alone because even the righteous are in danger of going to the grave.; Matthew 9:43 To 46. 43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 44 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.;Hermans Note;Jesus referred to hell as being a place of: damnation, fire, destruction, torments, weeping, wailing and nashing of teeth. A place ""Where THEIR WORM DIETH NOT, AND THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED "";" Matthew10:38. 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.; . Hermans Note; Here again a distinction is made between killing the body in the grave and destroying the soul in hell. The text clearly says that it is possible to kill the body but not kill the soul. Rather, the soul is killed in hell where it is separated from the Lord and from his glorious power (2 Thessalonians 1:9; NLT). Therefore, the soul is not the animal principal only and hell is not limited to the tomb.; Psalms16:10. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.; . Hermans Note; Here the text informs us that David is confident that God will not leave his soul in hell indicating that it is possible for a soul to be left in hell. At rare moments the Psalms have glimpses of rescue from Sheol, in terms that suggest resurrection, or a translation like that of Enoch or Elijah .;" Acts 2: 26 To 31. 26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: 27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. 29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. 30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; 31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.; . Hermans Note; Here in verse 31 there is a distinction between the soul and the body of Jesus. In addition to not leaving Jesus' soul in hell, his body would not see corruption in the grave. Furthermore, David was confident that his soul would not be left in hell just as God did not leave Jesuses soul in hell. Therefore, David was confident that he would be resurrected from hell, not from Gods memory. Davids confidence makes it clear that it is possible for a persons soul to be left in hell. At rare moments the Psalms have glimpses of rescue from Sheol, in terms that suggest resurrection, or a translation like that of Enoch or Elijah.;" Jeremiah 1:5. Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.; . Hermans Note; Jeremiah knew that he existed in Gods' mind before the foundation of the world. He also understood that he was created from Gods' mind. The following is the definition of creation: 1) to cause to come into being, as something unique that would not naturally evolve or that is not made by ordinary processes. a) to cause to come into existence. 2) to evolve from ones own thought or imagination, as a work of art or an invention. Therefore, to return to the state of his original creation and then come back into existence would rightfully be defined as creation or re-creation, not resurrection. Inside our head there are various departments, compartments, areas and domains that contain information. To imply that the definition of create is influenced by the memory, imagination, emotional, rational or one of the other various compartments of the mind, to put it mildly, is nothing short of imposing ones own perception on the text. Furthermore, it would deligate the meaning of re-creation, to meaninglessness. Consequences Of Deception. There was a student in the news who murdered many students, along with himself. He was being bullied by his fellow students. The logic expressed in his suicide letter was the following. His life was a living hell. When he died, his ceasing to exist would be better than his current torment. Therefore, in his mind, he was going to a better place, which would end his torment. Because there was no meaningful punishment for murder and suicide, he decided to kill his fellow students, as punishment for his torture. He would then escape justice by killing himself. He saw a win, win situation. He gave Jehovah credit for his victory. Evil men are motivated to pursue the pleasures of their evil deeds, particularly when the only consequence of their sin is the lack of a reward, in the possible hear after. He had allowed his mind to be twisted, to make murder and suicide desirable. His faith failed to be a yoke for him. Oh what needless pain we bear. This would be the ultimate deception of the enemy to promote evil based on our own selfish desires of vengeance. This way of thinking is quite similar to Hari Kari. To say that the only consequence of sin is non-existence oppose clear scripture. This is a dangerous position to take, as it compromises the seriousness of the consequences of sin, and could easily lead someone into areas of deception.;" Luke 16:19 To 31. 19  There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20  And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21  And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22  And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23  And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24  And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25  But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26  And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 27  Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: 28  For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 29  Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30  And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31  And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.; . Hermans Note; Here in verse 23 the text suggest that in hell there is a state of consciences. This point is not dependent on weather the episode is or is not a parable. It is further indicated that hell is a place of torment and souls go there before the resurrection. We know this because there was still time for Lazarus' three brothers to repent and not end up in this place.;" Psalms 139: 8 To 9. 8 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 9 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there; . Hermans Note; Here David is claiming that even if he descends into hell God is there. What he is not saying is if finds himself in a place of none existence, that God is there with hem;" Mark 25:46. Here David is claiming that even if he descends into hell God is there. What he is not saying is if finds himself in a place of none existence, that God is there with hem.; . Hermans Note;This punishment stands in contrast to eternal life as the inherent punishment for those who reject Christs salvation, in that they will be separated from the life of God , which they rejected. As to the duration, it is only proper to assign it the same duration or endlessness as to the life which is given by God. Definition Of Punishment - 2851 punishment, torment properly to curtail, figuratively to chastise or reverse for infliction.;" Hebrews 6:2. Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. Matthew 18:8. Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.; . Hermans Note; To suggest that there is a literal fire which endures forever seem far fetched, particularly since fire would not affect a spirit being (we become spirit, like the angels, after we leave the human body; Matthew 22:29-30). Nevertheless, fire represents one of the most painful types of injuries to human flesh, and is therefore an appropriate way of describing the agony of eternal punishment. Everlasting fire, for everlasting spirits. The Greek word púr means, fire (literally or figuratively, specifically, lightning). Since púr can mean, lightening perhaps it indicates a swift and powerful beginning to the eternal punishment, as lightening is quick and powerful.;" Matthew 25:41. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:; . Hermans Note; It is worth mentioning here, that God condemns wicked man alongside the, devil and his angels. We know the devil, and his demons, are spirit beings; therefore, there is a valid parallel between the eternal existence of spirits, and souls; particularly in regards to punishment for sin.; Malachi 3:28 To 29. 28 Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: 29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:; . Hermans Note;What happens when we sin (hamartia) and miss the mark? We can remain in condemnation, and allow Satan, the accuser, to heap guilt and shame upon us, OR we can repent of our transgression, call upon God for mercy, and confess our sins to Him, appealing to the sacrificial atonement provided by His son Jesus. If we do this, He is faithful to forgive us, and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness.;" 2 Thessalonians 1:6 To 9. 6 For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, 8 dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, (NASB).; . Hermans Note; This verse is a key to understanding eternal punishment. Since mankind has been created to live forever, his existence apart from God will extend for eternity. The wicked, who do not know God, or believers who refuse to obey the gospel of Jesus Christ, must also suffer an eternal existence apart from the presence of God. The Greek definition of the word for eternal destruction is as follows: 1) Destruction - 3639 (to destroy; ); ruin, i.e. death, punishment. Since the Greek word means ruin in a generic sense, other verses where this word is used must be consulted to understand its overall application:;" 1 Corinthians;5:5. I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. (NAS) 1 Thessalonians 5:3. While they are saying, ""Peace and safety!"" then destruction will come upon them suddenly like birth pangs upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. (NAS)" 1 Timothy 6:9. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. (NAS). Leviticus5:17. "Now if a person sins and does any of the things which the LORD has commanded not to be done, though he was unaware, still he is guilty, and shall bear his punishment." NAS; . Hermans Note; It is clear, from the few verses that use punishment that it refers to some type of pain, and even a state of spiritual ruin and bankruptcy. Therefore, we conclude from 2 Thessalonians 1:9 ""olethros"" is a reference to the state of eternal ruin suffered by those who do not know God. A sobering thought indeed.;" James 4:17. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. Leviticus 5:17. "Now if a person sins and does any of the things which the LORD has commanded not to be done, though he was unaware, still he is guilty, and shall bear his punishment." NAS.; . Hermans Note; Sometimes, we say ignorance is bliss. This scripture says quite the opposite. Romans 2:1-16 will help us to comprehend how this is consistent with the concept of justice, for the Old is in the new explained. What if a person never heard about Jesus. Is it just for him to die and go to Hell?;" Romans 2:1 To 16. 1 Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things. 3 But do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment on those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who WILL RENDER TO EACH PERSON ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS: 7 to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; 8 but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation. 9 There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 11 For there is no partiality with God. 12 For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law; 13 for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified. 14 For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, 15 in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them, 16 on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.; . Hermans Note; Verse 12 informs us that those who sinned with the law will be judged by the law. Nevertheless, verse 12, 13, 14, and 15 lets us know that even without the law, the law is written on our hearts. It is evidenced in our conscience, which allows us to judge others and ourselves.;" John;3:18. "He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (NAS)." Hebrews 10:28 To 31. 28 Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him who said, ""VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY."" And again, ""THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE."" 31 It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Revelation 6:9 To 10. 9 When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; 10 and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, ""How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?"";Hermans Note;It is overwhelming; krino is judgment from God; it is retribution. It has eternal implications, much to the sorrow of those who do not know God.;" Revelation 20:14 To 15. 14. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.; . Hermans Note; Many confuse the ""second death"" with physical death only. Hell is likened unto a second spiritual death. It is the second time the wicked are spiritually separated from God. The corresponding first death was when they first sinned and became ""lost"" or separated from God.;" Revelation 21:8. "But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." Revelation 22:14 To 15. 14 ""Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city. 15 Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying." 2 Thessalonians 1:9. Eternal exile from the presence of the Master and his splendid power is their sentence. NIV;Hermans Note;When we couple with this the concept of ""second death"" we have a perfect illustration. Hell is not annihilation, but an existence ""away from Gods presence"". Again, death is always a separation.;"