HELL I

There is not a lot talk about hell anymore. I hardly ever hear it mentioned. Recently I read a quote that I have read many other times from Augustine of Hippo (354-430). He wrote: ‘that the person who fears hell fears burning, not sin.’ (The exact quote: “For the man who only fears the flames of hell is afraid not of sinning, but of being burned; but he who hates sin as much as he hates hell is afraid to sin.”

My view is not fear of burning. My view is that one might choose to not be in the presence of the Father. Paul, an apostle, wrote: “when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed—for our testimony to you was believed.” (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10)

All references to hell (Gehenna, Sheol, Hades, Tartarus) have themes of separation, pain, loneliness, death and darkness. All are obvious opposites of love, life and light, which are descriptions of being joined with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit eternally… often called heaven.
(continued)

“Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Jesus