Quote:
Originally posted by Aviendha:
It is Christian’s definition of Hell that I have often struggled to understand, and I am happier with your assessment. But if someone has not asked for forgiveness, it seems you are suggesting that they are barred from the presence of God. Where do they go then? Do they, as Yorrick has suggested, just cease to exist. But if the term Hell, can be defined as ceasing to exist and therefore being banned from the presence of God, then I must ask you where Satan is situated? God created Hell to hold Satan (from someone’s earlier definition), so this must mean that his existence was wiped out. Since Christian’s don’t believe that this is the case, can you explain where Satan fits in?
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The bible speaks of eternal suffering for Satan. Revelation clearly speaks of two outcomes. One for Satan and death, the other for those that reject God. The prevailing theological thinking has merged the situations into a place of eternal suffering for humans. Roman Catholicism went further, and added purgatory - temporary suffering for everyone dependent on ones actions here.
There is no mention of purgatory in the bible. That concept was rejected outhand by protestantism.
It's interesting that many have used fear to try and bring people to Christ. Christ used love. Healing. Christ came to save not condemn. To forgive, not judge. Christ will not be sitting in judgement. He has taken all punishment on himself. The ultimate scapegoat.
It's far better to focus on Christ, on Heaven, on the Holy Spirit's gifts of inner peace, patience, joy, kindness, gentleness and love. As a christian I look at where I'm going, not where I'm not.