Eternal Torment

Why do so many denominations require agreement with the "Eternal Conscious Torment" view of hell for church membership? Do they think the fear factor is the most effective evangelical method? REC: "Why Hell?" by Steve Gregg.

Could you explain the passages "Reconcile all things to Himself" and "not helping angels?" [Hebrews 2:16, Colossians 1:20, Colossians 1:16].

What are some scriptures in support of the alternate views of hell, in contrast to Eternal Conscious Torment (ECT)? Rec: Topical Lectures "Three Views of Hell" or Steve's book "Why Hell?"

Could you go into the reasons why the doctrine of Eternal Conscious Torment (ECT) is on shaky ground? Rec: Steve Gregg's book "Why Hell?" [John 3:16, Matthew 25:31-46].

Is it okay to take any one view (of the three Christian views) of hell, or remain undecided about it? Rec: topical lectures on hell or the book by Steve "Why Hell?"

Steve reminds listeners of his updated book on hell "Why Hell? Three Christians Views Critically Examined."

Could you speak to the variation in the Greek word used for destruction, in assessing the various views of hell? [Revelation 17:8-11].

Would you expound on the scripture saying those who take the mark will be tormented forever? [Revelation 14:6-11, Revelation 9:17, Isaiah 34:9-10, Revelation 19:3, Genesis 19:28]. Rec: "Three Views of Hell" by Steve Gregg or topical lectures.

Why would God make people who live 1-70 years have to suffer eternally in hell? It doesn't seem reasonable. Rec: Steve's book, "Three Views of Hell."

Appreciation comment: It is good to know that there are alternate views of hell that do not see it as eternal torment.

Is it a contradiction of God's love to create hell to be a place of eternal conscious torment? Rec: topical lectures on Three Views of Hell or Steve's book on Hell.

What do you think? Is hell temporary or eternal?

Shouldn't Jesus still be on the cross if God requires eternal punishment?

Could you comment on this challenge to there being another chance after we die and when we are resurrected? [Philippians 3:11, 1 Timothy 6:16].

Don't you think that a sentence to hell is no worse than legal human punishments such as life or death sentences?

Should we be leaving the concept of whether hell is eternal ambiguous? [Matthew 23:15, 2 Corinthians 5:14-21].

How do you interpret Matthew 25 about everlasting punishment in light of the alternate views of hell? [Matthew 25:46].

Caller warns callers that there are many verses that make it clear that hell is irrefutably eternal. Rec: Steve's Book; "Three Views of Hell" or topical lectures on the "Three Views of Hell." [Genesis 2:17, Ezekiel 18:20, Revelation 21:8, Revelation 20:14].

What is the third view of hell you mention in your biographyn (Universal Reconcilation)? [2 Peter 3:9].

Could the argument to affirm alternate views of hell, regarding the definition of the word used for "eternal," undermine the idea of our eternal state on the new earth? [1 Corinthians 15:53, Matthew 25:46].

Why did you not bring up the verse in Genesis about eating of the trees in the garden in your discussion of hell? [Genesis 3:22, 1 Timothy 6:16, 1 John 5:11-12].

Do you think that the case is stronger for either of the alternate views of hell, over the traditional "eternal torment" view?

Is it possible that there could be a combination of the possible views (for the correct view of hell)? [John 3:16, Revelation 21:8, Romans 6:23].

Why would Matthew 25:46 (sheep & goats) be a good argument for eternal torment? [Matthew 25:46].

Caller shares thoughts from a book called "Truth about Hell" and wonders if Steve knows about the various view of hell. Recommended, Steve's book; "Three Views of Hell."

Which of the "three views of hell" discussed in your book on Hell, do you think has the most evidence? [Matthew 25:31-46, 1 Timothy 6:16, Romans 2:7, John 3:16, 1 Timothy 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9].

Regarding the "3 views of hell", doesn't John 3:16 refute other views because of eternal punishment? [John 3:16, Matthew 25:46].

If people remain alive in hell, then is not God the one keeping them alive and thereby perpetuating the existence of sin? [Romans 5:12-15, I Timothy 6:16]

Is being "consciously separted from God" a reasonable option regarding hell? [Daniel 12:2].

I was listening to a Seventh Day Adventist program about hell and wonder if you could talk about the various views of Hell? [Matthew 10:28, Luke 12:47-48, Matthew 10:15, Matthew 25:46, Revelion 14:11, Revelation 20:10, Revelation 20:14, I Corinthians 15:26].

Caller thinks Steve needs to specify what he means by what people are saved from. Are they saved from eternal damnation? With the fact that Steve believes in the possibility of Universal Reconciliation.

Is the Devil tormented forever or will he eventually be burned into non-existence? I've been reading Edward William Fudge's book, "The Fire that Consumes" that says that he'll be burned. [Revelation 20:10]

Where does it say in the Old Testament that people are going to be tortured in Hell?

Can you please talk about the other 2 views of hell then other than universal reconciliation? (Traditional view of Eternal torment & annihilationism.)

Caller wanted to talk about the eternal torment view of Hell, citing the Rich Man & Lazarus parable. [Jeremiah 17:9-10, Luke 16:19-31]

Caller still sort've leans towards the traditional view, but maybe not, that maybe there wouldn't be so many atheists/agnostics if there wasn't such a horrible view.

How can there be any real peace for the people in Heaven who know their loved ones or friends are being tortured in hell for eternity?

Isn't the doctrine of hell a good example that not everything is so black & white?

If the traditional view of hell, eternal torment, is true, is it possible that you'd drift in & out of consciousness to be able to alleviate some of the pain?

What the right view of Hell, of the three options you often survey?

What should we expect with the "Second Coming"...isn't there going to be total destruction? And what about our loved ones? will they have another chance? [Revelation 21:4, I Corinthians 13:9, Ezekiel 33:11, Ezekiel 33:23]

Doesn't the idea of eternal torment in hell cause many not to believe in God?

Since the word for "eternal" doesn't necessarily mean "forever", thereby implying that torment in hell might not be actually forever, couldn't that change how we then see "eternal" life as not "forever"? [Matthew 25:46]

Can you talk about "eternal torment" in hell & the Jehovah's Witness view of Annihilationism? [Matthew 7:25-26, Revelation 14:10-11, Revelation 21:8].

No matter what the view of hell is, there is only one correct view, right?

Caller wants to know which view of hell might be right in light of God's character.

What does Steve think about the idea of "Conditional Immortality" (Annihilationism), about hell where the wicked are just burned up & not tortured forever & ever as the traditional view says?

Steve Gregg makes the announcement that his book, "3 Views of Hell" came out that day of the show.

John MacArthur & R. C. Sproul seem inconsistent about that they say about buring in eternity in hell.

You seem to be watering down the importance of hell, & if it wasn't to be avoided, why did Jesus have to die on the cross? The listener thinks it sounds pretty serious to him.