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What Does the Bible Really Say About Hell? Wrestling With the Traditional View
Randy Klassen studies every significant reference to hell in the Bible, seeking an interpretation that both takes the Bible seriously as the very Word of God and harmonizes with the character of the God and "Abba" revealed through Jesus Christ.
- GenresReligion
144 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2001
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October 26, 2011An Anabaptist universalist perspective? I'm intrigued.
August 13, 2024
A REEXAMINATION OF THE BIBLE, AND THE TRADITIONAL DOCTRINE
Randy Klassen has served established churches for 40 years (at the time this book was written in 2001), has done seminary teaching, and has written books such as Jesus' Word, Jesus' Way. He wrote in the Author's Preface, "One motivation for writing this material was the discovery that what has often been believed to be the biblical teaching is not, on closer examination, the complete story. I have found that many of the images of hell used in some evangelical preaching actually come from Mesopotamian mythology, the Apocrypha, a misunderstanding of biblical literature, medieval art, or even Hollywood, not from careful biblical exegesis... These simple discoveries led me to study the significant references to hell in the Bible. What I found is contained in this book." (Pg. 18)
He notes, "We read of 'eternal fire' in Matthew 18:8, 25:41 and 'eternal punishment' in Matthew 25:46. What can these mean other than the plain teaching of an 'eternal' hell? We need to remember how the word 'eternal' was used in the Hebrew Bible... eternal did not necessarily mean without end. It always meant that period of time until God's 'purpose was accomplished.'... Jesus used the Hebrew Bible and understood its meaning, so there was no need for him to qualify his use of the word translated 'forever' or 'eternal.' ... Nowhere do we read that God wants sinners to suffer without end." (Pg. 53-54)
He observes, "'Eternal' punishment suggests an irreversible judgment by the eternal One, rather than an experience of endless torment. Once one is open to this interpretation, it is surprising how many Scriptures fit. Psalm 37 declares that the wicked will ... 'be cut off and be no more' (vv. 9 and 10), 'perish and vanish' (c. 20), 'be destroyed' (v. 38). The best known verse among Christians describes the fate of unbelievers with the word 'perish' (John 3:16). Jesus speaks of the possibility of 'body and soul being destroyed in hell' (Matt 10:28). The references to Gehenna could certainly imply death by its fires. Many of Paul's references seem to point to a final destruction of the wicked..." (Pg. 83)
He argues, "Endless torment serves no purpose, but does annihilation of most people square any better with God's purposes? It seems to me that a chastening punishment with the intention of bringing about repentance still fits best with the Father whom Jesus revealed." (Pg. 91)
He concludes, "whatever else hell may be it cannot be 'eternal.' To say so is to degrade the victory of God in Christ... Many conservative interpreters have focused... [on] a literal eternal hell and have missed the far bigger picture of a glorious forest in which the righteousness and love of God flourish forever. Therefore, I choose to hope." (Pg. 112)
This is an engaging, "popularly"-written presentation, and will be of interest to all persons studying this issue---even if they don't necessarily agree with 100% of it.
Randy Klassen has served established churches for 40 years (at the time this book was written in 2001), has done seminary teaching, and has written books such as Jesus' Word, Jesus' Way. He wrote in the Author's Preface, "One motivation for writing this material was the discovery that what has often been believed to be the biblical teaching is not, on closer examination, the complete story. I have found that many of the images of hell used in some evangelical preaching actually come from Mesopotamian mythology, the Apocrypha, a misunderstanding of biblical literature, medieval art, or even Hollywood, not from careful biblical exegesis... These simple discoveries led me to study the significant references to hell in the Bible. What I found is contained in this book." (Pg. 18)
He notes, "We read of 'eternal fire' in Matthew 18:8, 25:41 and 'eternal punishment' in Matthew 25:46. What can these mean other than the plain teaching of an 'eternal' hell? We need to remember how the word 'eternal' was used in the Hebrew Bible... eternal did not necessarily mean without end. It always meant that period of time until God's 'purpose was accomplished.'... Jesus used the Hebrew Bible and understood its meaning, so there was no need for him to qualify his use of the word translated 'forever' or 'eternal.' ... Nowhere do we read that God wants sinners to suffer without end." (Pg. 53-54)
He observes, "'Eternal' punishment suggests an irreversible judgment by the eternal One, rather than an experience of endless torment. Once one is open to this interpretation, it is surprising how many Scriptures fit. Psalm 37 declares that the wicked will ... 'be cut off and be no more' (vv. 9 and 10), 'perish and vanish' (c. 20), 'be destroyed' (v. 38). The best known verse among Christians describes the fate of unbelievers with the word 'perish' (John 3:16). Jesus speaks of the possibility of 'body and soul being destroyed in hell' (Matt 10:28). The references to Gehenna could certainly imply death by its fires. Many of Paul's references seem to point to a final destruction of the wicked..." (Pg. 83)
He argues, "Endless torment serves no purpose, but does annihilation of most people square any better with God's purposes? It seems to me that a chastening punishment with the intention of bringing about repentance still fits best with the Father whom Jesus revealed." (Pg. 91)
He concludes, "whatever else hell may be it cannot be 'eternal.' To say so is to degrade the victory of God in Christ... Many conservative interpreters have focused... [on] a literal eternal hell and have missed the far bigger picture of a glorious forest in which the righteousness and love of God flourish forever. Therefore, I choose to hope." (Pg. 112)
This is an engaging, "popularly"-written presentation, and will be of interest to all persons studying this issue---even if they don't necessarily agree with 100% of it.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews