Hillel and Yeshua
“And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” Matthew 25:46 NASB
Eternal life – There is no doubt that Christianity embraces a robust doctrine of the afterlife. In fact, I suspect that if you asked the common believer or non-believer about the most important teaching of the Church, it would have something to do with forgiveness and getting to heaven. The dominance of the idea of the afterlife is striking because of its nearly complete absence from the Tanakh. In fact, Telushkin notes, “Hillel is, it would seem, the first rabbinic sage to speak about an afterlife.”[1] Hillel lived in the first century BC, dying just a few years before Yeshua was born. He was considered one of Judaism’s greatest sages. Telushkin’s comment should cause us to reconsider our typical assumptions about eternal life. If Hillel is the first rabbi to develop any systematic thought about the afterlife, then Yeshua is the next rabbi to elaborate this teaching. That means we can usefully look at the rabbinic development of the idea of eternal life in order to understand what it means. Since there is almost no articulation of an afterlife in previous material (including the Tanakh), we must examine rabbinic influences and rabbinic development if we want to understand Yeshua’s formulation. After all, He was also a man of His time.
Telushkin makes an interesting remark about the absence of the afterlife in the Tanakh:
“I suspect there is a correlation between the Torah’s non-discussion of this topic and the fact that the Torah was revealed shortly after the Israelite sojourn in Egypt. The Egyptian society in which the Israelite slaves dwelled was obsessed with death and the afterlife. The holiest Egyptian literary work was The Book of the Dead, and the major achievement of many pharaohs was the erection of giant tombs called pyramids. In contrast the Torah is obsessed with this world, so much so that it forbids its priests (kohanim) from having contact with dead bodies (Lev. 21:1-3). The Torah, therefore, might be silent about the afterlife out of a desire to ensure that Judaism not evolve in the direction of the death-obsessed Egyptian religion. And it was not only the Egyptian religion that developed this obsession. Throughout history, religions that assign a very important role to the afterlife often permit other religious values to become distorted. For example, it was belief in the afterlife that motivated the Spanish Inquisitors to torture human beings until they announced that they were accepting Christ. The Inquisitors believed that it was better to torture people for a few days in this world until they ‘acquired’ right beliefs and thereby save them from the eternal torments of hell.”[2]
There is no question that Yeshua speaks about an afterlife. He articulates a rabbinic idea of reward and punishment in the olam ha’ba. His words add a great deal to our understanding of a life after death. But even Yeshua does not articulate the kinds of mythology that has grown up around a focus on the next world. In fact, if you examine most of the references to “heaven” in His teachings, you will find they are situated right here, in this world. “Heaven” is the presence of God, not a place in an unseen world. Perhaps that’s why Yeshua’s teaching about eternal life suggest it begins as soon as we accept God’s rightful rule over us and it is expressed in our actions toward others in this world.
Far too often we simply accept what the Church has been teaching for thousands of years. We don’t ask, “Where did that idea come from?” We think that revelation covers everything and arrives without cultural, historical or linguistic influence. Our ideas of inspiration are far more akin to the Mormon doctrine that the angel Maroni delivered the entire book all at once. While we acknowledge that the Bible was written over a period of 2000 years by more than sixty men, we rarely consider what that means it terms of the influences that became part of the teaching. We plead God’s “supervisory” control as if that erases a man’s time and place in history.
I believe that Telushkin is right. There is a reason why the Tanakh doesn’t speak about life after death. There is a reason why Hillel and Yeshua introduce this idea. There are cultural and historical influences that shape the sacred text. If we want to have a deeper understanding of heaven, we don’t start with Andy Stanley or Mitch Alborn, as comforting as those authors might be. And you can certainly ignore Tim LaHaye. We have to start with Hillel and Eliezer, Gamliel and Ben Azzai. And Yeshua, of course. Then we can move on to their students, Sha’ul and Kepha, Yohanan and Yehudah.
Did you think you knew what “eternal life” meant? Have you been living according to a religion that focuses on death? Maybe it’s time to take a longer look. Even after the rabbis, including Yeshua, the religion of the Scriptures is all about life – here and later.
Topical Index: eternal life, heaven, afterlife, Hillel, Telushkin, Matthew 25:46
Living life for me is living to please our Father in Heaven TODAY with all of my heart and understanding. We cannot change yesterday and do not know what tomorrow holds . I challenge you as His beloveds to choose life TODAY. Have you spent time in the Word, on your knees before the King today? Do you realize how much He loves you. If not yet, TODAY is the day to return to the path of eternal life. It is a matter of the heart and of our intentions. He is asking that we love Him above self and other’s – this is life – give Him your whole heart TODAY! Spend time with the King TODAY! He is standing at the doors of your hearts waiting to enter in and to give you life.
Shalom Shalom!
Who was Jesus (the) Christ?
And even more accurately- Who is Jesus (the) Christ?
Let us not make the same mistake (well-meaning) Peter made let us make three tabernacles- one for Moses, one for Elijah and one for you.. for you see Moses was a man. And so was Elijah. But Jesus (who is the) Christ is not just a man like you, like me, like “Rabbi” Whoever.
Jesus Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach, is a Man, Yes. But He is also the Son of G-d and G-d the (now living, now reigning, ever abiding, ever present, Sovereign Master and Commander, Lion of the Tribe of Judah, King of kings and LORD of lords, the Second Adam, our Good Shepherd, propitiating, atoning Sacrifice-for this Man is like unto no other. Not Hillel, not you, not me, not any mortal man who ever lived, Moses and Elijah included.
If we were to take all of Adam’s race and somehow distill the best out of every man and woman who ever lived into one man- we would still fall short of the glory of G-d, the (one and only, unique, totally holy and without sin, Lamb of G-d, the (only) Perfect man ever to have lived.
But you see.. that is only His life. We haven’t even talked or mentioned about His resurrection from the dead or His virgin birth for that matter.
Okay then.. let’s talk. Do you (or anyone you know) know of any man, anywhere who was born of a virgin? No? Well then..- here’s your sign. A virgin shall conceive.. Who was born in a barn in Bethlehem? Who fulfilled over three hundred prophecies concerning His birth? Only one “Man” qualifies that I know of.. -You know any others?
But wait.. there is more than the matter of His birth, – is there not? Let us examine the facts. Shall we?
Who among us (all rabbis and preachers included) has lived a perfect life? I (too) find no fault in Him. I have (shall we be nice and say) “erred.” lol!- Excuse me, but “oy!” Have I sinned? – (What have I not done?) Sir, Madam- I stand guilty as charged. Carl/Sinner. Done deal. Here am I before the Presence of the (only) HOLY ONE- and what (please tell what) can wash away my sin? – Where is Rabbi Whoever when you need him? Isn’t there anyone here who will plead my case before Him who is (btw) the Only Righteous Judge?
Oh yes, dear friends- there is ONE. There is only ONE and His name, His wonderful Name, His saving Name (they call Him Savior of the nations) is known unto those who belong to Him. Those who are bought with a price.
And what, (please tell me what) is the price of that redemption? “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.” (Isaiah 64.6) ~but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your G-d, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear~ (Isaiah 59.2)
Houston.. we have a problem. It is sin and sin separates. Sin separates between us (sinful man) and G-d (thrice-holy G-d)
Friends, we will not settle the sin problem until we realize and recognize the Son solution. Now What (tell me what) can wash away my sins? I need a Savior. I need a Savior who is Christ the LORD. “For unto you (and you and you and you) is born this day a Savior who is Christ the LORD. – The Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld His glory.
Hillel, I’m sure, is a good man, but there is only (ever) ONE man, the Second Adam who is the (only) Perfect Living Lamb of G-d who takes away the sins of the world and in His Name (and His name only) – all oppression shall cease.
I (now) stand amazed in the Presence of Jesus the Nazarene -and wonder how He could love me..- a sinner, condemned, unclean..
In the Mishnah, one rabbi says, “This world is like a lobby before the Olam Ha-Ba. Prepare yourself in the lobby so that you may enter the banquet hall.”
Hmmm
Olam Ha-Ba makes me think of the movie Stardust and Alan O Ha-Ra, who was my father
And it was the last movie I recommended to my old friend at work
“I believe that Telushkin is right. There is a reason why the Tanakh doesn’t speak about life after death. There is a reason why Hillel and Yeshua introduce this idea.”
The conclusion I draw from all the Scriptures is that we were spiritually dead from the time Adam and Chava were cast from the garden and lost immortality. And, even that story may be a metaphor for a more ancient incident. We only become immortal through Yeshua. Pre Yeshua here would have been no reason for anyone to discuss immortality, unless prophetically, and even then they probably wouldn’t have understood the meaning of their utterances. Perhaps, the reason Hillel began to write about it was because the time of immortality’s return was drawing near.
Robin,
I really appreciated your thoughts on “Hillel and Yeshua” and the introduction of the concept of immortality. That makes so much sense to me. I hope Skip has time to comment on this today. I’m eager to read his response.
Judaism 101
http://www.jewfaq.org/olamhaba.htm
Hi Judy,
You might want to check out Judaism 101 above
It is one of the finest websites I’ve ever used from a formal standpoint
And the content is very informative 🙂
From Judaism 101:
Traditional Judaism firmly believes that death is not the end of human existence. However, because Judaism is primarily focused on life here and now rather than on the afterlife, Judaism does not have much dogma about the afterlife, and leaves a great deal of room for personal opinion. It is possible for an Orthodox Jew to believe that the souls of the righteous dead go to a place similar to the Christian heaven, or that they are reincarnated through many lifetimes, or that they simply wait until the coming of the messiah, when they will be resurrected. Likewise, Orthodox Jews can believe that the souls of the wicked are tormented by demons of their own creation, or that wicked souls are simply destroyed at death, ceasing to exist.
Wow, Michael – they have a death/heaven/hell experience for ever which way & one – so many how would you guess or know what happens to you or a loved one???
seems so many ways to experience death to the Jewish… ♥
jan
The phrase, “life is for living”, should not be profound for you and I. Rather it should be the accepted norm. Living – real living – doesn’t begin in heaven, but here and now. Today is the day the LORD has made. This is the day; not tomorrow. I remember as a child that I had to wait to grow up before life would begin; getting a driver’s license, going places, dating, staying out late, etc. When I was immature I was always waiting for another time. As adults – those who have put off childishness – we should know and do better. Responsibility comes with our daily bread. We must work, serve, and worship; we must avad. We must not delay or deferr. Engage now.
Roderick Logan,
Deeply embracing and living today is the standard of those who have taking on the yoke of the kingdom. Advancing the kingdom in the here and now, while living our lives with kavanah. I am in agreement and thankful for your words above.
Rod, i hope you mean life is for living within the boundaries of the covenant or Torah/Bible teaching because some people may not look at it that way – some people consider “life is for living” to give a license to do anything they desire or want – because that is called living the life – the good life they think/feel but it is not. jan
Each person who comments here – or anywhere – usually does so from the sphere of their journey, understanding, and world. I respect and try to remain aware that my world is not necessarily the world that others live in.
In my world I’m surrounded by Greek-thinking christians and church-goers. Much of my work among them is to build a bridge that they use to connect to a deeper and more effective life. Many of these folks are so distraught over their world and life that they have given up trying to be productive and effective. In a sense they are waiting to die or to be “raptures” out of here. Their theology has brought them to the point that the only meaningful life or existence is heaven.
I have compassion for the folks in my sphere. I believe that much of their disparity stems from bad theology. I seek to help them when they invite me in; many have.
The phrase “life is for living” that I referred to should be seen in the context of this discussion thread. Although, it might be construed as a license for one to pursue their own desires and devices, I would argue that is really not “living”. Life only comes from the Life Giver and can only be sustained when walking in Hs Ways. I realize the English language can be a bit confusing as it allows words like “life” to have various applications. All the more to consider the context in which I used it.
Roderick Logan, through the years I have checked out your professional web site, ” Biblical Counseling, Oasis Of Hope”, by clicking on your name, and it pops right up! I have studied it carefully to glean what I could from it. ( I could never afford to use it–and am not even asking you for a “special discount” !). I thought you would appreciate the fact that I have learned one valuable thing just by studying the information on it though : the statements on “Conflict Management & Mediation”. In my age, born in 1933, perhaps more so in my family and home, we were not encouraged to discuss conflict, but to keep quiet. And it seemed that a child, person was simply to ignore it.
Through the years, the Lord has gloriously helped me through the scriptures and a few Godly counselors, physcologist, teachers to understand that JESUS EVEN SAYS,: “IN THE WORLD YOU WILL HAVE TRIBULATIONS” NOT PERHAPS, OR MAYBE, BUT YOU WILL. AND THEN TO FIND ANSWERS, MINE WERE OFTEN THROUGH READING, STUDYING, PRAYING, Teaching things directly from the Bible, AND DISCUSSING IT WITH SOMEONE CLOSE TO ME. i taught school for 24 years in both Christian and Public schools, along with my husband and my own large family, and worked in many areas of the church, and school activities.
Now, more than ever perhaps, after retirement and later years, I minister in all areas, counseling, and mostly one on one, or should say to one family at a time. The Lord just sets me up for it, often while I am working outside in the yard. Last week in an Herb Club meeting, the Historian was asking me to take on some major job, and I told her what I just wrote in this last sentence, to tell her “NO”. She does not know me well, and looked shocked. She said, ” Oh, surely you don’t do that!.” A lady that does know me well, stepped up and said, “Well, she certainly does, I am one of her pupils–starting with learning about Herbs, and then on to for more important things.—-
May I disagree with you on this statement, “I believe that much of their disparity stems from bad theology.” I TRULY BELIEVE THAT EACH INDIVIDUAL ADULT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN THEOLOGY. Thank God for compassionate, wise Biblical counseling, and I see that in your writing Roderick, and web site, but the bottom line for help for anyone is for each person, to be responsible to think enough, desirous enough to know the Lord, to open the Word of God in three or so vesions of the Bible, Good Bible Dictionaries, and so desire to :
SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS— THAT THEY PURPOSE IN THEIR HEARTS THAT THEY WILL DO WHATEVER IS NECESSARY TO SEEK, FIND AND KEEP ON DOING THAT UNTIL THE LIVING WORD IS A VIABLE THING IN THEIR LIVES. THEY WILL BE SO FULL OF JOY, PEACE, LOVE, HELPING OTHERS WHENEVER POSSIBLE, THAT THE LIVING WATER WILL FLOW OUT OF THEM.—— i REMEMBER ABOUT 42 YEARS AGO, that I TOLD THE LORD AFTER THE CARE OF NECESSITIES for MY/our LARGE FAMILIE’S LIVES, & A FULL TIME TEACHING JOB, –We ate at home and prepared the food, cleaned the dishes, took care of decent and clean clothes ( I made most of the girls and my clothes) and kept as orderly a home as possible with many people coming and going. I also spoke to God and said that I would NOt constantly be GOING, GOING, GOING– EVEN TO SPORTS EVENTS,-MY HUSBAND AND SOME OF THE CHILDREN LIVED IN THE GYM, THE TRACK, THE SWIMMING POOL, & that I would forgo the TV.
And, THAT I WOULD TAKE WHATEVER TIME I HAD LEFT–GO TO MY ROOM, CLOSE THE DOOR, READ STUDY HIS WORD, AND OTHER VALUABLE CHRISTIAN WORKS, AND SEEK HIS FACE. I MEAN I SAT MY FACE LIKE FLINT TO SEEK THE LORD. AND IN DUE SEASON, AS THE SCRIPTURE SAYS IN JEREMIAH 29:11–13, AND OTHER SCRIPTURES, HE ( GOD) IS A REWARDER OF THOSE WHO DILIGENTLY SEEK HIM—–
TALK ABOUT God being a Rewarder: FUN AND GAMES, JOY, PEACE, THEY ARE STILL CONSTANTLY IN A GREAT PERCENTAGE OF EVERYTHING I DO DAILY, AND EVEN DURING THE NIGHT—WHEN I HAVE QUIET TIME WITHOUT INTERRUPTIONS TO PRAY seeming the best.
YES, HEAVEN IS AROUND THE CORNER FOR ME AND MY HUSBAND, WE ARE OLD, BUT I AM FAR TOO BUSY TO BE UNDULY CONCERNED ABOUT HEAVEN–THAT HAS LONG AGO BEEN STUDIED AND SETTLED, BUT AT TIMES, I DO CHECK ON MY SELF TO BE SURE THAT I AM seemingly ON THE RIGHT TRACK. ONE BIBLE TRANSLATION READS, “BE VERY SURE OF YOUR ELECTION AND CALLING”. PLEASE, NO ONE GET BOGGED DOWN WITH THE WORD “ELECTION”—
Thanks Roderick for your web site, and your Biblical Counseling Center. — I noticed today that you were to have earned your PhD this past summer; I think from Master’s Divinity College, where Skip is Dean. I hope that went well, if so, you probably do not have all the extra time people think they will have when that mammoth job is completed. My husband completed one from Indiana University,( approx. 1971 or so— I refuse to go look of the year). It took so many years, and so much time, and we all sacrificed so much! ONE of the children was a baby when he started, and one was conceived and born during the time, and there were two older children. But in retrospect, God was faithful in all areas. But after all of us struggling & suffering through my husband’s experiences to earn a doctrate, I never had the desire to do graduate work. Those degrees do often open the doors for most people to do more, and have more though.
Fifty-nine years we have been married, and numerous descendants, and a new one to be born in June. —- Enjoyed writing. Sincerely, LaVaye Billings
Those who deferr, postpone, or surrender living until heaven do so with empty hands.
i don’t really see how anyone can defer, postpone or surrender living until heaven – is that really possible, not in my books – i guess unless you took your own life & stopped the process.
i just don’t understand this fascination or obsession with going to heaven & i don’t know anyone in my sphere of influence that even talks about it – i see it discussed & brought up more on this site than any site i am a member or or visit – it truly astounds me.
what is the big deal – why even discuss or bring it up or think about it – it will or will not happen – i don’t see that any of us have much choice but to keep living whether we go to heaven/hell or we don’t. if i didn’t believe in heaven it would not make any difference in the way i live because i don’t live to go to heaven – i live for God/Jesus & how they tell me to live – hopefully there is a reward of heaven but i am not focused on that – but sure seems some here are focused on talking/typing/teaching about it – truly i don’t get it?!?!?!
jan
Jan, I think Roderick is drawing a distinction between living i.e. in the fullness of the power and presence of YHVH in our daily lives, and merely existing as so many do, simply surviving from day to day. That isn’t living.
Skip,
Teluskin point concerning why the children of Israel were told not to focus on and have a fascination for the dead and the afterlife, as did the Egyptians, makes feasible and plausible sense. They were to be a distinct people who did not look like or share the value system of the people they were delivered from.
Our own culture has a preoccupation and obsession with death and some concern with the afterlife. There is no room in any culture for a spiritual vaccuum. When a culture does not embrace G-d’s instructions, which are the essence of life, they will inevitably embrace death. As you so beautifully stated, “the religion of Scriptures is about life – here and later.”
When we learn to choose and live the life of His instructions in the olam haza, we will be ready to step into the life of olam haba! Blessings on you and your house!
“For example, it was belief in the afterlife that motivated the Spanish Inquisitors to torture human beings until they announced that they were accepting Christ. The Inquisitors believed that it was better to torture people for a few days in this world until they ‘acquired’ right beliefs and thereby save them from the eternal torments of hell.”
THIS REMINDS ME OF THE SCRIPTURE WHERE ONE OF THE DISCIPLES ADMONISHED THE CHURCH TO TURN OVER A BROTHER/SISTER TO satan
Through Moses — the 613 mitzvot were given both to clarify error about what “righteousness” looked like,… AND to prepare the Israelites for what was soon to come (the promised land). These teachings were further developed at a specific time, and for a specific reason by God.
Through Hillel and Yeshua — the concept of the afterlife was given both to clarify error,… AND to prepare the Jews for what was soon to come (the life/death/life of Yeshua himself).
Righteousness has always been righteousness, and the afterlife has always been the afterlife — the only thing that has changed is what people need to be told about it.
“For example, it was belief in the afterlife that motivated the Spanish Inquisitors to torture human beings until they announced that they were accepting Christ. The Inquisitors believed that it was better to torture people for a few days in this world until they ‘acquired’ right beliefs and thereby save them from the eternal torments of hell.”
THIS REMINDS ME OF THE SCRIPTURE WHERE ONE OF THE DISCIPLES ADMONISHED THE CHURCH TO TURN OVER A BROTHER/SISTER TO satan TO BUFFET THEIR SOUL (BECAUSE THEY WOULD NOT STOP SINNING) IN ORDER TO BE TRULY SAVED…
1 Corinthians 5:5 http://bible.cc/1_corinthians/5-5.htm
1 Timothy 1:20 http://bible.cc/1_timothy/1-20.htm
SORRY ABOUT THE PREVIOUS POST – MY LITTLE FINGER HIT SOMETHING WHILE TYPING & ENDED THE POST – SO I HAVE FINISHED WHAT I WAS TYPING TO MAKE SENSE… ♥
Hi Jan, I had some similar thoughts when I read about the Spanish Inquisitors. Never had thought about it before. Thanks
Robin, i was really kinda shocked to say the least – it really scares me sometimes when i think all that we have been taught about the Bible & all we believe may not be true – really it is devastating to me because i put a lot of stock in the Word of God seems it is the only true thing in life that i can rely on beside GOD/JESUS themselves… ♥
~In hope of eternal life, which G-d, who cannot lie, promised before the world began~ (Titus 1.2)
~He who has given us life and has called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His will and the grace which has been given to us in Yeshua The Messiah before the time of the world~ (2 Timothy 1.9)
Thank you Roderick, Brian, -excellent posts! • Will there come a day of destruction for the wicked?
Sister Robin, this is for you concerning a few O.T. scriptures concerning the future of the wicked. And again according to G-d’s word – ~For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, (this sack of skin and the contents thereof) whether good or bad~ And again in Matthew 12.36, according to G-d’s teaching: “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken” We do need to weigh our words carefully.
“That the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction? they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath.” Job 21:30.
• How will they be destroyed?
“Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger: the LORD shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them.” Psalms 21:9.
• What will happen to evildoers?
“For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.” Psalms 37:9.
• What will happen to the wicked?
“For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.” Psalms 37:10.
• Will the wicked go on living throughout eternity?
“But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.” Psalms 37:20.
• So the wicked will be destroyed and not burn forever?
“But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.” Psalms 37:38.
• But doesn’t “cut off” only mean they will be separated from God?
“As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.” Psalms 68:2.
• So then this must mean that the wicked will be no more or consumed?
“Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD.” Psalms 104:35.
• So there will be a final destruction of the wicked, they will not burn in hell for eternity?
“The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.” Psalms 145:20.
• What method will God use to destroy the wicked?
“Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it.” Isaiah 47:14.
• But I thought the soul never dies?
“Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Ezekiel 18:4.
• Will the wicked be burned up completely?
“Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffic; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.” Ezekiel 28:18.
• So they will cease to exist?
“All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.” Ezekiel 28:19.
• How does God feel about the final destruction of the wicked?
“Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” Ezekiel 33:11.
• So after the destruction of the wicked, sin will never rise up again?
“What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time. For while they be folden together as thorns, and while they are drunken as drunkards, they shall be devoured as stubble fully dry.” Nahum 1:9-10.
• How complete will the final destruction of the wicked be?
“For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.” Malachi 4:1.
One last scriptural reference concerning hell found in Luke 16.24: ~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~ Hell does not at all sound like a happy place or a place I’d like to even visit, much less spend the years of eternity.
So, is there a heaven? Is there a hell? Friend, -is there a Savior?