Wayne, does this remove responsibility for our choices and our actions from ourselves? I know God has a plan and He does not share all–only what he determines we have a need to know. So, I shall hope your conclusion is correct, but, in the meantime, I do not know how to reconcile lack of responsible action and accountability within the plan of a just God.

Please explain more. Jane

However, the Bible also says that in the end, God will be all in all. Jesus came to seek and to find the lost. I see no reason that should end after death. As in Adam, all sinned, so in Christ, all will be made alive. I believe this is a promise for the ultimate salvation of all people. If that is the case, then hell is not necessarily the ultimate destination of those who go there. Hope and Love never fail.

Thanks for your response. I think I really goofed in this writing, as you are the second person to react to the article this way. I was intrigued by how other authors portray Hell, but don’t necessarily agree with them, nor do I think they are good theological understandings. I was more interested in exploring the relevance of eternity with our present reality.

I don’t think our lives “extend” eternally in a literal sense, but rather that the state of our souls at present are a pretty good indicator of their eternal state. A saint could be living in a physical “Hell” of suffering and poverty, but have a soul of Heaven. Likewise, men can be rich and living the “great life” with a damned soul.

Thanks!

Attempts to show her how to stretch her food dollar don’t go anywhere. She knows if she has a penny left over, they’ll talk her out of it. Explanations about the requirements for getting her house repaired by the local Community Development Corporation if she will commit to remain living in it for five years are met with resistance because she can’t believe there’s any help for her anywhere.

This is an example of why I have problems with the idea that our lives on earth will be extended in the afterlife. When someone hardens their heart against God, I certainly believe there is a hell for the Bible says so. When someone has a loving heart that continually reaches out to God and to others, I certainly believe they are headed for heaven because the Bible says so. But when someone who has a loving heart, but does not know how to cope with, or change, their circumstances might never be allowed happier times–I have trouble here.

I am interested in hearing others thoughts on this.