If someone close to you goes to hell, and you have to listen to them suffering for all eternity? I think it would bother me, but it didn't seem to bother Abraham, in Luke, chapter 16. Apparently, you'll be able to hear the cries of agony coming from the denezins of hell as you try to enjoy your eternity in heaven. I'm a christian, but this disturbe me.
2006-10-07 16:20:55 · 19 answers · asked by WHITE TRASH ARMENIAN 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
This biblical concept of hell bothers me too. I know what the Bible teaches, but I can't get my mind to comprehend a God that would allow millions to suffer in agony for eternity. I mean, I believe in God, but this really blows my mind! I too would like to understand this better, so I will be reading the answers along with you.
2006-10-07 16:26:19 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
This story that Jesus told had nothing to do with life after death. Remember that Jesus was speaking to the religious leaders. He was telling them that they were in such a wonderful spiritual position because they had knowledge of the scriptures that none of the common people were able to have. Yet, he warned them, that this would not always be the case. Soon, this blessing would be taken from them (they would die) and be given to the masses. Then, they (the false religious leaders) would be the ones begging for just a tiny bit of spiritual knowledge and none would be given them. We know this is true for basically the same reason that you site--1.) Heaven would not be heaven if you had to listen to screaming and suffering, 2.) one drop of water could not possibly quench a thirst as great as the one described and 3.) the Bible says that the dead are conscious of nothing at all until they are resurrected and while the ones in heaven would have been resurrected, the ones in "hell" would not.
2006-10-07 18:57:51 · answer #2 · answered by Sparkle1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The account of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31 is not a real happening. It was an illustration Jesus used to picture 2 classes of people. The rich man pictured the religious leaders who were not adequately feeding the common people (Lazarus) spiritually. The illustration has nothing to do with suffering in hellfire--a teaching that the Bible does not support.
2006-10-07 18:24:11 · answer #3 · answered by LineDancer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Abraham was not in Heaven , but in a level of Hell across an abis called paradise (a garden) this is where all of the old testament saints were until Jesus went to the cross and went into hell to set the captives free.
The Bible tells us there are no tears in Heaven and on Marriage. Our new bodies will remember grief no more.
2006-10-07 16:27:33 · answer #4 · answered by ? 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The bible says so many different things that can be interpreted so many different ways. I always use analogies because they really help make a point. You are reading analogies from thousands of years ago, sometimes the point is hard to identify - as is the exact meaning.
I have gotten in so many mental "funks" on things like trying imagine who or what God is (not buying the grey haired old granfather thing), what happens to us when we die, etc. I think the real point is to live your life with respect for others (help them stay on that path as well).
If we all did this, we all get to Heaven. I don't know what is next, or how it works - but I can't spend this life worrying about it anymore. We'll know when we get there, we just have to trust he will help us through it.
2006-10-07 16:32:02 · answer #5 · answered by jumping_in_101 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
notice that Lazarus did not hear him? and the response is " between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us." it doesn't appear that we will be able to really see them in their suffering and the bible is clear that there is no sorrow in heaven, so while you are here and if you really want to see them in heaven be a witness and let them know. You don't have to be preachy, live a good example and love them pray for them now while there is time to.
2006-10-07 17:43:20 · answer #6 · answered by candi_k7 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah it is disturbing.I guess that's why we are always urged to keep spreading the gospel...and to start in Jerusalem Judea then to the ends of the world...you get?we start closer home and then go out into the rest of humanity.I am Christian too.Actualy I am 19 turned in September and the more I seek God the more I get to see the reality and practicality of doing His will because of the grace He gives..JC says let the dead bury their dead,he also saystake up the cross and follow....I guess part of that cross is realizing that not everyone may accept the saving grace of Jesus.Its a bit tricky trying to make sense out of all we read in the bible.In ephesians the wordsays that the mystery of the word is only revealed when our hearts are enlightened...maybe we should strive to have our hearts enlightened...Have i made things worse?We should just ask God..don't you think?But if it hurts us that much...imagine how much it hurts him??
2006-10-07 16:31:11 · answer #7 · answered by dottywotty 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Once your eternity is decided you cannot change the outcome. The only time to change the future of your eternity is the choice you make now regarding Jesus. Wether you accept him as Savior and Lord of your life or reject him and turn your back on him. People make their own choices. The only thing that we can do as Christians is to share the Gospel and lovingly warn them of the coming wrath of God. The utimate choice it theirs.
2006-10-07 16:28:40 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
God tells us in Isaiah 65:17 this: "For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind."
Therefore, after the judgment, we will not remember anything that causes us pain.
2006-10-07 16:34:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Our earthly relations will be over once we reach Heaven, unless they are in Heaven too. If we want our dear ones to go to Heaven, it is now to pray and lead them to Christ.
In the Beginning God created heavens and earth.
God gives you air to breathe and sunshine to enjoy.
God gives you water to drink and food to eat.
God gives you a wonderful body and sound mind, to live.
God loves you, and you are precious to Him.
Son of God died on the Cross to save us from condemnation.
Jesus’ love is boundless and everlasting.
We have the hope of Heaven through Jesus.
Life therefore has fantastic and glorious future!
2006-10-07 16:26:43 · answer #10 · answered by tmthyh 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋