Is there literally a lake of fire?

Answer 1

No, it is symbolic. What is the “lake of fire”? We find this expression used in the Bible only in the book of Revelation, and there its mention is confined to the small area of chapters 19 to 21. A possible allusion to it is also found at Matthew 25:41.
Who or what goes into the “lake of fire”? Among the things mentioned are the “wild beast” and the “false prophet.” Death and hades (hell) are put into this “lake.” We also read that the Devil (and along with him his associate demons) is hurled into the “lake” after his final attack on God’s sovereignty.—Rev. 19:20; 20:10, 14.
In examining these texts we readily see that the “lake of fire” is not a literal pool of flame. The “wild beast” is symbolic, as earlier shown in Revelation chapter 13, the “image” of it being described in chapter 17, where we are told that the seven heads of the “beast” represent seven ‘mountainlike’ kingdoms.
Similarly the “false prophet” is not a person, but is a system or an organization. A “prophet” claims to have inspired information for the direction of others. A “false prophet” would mislead others, to turn them away from God and toward false worship. What does this “false prophet” do to accomplish such purpose? He is shown in another guise in Revelation 13:11-17 as a two-horned “wild beast.” As such he is depicted as performing in front of the seven-headed “wild beast” the signs with which he misleads “those who received the mark of the wild beast and those who render worship to its image.”—Rev. 19:20.
Since the “wild beast” and the “false prophet” are symbolic, the “lake of fire” is also symbolic.
Further supporting this conclusion is the fact that the abstract thing, “death,” is also hurled into the “lake of fire.” Death cannot be literally burned.
Moreover, the demons are thrown into the “lake.” These are angels, spirit persons. Being spirit, they cannot be hurt by literal fire, which is a physical product of chemical combustion. In fact, we read often of spirit persons manifesting themselves to humans in a flame.—Ex. 3:1-5; Acts 7:30; Judg. 13:20; Ps. 104:4; Dan. 7:9, 10.
The “lake that burns with fire and sulphur” represents a complete, everlasting destruction universally of everything and everyone that has “contaminated” pure worship, carrying on filthy practices, challenging God’s sovereignty and bringing reproach upon his name.

Answer 2

NO!
This expression occurs only in the book of Revelation and is clearly symbolic. The Bible gives its own explanation and definition of the symbol by stating: “This means the second death, the lake of fire.” Re 20:14; 21:8.

The symbolic quality of the lake of fire is further evident from the context of references to it in the book of Revelation. Death is said to be hurled into this lake of fire. (Re 20:14, 20) Death obviously cannot be literally burned. Moreover, the Devil, an invisible spirit creature, is thrown into the lake. Being spirit, he cannot be hurt by literal fire. Re 20:10; compare Ex 3:2 and Jg 13:20.

Since the lake of fire represents “the second death” and since Revelation 20:14 says that both “death and Hades” are to be cast into it, it is evident that the lake cannot represent the death man has inherited from Adam (Ro 5:12), nor does it refer to Hades (Sheol). It must, therefore, be symbolic of another kind of death, one that is without reversal, for the record nowhere speaks of the “lake” as giving up those in it, as do Adamic death and Hades. (Re 20:13) Thus, those not found written in “the book of life,” unrepentant opposers of God’s sovereignty, are hurled into the lake of fire, meaning eternal destruction, or the second death.

Notice how the Bible itself says this at Revelation 20:14: “And death and Hades [hell, King James Version and Douay Version] were hurled into the lake of fire. This means the second death, the lake of fire.” Yes, the lake of fire means “second death,” the death from which there is no resurrection. It is evident that this “lake” is a symbol, because death and hell (Hades) are thrown into it. Death and hell cannot literally be burned. But they can, and will, be done away with, or destroyed.

Answer 3

Yes there is a lake of fire called HADES.After trying to save your soul God will decide you do not want to be part of his kingdom and sadly you will burn in this world for a thousand years with satan and his angels and the rest of the people who chose not to follow God and then the world will be cleansed and everyone in heaven will come back here and live forever.In a place with no sin or pain.

Answer 4

No. The 'lake of fire' is an allegory for the uncreated energy of God. From the very first mention of 'hell' in the Bible, it is an allegory. If we read 'hell' passages literally, then we must admit that the souls of the damned are currently tormented in a peaceful, grass covered valley outside of Jerusalem that was known as 'Gehenna' in the first century.

Answer 5

back in the 70's or 80's lake erie was so full of trash and polluted people actully went out and would throw matches on the lake, because there was so much garbage it would just catch fire, it was real fun to do and then push ur buddy into.

Answer 6

I believe the lake of fire is literal. And I believe literal people will literally go there because they literally rejected Christ and it will be for a literal eternity. Literally.

Answer 7

No one knows that for sure....there are a lot of metaphorical statements in the Bible. Although, a lake of fire would definitely be hell for me!

Answer 8

Yes, the Bible speaks of the lake of fire.

Answer 9

Yes

Answer 10

Luke 16:23 In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, "Father Abraham, have pity on me and sent Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire."