September 14, 2007

The doctrine of hell has always been a significant part of historical Christian theology. Yet, many still wrestle with its complexity.

Hell is generally thought to be eternal, and to include both punishment (poena sensus) and separation from God (poena damni).

For Justin Grindstaff, Worship Pastor at Believers Church in Johnson City, TN, hell is real. “Hell is very significant. According to God's Word, we will spend eternity in either heaven or hell,” he said. “It seems that the world views hell as either fake, or if they do believe it, they believe it's going to be one huge party. This contradicts what the bible says about it (being eternal torment, constant burning, etc.). I believe hell is real, and I believe that simply because the Bible teaches that, and Jesus taught that.”

Pastor of Life & Light Christian Fellowship and author Larry Walkemeyer said, “I teach the reality and eternal nature of both heaven and hell. Hell is eternal separation from God with the Biblical images being metaphorical and therefore, difficult to understand literally.”

He further referenced Matthew 25:46: "And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. The word 'eternal' in both places is aionios, which means 1) without beginning and end, that which always has been and always will be; 2) without beginning; 3) without end, never to cease, everlasting. The word 'punishment' is the word kolasis and it means 'to punish, with the implication of resulting severe suffering - to punish, punishment.'" 

Walkemeyer says, "Hell is a place of punishment for the sin of rejecting God's love and the salvation found in Christ. It is a spiritual place prepared by God for Satan and (his) followers. It is an eternal place where there is no escape from the regret of rejecting God. What it will be like can only be imagined due to the metaphorical nature of the references to it (Matt. 13:41-42, Rev. 20:15)."

His teachings on hell and other important Christian topics have resulted from years of studying the Bible and through experience in his own ministry. He also released a new book this month from Regal Books entitled, 15 Characteristics of Effective Pastors: How to Strengthen Your Inner Core and Ministry Impact. The book addresses the basic and common characteristics necessary for pastors to be effective. It also talks about how lay people can better partner with pastors in building and maintaining a healthy church. Readers have the opportunity to learn from nine experienced pastoral leaders, who discuss the basic characteristics that exist in effective pastors.