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Is There a Hell?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletThe concept of hell, as understood in the common belief of the Western world, originally meant a dark and silent place, a grave, merely a hole in the ground for preservation. However, the Greek word gehenna, often translated as hell, refers to a place of destruction and death, not of living torture. Jesus spoke to Jews familiar with Gehenna, the Valley of Hinnom, where utter destruction by fire left nothing but ashes. Every reference to gehenna in the Bible signifies complete destruction, not eternal life in torment. The punishment revealed is death, the cessation of life, described as the second death from which there is no resurrection, an eternal punishment but not eternal punishing. Jesus used the term gehenna fire to illustrate the lake of fire, identified as the place of final punishment, the second death. This lake of fire, much hotter than any imagined torment, is where death and hell are cast, delivering up the dead for judgment according to their works. Those not found in the book of life are cast into this lake, a place of destruction where both soul and body can be destroyed, as Jesus plainly stated. He warned of the damnation of gehenna, emphasizing eternal punishment as the second death. Ancient cities like Sodom and Gomorrah suffered eternal fire, burned up forever in eternal destruction, not ongoing burning. The day is coming when the wicked will be as stubble, burned up completely, leaving neither root nor branch, reduced to ashes underfoot, as declared by the Lord of Hosts. The fire of judgment will not be quenched, meaning it will not be put out until it has fully consumed, just as historical fires of judgment were not quenched but are no longer burning. This aligns with the promise that sinners will be consumed out of the earth, the wicked no more, their carcasses an abhorring to all flesh, affirming a final, complete destruction rather than perpetual torment.
Pope Francis Questions Hell
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughIn an interview with a longtime friend and atheist, Pope Francis said that hell does not exist, explaining that condemned souls just disappear.
Disproving Hell
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughMost of Protestant and Catholic theology is immersed in pagan concepts of hell, reinforced by Dante's Inferno. Here is what the Bible says, without tradition.
God's Wrath and Hell
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOblivion, not eternal torment in hell fire, is the merciful end for the wicked. God is both good and severe, but His mercy endures forever.
Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man (Part One)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man illustrates the resurrections from the dead and the Second Death. Knowing the hidden time element is key.
Basic Doctrines: The Fate of the Wicked
Bible Study by Earl L. HennFor centuries, preachers have scared churchgoers with the image of a fiery hell where sinners spend eternity. But is such a place or state biblical?
Death Is Not the End (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughAll men have been subject to the fear of death, and it is something that we have to strive to overcome. But Christians have been freed in order to fear God.
The Four Horsemen (Part Five): The Pale Horse
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughDeath rides a ghastly pale horse and is accompanied by Hades. The Four Horsemen picture God's judgment due to man's rejection of His way of life.
Lazarus and the Rich Man
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man is often held up as proof of the torments of an ever-burning hell. However, the rest of Scripture gives a clearer picture.
Simplifying Life (Part Two)
Sermon by David F. MaasWe are obligated to conserve and redeem time by prioritizing daily communion with the Father and Jesus Christ, dedicating time to spiritual practices.
Behold Your King!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus' sinless and faithful life qualifies Him as King of Kings, in contrast to the kings of Israel who seriously fell short God's requirements.
Back to Life (Part Five)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAll of us who are called by God are so precious in His sight that Jesus Christ, before we were even born, died for us, saving us from oblivion.
Do You Recognize This Man? (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWould we recognize Jesus Christ based on a description? Just about everybody with whom He came into contact misunderstood Him, including His own disciples.
1 Peter 3:19
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughThe idea of purgatory, Hades, or Hell has a long history, predating Christianity by centuries. Roman Catholicism adopted the whole framework into its theology.
What Do You Mean . . . Salvation?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletNot one in a hundred knows what salvation is—how to get it or when you will receive it. Don't be too sure you do! Here is the truth, made plain.
Satan (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe origins of our adversary, Satan the Devil, and his host of fallen angels or demons. God has promised us protection if we yield to and obey Him.