A Literal Hell?

Jesus could have used either. He wasn't obligated to be non-fictional.

Parables were an important part of Jesus’ plan to impart Truth to us. A parable is by definition a fictional story that is told with the aim of making a point of truth. It creates a word picture, which is an excellent tool for learning and for transforming people.

First of all, parables are easy to remember. How much of the book of Romans have you memorized? But if asked to tell the story of the prodigal son, you’d probably do a pretty good job, and remember the message.

Second, because they were easy to remember, a parable could more easily be passed along. Therefore, these little “truth-stories” could dispense this truth more widely.

Finally, a story drives home a message with greater impact than simply telling a message. That is because it taps not only into our mind, but our spirit as well. We can begin to experience something of what the prodigal son felt when he saw his father running to greet him. And God’s desire is that we are transformed at our core, which includes our mind as well as our spirit.

 

Hey John,

I agree with *all* you are saying, with the exception of this:

The definition you gave, because it says "fictional", is the definition of a *fable*. I don't believe a fable and a parable are the same thing, and I believe it is the word "fictional" in the definition that is the difference.

But I think we agree on the moral point of the parable anyway, so maybe this is just academics and semantics.

Brian

 

Yes, that's semantecally academic

 

All I need to say is that yes, there's a literal Hell, and if you aren't indwelt by the Holy Spirit, you're going.

 

wow, in the name of love, you are taking a strong stand. I agree with you. I believe in a literal hell. But it is not the same as the lake of fire(obviously from my understanding). When a lost person dies he wakes up in hell and he stays there till the Great White Throne Judgment of God. Then the lost person is brought before God ,and his name is checked for and not found and he is cast into the lake of fire where that lost person will spend eternity in torment.
Luke 16:19-31 Revelation 20:11-15.
I also believe there are degrees of punishment in the lake of fire and probably in hell. In Revelation chpter 20 verses 12 and 13 the last part of these verses talks about them being judged by their works. This is to see what degree of judgment they merited.

 

Hell is eternal. Hell is real. Hell has fire. Lazurus wanted WATER!!!! Why? Because he was in FIRE!!!!!! Hell is NOT, I repeat NOT just separation from God!!!!!

 

Baptist1611, not meaning to stray to much from the topic, but where do you believe hell is located?

 

i had no clue that there were Baptists who don't believein a literal hell.

Oh! By the way! A-men Miss Abby! THERE IS A HELL! BUT I'M NOT GOING THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I PRAY YOU AREN'T EITHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Wrong. Right. Right. Wrong.

First, Hell is not eternal.
And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. Rev. 20:14
Hell is a temporary holding area, if you will. When God judges the lost at the great white throne, hell will be cast into the lake of fire. No one will still be in hell.

Second, yes, hell is very real. If you could ask any unbeliever that has departed this life they would tell you. Besides, Jesus said so, and that is good enough for me.

Third, hell has fire. Jesus spoke several times about "where the worm dieth not, and the fire is never quenched" (or vica-versa).

Fourth, it was the rich man , not Lazarus, that wanted water. Honest mistake. I've heard many preachers slip up on that one.

In Christ,
Trotter

 

Trotter I totaly agree with you. And thanks you saved me some typing.