Hell (Part 2) - The Unquenchable Fire

A discussion on hell would not be complete without talking about fire. Why are hell and fire connected? Josh and Tim continue the discussion from last week by talking about the word for hellfire Gehenna and why Jesus warned about this unquenchable fire.

Key Verse: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28 ESV)

Part 1 - Not Abandoned to Hades

1. Introduction
   1. Popular ideas of hell fire
   2. Overview of the words for “hell” – Sheol, Hades and Gehenna
2. Definition and Location
   1. Gehenna = Valley of Hinnom
   2. Bible Dictionary entries
3. History in Old Testament
   1. Valley SW of Jerusalem (Josh. 15:8)
   2. Place where idolaters made their children pass through the fire (Ahaz 2 Chr. 28:3; Manasseh 2 Chron. 33:6). Defiled by King Josiah (2 Kings 23:10).
   3. Becomes symbolic of place of judgment (Jer. 7:31-32; Isa. 30:30,33)
4. New Testament
   1. Mark 9:47 - Place of final judgement.
      1. Jesus quoting from Isa. 66:24, 15-16.
      2. Is this literal? Cutting off the hands/feet, worms living forever.
   2. Jude 7 - The unquenchable fire means nobody can put it out until it has completely destroyed (cp. Jer. 17:27; Mal. 4:1)
   3. Matt. 18:8 – The everlasting fire means the effects will be forever (cp. 2 Thess. 1:9; Mal. 4:1)
   4. Matt. 10:28 – Complete destruction
   5. Rev. 20:14 – The lake of fire
5. Final conclusion