All You Want to Know About Hell: Three Christian Views of God's Final Solution to the Problem of Sin

by Steve Gregg

Publisher:

Thomas Nelson

, 2013

Overview

Widely varying views of hell have been formulated throughout history. In this book, Steve Gregg explains three views: the “traditional” view that hell is a place of everlasting torment, the view that sinners are annihilated and cease to exist, and the view that sinners come to repentance and are restored to God. All You Want to Know About Hell explains and critiques the three views on hell, presenting all the biblical arguments for and against each view. Greeg does not espouse any one view, but presents the evidence for each for readers to decide for themselves.

In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• Covers the three main views of hell
• Explains how each view is biblically defended by its supporters
• Examines the major biblical critiques of each view

Contents

• Introduction
• Hell Has Few Friends
• Why Hell?
• Putting Hell in Its Place
• Lazarus and the Rich Man
• Two Key Words to Define: Gehenna and Aionios
• Views of the Early Church
• The Case for Traditionalism
• Cross-Examination of the Case for Traditionalism
• The Case for Conditionalism
• Cross-Examination of the Case for Conditionalism
• The Case for Restorationism
• Cross-Examination of the Case for Restorationism
• Epilogue
• Side-by-Side Comparison of Arguments

Top Highlights

“My own approach is to truthfully say, ‘The Bible is not as clear as I once believed concerning the details of God’s final judgment, and various theories exist among Christians. However, the Bible is clear on the one thing we need to know, namely, that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that God calls all men to repent and submit to His authority. Those who do so genuinely will be reconciled to God, and need not worry about the precise nature of the fate that they have escaped.’” (Page 299)

“If God is good and loving, as Christians say He is, then He certainly would not wish for innocent people, including babies and small children, to suffer horribly, as many millions do every day. If He is all-powerful, it would be in His power to prevent all such sufferings. The fact that He allows unjust suffering to continue means either that He is not good or that He is not all-powerful—or, possibly, that He does not exist!” (Page 1)

“A ‘fire that is not quenched’ is not synonymous with that of a fire that never goes out. A fire that man could not ‘quench’ (or ‘put out’) would nonetheless be expected to burn out eventually. In the ancient world, any forest fire, or other large conflagration, would fit this description.” (Page 96)

“The Bible repeatedly emphasizes that God’s anger endures only for a moment, but His love endures forever (Ps. 30:5; e.g., 2 Chron. 5:13; 7:3, 6; 20:21; Pss. 100:5; 103:9; 106:1; 107:1; 118:1–4, 29; 136:10–26). These frequent assurances of God’s benevolent nature should raise suspicions about any doctrine that says that God’s goodness to sinners lasts only for the ‘moment’ of this lifetime (e.g., Matt. 5:45; Luke 6:35), but that His wrath endures forever!” (Page 187)

Praise for the Print Edition

A great book for all who want to better understand the issues at stake.

—Robert K. Johnston, professor of theology and culture, Fuller Theological Seminary

An ideal starting point for any Christian who wishes to explore these matters in greater depth.

—Thomas Talbott, author, The Inescapable Love of God

Operating as a researcher rather than an advocate of a particular viewpoint, Steve Gregg decisively demonstrates that the traditional understanding of hell is not a closed subject as so many have assumed.

—Robert Taylor, author, Rescue From Death: John 3:16 Salvation

Product Details

• Title: All You Want to Know About Hell: Three Christian Views of God’s Final Solution to the Problem of Sin
• Author: Steve Gregg
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Print Publication Date: 2013
• Logos Release Date: 2013
• Pages: 336
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Hell › Christianity
• ISBNs: 9780718039554, 0718039556
• Resource ID: LLS:9781401678319
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T04:20:05Z

About Steve Gregg

Steve Gregg is a lecturer, writer, and talk-show host. For 16 years he lectured on the Bible at the Great Commission School. Since 1997, he has hosted the daily radio talk show, The Narrow Path. He is also author of Revelation: Four Views.