Bible Question:
The Bible tells us that the number entering into destruction is many in comparison to the few that find eternal life in Christ. Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Those that find eternal life know that they have eternal because of God’s grace through the work of God’s Son Jesus Christ and the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit. My question: Does the Bible emphasis when “unbelievers” die physically and they find themselves in constant torment; do they actually know why they are there? The section in Rev. 20:12 is a ways off in future; what do the dead “outside” of Christ know now when they die? CDBJ |
Bible Answer: Shalom Chuck, How are you? A very good question. Do you mind if I take a stab at it? Although it's purely speculative, and based on human logic. Luke 16:19-31 tells the story of a man in hell conscious of those in Paradise, even of a conversation taking place. Obviously, at that time the differences between the two locations could be seen, if both the wicked and the righteous were conscious, and the wicked man knew he had done badly and that his servant had lived righteously. If they were conscious of the differences at that time, then the same should hold true today. The passage you quoted to a degree speaks of a decision - so all have heard of the differences between heaven and hell, of fellowship with God and separation from Him, and all have made a decision one way or the other. Your question is does their memory remain, the memory of choices. I'm thinking "selective" memory at least remains. The reason I think that is because in Rev. we read that there will be no more sadness, no more tears or pain for those in heaven - and that would mean that memories of loved ones who didn't make it there are not remembered because that would cause pain. We know that God is just. And in the TaNaKH I can't recall a time that He didn't either warn before hand of punishment about to come or explain why it was about to happen (as in 1 Kings 13). I don't know of any specific passages that you're asking for (I would like to know if there are any also), but that's my 2cents worth, that - yes, they do remember why they are now in torment. God is not cruel, I don't think He would eternally punish without allowing knowledge of the why. Still learning :-) Cheri |