Episodes

  • Is Hell Eternal Torment or Annihilation? Commentary

    Is Hell Eternal Torment or Annihilation? Commentary
    Dec 20 2025
    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.chrisbiblenewsletter.orgThis Ministry is %100 Funded by Your Support. Subscribe now to Receive New Articles, Videos, & Study Materials Every Week! Thank you! Watch on Youtube…Few topics stir as much tension in biblical study as the question of hell’s final outcome. Is hell a place of unending conscious torment, or does Scripture point instead to final destruction—annihilation—for the wicked? Both views claim biblical support. Both appeal to God’s justice. And both draw from images and language woven through the Old and New Testaments.This study aims to cut through tradition and emotion by returning to Scripture itself. What does the Bible actually say? What language does it use? And how did early believers understand the final destiny of the lost?1. The Traditional View: Eternal Conscious Torment (ECT)The historic church position, especially since Augustine, teaches that the lost remain forever conscious, experiencing ongoing judgment. The key word is eternal, not merely in consequence but in duration.Biblical Support Often Cited1. Eternal Fire & Unquenchable FlameJesus uses striking language when He warns,“Where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.”— Mark 9:48Fire that never goes out suggests ongoing punishment.2. The Smoke Rising ForeverJohn’s Revelation offers another vivid picture:“The smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever.”— Revelation 14:11The imagery resembles the ruins of Sodom—a city God destroyed so thoroughly that smoke symbolized its lasting testimony.3. The Devil’s Fate Used as ComparisonRevelation also states:“They will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”— Revelation 20:10While this is specifically about the devil, beast, and false prophet, supporters of eternal torment argue the wicked share a similar destiny (20:15).The Justice-Based ArgumentIf God is infinitely holy, sin is infinitely offensive. Therefore punishment that reflects God’s nature must also bear eternal weight.2. The Conditionalist View: Final Destruction (Annihilation)Conditional immortality—often called annihilationism—teaches that the wicked are destroyed, not preserved forever. Only the redeemed receive immortality as a gift.Key Scriptures That Support This View1. “The Wages of Sin Is Death” (Not Endless Life in Torment)Paul writes plainly:“The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life.”— Romans 6:23Death is the opposite of life. Conditionalists argue the lost do not receive eternal conscious existence—only eternal consequences.2. “Destruction” Means… DestructionJesus warns:“Wide is the gate that leads to destruction.”— Matthew 7:13Similarly Paul says:“They will be punished with everlasting destruction.”— 2 Thessalonians 1:9“Everlasting destruction” is read as a permanent result, not an ongoing process.3. Fire Consumes—It Doesn’t PreserveJohn the Baptist declared:“He will burn the chaff with unquenchable fire.”— Matthew 3:12An unquenchable fire keeps burning until everything is reduced to ash. It is unstoppable, not endlessly torturous.4. Only God Is ImmortalPaul states:“He alone has immortality.”— 1 Timothy 6:16Immortality is not inherent in human souls but granted through Christ (1 Cor. 15:53). Therefore, conditionalists argue the wicked cannot be eternally alive unless God sustains them.Justice ArgumentA loving God does not inflict eternal suffering but brings an end to sin, rebellion, and the existence of evil entirely.For them, annihilation is just, permanent, and aligned with God’s character.3. What Did Jesus Emphasize?Jesus spoke more about judgment than anyone else in Scripture. Yet His imagery varies:* Some illustrations depict ongoing consequences (e.g., the worm that does not die).* Others depict final death (e.g., destroyed in Gehenna—Matthew 10:28).* Others portray banishment (e.g., outer darkness, weeping and gnashing of teeth).This variety suggests Jesus wasn’t giving a single mechanical description of hell, but revealing the severity of rejecting God.A Key Verse Often Overlooked“Fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”— Matthew 10:28The word destroy (Greek: apollymi) rarely means torment. It consistently refers to death, ruin, elimination, or perishing.This verse alone is one of the strongest cases for annihilation.4. What Did Early Christians Believe?The early church was not unanimous:* Eternal torment was taught by Tertullian and later Augustine.* Annihilation was taught by Arnobius and others.* Universal reconciliation (a small minority view) was taught by Origen.This shows the debate isn’t modern.5. So Which View Is Right?Simple Recap & Final ThoughtsEternal conscious punishment comes directly from Jesus’ teaching. In Matthew 25:46, He places the destiny of the righteous and the wicked side by side:“And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the ...
    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • How Should Christians View Social Justice?

    How Should Christians View Social Justice?
    Dec 6 2025
    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.chrisbiblenewsletter.orgThis Ministry is %100 Funded by Your Support. Receive New Articles & Videos Every Week! We Are Able to Create Content on All Platforms with Free Versions Because of Your Support. Thank you!https://thebiblenewsletter.orgThe phrase “social justice” is everywhere today. It shows up in headlines, classrooms, and conversations about equality, fairness, and human rights. Many Christians wonder: Should we support social justice movements? Should we speak out, or stay silent?It’s a complicated topic—but the Bible offers a clear foundation. God deeply cares about justice, but His idea of justice is often very different from the world’s. To understand how Christians should approach social justice, we need to look beyond slogans and return to Scripture.God’s Heart for JusticeFrom Genesis to Revelation, the Bible reveals a God who loves righteousness and justice.Psalm 89:14 says:“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before You.”Justice isn’t just something God does—it’s part of who He is. Throughout the Old Testament, God calls His people to defend the weak, protect the poor, and treat others fairly.Micah 6:8 puts it plainly:“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”So yes, God cares about justice—and so should we. But the key is understanding whose definition of justice we’re following.The Difference Between God’s Justice and Man’s JusticeModern social justice often focuses on earthly equality—trying to make sure everyone gets the same outcome. While that might sound noble, it sometimes leaves out God altogether.Biblical justice, on the other hand, begins with God’s character and flows from His truth. It’s not just about social reform—it’s about restoring what sin has broken, beginning in the heart.The world says: “Fix society, and people will change.”God says: “Change the heart, and society will be transformed.”In Jeremiah 22:3, God commands:“Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow.”True justice is about righteousness—doing what is right in God’s sight, not just what feels fair in the moment.Subscribe to receive the articles, videos, and study guides every week https://thebiblenewsletter.orgJesus and JusticeWhen Jesus walked the earth, He constantly stood up for those who were overlooked and oppressed—the poor, the sick, the outcast, and the sinner. But His mission was deeper than changing laws or political systems. He came to change hearts.In Luke 4:18, Jesus declared:“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor… to set at liberty those who are oppressed.”Jesus brought justice by healing the broken, forgiving sins, and confronting hypocrisy. His version of justice wasn’t about revenge or division—it was about redemption and restoration.That’s the model Christians are called to follow: justice rooted in love, truth, and grace.The Risk of a Worldly JusticeSome social justice movements today are built on anger, pride, or revenge. They often divide people into groups—oppressor vs. victim, privileged vs. marginalized—and then assign guilt or virtue based on identity, not actions.While these movements may raise awareness of real problems, they can also leave out forgiveness, grace, and unity—the very things the Gospel brings.James 1:20 reminds us:“The anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”Christians must be careful not to confuse emotional activism with biblical justice. God calls us to act, yes—but He also calls us to act righteously, motivated by compassion, not outrage.Justice That Looks Like JesusSo, what does biblical justice look like in practice?* Speak up for the voiceless.Proverbs 31:8–9 says,“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves… defend the rights of the poor and needy.”This could mean helping the homeless, defending the unborn, standing against racism, or supporting families in need.* Show mercy with humility.Jesus cared deeply for people who were hurting, but He also called them to repentance and truth. We’re called to do the same—with both compassion and conviction.* Pursue justice through love, not division.In John 13:35, Jesus said,“By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”True justice builds unity under God, not hostility between people.Subscribe to receive the articles, videos, and study guides every week https://thebiblenewsletter.orgBalancing Truth and CompassionChristians must hold two things tightly: truth and love. Justice without truth leads to chaos, but truth without love leads to cruelty.Paul wrote in ...
    Show More Show Less
    2 mins
  • What Did Jesus Mean by "Separating the Wheat from the Tares?"

    What Did Jesus Mean by "Separating the Wheat from the Tares?"
    Nov 29 2025

    The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares (Matthew 13)

    Jesus often spoke in parables so that His followers could grasp deep truths through simple images. One of these powerful parables is found in Matthew 13:24–30, where Jesus tells of a farmer who sowed good seed in his field.

    But while everyone slept, an enemy came and scattered tares (weeds) among the wheat.

    As both grew, the difference wasn’t immediately obvious. To pull the weeds too soon could damage the wheat. So the farmer said:

    “Let both grow together until the harvest; and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.”(Matthew 13:30)

    This Ministry is %100 Funded by Your Donations. We Are Able to Create Content on All Platforms with Free Versions Because of Your Support. Thank you!



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.chrisbiblenewsletter.org/subscribe
    Show More Show Less
    5 mins
  • Can We Trust the Bible After So Many Translations?

    Can We Trust the Bible After So Many Translations?
    Nov 22 2025

    “So that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.”— 1 Thessalonians 3:13 (ESV)

    The Apostle Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonian church is both powerful and deeply comforting. He is not merely wishing them well—he is praying that God Himself would strengthen their inner lives so that they will stand pure and holy when Christ returns. This verse points us to the ultimate goal of our faith: to be made ready for the coming of Jesus.

    This Ministry is %100 Funded by Your Donations. We Are Able to Create Content on All Platforms with Free Versions Because of Your Support. Thank you!



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.chrisbiblenewsletter.org/subscribe
    Show More Show Less
    5 mins
  • What Did Jesus Mean by “Do Not Be Anxious About What You Are to Say”?

    What Did Jesus Mean by “Do Not Be Anxious About What You Are to Say”?
    Nov 15 2025

    The Context of the Verse

    Jesus’ words in Mark 13:11 come in the middle of what is often called the Olivet Discourse. Here, Jesus is preparing His disciples for future trials—times when they would be dragged before councils, rulers, and authorities for the sake of His name.

    He says:

    “When they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.”(Mark 13:11, ESV)

    This is not just general advice about public speaking. It is a promise of divine help for moments when believers are pressed, threatened, or persecuted because of their faith.

    This Ministry is %100 Funded by Your Donations. We Are Able to Create Content on All Platforms with Free Versions Because of Your Support. Thank you!



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.chrisbiblenewsletter.org/subscribe
    Show More Show Less
    6 mins
  • 🔓 Who Will be Left to Inhabit The Millenial Kingdom According to the Bible? (Extended Video Commentary)

    🔓 Who Will be Left to Inhabit The Millenial Kingdom According to the Bible? (Extended Video Commentary)
    Nov 12 2025
    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.chrisbiblenewsletter.org

    This Ministry is %100 Funded by Your Donations. We Are Able to Create Content on All Platforms with Free Versions Because of Your Support. Thank you!

    Who Will Be Left to Inhabit the Millennial Kingdom?

    This is a great question—and a fascinating one to explore. Many believers wonder: who will be left upon the earth to become the citizens of the Millennial Kingdom ruled by Christ?

    If the rapture removes the church, and if Christ’s second coming brings judgment during the tribulation, then who will remain to populate the world during the thousand-year reign of Christ described in Revelation 20?

    Want to Learn Beyond the Newsletter & Partner With Us?

    We offer multiple ways to partner with us on our Subscribe Page and Help this Ministry Grow. Gain Full Access to All Courses, Commentaries, Podcast Episodes, and Ad Free Videos (🤝 Only a FEW DOLLARS A MONTH DONATION)+ other great benefits.
    Show More Show Less
    2 mins
  • What Does It Mean That God Will Establish Our Hearts Blameless in Holiness?

    What Does It Mean That God Will Establish Our Hearts Blameless in Holiness?
    Nov 8 2025
    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.chrisbiblenewsletter.org

    This Ministry is %100 Funded by Your Donations. We Are Able to Create Content on All Platforms with Free Versions Because of Your Support. Thank you!

    “So that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.”— 1 Thessalonians 3:13 (ESV)

    The Apostle Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonian church is both powerful and deeply comforting. He is not merely wishing them well—he is praying that God Himself would strengthen their inner lives so that they will stand pure and holy when Christ returns. This verse points us to the ultimate goal of our faith: to be made ready for the coming of Jesus.
    Show More Show Less
    2 mins
  • How Do We Know the Bible is the Actual Word of God?

    How Do We Know the Bible is the Actual Word of God?
    Nov 1 2025
    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.chrisbiblenewsletter.org

    Exploring the Evidence and Assurance of Divine Authority

    “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”— 2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)

    The Bible claims to be God’s Word. Across centuries, millions of people have relied on it as their ultimate guide. Yet skeptics question its authenticity. How can we be sure the Bible is truly inspired by God? The evidence comes from prophecy, internal unity, transformative power, historical confirmation, preservation, moral depth, and the witness of the Holy Spirit. Let’s examine these in detail.

    This Ministry is %100 Funded by Your Donations. We Are Able to Create Content on All Platforms with Free Versions Because of Your Support. Thank you!
    Show More Show Less
    1 min