Response
The Bible states that both believers and non-believers will receive resurrected bodies on the final day (Daniel 12:1-2). Those destined for hell will face eternal separation from God. This is known as the “second death”—being thrown into the lake of fire for eternal torment, apart from God «And death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death. », (Revelation 20:14).
An indication that individuals in hell possess some form of a body is found in Jesus’ parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16. The rich man in hell could experience “torment” and “agony” (verses 23–25), see and speak (verses 23–24), and desired relief for his “tongue” (verse 24). Since this narrative predates the final resurrection, it suggests that those currently in hell exist in an “intermediate” state; many theologians suggest this may involve a “spiritual body” of sorts—or that the spirit retains certain bodily characteristics.
Likewise, individuals in heaven appear to possess a “spiritual body.” For instance, Lazarus’ “finger” is referenced in Luke 16:24. Additionally, when the three disciples witnessed Moses and Elijah during the transfiguration, these two prophets were not depicted as disembodied spirits; rather, they were identifiable individuals. They were seen as “men . . . in glorious splendor” «And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah», (Luke 9:30). Even before the resurrection, Moses and Elijah seemed to possess some form of a body.
Furthermore, Jesus cautioned us about the ability of “Him who can destroy both body and soul in hell” «And do not fear those who can destroy both soul and body in hell.», (Matthew 10:28). This warning implies that both the physical body and the soul will be present in hell.Which can kill the body but are not able to kill the soul. Instead, fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” , (Matthew 10:28). The eternal, ongoing destruction of hell is the result of God’s justice and wrath, and the destruction of that place will impact the “body” as well as the soul.
The issue some individuals struggle with concerning the idea of having a physical body in hell is that if the fire of hell is taken literally, it would imply that one’s bodily tissue would be constantly burning and regenerating to be burned again. However, Scripture teaches that the resurrection body will differ from the bodies we currently possess. Our earthly bodies are suitable for this world; the resurrection body will be suitable for eternity—whether in heaven or hell.
God has good news concerning the harsh reality of hell’s existence. God, in His justice, prepared hell for the punishment of sin; but, in His mercy, He also provided the means by which we can be saved. Romans 5:8–9 states, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.” Because of Christ’s sacrifice and our faith in His atoning blood, we can be at peace with God «Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: », (Romans 5:1). We can anticipate the time when we will live with Him for all eternity in the resurrected bodies He will give us.
What a blessing it is to be at peace with God. To be called His child, His friend. We can enjoy the peace and joy of His presence both now and forever.
Response Jesus mentioned wedding garments in one of His parables. As Jesus approached the end…
Answer The Bible does not specifically tell us whether Adam and Eve were saved. However,…
Response A navel or "belly button" (sometimes spelled as one word—bellybutton) is a scar formed…
Answer The apostles often quoted proverbs from various authors, as Peter did in 2 Peter…
Answer Priscilla and Aquila, first mentioned in Acts 18:2, were a married couple who had…
Answer Mark 13:30 is part of Jesus' response to His disciples on the Mount of…