Scripture Reading: 2 Thessalonians 1:4-10.
Memory Verse: Revelation 14:12.
1. To what is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah compared in the Bible? 2 Peter 2:4, 6, 9, Jude 1:6-7.
2. What is the purpose of hellfire? Nahum 1:9, Revelation 21:4.
3. Who are the lost? Matthew 13:41-42, Matthew 25:41, Revelation 20:10.
Note: Remember, the Bible defines lawlessness as sin (1 John 3:4). The lost are sinners and, naturally, include the originator of sin, the devil. Along with his fallen angels.
4. What will happen to the lost in hellfire? Psalm 37:20, Malachi 4:1-3, Ezekiel 38:18-19.
5. What is “forever” in the biblical sense? Jonah 2:6, 1 Samuel 1:22, 28.
Note: In the New Testament, “forever,” aion in the Greek, is used at least 50 times to refer to something that has ended. Thus, The Bible does not limit its definition of “forever” to unending duration. In the case of hellfire, “forever” means a duration of time until the wicked are completely destroyed.
6. Is there a purgatory? Mark 10:45, 1 Corinthians 7:23.
Note: The Merriam Webster dictionary defines "purgatory" as "a place or state of temporary suffering or misery, especially an intermediate state of after death where souls undergo expiatory purification". It specifically refers to this being a Roman Catholic belief.
7. Will the lost ever be resurrected after they are destroyed in hellfire? Matthew 10:28.
8. Will hellfire ever go out? Isaiah 47:14.
Note: Yes, hellfire will go out as any other fire would- when there is nothing left to burn. When it has finished its work of destroying all sin, hellfire will cease.
9. Where will hellfire be located? 2 Peter 3:10, Revelation 20:9.
Note: Many people imagine hell as some underground cavern, but the Bible teaches that hell will be on the earth’s surface. Everyone on this planet still cursed by sin will be consumed in flames. As the passage goes on to say, “All these things…will be dissolved, being on fire” (2 Peter 3:11-12).
10. After hellfire finishes its work of destruction, what will Jesus do for His people? Isaiah 65:17, 2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:1.
11. How does God feel about the destruction of the wicked? Ezekiel 33:11, 2 Peter 3:9.