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Hope Beyond Hell: The Righteous Purpose of God's Judgment
Hope Beyond Hell makes a compelling Biblical case affirming all God's judgments have a good and remedial purpose.
247 pages, Paperback
First published September 25, 2006
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April 14, 2013
"Hope Beyond Hell" by Gerard Beauchemin is a wonderful eye-opener, one of several books I have read recently that tackles the very difficult subject of the afterlife but particularly the Christian traditional view of hell as an 'everlasting punishment of torment and torture.'
Admittedly, this is a very sticky subject, to say the least. Many Christians are still unaware and misinformed about the subject because, like me, they've just gone along with whatever has been taught them from the pulpit, from books, TV/radio, etc., all the while unaware of the often bad translations of certain key words in their Bibles from the original Greek into English. But because, like me, they haven't been able to really make good sense of it in light of the supremely loving and all powerful God 'they know that they know' - personally and intimately, they simply have chosen to ignore or deny the subject altogether.
There simply was no Greek word-equivalent which meant "endless" or "forever" (as used in 'eternal') and so the Latin word chosen by St. Jerome and others in their early translations was "aeternal" - a word which itself doesn't even quite mean 'forever.' In fact, instead of the word 'eternal' used in our English Bibles, the original Greek word is 'aion' or 'aionian' from which we get the word 'eon,' which generally and simply means 'age' - an indefinite or indeterminable period of time. Secondly, a prominent view, even the majority view, of the early church closest to Jesus' time - for about the first 500 years or so - was that hell or Hades - as horrible as it will be - was (a) of a limited duration and of different degrees of severity for each person there; and that it was (b) solely for the purpose of correction - hell is remedial, in order to help bring a soul to the willing point of change and an open heart to God, of repentance. Yes, make no mistake - that could be a very long time in hell - even an age or ages! But there is no clear indication in the Bible, from the original Greek, of how long this 'aionian' or 'age-long' period of chastisement will last for anyone. For some, it may be a very long time, for what may seem like an eternity (literally!); for others, a shorter time. Jesus indicated it was of limited duration when he told his disciples that those who went to hell "would in nowise get out until they had paid the very last penny." He also said that "no one knows, except the Father, the day or the time of his [the Son's] return" or coming for us - and, later after his resurrection, that "it was not for [us] to know the days or times that the Father fixes [for such things] by his own authority." So it is pointless to even speculate on such things as 'how long'; suffice it to say only that hell is of limited duration, not endless (although it may very, very long time) and that it is still an unimaginably horrible place to be - like nothing we know on earth - for it is the terrifying experience of being utterly separated from God, of raw, unabated spiritual death, of 'outer darkness.'
Also the severity and intensity it seems will vary from soul to soul, depending on how they lived their lives on earth, how they treated others, but above all, whether and how they had related to God during their sojourn on earth. The bottom line is, we bring hell upon ourselves, for as the Bible often and clearly states, God is not willing that ANYONE would perish or even suffer in hell a short time. Yet for those of us who resist God and go on live wickedly, selfishly, and unlovingly, we will not 'get out until we have paid the last penny.'
This book - and judging by its popularity I'm not the only one who agrees - is a very comprehensive exposition of the - let's be honest! - questionable traditional teaching of an 'everlasting torturous hell' - whether your Adolf Hitler or Ghandi or Joseph Stalin or Mother Theresa or a baby who hasn't yet been baptized, etc., etc. It must be remembered that God is not only just, he IS good and he IS love itself.
The book's theme is logically defended, thoroughly rooted in scripture, with tons of scriptural quotes to back up every one of the author's positions - scriptures that I myself could never really 'quite' make sense of or justify in the past and so I simply chose to ignore them, really. The book is easy to understand and very well-written - it moves along at an exciting pace and will fill the reader with a fresh new hope and astonishing new way to look at God's awesome plan for ALL humanity in due time. This is THE book one should read FIRST in order to get a solid introductory grip on the issue.
In recent years, God has touched my own heart about this issue - but I really wasn't ready or willing to accept the premise of this book and so many other like it - nor was I yet knowledgeable enough. SO, I put this topic on the back burner of my mind and carried on with life, oblivious, like so many other Christians undoubtedly do and have done for centuries. But for me, no more! God has done a work in my mind and heart and I now wholly believe in his desire for ALL people to be saved - as well as in his authority and power to do it! Yes, he has a plan, all right - for the ages - for the eons. 'Life aionian' for all who will believe. And, in the end, "Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord," as the Bible says.
Is there a hell? A 'Hades'? Yes! And NO ONE should ever want to go there, not even for a minute. Dispensing with the truth that hell really does exist is NOT part of the doctrine of 'Christian universalism' or 'ultimate reconciliation.' But all of God's judgments - whether here on earth or in hell - are purposeful and limited, because his LOVE for us is infinite, eternal, and far beyond our imagining.
So, yes, I am now what's known as a Christian universalist - that is, one who believes in the ultimate reconciliation of all humanity and the renewal and restoration of all creation from the bondage of sin and death. I couldn't see it before - or perhaps also I was unwilling to ask, seek, and knock persistently enough to find real answers to my doubts and questions. Truth is, God's plan for us is actually FAR GREATER than I had imagined or understood before. And yet this plan of his was right there in the Bible scriptures all along. Duh! "When I am lifted up from the earth [on the cross], I will draw ALL men unto Me." (Jesus). "Just as in Adam ALL die, so also in Christ will ALL be made alive." (Paul) Those are just two of the hundreds and hundreds of scriptures right there in the Bible - in plain view for those 'will have eyes to see and ears to hear' it that tell God's amazing story of ultimate reconciliation. NOT to believe that 'ALL' means 'ALL' (the two uses of 'all' there are identical in the original Greek) is to believe either one of two ridiculous assumptions: either that God is not powerful enough to accomplish his own will and desire for us - or - he doesn't REALLY will it - he doesn't REALLY desire it for us, that all born in Adam will be saved by Christ in due season or age; that he's just playing games with us. Well, I no longer believe either of those assumptions! God DOES will it and he CAN do it!
What part of the word 'all' don't we understand?
Admittedly, this is a very sticky subject, to say the least. Many Christians are still unaware and misinformed about the subject because, like me, they've just gone along with whatever has been taught them from the pulpit, from books, TV/radio, etc., all the while unaware of the often bad translations of certain key words in their Bibles from the original Greek into English. But because, like me, they haven't been able to really make good sense of it in light of the supremely loving and all powerful God 'they know that they know' - personally and intimately, they simply have chosen to ignore or deny the subject altogether.
There simply was no Greek word-equivalent which meant "endless" or "forever" (as used in 'eternal') and so the Latin word chosen by St. Jerome and others in their early translations was "aeternal" - a word which itself doesn't even quite mean 'forever.' In fact, instead of the word 'eternal' used in our English Bibles, the original Greek word is 'aion' or 'aionian' from which we get the word 'eon,' which generally and simply means 'age' - an indefinite or indeterminable period of time. Secondly, a prominent view, even the majority view, of the early church closest to Jesus' time - for about the first 500 years or so - was that hell or Hades - as horrible as it will be - was (a) of a limited duration and of different degrees of severity for each person there; and that it was (b) solely for the purpose of correction - hell is remedial, in order to help bring a soul to the willing point of change and an open heart to God, of repentance. Yes, make no mistake - that could be a very long time in hell - even an age or ages! But there is no clear indication in the Bible, from the original Greek, of how long this 'aionian' or 'age-long' period of chastisement will last for anyone. For some, it may be a very long time, for what may seem like an eternity (literally!); for others, a shorter time. Jesus indicated it was of limited duration when he told his disciples that those who went to hell "would in nowise get out until they had paid the very last penny." He also said that "no one knows, except the Father, the day or the time of his [the Son's] return" or coming for us - and, later after his resurrection, that "it was not for [us] to know the days or times that the Father fixes [for such things] by his own authority." So it is pointless to even speculate on such things as 'how long'; suffice it to say only that hell is of limited duration, not endless (although it may very, very long time) and that it is still an unimaginably horrible place to be - like nothing we know on earth - for it is the terrifying experience of being utterly separated from God, of raw, unabated spiritual death, of 'outer darkness.'
Also the severity and intensity it seems will vary from soul to soul, depending on how they lived their lives on earth, how they treated others, but above all, whether and how they had related to God during their sojourn on earth. The bottom line is, we bring hell upon ourselves, for as the Bible often and clearly states, God is not willing that ANYONE would perish or even suffer in hell a short time. Yet for those of us who resist God and go on live wickedly, selfishly, and unlovingly, we will not 'get out until we have paid the last penny.'
This book - and judging by its popularity I'm not the only one who agrees - is a very comprehensive exposition of the - let's be honest! - questionable traditional teaching of an 'everlasting torturous hell' - whether your Adolf Hitler or Ghandi or Joseph Stalin or Mother Theresa or a baby who hasn't yet been baptized, etc., etc. It must be remembered that God is not only just, he IS good and he IS love itself.
The book's theme is logically defended, thoroughly rooted in scripture, with tons of scriptural quotes to back up every one of the author's positions - scriptures that I myself could never really 'quite' make sense of or justify in the past and so I simply chose to ignore them, really. The book is easy to understand and very well-written - it moves along at an exciting pace and will fill the reader with a fresh new hope and astonishing new way to look at God's awesome plan for ALL humanity in due time. This is THE book one should read FIRST in order to get a solid introductory grip on the issue.
In recent years, God has touched my own heart about this issue - but I really wasn't ready or willing to accept the premise of this book and so many other like it - nor was I yet knowledgeable enough. SO, I put this topic on the back burner of my mind and carried on with life, oblivious, like so many other Christians undoubtedly do and have done for centuries. But for me, no more! God has done a work in my mind and heart and I now wholly believe in his desire for ALL people to be saved - as well as in his authority and power to do it! Yes, he has a plan, all right - for the ages - for the eons. 'Life aionian' for all who will believe. And, in the end, "Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord," as the Bible says.
Is there a hell? A 'Hades'? Yes! And NO ONE should ever want to go there, not even for a minute. Dispensing with the truth that hell really does exist is NOT part of the doctrine of 'Christian universalism' or 'ultimate reconciliation.' But all of God's judgments - whether here on earth or in hell - are purposeful and limited, because his LOVE for us is infinite, eternal, and far beyond our imagining.
So, yes, I am now what's known as a Christian universalist - that is, one who believes in the ultimate reconciliation of all humanity and the renewal and restoration of all creation from the bondage of sin and death. I couldn't see it before - or perhaps also I was unwilling to ask, seek, and knock persistently enough to find real answers to my doubts and questions. Truth is, God's plan for us is actually FAR GREATER than I had imagined or understood before. And yet this plan of his was right there in the Bible scriptures all along. Duh! "When I am lifted up from the earth [on the cross], I will draw ALL men unto Me." (Jesus). "Just as in Adam ALL die, so also in Christ will ALL be made alive." (Paul) Those are just two of the hundreds and hundreds of scriptures right there in the Bible - in plain view for those 'will have eyes to see and ears to hear' it that tell God's amazing story of ultimate reconciliation. NOT to believe that 'ALL' means 'ALL' (the two uses of 'all' there are identical in the original Greek) is to believe either one of two ridiculous assumptions: either that God is not powerful enough to accomplish his own will and desire for us - or - he doesn't REALLY will it - he doesn't REALLY desire it for us, that all born in Adam will be saved by Christ in due season or age; that he's just playing games with us. Well, I no longer believe either of those assumptions! God DOES will it and he CAN do it!
What part of the word 'all' don't we understand?
January 10, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. It's a little dry in places, and I actually took the time to look up the scriptures and read them in full context, so it was something of a feat. However, it was worth it. I was already a universalist (because it's really the only thing that makes sense!) so I was already in agreement in a way. Once you understand the universalist plan for salvation, the scriptures all fall so beautifully into place. Especially the portions about pre-selection that are usually labeled as Calvinist and turn so many away. It's not a riveting read in many places, but it has a LOT more support that anything Rob Bell has published. I get that Bell is there to hook the audience, but this is for those who need the meat.
February 27, 2012
Disappointing...I may agree with his end conclusion but his prose is not interesting and difficult to dissect. His arguments are supported by long lists of verses that are purported to defend his case but it is quite likely many are taken out of context. I like to call his use of scripture as "scripture mininig"....the process of looking for any verse that may sound like it supports your cause regardless of how the verse fits into the overall scripture and time and place.
July 10, 2015
Hope Beyond Hell is an easy read that asks pertinent questions about traditional beliefs regarding hell and uses ample Scripture to rebut tradition. It is straight to the point and includes some wonderful quotes by other theologians. The appendices are also very helpful. It does lacks insight into the author's personal story, which is only referred to in brief. Otherwise it is intelligent and informative.
April 18, 2011
Hope Beyond Hell takes Biblical principles and twists them to fit the authors agenda. If you believe that God loves everyone so much that He sends everyone to heaven then this is your book.
If you believe in the reality of heaven and hell and the Biblical support for God's perfect justice then you may not get much from this book.
Can you say "Universalism?"
If you believe in the reality of heaven and hell and the Biblical support for God's perfect justice then you may not get much from this book.
Can you say "Universalism?"
January 23, 2013
Second book I read on this subject. Loved it very much. When I read Hope Beyond Hell I was already convinced in, as Gerry syas, the blessed hope. I highly recommend this book to all christians or non-christians who would like to hear a message of true grace and the purpose God has for each of us. Excellent.
February 18, 2013
This author pulls together dozens of biblical thoughts, promises, and themes about the redemption of all people through the finished work of Christ on the cross. It is a refreshing and challenging book that unpacks God's love for everyone.
July 7, 2012
Great book. I'm not sure I totally agree with some of his views on free will, but I loved the book.
March 10, 2013
Can universalism get any worse than this? Doubtful ...
December 25, 2014
This is an excellent book that raises many questions and gives compelling answers about Hell. It certainly challenges the traditional doctrine of Hell.
September 14, 2024
POWERFUL ARGUMENT AGAINST THE DOCTRINE OF ETERNAL TORMENT
The author wrote in the Foreword to this 2007 book, "The study you hold in your hands... is a simple truth that can be summed up in three mighty words: LOVE NEVER FAILS!... Come hear again the Good News shared by the angel with some shepherds one night outside of Bethlehem---Good News of great joy to all people! ... Marvel at His wisdom in working out His master plan for the ages to see His will accomplished---that none should perish.... Our God truly is an awesome God and this study is another affirmation to His never-ending, never-failing LOVE." (Pg. 13-14)
He adds, "This book examines the Augstinian tradition of everlasting punishment... This tradition assumes that the vast majority of the human race will never be saved [e.g., Mt. 7:14, 'Narrow is the gate... few who find it'] But is this what Christ meant by these words? This book presents strong evidence why this could not be what Christ and the Apostles taught." (Pg. 17)
He observes, "Some people receive many chances to get saved, others receive a few, but billions have never received one! If the opportunity to receive Christ were given in this life only, then God could be accused of being partial. The only way He would not be partial is if He lacked the power to give all the opportunity. But God is neither weak nor partial. All have the same access to salvation, for God's will, power, and love guarantee it. And furthermore, Jesus paid the price for all. If all did not have equal access, it would especially be unfair to Him." (Pg. 56)
He points out, "Most Christians do not believe infants or the mentally handicapped go to hopeless death. If hope is extended to these, then God (if He is truly impartial and just) will extend hope to all. If not, then these privileged few are given an unfair advantage. Who in their right mind would want to live beyond the age of accountability if an eternal hell is their destiny? Or who would want to be born with a sound mind, if a mental handicap would keep them out of hell?" (Pg. 69)
He argues, "How can a good God create creatures he knows will be tormented forever?... According to the Blessed Hope, He does not face this dilemma at all, but reconciles all to Himself in the fulness of time. Which most glorifies the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ? Which conforms with an all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving Creator? How can we believe God is good, while at the same time believe infinite penalty is the lot of most of mankind? We cannot unless we have a perverted sense of what 'good' is, or we do not believe God has the power to prevent it, or we have not thought long and hard enough about the horror of what infinite penalty entails. However, if we believe God is 'good' in the normal sense, and His penalties are finite and just, there are no conflicting issues." (Pg. 81-82)
He asks, "Have you ever asked yourself what purpose hell serves? This is one of the most pertinent and weighty questions anyone could raise. Why? Because an unsatisfactory answer maligns God's character. Would you not think that if an eternal hell were true, the Bible would have thrown light on this solemn question? The fact that God offers no explanation argues against an eternal hell. Such a horrific thought, one that is so incomprehensible to every sincere thinker, demands at least some kind of explanation. Where is it?" (Pg. 159)
Forcefully stated, but not particularly "exegetically based," this book will infuriate many, but also delight some; but for all interested in the doctrine of eternal torment, it will be useful reading.
The author wrote in the Foreword to this 2007 book, "The study you hold in your hands... is a simple truth that can be summed up in three mighty words: LOVE NEVER FAILS!... Come hear again the Good News shared by the angel with some shepherds one night outside of Bethlehem---Good News of great joy to all people! ... Marvel at His wisdom in working out His master plan for the ages to see His will accomplished---that none should perish.... Our God truly is an awesome God and this study is another affirmation to His never-ending, never-failing LOVE." (Pg. 13-14)
He adds, "This book examines the Augstinian tradition of everlasting punishment... This tradition assumes that the vast majority of the human race will never be saved [e.g., Mt. 7:14, 'Narrow is the gate... few who find it'] But is this what Christ meant by these words? This book presents strong evidence why this could not be what Christ and the Apostles taught." (Pg. 17)
He observes, "Some people receive many chances to get saved, others receive a few, but billions have never received one! If the opportunity to receive Christ were given in this life only, then God could be accused of being partial. The only way He would not be partial is if He lacked the power to give all the opportunity. But God is neither weak nor partial. All have the same access to salvation, for God's will, power, and love guarantee it. And furthermore, Jesus paid the price for all. If all did not have equal access, it would especially be unfair to Him." (Pg. 56)
He points out, "Most Christians do not believe infants or the mentally handicapped go to hopeless death. If hope is extended to these, then God (if He is truly impartial and just) will extend hope to all. If not, then these privileged few are given an unfair advantage. Who in their right mind would want to live beyond the age of accountability if an eternal hell is their destiny? Or who would want to be born with a sound mind, if a mental handicap would keep them out of hell?" (Pg. 69)
He argues, "How can a good God create creatures he knows will be tormented forever?... According to the Blessed Hope, He does not face this dilemma at all, but reconciles all to Himself in the fulness of time. Which most glorifies the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ? Which conforms with an all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving Creator? How can we believe God is good, while at the same time believe infinite penalty is the lot of most of mankind? We cannot unless we have a perverted sense of what 'good' is, or we do not believe God has the power to prevent it, or we have not thought long and hard enough about the horror of what infinite penalty entails. However, if we believe God is 'good' in the normal sense, and His penalties are finite and just, there are no conflicting issues." (Pg. 81-82)
He asks, "Have you ever asked yourself what purpose hell serves? This is one of the most pertinent and weighty questions anyone could raise. Why? Because an unsatisfactory answer maligns God's character. Would you not think that if an eternal hell were true, the Bible would have thrown light on this solemn question? The fact that God offers no explanation argues against an eternal hell. Such a horrific thought, one that is so incomprehensible to every sincere thinker, demands at least some kind of explanation. Where is it?" (Pg. 159)
Forcefully stated, but not particularly "exegetically based," this book will infuriate many, but also delight some; but for all interested in the doctrine of eternal torment, it will be useful reading.
March 23, 2015
I took notes and kept track of my favorite quotes, so below you will find a lot of ideas featured in this book.
Here's a quick summary. The author believes that God is too loving to make Hell a permanent punishment. He believes Hell exists, but that eventually people can become repent and have a saving faith in Jesus. At this point, there soul will move from Hell to Heaven. This will continue in Hell until every soul that ever went there ends up in Heaven. At that point, Hell will continue to exist, but it will be empty of all human souls.
This is different than Universalism because people that hold to this belief do not believe that all beliefs are equally valid. They believe Christ is the only way to Salvation. Therefore, non-believers would have to come to a belief in Christ before being allowed into Heaven (This is where the verse that says “Every knee will bow, every tongue confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord” comes into play).
Even if I don't agree with his ultimate conclusions, the author does a good job at outlining his argument and using Scripture to defend his viewpoint. However, I sometimes think that the Bible can be used to prove any point of view if you do enough hermeneutical gymnastics.
Here are a lot of notes and quotes from the book:
-First, the author says that a traditional view of Hell means that our all-loving, all-powerful, all-knowing God created billions of people, knowing most will be tormented in Hell forever. Should we question the character of God if we believe this about Him?
-If that is so, “who suffers most in eternal damnation, man or God who loves man with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3).”
-“How can Christ be considered greater than Adam if Adam has the power to condemn more people than Christ has the power to save?”
-“What is right about a punishment that never ends?”
-“An eternal Hell maligns God’s character before the world. It contradicts His unending and unfailing love for all people.”
-This also makes our worship stem more from fear than of true affection, and denies his unlimited power to accomplish all His will.
-“Can you imagine the horror of suffering forever?”
-The author concludes that Hell is a judgment from God, but not an everlasting one.
-“There is no word in the whole (Bible) corresponding with our ‘eternal,’ which as commonly used among us, means absolutely without end. The strongest Scripture word used with reference to the existence of God, is 'unto the ages of the ages,’ which does not literally mean eternally.”
-What if the Greek word “aion” does not mean “everlasting?” What would that do to the “biblical support” or an infinite Hell?
-Many reputable translations of the Bible use “age” instead of “eternal” when translating the Greek word, “aion.” These two words are very different. “An age has a beginning and an end; eternity does not.”
-“The key defense of the eternal punishment depends on this word meaning absolute eternity.”
-Aion – could be translated as age or age-abiding, eon – the King James Version translates this one word 9 different ways – age, course, end, eternal, everlasting, evermore, (for) ever, never, and world
-As an example, in the first 3 chapters of Ephesians, the word aion is used 7 times. Out of those 7 times, the King James Version translators chose 5 different English words (ages, course, end, eternal, and world) to translate that one Greek word.
-Furthermore in these first 3 chapters, genea (generation), a totally different word, is translated twice as “ages.”
-The author believes the translators believed in eternal punishment, so when they started the translating process, their preconceived notions influenced how they interpreted certain words.
-“The Psalmist also writes, ‘His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life’ (Psalm 30:5). Why is it that on Earth God’s anger lasts but a moment and His favor is for life, but (tradition says) after death, His favor is not even a moment, and His anger is forever? How can God’s love change so drastically at the beat of a heart?”
-“Justice does not come solely from punishment, but from punishment with a view towards restitution…How can justice require infinite penalty from creatures born in sin through no fault of their own, prone to sin by an inherited weakness (Adam’s curse), created with imperfect knowledge, surrounded by demons tempting on every side, and all in light of Christ’s propitiation for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2, John 1:29)?”
-The early Church Fathers understood the word “fire” in the Bible to be something very positive. “Fire was an element of life, of purification, or transformation, and never…for purposes of anguish. For them, fire was the sign of God’s being, not His wrath.”
-Paul never once mentions Hades or Gehenna in all his letters (or in Acts), except to proclaim its defeat.
-This viewpoint was known and accepted during the first 500 years of church history when believers read the Scriptures in Greek.
Here's a quick summary. The author believes that God is too loving to make Hell a permanent punishment. He believes Hell exists, but that eventually people can become repent and have a saving faith in Jesus. At this point, there soul will move from Hell to Heaven. This will continue in Hell until every soul that ever went there ends up in Heaven. At that point, Hell will continue to exist, but it will be empty of all human souls.
This is different than Universalism because people that hold to this belief do not believe that all beliefs are equally valid. They believe Christ is the only way to Salvation. Therefore, non-believers would have to come to a belief in Christ before being allowed into Heaven (This is where the verse that says “Every knee will bow, every tongue confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord” comes into play).
Even if I don't agree with his ultimate conclusions, the author does a good job at outlining his argument and using Scripture to defend his viewpoint. However, I sometimes think that the Bible can be used to prove any point of view if you do enough hermeneutical gymnastics.
Here are a lot of notes and quotes from the book:
-First, the author says that a traditional view of Hell means that our all-loving, all-powerful, all-knowing God created billions of people, knowing most will be tormented in Hell forever. Should we question the character of God if we believe this about Him?
-If that is so, “who suffers most in eternal damnation, man or God who loves man with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3).”
-“How can Christ be considered greater than Adam if Adam has the power to condemn more people than Christ has the power to save?”
-“What is right about a punishment that never ends?”
-“An eternal Hell maligns God’s character before the world. It contradicts His unending and unfailing love for all people.”
-This also makes our worship stem more from fear than of true affection, and denies his unlimited power to accomplish all His will.
-“Can you imagine the horror of suffering forever?”
-The author concludes that Hell is a judgment from God, but not an everlasting one.
-“There is no word in the whole (Bible) corresponding with our ‘eternal,’ which as commonly used among us, means absolutely without end. The strongest Scripture word used with reference to the existence of God, is 'unto the ages of the ages,’ which does not literally mean eternally.”
-What if the Greek word “aion” does not mean “everlasting?” What would that do to the “biblical support” or an infinite Hell?
-Many reputable translations of the Bible use “age” instead of “eternal” when translating the Greek word, “aion.” These two words are very different. “An age has a beginning and an end; eternity does not.”
-“The key defense of the eternal punishment depends on this word meaning absolute eternity.”
-Aion – could be translated as age or age-abiding, eon – the King James Version translates this one word 9 different ways – age, course, end, eternal, everlasting, evermore, (for) ever, never, and world
-As an example, in the first 3 chapters of Ephesians, the word aion is used 7 times. Out of those 7 times, the King James Version translators chose 5 different English words (ages, course, end, eternal, and world) to translate that one Greek word.
-Furthermore in these first 3 chapters, genea (generation), a totally different word, is translated twice as “ages.”
-The author believes the translators believed in eternal punishment, so when they started the translating process, their preconceived notions influenced how they interpreted certain words.
-“The Psalmist also writes, ‘His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life’ (Psalm 30:5). Why is it that on Earth God’s anger lasts but a moment and His favor is for life, but (tradition says) after death, His favor is not even a moment, and His anger is forever? How can God’s love change so drastically at the beat of a heart?”
-“Justice does not come solely from punishment, but from punishment with a view towards restitution…How can justice require infinite penalty from creatures born in sin through no fault of their own, prone to sin by an inherited weakness (Adam’s curse), created with imperfect knowledge, surrounded by demons tempting on every side, and all in light of Christ’s propitiation for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2, John 1:29)?”
-The early Church Fathers understood the word “fire” in the Bible to be something very positive. “Fire was an element of life, of purification, or transformation, and never…for purposes of anguish. For them, fire was the sign of God’s being, not His wrath.”
-Paul never once mentions Hades or Gehenna in all his letters (or in Acts), except to proclaim its defeat.
-This viewpoint was known and accepted during the first 500 years of church history when believers read the Scriptures in Greek.
September 18, 2015
Overall, a good and decent book. But, a bit monotonous and tedious. At times I skipped through pages and skimmed through the lengthy text. Nevertheless, a good read.
The author first starts out dismantling the supporting pillars for Eternal Conscious Torment (ECT), the most common and traditional view of the doctrine of hell. He uses scripture to achieve this rather successfully.
The first pillar he dismantles is concerning the word "Aion" which many people erroneously equate to meaning "eternal" most often used in the context of hell. When properly translated "aion" actually means "age" and is only temporary, not permanent. Therefore, hell is not eternal, but is temporal. Perhaps used to refine or strengthen.
The second pillar is concerning the word "Gehenna" the most popular Greek word used for Hell throughout the New Testament. Gehenna was actually a literal place on the southern side of the walls of Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. It was called the Valley of Hinnom and it was a where the garbage heap was. Not only so, but sacrifices were made to Molech, and there were constant fires to consume the trash and the bodies and where dogs were gnashing their teeth fighting over food scraps. It was, for lack of a better term, hell on earth. And, this is the place that Jesus spoke of and his hearers would understand, especially since the idea of an eternal hell was completely foreign and unknown to Jews. It was a place that most people avoided and would never go to.
The third and final pillar that is dismantled is the word "apollumi" which is most often used for those who hold to annhilationism, the ceasing to exist. Apollumi simply means that something/someone is destroyed in order to make way for the new. Obviously the human flesh cannot inherit heaven, therefore it is destroyed in order that it may be made new unto the resurrection.
After the author dismantles the three pillars of ECT, he then proceeds to tackle the difficulty of what is commonly referred to as Christian universal reconciliation. That God's punishment is not eternal, but temporal and restorative. This is much like what Rob Bell presupposes in his book, "Love Wins". The author uses plenty of scriptural support to show that God is not partial, that he saves some and lets others burn in hell. Instead, God is impartial and will eventually save all. The author does an outstanding job correctly defining "the elect" and who they are. Calvinists will tell you it is only a select few that are saved. Rather, the elect is everyone of us who are saved and will be saved... on earth now.
The Blessed Hope is defined. Historically, the Blessed Hope is often thought to be the rapture, or the return of Christ. The author tells us that the Blessed Hope reconciles all to himself in the fullness of time. This is what glorifies God and affirms the all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving attributes of God.
The bottom line is that there is plenty of Scriptural support to show that God will draw all people to himself and all will be saved through Christ's work on the cross. Not only so, but much of the early church ascribed to this view. Note there are no references to everlasting hell and torment for the unsaved in the Apostle's Creed? No, the love of God is more powerful than any other force or entity. Christ's work is complete and all will enjoy living in reconciliation with God either in this life on earth or in the age to come.
The author first starts out dismantling the supporting pillars for Eternal Conscious Torment (ECT), the most common and traditional view of the doctrine of hell. He uses scripture to achieve this rather successfully.
The first pillar he dismantles is concerning the word "Aion" which many people erroneously equate to meaning "eternal" most often used in the context of hell. When properly translated "aion" actually means "age" and is only temporary, not permanent. Therefore, hell is not eternal, but is temporal. Perhaps used to refine or strengthen.
The second pillar is concerning the word "Gehenna" the most popular Greek word used for Hell throughout the New Testament. Gehenna was actually a literal place on the southern side of the walls of Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. It was called the Valley of Hinnom and it was a where the garbage heap was. Not only so, but sacrifices were made to Molech, and there were constant fires to consume the trash and the bodies and where dogs were gnashing their teeth fighting over food scraps. It was, for lack of a better term, hell on earth. And, this is the place that Jesus spoke of and his hearers would understand, especially since the idea of an eternal hell was completely foreign and unknown to Jews. It was a place that most people avoided and would never go to.
The third and final pillar that is dismantled is the word "apollumi" which is most often used for those who hold to annhilationism, the ceasing to exist. Apollumi simply means that something/someone is destroyed in order to make way for the new. Obviously the human flesh cannot inherit heaven, therefore it is destroyed in order that it may be made new unto the resurrection.
After the author dismantles the three pillars of ECT, he then proceeds to tackle the difficulty of what is commonly referred to as Christian universal reconciliation. That God's punishment is not eternal, but temporal and restorative. This is much like what Rob Bell presupposes in his book, "Love Wins". The author uses plenty of scriptural support to show that God is not partial, that he saves some and lets others burn in hell. Instead, God is impartial and will eventually save all. The author does an outstanding job correctly defining "the elect" and who they are. Calvinists will tell you it is only a select few that are saved. Rather, the elect is everyone of us who are saved and will be saved... on earth now.
The Blessed Hope is defined. Historically, the Blessed Hope is often thought to be the rapture, or the return of Christ. The author tells us that the Blessed Hope reconciles all to himself in the fullness of time. This is what glorifies God and affirms the all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving attributes of God.
The bottom line is that there is plenty of Scriptural support to show that God will draw all people to himself and all will be saved through Christ's work on the cross. Not only so, but much of the early church ascribed to this view. Note there are no references to everlasting hell and torment for the unsaved in the Apostle's Creed? No, the love of God is more powerful than any other force or entity. Christ's work is complete and all will enjoy living in reconciliation with God either in this life on earth or in the age to come.
February 16, 2017
The purpose of this book is to defend the theology that all persons will one day be welcomed into God's presence through Jesus Christ. It is important to say at the outset that that authors are arguing for CHRISTIAN universalism and not just universalism alone. In their view of universalism, everyone is saved but this salvation is through Jesus. Their faith in Jesus clearly comes through in the book; they hold to no sort of pluralism that teaches that all religions are valid. Jesus is the only way to God...and eventually everyone will go that way.
This book at times does present a compelling case for Christian universalism. This is especially so when they focus on some of the major problems with the traditional view of hell. If you are someone who holds the traditional view that is reason enough to read this book, they can make you think.
Sadly, the book is filled with many problems. Much of the first sections ends up as lists of prooftexts with little to no interpretation. But these prooftexts do not always prove what the authors hope. For example, those who believe hell is eternal conscious torment still understand certain texts of scripture to teach a disciplinary punishment prior to that. The authors here seem to argue that since some cases of judgment are disciplinary than ALL of them must be. This is simply a failure to see any nuance.
Along with that, they tend to blame Augustine for the traditional view. Their view is that prior to Augustine all Christians were universalists, then evil Augustine came along and ruined everything. Finding actual quotes from Augustine to demonstrate this leaves you disappointed. They eventually do quote early church fathers prior to Augustine to argue their point that the early church believed in universal salvation. But like their use of scripture, they often present simple prooftexts with no contexts. It is obvious that some of the prooftexts would have to be stretched to get to universalism and those that do imply it could use some context and further discussion.
They make an argument at one point based on the fact that Jesus, in quoting the Old Testament, did not quote a specific verse in the same chapter that may speak of judgment. This misses the point that many scholars see the New Testament authors, and Jesus, as having the entire Old Testament passage in view when they quote only a bit of it. Finally, when they discuss Arminius they make him sound like a Pelagian open-theist. Roger Olson, the evangelical scholar who is most known for books on Arminianism, would go nuts at their assessment of Arminius. They also seem to dismiss the annihilation view rather quickly.
Once again, for all those flaws this is an intriguing book. It just needed an editor to tighten it up. Their argument, at the end, rests on a focus of who God is: the Bible teaches that God is loving enough to become human and suffer for us. If this is who God is, hell as eternal conscious suffering is out. I doubt many will be convinced by their argument...though in a world that already finds any sort of hell revolting maybe people would be convinced. Perhaps Love Wins by Rob Bell is a blessing to this book as, though Bell stops short at affirming universalism, based on reviews on Amazon many picked up this book after reading Love Wins.
This book at times does present a compelling case for Christian universalism. This is especially so when they focus on some of the major problems with the traditional view of hell. If you are someone who holds the traditional view that is reason enough to read this book, they can make you think.
Sadly, the book is filled with many problems. Much of the first sections ends up as lists of prooftexts with little to no interpretation. But these prooftexts do not always prove what the authors hope. For example, those who believe hell is eternal conscious torment still understand certain texts of scripture to teach a disciplinary punishment prior to that. The authors here seem to argue that since some cases of judgment are disciplinary than ALL of them must be. This is simply a failure to see any nuance.
Along with that, they tend to blame Augustine for the traditional view. Their view is that prior to Augustine all Christians were universalists, then evil Augustine came along and ruined everything. Finding actual quotes from Augustine to demonstrate this leaves you disappointed. They eventually do quote early church fathers prior to Augustine to argue their point that the early church believed in universal salvation. But like their use of scripture, they often present simple prooftexts with no contexts. It is obvious that some of the prooftexts would have to be stretched to get to universalism and those that do imply it could use some context and further discussion.
They make an argument at one point based on the fact that Jesus, in quoting the Old Testament, did not quote a specific verse in the same chapter that may speak of judgment. This misses the point that many scholars see the New Testament authors, and Jesus, as having the entire Old Testament passage in view when they quote only a bit of it. Finally, when they discuss Arminius they make him sound like a Pelagian open-theist. Roger Olson, the evangelical scholar who is most known for books on Arminianism, would go nuts at their assessment of Arminius. They also seem to dismiss the annihilation view rather quickly.
Once again, for all those flaws this is an intriguing book. It just needed an editor to tighten it up. Their argument, at the end, rests on a focus of who God is: the Bible teaches that God is loving enough to become human and suffer for us. If this is who God is, hell as eternal conscious suffering is out. I doubt many will be convinced by their argument...though in a world that already finds any sort of hell revolting maybe people would be convinced. Perhaps Love Wins by Rob Bell is a blessing to this book as, though Bell stops short at affirming universalism, based on reviews on Amazon many picked up this book after reading Love Wins.
May 5, 2013
I have mixed feelings about this book. In one way, I'm really glad I read it as it was a great eye-opener. There was much logic in his argument and many scriptures were given new meaning to me. I'm still investigating the whole idea of there not being an eternal hell. I must admit, it confirms my instinctive feeling for years and answers lots of questions. It changes one's whole mindset. I still have lots of tradition and "brain-washing" to get rid of so I wasn't totally convinced, but almost. I will definitely do more study on the subject. This book has shown me how evident the idea is all through the Bible. The idea brings hope and immense relief and I think it credits the gospel.
But I have to admit, it wasn't an easy book to read. There was just too much to work through, a lot of repetition of points said in different ways and I wish he had gone into more detail about what actually happens after the Unbeliever dies.
I also strongly disagree with his teaching that the Christian will be judged too. Christ came to take our judgement for us - we are pure and clean before Him. There is no more judgement for the Christian. Sickness and suffering in this world is not God's doing. He keeps on stressing that God is good and that the traditional view of hell makes him out to be bad, but then in the next paragraph, he says how God brings calamity and sickness into our lives to get rid of sin. Those things are part of our fallen world. God doesn't orchestrate everything that happens. How evil and wicked. Satan is the thief and destroyer, not God. So in a way, I feel his message doesn't properly portray the character of a God of love.
All in all though, I'm truly glad I read this book.
But I have to admit, it wasn't an easy book to read. There was just too much to work through, a lot of repetition of points said in different ways and I wish he had gone into more detail about what actually happens after the Unbeliever dies.
I also strongly disagree with his teaching that the Christian will be judged too. Christ came to take our judgement for us - we are pure and clean before Him. There is no more judgement for the Christian. Sickness and suffering in this world is not God's doing. He keeps on stressing that God is good and that the traditional view of hell makes him out to be bad, but then in the next paragraph, he says how God brings calamity and sickness into our lives to get rid of sin. Those things are part of our fallen world. God doesn't orchestrate everything that happens. How evil and wicked. Satan is the thief and destroyer, not God. So in a way, I feel his message doesn't properly portray the character of a God of love.
All in all though, I'm truly glad I read this book.
June 21, 2011
My initial reaction was to give this book two stars, but after reflecting a bit it really deserves three. I was thinking two mostly because the author went to great links to present the case against eternal damnation utilizing the Bible. However since that was his goal, it seems he did a good job. Personally I'm not all that interested in cases made that way, but if you are then you should check out this book.
Most of my life I feared hell. Sure I was safe, or at least felt myself to be safe, but what about the majority of humanity? What about my family members who did not profess Jesus as lord?
I was unable to reconcile the doctrine of eternal damnation with a loving God. This book makes the case against an eternal hell. It makes a good case. In fact I don't see how you can read this book and come away still believing that Jesus failed to save the whole world.
Plus the best thing is this is a free book. Just visit this site and download it. I put the pdf on my Kindle and was able to read it comfortably.
http://hopebeyondhell.net/
Most of my life I feared hell. Sure I was safe, or at least felt myself to be safe, but what about the majority of humanity? What about my family members who did not profess Jesus as lord?
I was unable to reconcile the doctrine of eternal damnation with a loving God. This book makes the case against an eternal hell. It makes a good case. In fact I don't see how you can read this book and come away still believing that Jesus failed to save the whole world.
Plus the best thing is this is a free book. Just visit this site and download it. I put the pdf on my Kindle and was able to read it comfortably.
http://hopebeyondhell.net/
October 30, 2013
I really appreciate this book. It uses lots of Scripture, which was really helpful after being told that the Bible said one thing for most of my life. This book helped me make a big shift theologically, and there are many really great points it makes. But there are also a few hermeneutical errors as well (at least from my perspective). I don't agree with some of the more minor things in his theology (for example, I don't think he believes in free will). I think it has a lot of emotion behind it (and understandably so), which makes it seem a little less objectively straight-forward. Personally, after lots of research and reading of multiple perspectives, I no longer believe in the eternal conscious punishment view and hold to more of a Christian universalist perspective, but this is not the book I recommend to those interested in learning about it. For a more intellectually honest discussion of the topic, I highly recommend Thomas Talbott's "The Inescapable Love of God." However, both books are helpful in their own ways.
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June 15, 2015Falls short...
I wanted to like this book but it just isn't very good. The author seems to have decided to essentially shoot bird shot and hope some pellets hit the target. I'll admit I am not a Universalist; however, I'm at least sympathetic to the idea (in its Evangelical form). Although a few of the authors ideas did 'hit the target" most of the book was emotional and boiled down to him saying the traditional idea of hell doesn't sit well with him (does it with anyone?); therefore, it must be wrong. I think that's a fine reason to explore this topic but not a very good way to get your point across in 184 pages for such a polemic issue. I was just hoping for more than essentially had already gone through my own head with a couple of word studies thrown in.
I wanted to like this book but it just isn't very good. The author seems to have decided to essentially shoot bird shot and hope some pellets hit the target. I'll admit I am not a Universalist; however, I'm at least sympathetic to the idea (in its Evangelical form). Although a few of the authors ideas did 'hit the target" most of the book was emotional and boiled down to him saying the traditional idea of hell doesn't sit well with him (does it with anyone?); therefore, it must be wrong. I think that's a fine reason to explore this topic but not a very good way to get your point across in 184 pages for such a polemic issue. I was just hoping for more than essentially had already gone through my own head with a couple of word studies thrown in.
May 2, 2016
This is the first book I read on the subject. It's great for readers of every level. Although "Love Wins" is written better, Love Wins does not represent Christian Universalism. Hope Beyond Hell is a great book to read if you're looking for a book that explains what Christian Universalism is all about. Also check out The Evangelical Universalist. Visit my page on Facebook entitled "The Christian Universalist" http://www.facebook.com/TheChristianU...
October 14, 2014
Easily one of the most dangerous and deceptive books I have ever read. It's historical inaccuracies and flat out fabrications alone should be enough to discredit it. Otherwise, it is another classic example of: begin with a presupposition, and do whatever manipulation of the text, omissions from the text and misrepresentation of the text it takes to force that presupposition onto the text.
April 13, 2015
Gerry Beauchemin has created an impressive, Biblical argument for the abolition of Hell and the salvation of all. While at times it can be dry, and maybe even boring, his case has merit. A foundational read for fans of Rob Bell's, Love Wins. Joy to the world, we have a sovereign, faithful God!
March 27, 2015
Interesting read, promotes questions.
August 22, 2014
Got the book on Amazon and left a long review on Amazon, the full review is over the limit available for this site.
July 24, 2012
this book helped me understand so much! Have shared it with many
December 10, 2012
Easy read, yet full of Scripture. Ultimate Restoration cannot be dismissed easily after reading this book.
March 4, 2019
Eye opening and mind broadening once the evidence is understood! "The truth will set you free"!
September 5, 2013
Yes, there is!
March 31, 2014
I feel like this book has given me ammunition to have the privilege to preach to others the hope of tomorrow! Enjoy!
May 31, 2014
Eye opener that's for sure. Persuades us to see God's judgments as remedial, corrective and temporary. A must read!
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