At the City of Jerusalem, during the time of Jesus, everything that was considered ‘useless’ was ‘thrown’ over the edge, deep down into the valley of Hinnom… Including bodies of criminals who had been crucified (those deemed unworthy of a burial). Incidentally, the southernmost gate of the walled City of Jerusalem, closest to the valley of Hinnom, was appropriately named, the Dung Gate. Now, here’s the greatest of all tragedies in life: A person made in the image of God – created to serve God’s purposes – becomes so perished that God says, “I can’t use that person any more… they are useless… they are rubbish”.
 
The phrase ‘go to hell’ is not found in Scripture. The phrase Jesus always used was, ‘thrown into’. That’s exactly what we do with our rubbish. We ‘throw’ our rubbish into the bin. That’s the picture the Lord gave us… that of a rubbish dump for people who are not ‘useful’ to Him. However, I need to remind you that God is also in the recycling business. ‘Salvation’ does not mean safe… It means salvaged! Salvaged means to take something that is useless and to make it useful again.
 
Did you know that hell was never intended for human beings? Hell is being prepared for Satan and his angels. With reference to the Day of Judgment, in the Book of Matthew Jesus said to the apostles, “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons” (25:41). While God is preparing hell for the devil, He’s preparing heaven for repentant sinners!
 
Here’s a question I’ve not heard anyone ask: “Why does God have to prepare a place for the devil and his angels?” The Bible teaches that although angels are created beings, they cannot die. While we are mortal, angels are immortal. They have a beginning, but no end… they cannot die!
 
Therefore, as the devil and his angels are immortal, what does God do with them?  God is preparing a place where they can be isolated from His universe as unholiness must be isolated from holiness… both cannot co-exist! The Book of Revelation says… “the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulphur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever” (20:10).
 
Did you notice that the verse says the devil will join the beast and the false prophet in hell? The Beast and the False Prophet are not angels… they are human beings! A vast number of rebellious human beings will share the destiny of the devil… The Book of Revelation says, “Anyone who worships the beast and his statue or who accepts his mark on the forehead or on the hand must drink the wine of God’s anger. It has been poured full strength into God’s cup of wrath. And they will be tormented with fire and burning sulphur in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb. The smoke of their torment will rise forever and ever, and they will have no relief day or night, for they have worshiped the beast and his statue and have accepted the mark of his name” (14:9-11).
 
(Concluding Part 3 next week.)
 
Best wishes
Bill Joukhadar