Chapter 1

Krima

Damnation

Three Destinations...

Matthew 23 provides interesting insights into Yahuweh's disdain for lifeless religion. In this commentary God unveils the fate of those who deceive.

Yahshua begins: "Then Yahushua spoke to the large crowds and to His followers and students, saying: 'The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in a position of authority (kathizo - appointed themselves in charge, put themselves in a high position, conferred a kingdom upon themselves) in the important teachings and judgmental seat (kathedra) of Moshe; so then (oun - therefore, however, on the contrary, now and but) all that they convey accordingly (epo - say in regard to the previous subject (in this case the teachings and judgments of Moses)), follow that authored path (hodopoieo - bring forth the author's cause) and observe, but do not do according to their (poieo me kata - do not be like them, don't conform to their accord, motives, viewpoints, and terms, do not follow or emulate their individual) ideas, deeds or behavior (ergon - business, undertakings, enterprise, acts, mindset, thoughts); for they say things and do not do them. They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger. They do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments. They love the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues, and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called Rabbi by men."  (Matthew 23:1-7)

Now that Yahushua has made it clear that we are to follow and observe those things authored by Moses (the Torah) and not those conceived by clerics, God goes on to say... "Be not called Rabbi for only One is your Master - the Messiah, and you are all brethren. And do not call men Father on earth, for only One is your Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called exalted leader, teacher or judge (kathegetes) for only One is your leader, teacher and judge - the Messiah." Since a Jewish cleric is called Rabbi, and Catholic clerics are called Father, according to God, they are as misguided as those who accept grandiose political and academic titles.

"For he that is the loudest and most powerful (megas) among you shall be the one who executes the commands of another (diakonos). And whoever exalts himself (hupsoo - uplifts himself in opulence, prosperity, and power) shall be abased (tapeinoo - reduced, made small or low, assigned to a diminished or depressed state), and he who shall humble himself shall be exalted and lifted up on high." (Matthew 23:9-12) For our discussion on life and death, the final line is the most illuminating. The self-reliant shall be diminished, reduced, abased, and depressed. That means be made smaller - say from three dimensions to one or two. And the currently diminished and reliant three dimensional constructs known as anointed humans shall be lifted up to heaven and its requisite four dimensions, being that eternal life is infinite in time.

"Woe to (ouai - how horrible and dreadful are) the Scribes (Grammateus - writers, clerks, public servants, government or religious officials, judges, teachers) and Pharisees (Pharisaios - Rabbi/Masters who created the oral tradition and esteemed its works-based religion over the relationship prescribed in the Scriptures, politically oriented, orthodox religious clerics), you hypocrites (hypokrites - duplicitous and insincere pretender, false, fraudulent and counterfeit person), for you shut up (kleio - withhold, close and shut, obstruct the entrance to) the kingdom of heaven before men. You neither arise or enter (eiserchomai) yourselves nor permit them to rise and enter. Woe, how horrible and dreadful are the Scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites for you devour widows' houses, and for a pretence (prophasis - show, cover, alleged reason, pretend cause, false vindication or excuse) make long prayers. Therefore, because of this (dia houtos) you shall receive (lambano - claim, procure for one's self, and acquire, experience) the greater (perissos - beyond measure and abundant; exceedingly supreme and uncommon; emphasized and special; vehement, persistent; forceful, impassioned, intense, and bitterly antagonistic) damnation (krima - condemnation, penal judgment, legal verdict, judicial penalty, punishment, criminal sentence)." (Matthew 23:13-14)

God despises hypocritical clerics, politicians, journalists, and teachers, not because their deceptions keep them out of heaven, but because they create obstacles that preclude countless others from entering heaven. Therefore, in fairness, Yahuweh has provided a condemnation for them that is both bitter and beyond measure - eternal torment. The souls of their victims will be extinguished while theirs will persist in forceful and intense damnation.

Yahushua would go on to say that the hypocritical clerics, politicians, journalists, and teachers make "their proselytes (proselutos - religious converts)...much greater children of Gehenna (geenna - a valley or gorge of separation, filth and dead animals where trash is burned) then they are themselves." Religious priests and rabbis go to the dark side of Hades. Gehenna is the unsavory section. The non-demonic sector of Hades receives ungodly souls for the intervening period between the first death and the second, whereas Gehenna accommodates "hypocritical religious clerics, politicians, journalists, and teachers" between the first death and the start of their eternal torment in the Abyss following the Great White Throne Judgment.

Gehenna's name is borrowed from the Valley of Hinnom, just south of Jerusalem, a place where infant sacrifices to the Canaanite sun god Molech were once made. Specifically, the southeast end of the valley, where the horrific rites were performed, was called Topheth - the place of fire.

Prior to the crucifixion, Sheol/Hades had a third compartment - Abraham's Side, Lap, Midst, or Bosom. It was the place souls anointed by Yahuweh's Spirit awaited the Firstfruits harvest and their journey to Paradise. We'll cover this Old Covenant aspect of Sheol/Hades in a moment.

There is another aspect of Gehenna that is worth considering, and that is genenna's remarkable similarity to the Greek word for "born," gennema. Since Yahushua said that the souls who inhabit Gehenna - the gorge of death and rubbish - are born of Satan's demons, and thus born from below - this aspect is essential to our understanding. It would suggest that being "born of the Spirit from above" is the means to eternal life while being "born of the spirit from below" is the means to eternal torment. The middle ground, not being born of either, the Spirit of Yahuweh or the spirit of Satan, would be to no longer exist - to be stillborn.

The next "woe" identified the hypocritical clerics, politicians, journalists, and teachers as "blind guides (typhlos hodegos)" motivated by "gold." Typhlos was equally descriptive of the "deprived of sight" as it was the "mentally blind" - "one devoid of understanding." It was perfect in a way. Typhloo means "to darken the mind and cause blindness." And typhloomia defines an "extremely arrogant and foolish" person. Hodegos means "inexperienced leader and ignorant teacher" so it is equally at home describing the self-serving and self-absorbed in religion, politics, the media and academia. This is the Greek version of shav.

God called the deceived deceivers "morons" next. The Greek word "moros" means "impious and godless" in addition to meaning "stupid."

Defining "hypocrisy," Yahushua parallels His "whitewashed and plastered over stones" metaphor used so effectively in the Old Covenant with His next woe..."Woe to (ouai - how horrible and dreadful are) the Scribes (Grammateus - writers, government officials, judges and teachers) and Pharisees (Pharisaios - politically oriented orthodox religious clerics), you hypocrites (hypokrites - duplicitous and insincere pretenders, false, fraudulent and counterfeit people), for you clean (katharizo - cleanse of physical stains and dirt on) the outside of the drinking vessel and the dish, but within (esothen - under the surface, inside) they are filled with extortion (harpage - plundering and robbery, ravaging and looting, confiscation through pillaging, seizing by fraud and force, violent greed) and self-indulgence (akrasia - lack of self-control and self-restraint, incontinence (failure to restrain one's sexual appetite) and intemperance (habitual or excessive drinking of intoxicants))."

Yahushua wanted us to understand the means to political and religious madness, as well as the consequence, so as to mitigate the damage. "You hypocritical writers, judges, teachers, politicians, and religious clerics are very similar to plastered over and whitewashed (koniao - covered over with plaster and painted with white lime, a term applied to a hypocrite who conceals his malice under an outward presumption of piety, profundity, principle, or patriotism; an imposter) sepulchers (taphos - tombs and graves, burial places), which appear beautiful on the outside but are full of dead (nekros) bones and all uncleanness (akatharsia - moral impurity, lustfulness, lacking legal or moral restraints, wild extravagance, profligate living (completely given up to disintegration due to wasteful expenditures and licentiousness). Even so you also outwardly appear innocent and virtuous (dikaios) to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy (hupokrisis - duplicity, deception, treachery, insincerity, mendaciousness, false appearances, fraud, counterfeiting, and condemnation) and lawlessness (anomia - ignorance and violation of the law/torah)." (Matthew 23:25-27)

Yahushua nailed it. Hypocritical clerics, politicians, journalists, and teachers pontificate their duplicitous guile for sex, power and money. Their victims are fleeced unmercifully, pillaged ruthlessly, plundered and robbed to indulge the perpetrators' morose appetites. Religion and politics, journalism and academia, are dens of thieves. Together they weave errant and self-serving perceptions into a hideous and chaotic quilt, all aimed at distorting reality sufficiently so as to enrich and empower themselves.

Religious and political fraud isn't a victimless crime. Wars are fought and people die as a result. Even the tombs of the victims are plastered over and whitewashed to make it appear that they sacrificed their lives for something more noble then the unrestrained libido and greed of the self-indulgent. Truth is the first casualty. Deception is the only victor. Satan wins; we lose. It is our history; it is our destiny. It is our nature apart from God.

Yahushua wasn't done describing these people and their behavior. He said the writers, politicians, teachers and religious clerics "had adorned monuments" to perpetrate their fraud. They had "the blood of the prophets" on their hands. And "they were witnesses unto themselves." And that was because: "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to Gehenna, into the fire that shall never be quenched.'" (Mark 9:42-44) Choose not to love God and your life will end. Cause someone else not to love God and you will want it to end.

Yahushua explained why the pontificators and perpetrators of deception, destruction, death, and damnation would "receive (lambano - procure for themselves and experience) the greater (perissos - beyond measure and abundant; exceedingly supreme and uncommon; vehement and persistent; forceful, impassioned, intense, and bitterly antagonistic) damnation (krima - condemnation, penal judgment, judicial penalty, punishment, criminal sentence)." They were born of the spirit from below... "You serpents (ophis - snakes displaying deception and cunning), you are born (gennema) of vipers (echidna - poisonous and venomous snakes, malignant serpents). By what means (pos) will you escape (pheugo - be saved from, elude or avoid), the damnation (krisis - separation, trial, judgment and justice; condemnation and punishment) of Gehenna (gorge of dead animals, refuse and filth)?" (Matthew 23:33)

The NIV and NASB errantly translate gennema "brood." The KJV and NKJV deceive with "generation." The Darby Bible and the American Standard are close with "offspring," although by using it instead of "born" the connection to "born from above" in John 3 is lost (even if they had translated it correctly, which they didn't). Likewise, the Good News and International Version use of "children," which while more accurate, misses the point. Similarly, the New Living uses "sons." The worst is The Message. Its translation is laughable: "Snakes! Reptilian sneaks! Do you think you can worm your way out of this? Never have to pay the piper?"

The essential distinction being made here is the writers, teachers, politicians, and religious leaders were hypocrites because they were satanic snakes. They were satanic snakes because they were "born of vipers and demons." And because they were born of poisonous snakes they were destined to suffer a condemnation that was beyond measure, exceedingly supreme and uncommon, vehement and persistent.

Gennema, the word for "born" according to Strong's, means "that which has been born or begotten." The Dictionary of Biblical Languages says gennema is: "the product, harvest or fruit of something. In this case that "something" is Satan. Zodhiates' Word Study Dictionary says gennema means "to give birth, to beget, that which is born of or produced by." The Theological Dictionary's definition is also accurate: "what is born." Furthermore, each Greek dictionary correctly reveals that gennema is based on gennemao, meaning "to be born or begotten." So why, since all of the definitions are right, are all of the translations wrong?

They are wrong because Yahushua is right. The Scribes and Pharisees of our day, particularly the subset known as writers, scholars, translators, and religious clerics are hypocrites and extortionists engaged in deception for money and prestige. And this is important because the distinction is eternal life, death, or continual condemnation, everlasting joy, annihilation, or perpetual punishment. This trichotomy even defines the very nature of God.

If God's plan were to eternally torture all who chose not to love Him, He would be unlovable. Such a Spirit would be a sadistic psychopath, unworthy of reverence and worthy only of fear and loathing. A loving, merciful, and rational God could not say: "If you don't choose to love Me, I'm going to torment you forever." But if there are three choices and three destinations, God is totally lovable and eminently fair. And since many passages speak of eternal life, others of death, and some of eternal condemnation, Yahuweh's Word would be inaccurate if there were not three options.

The key to this trichotomy lies in understanding that at the first separation, the souls of those born from above are separated from those who have not been anointed in Yahuweh's Spirit. At the second separation those souls without a spirit are separated from those who possess Satan's spirit. Yahweh's Spirit leads to eternal life, no spirit leads to death and destruction, and Satan's spirit leads to the greater and perpetual condemnation. We are either born into the light, stillborn, or conceived in darkness and deceit.

This also explains why Scripture doesn't explicitly speak of the fate of children who die prior to the age of accountability. From Yahuweh's spiritual perspective, they were never born, so they will simply cease to exist. You are not going to see Muslim babies and aborted fetuses in Paradise.

Understanding the nature of the Spirit, soul, and body helps define the relationship between the Fatherly aspect of Yahuweh, the Motherly nature of His Set-Apart Spirit, and the representative concept of the Son manifest in the Messiah. It explains how the immortal God could be born in Bethlehem and die on Moriah and remain eternal.

Yahuweh created us in His image, male and female He created us, for the purpose of relationship. It is why the fundamental unit of human relationship is man/husband/father, woman/wife/mother, child/son/daughter. It is why virtually every Scriptural metaphor, parable, and example of beriyth relates to the concepts of family relationships, marriage, and child rearing. God revealed Himself to us in this way so that we would come to know Him, understand the means to and nature of the relationship He desired, and, most importantly, appreciate the benefits of being born from above in Spirit.

If you choose this option, the first separation is from judgment and death and to life with Him in heaven. If you don't choose to love Yahuweh and rely upon Him in this way, but aren't actively deceiving or defrauding others, rather than going to heaven, your soul will be extinguished. It is as if you were a miscarriage or stillborn. There is no eternal life with God as you did not know Him and He did not know you. As such, you would be like every other animal on earth. You live and you die - that's it. Nothing more: there is no eternal torment.

But, if you fit the portrait Hosea has painted of shaw', or that of hypocrisy, presented here in Matthew 23, and are engaged in deception, defrauding others of eternal life by way of your false assumptions and pontifications, then you will be judged to have been born from below, to have served the Adversary. For that your soul will receive Satan's sentence. And because Satan and his demons are immortal, the punishment for depriving others of eternal life will be everlasting.

In the next chapter we will cover two things that will help clarify this distinction. The first is the difference between a soul and the Spirit. Second, we will put this distinction into the context of the missing link - Hosea's answer to the question Nicodemus asked the Messiah. We will dissect the most important conversation in human history, that between Yahushua and Nicodemus as it is presented in John 3. It is the corollary to this lecture in Matthew 23.

But for now, know and understand that the opening line of the Nicodemus discourse is: "Yahushua answered and said 'Truly, truly, I say, one cannot (ou dunamai - is unable, lacks the power, ability, and resources to) see (horao - behold, perceive, know, become acquainted with by experience, appear in, or witness) the kingdom (basileia - reign, dominion, royal power, and authority) of God unless he is born (gennao) anew from above (anothen).'" Yahushua did not say "born again" as that wouldn't distinguish between His Spirit and Satan's.

While we are on the subject of Sheol/Hades and Gehenna/Abyss, life, death, and torment, I want to turn your attention to the related passages found in Matthew 25 and Daniel 12. Both speak of judgments coterminous with the Tribulation attacks on Israel. "At the time ('eth - season or occasion) of Miyka'el (who-is-surely-from-God, the chief messenger, Michael) the great and distinguished (gadowl) captain (sar - prince, governor, leader, commander, and general) will stand and endure ('amad) with ('al - over, by, for, throughout, and beside, protecting) the sons of the people ('am - nation, relatives, and community), there shall arise a time of tribulation (tsarah - distress, affliction, anguish, and adversity) such as never existed before. After (min) the time of the Gentiles (Goy) occurs (hayah - shall come to pass), in the end ('ad), and at this same (hiy) time, in relation to all of this (hiy), your people ('am - nation, relatives, and community) shall be delivered and saved (malat), every one who shall be found securely (matsa) written (kathab - engraved) in the book (cipher). " (Daniel 12:1)

While it is interesting and reassuring that the timing of Yisra'el's reconciliation and salvation is reconfirmed in this revelation from Daniel, it is the next verse that makes this discussion relevant to the discussion on life, death, and torment. "Many (rab - an abundant number, a multitude) of them who sleep (yashen - pertaining to being in an altered state of awareness so as not being able to make choices or act) in the dust ('aphar) of the ground ('adamah) shall awake (qus - be aroused from sleep, often indicative of resurrection), some to everlasting ('owlam) life (chayay - revival, restoration, and preservation), and others to shame (cherpah - reproach, rebuke, disgrace; dishonor and low status) and everlasting ('owlam) abhorrence (dara'own - contempt, repulsion and aversion)." (Daniel 12:2)

To abhor is to "not agree or to be opposed." When it is directed at Yahuweh the consequence is "repulsion and aversion" - to be separated into the place of the averse." Aversion is "the act of turning away." It reflects a "desire to avoid." Repulsion is the "force that separates bodies." Contempt is "a lack of respect or reverence." It is "willful disobedience and open disregard." These words define the cause and effect of judgment and separation. They explain what it means to be forsaken and damned as well as what causes desolation to occur.

Yahuweh selects His words with precision: "Many who sleep in the dust of the ground shall awaken." That means that many will not awaken. Most souls will go from death to extinction with only a brief examination along the way. Some will awaken to everlasting life. Others will awaken to "everlasting abhorrence, contempt, repulsion, and aversion." You notice, God didn't say "torment, torture, or burning." He was only speaking of eternal separation. Further, Yahuweh is as nondescript in His portrait of separation as He is His picture of paradise. It is sufficient that we know that one is with Him and the other is not with Him.

While the point is made, I like the third verse: "Those with insight and understanding (sakal - those with instruction, who consider, and are prudent; the circumspect who comprehend) shall shine (zahar - send out light) as the brightness of the expanse (raqi'a - the spreading out or stretching of space and heaven)." (Daniel 12:3) To the modern mind, the heavens are perceived as a void of empty space occasionally punctuated by the light of stars. But the focus here is on the foundation of the vastness, energy, and light of the heavens - Yahuweh. We will shine like Him because with the Garment of Light, the anointing of His Set-Apart Spirit, we become like Him. That is what it means to be "born from above."

Zahar infers more than shine. It reflects the process of sending out light: "teaching, admonishing, and warning." It means that those who disseminate Yahuweh's light share His Word. That is why..."Those who are cleansed, justified, made to appear righteous, vindicated and saved (tsadaq - acquitted and declared not guilty, re-consecrated) shall lead many to cleansing, justification, and vindication (tsadaq), like the light of stars and heavenly powers (kowkab - like the Messiah) forever and into eternity." (Daniel 12:3)

Next, let's examine the matching passage in Matthew. The timing is the same. Those who have lived through the Tribulation are being judged. This is the parable of the goats and the sheep. Yahshua begins: "When the Son of man shall come (erchomai - arrive and make an appearance, become established and known) in His radiance (doxa - thoughts, opinions, light and brilliance) and all the set-apart (hagios - sanctified, consecrated, and devoted; upright, pure and blameless) messengers (aggelos - envoys who bring tidings) accompanying Him, then, at that time, He shall abide upon (kathizo - confer and bestow a kingdom from a position of superiority, power, authority, and reputation upon) the throne of His Light (doxa - thoughts, opinions, radiance and brilliance)." (Matthew 25:31)

In His Messianic manifestation, Yahushua was born from above in Yahuweh's Spirit as an example for us to follow and emulate. Yet in human form, for Him to be an example, and for there to be a choice, His radiance, light and brilliance had to be ratcheted down. But in His seventh advent, the example will have been set and the choices will have been made, so He will return to bestow His kingdom in full radiance. Also interesting, His appearance and His throne will be comprised of the same stuff - His brilliant thoughts and opinions which shall be manifest as light. Today, His Word and Spirit comprise His thoughts and opinions. His Word and Spirit are therefore our light. And it is His Word and His Spirit that shall confer the gift of His kingdom - eternal life.

But before paradise can be reestablished, evil must be separated out and destroyed. "Before Him shall be gathered and assembled all people (ethnos - races and nations). And He shall separate (aphorize - divide; appoint and exclude) them one from another, as a shepherd divides (aphorize - separates) his sheep from the goats." (Matthew 25:32) Sheep is the Old and New Covenant metaphor for those who know, who follow, listen to, rely upon, and are fed by, protected by, saved by, and comforted by the Shepherd - Yahuweh/Yahushua. Therefore, this distinction between sheep and goats implies that the goats do not know and are not reliant upon the Savior. The Greek word is eriphos. It appears to be based upon, or at least share a lot in common with, eris, meaning "strife, dissention, conflict, and quarrel." To be eris is to: "speak discord and argue for another." That would make eris/eriphos similar to the hypocrites Yahushua had just told us were born of demons. These goats were therefore most likely serving the Adversary.

Another Greek word, also based upon the same root, is equally insightful. Eritheia means "selfish ambition, a rivalry based upon greed that brings hostility and strife."

In context, this particular separation of sheep and goats is taking place immediately following the final Satanic assault on the Yahudim and Yisra'el just outside Jerusalem. Only those Gentiles who survived the Tribulation and Armageddon are part of this judgment. And they are being divided based upon whether they cared for Yahushua's brethren, better known as Jews, or not. The rapture is long since history, and many if not most of those born from above during the Tribulation have been beheaded for their faith.

Confirming the covenant He had made with Abraham, and speaking of blessing those who feed the hungry, quenched thirsts, accommodated strangers, clothed the naked, and visited the sick and imprisoned, Yahushua said "to the extent it was done unto My brethren (adelphos) it was done unto Me." Aldelphos is "a male sibling, someone who shares ancestry, a member of the same family, tribe or race." Yahushua is speaking of Jews. And He is honoring the agreement He made with Abraham 4,000 years earlier: "I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you."

What comes next is not only important and often missed, it reveals why we are examining this parable at this time. The leftist goats who bring dissention and conflict, who speak discord and argue for another, whose selfish ambition, greed, and rivalry cause hostility, and strife, are serving the Adversary. "Then, at that time, He shall also say unto (lego - affirm, maintain, teach, exhort, communicate, and advise) them on the left [the goats], 'Go and depart (poreuomai - pursue and continue the journey on which you have begun; depart from life and) from Me." The leftists were afforded the opportunity to continue down their chosen path. They had elected to separate themselves from God, denying Him with their socialistic secular humanism, and as a result they had separated themselves from the source of life. This is divine justice.

"You are imprecated in evil (kataraomai - cursed, doomed, and accused) into everlasting (aionios - without beginning or end; that which always has been and always will be) fire (pyr) arranged and prepared (hetoimazo - made ready and provided for) for the Devil (calumniator, the one who maliciously utters false statements to injure a reputation, false accuser, and slanderer) and His messengers (aggelos - envoys)." (Matthew 25:41) Yes, Satan exists to falsely and maliciously malign Yahuweh's reputation so as to doom men to his fate. And yes, Satan's demons are fallen angels.

"Imprecate" is based upon the Latin word for "prayer." It means "to invoke evil and to curse others with it." It is the act of "petitioning evil for support, appealing to evil, and citing its authority." It is "soliciting evil and calling it forth by way of incantation or prayer, and actively bringing about, causing or effecting evil on others." The "left" had done all of these things. That is why they hated and hunted Jews. It is why they had leagued with Satan and were doomed to his eternal fate. The leftists are perpetrators and pontificators, not innocent victims.

"And these [leftist goats] shall go away into (aperchomai - depart to, follow their leader and party to, shall withdraw and cease to exist in) everlasting (aionios) punishment (kolasis - correction and penalty). But the upright, innocent, and guiltless (dikaios - righteous in accordance with God's plan and standard, those put right pertaining to the relationship with God, the justified) into eternal life." (Matthew 25:46)

In this passage, Yahushua told us that the "everlasting fire" was made for Satan and his fallen angels and not for men. While the souls of men can go there, it is only when they are united in spirit with the Devil and his demons. The fact is that Yahuweh never intended for men to go there at all (no matter what the Calvinists say). Hell was created strictly for the angels who followed Satan in his rebellion, as we saw in the separation of the sheep and the goats parable.

Speaking of the imprisonment of fallen angels, Peter tells us: "God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to Tartaros] and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment." (II Peter 2:4) Tartaros is defined in Strong's as the "deepest abyss of Hades." While I cannot be sure, and don't care to know, Gehenna and Tartaros are probably synonymous.

The word "hell" isn't scriptural. It was derived from the Scandinavian, Norse tribes of northwestern Europe. They had a death goddess whose name was Hel (Hellia in German). So when Christian missionaries brought their Latin translations north, the word infernus - which had been used to translate the Greek Hades into Latin - was rendered Hel, or Hell. We got our generic English word for deity the same way: the Germanic gott, filtered through the Anglo-Saxon tongue, became "god." The same is true with church and gospel.

Speaking to towns in Israel that heard His message and rejected Him, Yahushua said, "Know this, that the kingdom of God has come near you. But I say to you that it will be more tolerable in that day [judgment day] for Sodom than for that city." Then He gives some examples: "Woe to you, Chorazin. Woe to you, Bethsaida. For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you." (Luke 10:11-15) There is a lesson here. Those who have been blessed with much light will be held to a higher standard.

Yahuweh "is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (II Peter 3:9) So, God doesn't want anyone to die, much less be tormented eternally. But Satan craves both of these things. While the Devil cannot cast a soul into Hades, his association with a person has that very affect. And Satan can motivate his patrons to kill. "I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after he has killed, has power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I say to you, fear him!" (Luke 12:4-5)

The express ticket to eternal anguish is: "He who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation." (Mark 3:29) And that is because Yahuweh's Spirit is the source of eternal life..."Do not grieve the Set-Apart Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." (Ephesians 4:30)

For souls anointed in Yahuweh's Spirit, eternal life begins in Paradise. For example, a criminal hanging beside Yahshua was wise enough to appreciate the nature of the Messiah's sacrifice. "And he said to Yahushua, 'Master, remember (mimneskomai - recall and respond to) me when (hotan - as soon as) You arise and appear (erchomai - move up to and become) elevated within (en - come to rest inside) Your Kingdom (basileia).' Yahushua said, 'Indeed, this is a statement of truth (amen), this very day (semeron - and forever) you shall be (eimi - to have existence) together with (meta - have companionship and fellowship with) Me resting in (en) Paradise (paradeisos - an enclosed garden or preserved park).'" (Luke 23:42-43) Therefore, Paradise is being in Yahuweh/Yahushua's presence. The most similar Greek word, paradechomai, means: "to be received and accepted among, to be admitted beside, to be welcomed above." It is like the Garden of Eden.

Many believers are confused as to how Yahshua could both be with the saved criminal in Paradise and descend into Hades to pay for our sins at the same time. Rest assured, we will cover this in great detail in the Yahushua chapter. Psalm 22 depicts what occurred on Mount Moriah's pole. It explains how God could suffer for our sins and be with the anointed sinner all at the same time. And it reveals why, at the final moment, Yahushua's cried out, "My God why have you forsaken Me?" The answer is: His Spirit went to heaven while His soul went to hell.

In 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, Paul recounts the time he was personally tutored by Yahushua. Speaking of himself, he said, "I know a man in the Anointed/Messiah who fourteen years ago - whether in the body or out of the body I do not know - such a one was caught up to the third heaven.... He was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, voices and declarations which man is not permitted by law to speak." This confirms that "Paradise" is in a part of Heaven, and that Yahushua is there.

We can speculate as to what Paul meant by his parting comment. I think there are a couple of viable options. First, the Master/Rabbis had made it illegal to say Yahuweh's name and by representation, Yahushua's. Paul, as a former Master/Rabbi/Pharisee, had been personally engaged in hunting down believers on this basis. If they said Yahuweh or Yahshua they would be exterminated for blasphemy.

Second, Yahuweh wants us to choose to have a relationship with Him so that we can live together. He has no interest in bribing us. So, some of the more glorious things Paul discovered in Paradise were not to be shared with us because these things would affect our judgment. If living with Yahweh forever isn't desirable enough, and sufficient in and of itself, He doesn't want you there.

Speaking to the Master/Rabbis, Yahushua said, "You diligently study the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life. These are they which testify of Me. Yet you refuse to come to Me to have life." (John 5:39) This is to say that the Scriptures point the way to both eternal life and to Yahushua because they are one in the same.

Eternal life is with the Messiah and because of the Messiah: "God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with the Messiah. By grace you have been saved, and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in the Messiah Yahushua, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Messiah Yahushua." (Ephesians 2:4-7) "He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love." (Colossians 1:13) Paradise is a love affair.

As we have already discovered in Hosea, upon death, the initial destination of good and bad souls alike was Sheol. It is a name, not a word, so it, like Gehenna, should be transliterated, not translated. Sheol is used 65 times in the Old Covenant, yet true to form it is rendered in the KJV as "hell" in 31 instances, as "the grave" 31 times, and as "the pit" on 3 occasions. The hypocritical religious clerics who served king Jimmy, didn't get one right.

In this chapter on shav, we stumbled on Sheol - the consequence of shav. Salvation leading to eternal life is Yahuweh's alternative. He said: "Shall I ransom (padah - redeem, rescue, and deliver) them from the power of Sheol (sha'owl - the grave, the underworld, the abode of the dead, place of no return, place where God is not praised, place of the wicked, place of abandonment and exile)?"

The dark side of Sheol is the place of shav' - abandonment and separation, therefore desolation: "to be devoid of life, debilitated, joyless, miserable, sorrowful, and unsatisfied." It is the one place "where God is not praised." It is "the realm of the dead." There is no mention of torture or fire. The sorrow and misery are the byproduct of being separated from the source of life - the Savior Yahuweh/Yahushua. Since Strong's tells us that sha'owl is from sha'al, meaning "to ask or enquire, to desire or demand, to be granted a request," it suggests that the people who are abandoned, chose to be.

As you will recall, Yahuweh explained Sheol's most debilitating attribute in the next verse: "Shall I redeem (ga'al - ransom or purchase) them from death (maveth - the capital offense, penalty of judgment, the disease which causes one to die)?" (Hosea 13:14) Salvation is being redeemed from death. "O Death, where are your pestilence (deber - pandemic or plague)? O Sheol, where is your sting (qeteb - cutting off, destruction, and fatality)?" (Hosea 13:14)

This quick review completed, let's examine the most complete rendering of Sheol. It's found in the New Covenant and comes from Yahushua's lips. The story begins with "moreover," because this parable follows one which concluded: "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." And that's because those who covet money above all else, serve Satan, directly or indirectly. That is why this begins: "Moreover (de), there was a certain abundantly rich man who clothed himself in purple (porphura) and fine linen, delighting in things (euphraino - making merry) and living ostentatiously (lampros) every day." (Luke 16:19)

"Certain" was added because Yahushua did not want to infer that all rich people are hell bound. This particular man was in trouble because, rather than relying upon Yahuweh's Garment of Light, he "clothed himself in purple." Porphura is related to: porrho, meaning "distant and far away," and pornos, meaning "fornicator, whoremonger, and male prostitute." The man was not only distant from Yahuweh, he was willing to sell his soul for money. Further, the purplish-blue color the dye of shellfish created, mimicked the color of heaven. Royals wore it because they wanted to be seen as gods.

Beggars are not necessarily good and heaven bound, but this one was: "But there was a certain beggar (ptochos - powerless and afflicted person reduced to poverty) named Lazarus, covered with ulcers and boils, who was thrown down at his entryway, longing to eat the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table. Yet even the dogs came and licked his sores. So it was that the poor man died (apothnesko - experienced physical death) and was carried away (apophero - from apo, meaning separation from or out of and phero, meaning to bear, bring forth, carry, uphold, and endure) by the envoys (aggelos - messengers) to Abraham's (Abraam) side, lap and midst (kolpos - lap and chest, indicative of the area which embraces another lovingly; from the Hebrew cheq of identical meaning)." (Luke 16:20-22)

Prior to Yahuweh's crucifixion, envoys separated the souls of the saved at physical death and carried them in an enduring fashion to Abraham's Lap or Midst. This, the enlightened side of Sheol, was appropriately named because entrance was predicated upon Yahuweh's Beriyth/Covenant with Abraham - a relationship based upon a loving embrace and walking by His side. This Garden at Abraham's side is now called Paradise and it was moved to Heaven following the crucifixion.

What follows is radically different than what you will find presented in your Bible. Yahushua chose His words with great precision. "The rich man [who had clothed himself in purple] also died (apothnesko - experienced physical death), and was buried. And being in (huparcho - belonging to, being made ready for, and existing in) blackness, testing, and death (basanos) within (en) Hades (the abode of the dead), he raised his eyes and saw (horao - to see with the eyes or in the mind, to behold or perceive) Abraham from a far distance (makrothen - a place remote, far off, and enduring in time) of separation (apo) and Lazarus at his side." (Luke 16:22-23)

In Greek, there is no "h" in "Hades." The Greek is "ades." The "a" functions "as a negative particle" and the "des" is from eido, meaning "to know, perceive, notice, discover, and behold." Thus Hades is the place of the "unknown" to God, of those who "failed to notice God" and were therefore "unable to behold God."

Basanos is key to understanding this passage. It does not mean torment or pain. Basanos is "a black siliceous touchstone used to test the purity of gold or silver based upon the color of the mark produced by rubbing it with either metal." Eternal life is symbolized by a "crown of gold." Hades is the place of judgment and judgment is testing. Satan, epitomized by blackness, leaves his mark on everything he touches. Therefore, using "touchstone" is ideal. It is defined as "a test or criterion for determining the quality or genuineness of a thing - its fundamental or quintessential nature."

Basanos is siliceous and siliceous is limestone - the rock most noted for being born in water - symbolic of not being born from above in the Spirit. Limestone is comprised chiefly of an accumulation of organic remains. In other words - it manifests itself through death, just like Satan. Limestone consists mainly of calcium carbonate, the stuff from which our bones are comprised. It is all that endures of us in the grave. And interestingly, limestone yields lime when burned. Lime was the primary ingredient in the plaster and the whitewash paint used by the "hypocritical writers, politicians, teachers, and clerics" to "plaster over and whitewash" Yahuweh's prescriptions. It is what earned them the "greater condemnation."

Naturally, basanos is black. Gehenna is the dark and lightless side of Sheol/Hades. It is the place of separation - the place where Yahuweh cannot and will not go. And interestingly, basanos is very similar to flint, the stone which fragments and separates so easily, it was used for millennia as the primary implement for killing.

And as with good and bad, light and darkness, there is a white variety of limestone. Every building in Jerusalem is faced with it.

Yahushua did not use pain or torture in describing the dark side of Sheol/Hades. And that is significant. Pain is ponos in Greek, a word that is only found in Revelation. The Greek word for torture cannot be found anywhere in Scripture. The closest thing to it is tumapanizo which means "to stretch and beat like a drum." Neither ponos or tumapanizo are found in descriptions of Sheol/Hades - nor are their Hebrew equivalents.

While the Old Covenant says nothing about Sheol torments, in the New we find basanizo used a half dozen times in reference to the abode of the dead. But basanizo is derived directly from basanos. So we still have "blackness, testing, and death." The only added attribute of basanizo is derived from the testing aspect of the basanos touchstone. It suggests stretching an individual during questioning for the purpose of determining the genuineness of his or her testimony.

Apo is the next most revealing term. Apo means "separation." Hades is thus the "place of separation." Strong's defines apo as: "separation, departing, fleeing, and division; separation in space and time; temporal, relating to time as opposed to eternity; a kind of separation of a part from the whole where the part is taken away from the union or fellowship and is destroyed at a distance." This separation relates to "the source or origin whence something has been caused, comes, befalls, or is taken" - thus dark, demonic spirits in this case. It is related to, and combined here with, arti, meaning, "suspension; now and henceforth relating to time." Time is the fourth dimension and thus the essence of eternal life.

Suspension is defined as: "temporary removal from office or from privileges, the temporary withholding of a decision, and the temporary abrogation of a law or rule." The dark section of Hades is a place where souls are removed and suspended in time awaiting the final application of judgment in accordance with the law. To be suspended in time is the opposite of Yahuweh and eternal life.

But there is more. In this verse we found confirmation that Sheol/Hades was divided - separated between those in beriyth/relationship with Yahuweh based upon His covenant with Abraham and those clothed in the purple whoremongering, infidelity, and prostitution of pornos, who relied on their things and made themselves out to be gods. Moreover, within these two divisions there was consciousness after death. Remember, this parable was shared prior to the Firstfruits offering that followed Yahushua's crucifixion, so Sheol/Hades was then divided between paradise and testing.

"Then he spoke out in a loud voice and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on (eleeo - show compassion to) me, and send (pempo - dispatch) Lazarus in order that (hina) he may immerse (bapto - dip) the tip (akron - the farthest bounds and uttermost parts, the end, highest and extreme) of his finger in water and refresh (katapsucho - from kata, meaning down from or from above; and psucho, meaning to breathe, to refresh by blowing on) my tongue (glossa - speech and language); for I am in anguish (odunao - distressed and tormented, pained; from odune, meaning grieving in sorrow) in this flame (phlox).'" (Luke 16:24)

While both bapto and baptizo are translated "immerse," there is a context in which the bapto immersion is deemed to be temporary and the baptizo produces a permanent change. Baptizo is "immersion, submersion, and washing." It is symbolic of being born from above in Yahuweh's Spirit. We are anointed and immersed in His Garment of Light, cleansing and purifying us forever - making us appear perfect and righteous in God's eyes. It is by this Spiritual baptisma that we are saved, delivered from judgment and preserved to eternal life.

Baptisma is "the act of immersion, submersion and washing." Baptisma is the "purification rite by which men on confessing their sins were bound to Spiritual reformation, obtain the pardon of their sins, and became qualified for the benefits of the Messiah's kingdom. This Spiritual baptisma was the only baptism the apostles received as it is not recorded anywhere that they were ever re-baptized by water following the pouring out of Yahuweh's Spirit at Pentecost - the Feast of Weeks." Spiritually, baptisma is the process of being born from above.

Since Yahushua selected a very powerful and important term to describe the condemned man's request, let's complete our review of the words based upon bapto. A baptistes is "a baptizer - one who immerses." John was one of these while announcing the Messiah's presence among men. Like everything in the New Covenant, the concept has an Old Covenant past. Baptismos means "to wash in the sense of purification prescribed by the Torah."

Understanding bapto is essential to understanding the longing of a soul whose associations, words, and deeds had separated him from God. It was his only hope. It is our only hope. Since death is the separation of the body from the soul, and since our bodies remain in the grave, it is safe to assume the rich man wasn't concerned with a drop of water being placed on his tongue as he didn't have one. Nor did he have the Spirit. And that is what he craved.

Odunao has nothing to do with physical pain or physical torment. Zip, nada, zilch. Odunao is based upon odune, meaning "grieving in sorrow." This is spiritual, emotional, and mental "distress, torment, and pain." For the source of this spiritual anguish, we must turn to the source of odune which is duno, meaning "to go under, to be plunged into, to sink in, which is used in the Scriptures in relation to the setting of the sun" - the fall of Satan. The greater condemnation is eternal anguish, not eternal torture. Yahuweh is just, not sadistic.

In Yahushua's parable, the forsaken soul needed to be "immersed/bapto from the highest and uttermost/akron" so as to be "refreshed/katapsucho, receiving from above/kata the psucho/breath" or Spirit of God. This is the power of salvation and the means to relationship. It is life.

We have already been told that the rich man's soul "belonged to and existed in (huparcho) blackness (basanos) so we know that there could have been no physical flame as such would omit light. When we open the Greek dictionary to phlox, the word for "flame," we discover that the three words which follow it, phluareo, phluaros, and phoberos, mean "to utter nonsense, to bring false accusations, and to say malicious words," to be a vain, babbling fool," and "to inspire fear and trembling, to be affected with fear so as to be formidable and terrible." These concepts are all satanic. As is phlogizo, the word which proceeds phlox. It means "to ignite a fire which burns up and operates destructively, to have a most pernicious power, and to kindle destructive influences."

Pernicious tells the story: "implies irreparable harm done through evil or insidious corrupting or undermining; implies injury through poisoning; it destroys creativity." It is "offensive and injurious to the health of body and mind; noxious." Pernicious is "deleterious, applying to that which has an unsuspected harmful effect."

"But Abraham said, 'Child, remember (mimnesko - be mindful, recall) that within (en) your life you received (apolambano - took from others by way of retribution, obtained and sourced) your benefit (agathos - that which is salutary, distinguished, pleasant and agreeable), and likewise Lazarus the difficult and harsh (kakos - that which produces an ill effect, bad and harmful). But now, at this present time (nyn) he is invited (parakaleo - called to one's side, summoned, addressed, exhorted, instructed, and encouraged) in this place (hode) and you are anguished (odunao - grieving in sorrow)." (Luke 16:25)

The contrast is between "invited to [God's] side," the very definition of beriyth, or to "grieve in sorrow" for having been dismissed, separated, and forsaken. We are not told that Paradise is hedonistically luxurious or that Hell is physically painful. But we are told that the rich man confiscated his wealth from others, making Lazarus' life difficult and harsh. He deserved his fate.

"And with regard to all of this (en pas houtos), between us and you there is a great (megas - enormous, spacious, severe, large, mighty, and important) chasm (chasma - gulf, gaping divide, ravine which cannot be traversed, a wide space) fixed (sterizo - determined and established; made stable, strong, and firm; decided upon, confirmed, and rendered constant), so that those who wish to (thelo - desire to, have the will to, are resolved and determined to, propose to) come over (diabaino - pass through, cross over) from here in this place (enthade) to (pros - toward) you will not be able (me dunamai - lack the power, ability, resources, and permission). And none (medeis - no one and nothing) may cross over (diaperao - pass over) from there, in that place, to us.'" (Luke 16:26)

Interestingly, chasma is based upon "yawn." It may be suggesting that the large divide originates as sleepy, life deprived words. And if you are caught on the wrong side of this chasm, you have missed the significance of diaperao/Passover. There is no blood; there is no bridge; there is no salvation.

Without hope..."He [the rich man] replied, 'Then I beseech (erotao - question, ask, request of, and beg of) you, father, that you send him [Lazarus] to my father's house - for I have five brothers - in order that he may testify to (diamarturomai - witness to, attest to, emphatically state and solemnly warn, admonish) them, so as a result (hina) they will not also come to (erchomai - arrive at, appear in, fall into, be brought to, and enter) this marked off and inhabited place (topos - space, position, passage and portion; local and region) of blackness, testing, and death (basanos).'" (Luke 16:27-28)

Yahushua's answer on behalf of Abraham tells us all we need to know: Scripture is sufficient. Yahuweh's Word is the source of life. Understand it, act upon it, and live. Ignore it and die. Challenge or corrupt it and spend eternity in anguish in the realm of blackness, testing, and death. In essence, Yahshua quoted his own words in Hosea: "But Abraham said (lego - affirmed, maintained, taught, advised, and directed), 'They have (echo - possess and hold within their hands) Moses and the Prophets. Let them hear (akouo - be endowed with the faculty of hearing, attend to and consider, understand and comprehend, receive the news from and pay attention to) them.'" (Luke 16:29) God said, "Mankind was given what you need to know." The rest is up to us.

"But he said, 'That's not enough (ouchi) father Abraham, but on the contrary (alla) if (ean - a supposition or uncertain wish with a diminished probability) someone goes to them from the dead (nekros), they will repent (metanoeo - change their mind and attitude; from meta, meaning revised and noeo, meaning perceptions, understanding, considerations, and thinking)!' But he said to him, 'If they do not listen to and understand (akouo) Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded (peitho - induced to believe, have confidence in, trust, or rely) even if someone rises (anistemi - is resurrected and stands up) from the dead (nekros).'" (Luke 16:30-31) Metanoeo confirms that it's not our behavior that kills us; it is our attitude and understanding. The one telling the parable rose from the dead and still the Jews did not believe. Yahushua raised Lazarus from the dead and for that the Scribes and Pharisees conspired to crucify Him.

So what of the examples Yahushua gives of gnashing of teeth in Matthew? Surely, they denote pain. In Matthew 8:12 Yahshua says that He has found no one in Yisra'el with great faith so people from the east and west will take their places. "The subjects of the kingdom [Israelies] will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Hades is the place of darkness where the mental and emotional realization of eternal separation will bring great sorrow and anguish - plenty sufficient to cause one to gnash one's teeth.

In the thirteenth chapter of Matthew, the stakes are raised. This time faith is not the issue, deception is. Yahushua describes the fate of those who are born of Satan's spirit. "The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the Devil. The harvest is the end of the age and the harvesters are the angels. As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. And they will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 13:38-42) The fiery furnace is the lake of fire, the Abyss, the eternal abode of Satan and those born of his spirit.

The "furnace" is kaminos. Its primary use was for smelting - a chemical change which reduces and separates metals. Weeping is klauthmos. It just means crying. Gnashing is brugmos. It is used to "denote extreme anguish and utter despair." When someone is burnt alive, their mouths open, screaming and gasping for air. We gnash our teeth when the pain is emotional, not physical.

Yahushua explained the separations that will take place and the difference between being born in His magnificent light, being dead, and being the diseased offspring of evil powers. "Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and collected families (genos - offspring and descendants; designates birth and origin) of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the magnificent and beautiful (kalos - genuine and approved, suitable, commendable, and admirable) fish in baskets, but threw the worthless (sapros - rotten and putrefied, perished and decomposed, unfit) away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked (poneros - perilous, causing pain and trouble, diseased, malignant, seriously faulty, evil, morally corrupt, vicious, deriving wickedness from supernatural evil powers) from the righteous (dikaios - upright; innocent and guiltless pertaining to being in the right relationship with God) and throw them into the fiery furnace where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Have you understood these things?" (Matthew 13:47-51)

We have three groups of people. They are being separated based upon their birth. Some fish are anointed in Yahuweh's Garment of Light. They are "magnificent and beautiful, genuine and approved." They are placed into Yahweh's basket - Paradise. Worthless fish are thrown away because they are "unfit; having perished, they have putrefied and decomposed." This is the first thanatos/separation.

Then at the end of the age, the "wicked, perilous, and troublesome" will be separated from the "righteous, upright and innocent." The "seriously evil and morally corrupt" are "vicious, causing pain and trouble" because they are "diseased" with Satan's "malignant supernatural power." In that their genos is demonic, they will join the father of lies in the Abyss.

There are many examples in Scripture of the dead remaining dead - that is to say rising neither to eternal life or eternal anguish. Those without Yahuweh's Spirit from above or Satan's spirit from below, simply are no more. Here is an example from Isaiah: "They are dead, they will not live. They are deceased, they will not rise. Therefore You have punished and destroyed them, and made all their memory to perish." (Isaiah 26:14) Then, in practically the same breath, Isaiah describes the Firstfruit harvest of souls that would commence with the Savior's atoning sacrifice: "Your dead shall live. Together with my dead body, they shall arise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in dust; for your dew is like the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead." (Isaiah 26:19) Paul explains: "Therefore He says: 'Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead,' and the Messiah will give you light." (Ephesians 5:14)

In John 3:16 the distinction is between eternal life and death, not life and eternal sorrow: ""For God so loved the world that He gave (didomi - delivered, bestowed as a gift, put Himself in our place) His one and only Son (huios - term of relationship and association), that whoever relies upon (pisteuo - trusts and believes in) Him shall not perish (apollumi - be destroyed, be lost, abolished, put to an end, and become dead) but have eternal life (aionios zoe)." So long as there are three destinations, eternal life, perishing annihilation, and perpetual anguish, Yahweh is free to distinguish between any two of the three and still be completely accurate. But if there are only two fates, the fact He has described three, would make His Word unreliable.

This life versus destruction aspect of the eternal equation is quantified by Yahushua. "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matthew 7:13-14) I do not know what percentage of souls by way of their association with Satan will find the third door - the portal to everlasting anguish. But I suspect that it is more than a few.

Moses spoke of destruction too: "He repays those who hate Him to their face, to destroy them. He will not be slack with him who hates Him." (Deuteronomy 7:10) Yahushua agrees, saying that there will be souls who will be destroyed rather than tortured: "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?" (Luke 9:25)

The distinction between eternal life and death is reconfirmed: "We know that we have passed from death to life because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him." (I John 3:14-15) And..."I tell you the truth, whoever hears My Word and relies upon Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned. He has passed over from death to life." (John 5:24) Moreover: "Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death." (John 8:51)

Simply stated: "This is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life. He who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God." (I John 5:11-13)

The three choices are as important to understand as are the three destinations. We can choose Yahuweh, Satan, or neither. Choose Yahuweh and enjoy eternal life with Him in Paradise and the New Jerusalem. Choose Satan and suffer eternally in Gehenna and the Abyss. Don't choose either and you die. It is fair. It is perfect. It is the truth.