The Lake of Fire

[Listener]

Hello all

My first post

I admit I am terrified of going to the lake of fire as mentioned in Revelation. After a lot of research, I'm convinced that 'Hell' is not a fiery place of torment. It's from the Greek Gehenna, and that was the refuse tip just outside Jerusalem. What terrifies me is the Lake of Fire.

The following depicts a scene after the second resurrection at the great white throne of God, as depicted in Revelation, and I can't find any answer to them:

(Rev 14:9) And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand,

(Rev 14:10) he also will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.

(Rev 14:11) And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name."

The answer I hear the most, is that it's all symbolic in a very symbolic book (Revelation). But those verses don't come across as symbolic to me. There are worshippers, they will be tormented by fire, and they will have no rest day or night.

Personallly, it's driving me insane. These last 3 days I've done nothing but think about it all the time. I'm a believer with major doubts, I even had a vision as I was falling asleep where I watched myself, actually saw myself falling down into utter blackness.

Can anyone relate? Does anyone have anything that may help?

Thank you

[Chezles]

to be honest, a sleepless death sounds positively blissful compared to eternal agony in flames.

Yes, a sleepless death would be ideal for the obstinate sinner who loves his wicked lifestyle, but does not wish to be given that which he justly deserves – Hell. The justice of God requires the punishment of all sin.

Hell is an actual place where those who depart this life in grievous sin are justly punished for all eternity, where they are tormented and suffer in burning sulfur and unquenchable fire. Fear of Hell is a supernatural fear which should motivate a person to change their wicked ways and lead a life worthy of God’s mercy. For God is all just and condemns no one who is undeserving of condemnation. One can avoid this punishment if they choose to take worthily the sacraments of the Church.

Ann

Even Hell itself will be cast into the lake of fire.
The lake of fire is a literal place. Those who go there will
" be as though they had not been"

[Wood-Man]

I suppose you are looking for a Christian to interpret that stuff in a way that makes you feel better. Maybe someone out there can do that. However, I wonder whether you might have some other underlying psychological problem that needs professional help. I'd guess you are surrounded by fundamentalists who will not be of help to you. If you are really obsessing about this sort of thing, you need to see a mental health worker - preferably a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.

How can a clinical psychiatrist or psychologist help with spiritual matters of christianity?

Obsessive thinking can be a sign of mental problems. That may not apply here with Listener. I don't mean to suggest it necessarily does. Religion can be a very positive force but it can also give rise to psychological issues, so the fact that a person's mental anguish is related to religion does not mean it cannot reflect underlying psychological problems. In those cases, a mental health worker may be appropriate. I don't know if it is here.