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Question: Is there more than one state of "hell"?
Question: Is there more than one state of "hell"?
The Bible supports the concept that there are two different states of "hell"
John 5꞉29 states that both the righteous and the wicked will be resurrected:
And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
Since both the righteous and wicked will be resurrected, there are two states that can be described as "hell" in the scriptures. [1] 1. The temporary condition of the wicked between physical death and resurrection. 2. The never-ending state of the wicked after resurrection and judgment.
The Bible teaches the concept of a redemption from a temporary "hell" through Christ's atonement
Support for this concept of a redemption from the temporary "hell" as the result of Christ's atonement may be obtained from the Bible. For example, David is promised that his soul will not be left "in hell:"
For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Isaiah also alludes to a redemption of the "prisoners:"
Thus saith the Lord, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;
That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places.
Notes
- ↑ H. Donl Peterson, "I Have a Question: What is the meaning of the Book of Mormon scriptures on eternal hell for the wicked?," Ensign (April 1986): 36.