Back to the Bible Podcast
Host: Larsen Plyler
Episode 116: Then Comes the End, Hell, Part 2
Date: July 20, 2025
Overview
In this episode, Larsen Plyler continues a deep, scriptural exploration of hell, addressing common questions and misconceptions, and engaging with both the textual and theological perspectives on the nature and purpose of hell as depicted in the Bible. The episode offers clarity on biblical terminology, examines arguments around annihilationism and eternal punishment, and stresses the seriousness of scriptural warnings about separation from God.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Commitment to Truth & Clarity (00:17–03:56)
- Larsen opens with a candid reflection on the responsibility of biblical teachers to pursue both truth and clarity:
"If we fall short of the truth, then that's a real problem. If we fall short of being clear, that's a pretty big problem." — Larsen Plyler [01:48]
- He invites listener engagement and correction, demonstrating humility and a dedication to growth and transparency.
Book Announcement: "Anchors in a Sea of Questions" (03:57–08:40)
- Larsen introduces his new book designed to help young Christians and those with tough questions establish foundational faith anchors regarding God, Jesus, the Bible, the church, and following Jesus.
- Emphasizes it is not self-promotion but a resource to provide stability for those grappling with doubts.
"Here are anchors that if they can set in place, whatever questions or challenges they face, they may not know the answer, but they can have an anchor set." [05:34]
- Encourages feedback and collaboration for further work in this direction.
The Necessity of Discussing Hell (08:41–10:53)
- Larsen asserts that studying hell is motivated by scripture and love, not fear-mongering:
"Jesus, who is the very embodiment, the very picture of love, says, we need to be talking about this. We need to be warned about this." [09:48]
- Acknowledges the difficulty and discomfort of the topic but stresses its importance for motivating a right relationship with God.
Clarifying the New Testament Language for "Hell" (10:54–15:59)
- Explains the three Greek words translated as "hell":
- Hades: the holding place of the dead (e.g., Acts 2), not eternal punishment.
- Tartaro: (Tartarus, 1 Peter 2:4) refers to judgment for spiritual beings.
- Gehenna: the term most often used by Jesus, referring to a place of eternal punishment, originated as the Valley of Hinnom, a site associated with burning garbage and abomination.
- Counters reductionist interpretations that see "Gehenna" as merely a physical garbage dump, emphasizing Jesus' clear warnings of a pain beyond physical suffering.
Imagery of Hell & Other Afterlife Realities (16:00–18:00)
- Discusses biblical metaphors (paradise, Zion) and how they convey realities about eternity.
- Emphasizes the conscious, real suffering described in passages about hell:
"Jesus warns about the Valley of Hinnom not just as a place where we might face physical pain, but where we would face soul pain, where we would face pain beyond the pain of body and even of physical death." [14:52]
Hell as Just & Righteous Punishment (18:01–20:53)
- Argues that scriptural depictions of hell entail just, deserved punishment, and addresses objections to the justice of hell.
- Stresses trust in God's righteousness even when full understanding eludes us:
"We must allow God to determine what is just and not try to dictate to him. Nobody's going to go to hell arbitrarily because refusing salvation is our choice." [19:38]
Human Choice, God’s Will, and the Reality of Hell (20:54–22:52)
- Emphasizes free will: Hell is not God’s preference for anyone, but a consequence of rejecting salvation.
- Clarifies that God allows human choices contrary to his will without compromising his sovereignty:
"God’s will is not always done. Now his ultimate purpose is always accomplished and he will have a people of his own." [21:59]
Biblical Descriptions of Hell’s Suffering (22:53–25:13)
- Cites passages describing the conscious, eternal nature of suffering:
- Mark 9:43: suffering "never ends."
- Matthew 13:42, 13:50: "weeping and gnashing of teeth."
- Parable of the righteous and wicked illustrating irrevocable separation.
"The suffering is conscious suffering. If not, how could it be worse than death? How could it be filled with weeping and gnashing of teeth?" [24:39]
The Meaning of "Destruction" (2 Thessalonians 1:9)—Rebutting Annihilationism (25:14–29:10)
- Reviews interpretations of "destruction":
- Rejects annihilationism (the view that hell means ceasing to exist).
- Explains, using biblical word studies, that "destruction" (Greek: apoleia/apollymi) does not mean extinction but rather loss of purpose or well-being (not being itself).
- Draws from OT and NT examples: barren land, wasted ointment (Matt 26:8), burst wineskins, lost coin, destroyed world (post-flood).
- Quotes Vines Dictionary:
"The idea is not extinction, but ruin. Loss, not of being, but of well-being." [27:09]
Eternal Separation—Not Simply Non-Existence (29:11–29:30)
- Distinguishes between mere existence and meaningful, relational life.
- Uses the example of Judas to show that eternal non-existence does not fit Jesus' warning that “it would be better if he had never been born” (Matt 26:24).
"Because if he just goes out of existence, he is not affected by that. … It would be as if he had never been born. Don't you think if you go out of existence?" [29:20]
The Nature of Eternal Punishment (29:31–29:45)
- Asserts that both eternal life and eternal punishment involve eternally experienced states, not mere duration:
"Both refer to an eternally experienced state. … The word for punishment doesn't indicate unconsciousness, but torment."
- Cites Revelation 14:10–11 — eternal torment and unrest for the wicked.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Biblical Authority and Openness:
"We make every effort… to tell the truth and then… to be as clear as possible… because we want to please God in our efforts here." — Larsen Plyler [01:32]
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On the seriousness of Jesus’ warnings:
"Don't fear the one who can kill the body, but fear the one who can kill both body and soul in hell in Gehenna." [15:17]
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On the fundamental error of annihilationism:
"The word destruction does not refer to annihilation in the Scripture. It refers to a person or a thing that has lost the essence of its nature or its function." [26:16]
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On the justice and love of God:
"God is faithful, he is righteous, and that he loves you and me. God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life." [19:09]
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On hell as conscious, eternal separation:
"God's active judgment will be to separate us from everything except his wrath and and judgment. And it will be worse than simply non existence." [28:47]
Recommended Listening Segments (Timestamps)
- The Three Greek Terms for "Hell": 10:54–15:59
- Imagery and Metaphors for the Afterlife: 16:00–18:00
- Explaining "Destruction" and Refuting Annihilationism: 25:14–29:10
- Concluding Points on Eternal Punishment: 29:11–29:45
Tone and Language
Larsen Plyler maintains a thoughtful, compassionate, and scripturally-grounded tone throughout. He balances academic rigor with pastoral concern, always returning to the authority of scripture and the centrality of God’s righteousness and love, even in the face of doctrines as difficult as hell.
Summary
This episode serves as both a teaching and an apologetic tool, equipping listeners to understand the biblical doctrine of hell—its terminology, scriptural foundations, and implications. Larsen Plyler urges trust in God’s justice, underscores the seriousness of eternal separation, and calls believers to clarity and conviction rooted in the authority of the Bible.