The Bible Says That!? - Misunderstood Bible Themes Pt. 2

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Intro

What stood out to you from last week’s lesson about Satan or the nature of humanity's souls when we die?

What do you think we will be like in heaven?

Today, we’re going to talk about two more misconceptions about our faith that are often believed by many Christians and see what the Bible actually says.

 

Misconception #1: Hell is only separation from God

Have you ever been told that hell is simply separation from God? Where it is like a spiritual time out and that it’s just being “away” from God’s presence?

Based on what biblical story or Scripture can you point to to support this idea that hell is just a simple separation from God?

Read:

2 Thess. 1:8-9

Matthew 7:21-23, 8:12

Matthew 9:43-48

Matthew 10:28

Matthew 13:41-42

Daniel 12:2-4

Romans 2:5-6

Revelation 14:10-11

Luke 16:19-31

What do these say about the nature of hell?

Hell is indeed separation from God, but it is more than that. It is separation from his grave and favor, but not from his judgment.

Why do people prefer to soften the idea of hell?

How can we speak about hell truthfully but compassionately?

Does knowing the full truth about hell change how we see the gospel of the Good News of the Kingdom of God and what Jesus saves us from?

  

Misconception #2: We will know everything in heaven

Have you ever been told that when we die and go to heaven that we will know everything? Where did you hear this from or what Scriptures can you point to that support this idea?

Read:

1 Cor. 13:9-12 – does this imply more of a fully realized knowledge or does it explicitly say “we will know everything”?

Deuteronomy 29:29

Ephesians 2:6-7 – the “coming ages” is vague and implies ongoing revelation where we will learn more and more.

1 John 3:2 – we will have a sharpened perception, but says nothing about divine attributes like omniscience

Philippians 3:20-21 – we will be glorified, but we will not be infinite like God.

Luke 12:2-3 – We will be enlightened and hidden things will be revealed in judgment and eternity.

Isaiah 40:13-14 + Psalm 147: 5 – who is the one who is omniscient?

What do these passages say about the nature of our knowledge when we are in the fullness of God’s Kingdom?

How do these inform us about the differences between knowledge and understanding?

 

 What questions do you hope to ask God one day?

Does not knowing everything lesson or increase your excitement about heaven?

How does the idea of eternal learning reflect God’s infinite nature?

 

Take Away

Haven is not about having all the answers – it’s about being with the One who does.

Next week, Scott Curtis will be teaching with a new series.