Salvation from the Lake of Fire
The Beauty of John 3:16
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
What are the Three Views of Hell? (Chapter 1)
Is God Balanced or Unbalanced? (Chapter 2)
Did Jesus Descend to Hades? (Chapter 5)
Is there a Postmortem Opportunity for Salvation? (Chapter 5)
The Lake of Fire
An Overview
I have had many discussions about my faith in Jesus Christ and the Holy Bible with others. At times, those I share my beliefs with believe in heaven but not hell, and they believe in Jesus but not in a triune God. Some consider hell to be just a metaphor, but they believe in heaven. I explain to such individuals that the apostle John described heaven and hell quite well in the Book of Revelation.
During my discussions, I shared that we cannot have a real heaven but have a metaphorical hell. If heaven is real, hell needs to be real too. If both are metaphors, Jesus died in vain. If there was no eternal torment, why would we need to be saved? And if neither heaven nor hell exists, the Bible would be a work of fiction, which most of the world believes anyway.
The most important conversation the young woman at work and I had was regarding hell. We had many discussions on the subject over four months.
The following is a summary of the young woman’s beliefs. She explained that we create our hell of pain and suffering here on earth through the results of decisions and choices we’ve made. She further shared some individuals currently have their hell of mental illness and addiction, for example. Additionally, she stated that because God would not have eternal torment, evil souls just die. If one is saved through Jesus Christ, they will either go to heaven [if chosen to live in heaven] or live on an earthly paradise.
I have heard the following quote in several versions but did not know its origin. Yet with a bit of research, I found the author. You may have heard it as well. The quote comes from the book Heaven by Randy Alcorn.
Alcorn said it best, and his quote helps us understand the Biblical theology that there is a heaven and a hell, and neither one is on earth.
Therefore, I concur with Alcorn, and I adopted and developed a spin-off quote that helps us understand this analogy: for believers, earth is the worst hell they will ever experience, whereas, for unbelievers, this earth is the best heaven they will ever experience.
Apostle John was describing the lake of fire in the Book of Revelation, not hell.
And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (Revelation 20:14 KJV)
Along similar lines, the Bible discusses we need to be aware of false doctrine. For example, there are those who “have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith” (2 Timothy 2:18 NLT). However, suppose we stay in the true faith. In that case, scriptures assure us, “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be an implement for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:21 NASB).
Biblical Warning Signs
The Old and New Testaments give us multiple signs and prophesies about Jesus and the lake of fire and its descriptions. A few brief examples are, we will have a savior coming: Isaiah 9:6 (NASB) tells us “for a child will be born to us,” meaning “Immanuel” Isaiah 7:14 (NASB), and Isaiah 66:24 (NLT) says, “...For the worms that devour them will never die, and the fire that burns them will never go out.” Throughout the New Testament, Jesus provides many warnings; one such example is Jesus explains in Matthew 25:31–46 (KJV), “everlasting fire” and “everlasting punishment.” Do we listen?
The following analogy is not original; I have heard it in many forms throughout my life. Let us say you are taking a vacation with your family. As you drive, you start to see warning signs that the bridge is out—take an alternative route—cliff ahead. Would you go anyway and drive your family off the cliff, or would you heed the warnings and divert? We are not only given warning signs; we are also given an alternative route—Jesus Christ! Why is that different from biblical wnings about the lake of fire?
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About the Book
“Salvation from the Lake of Fire: The Beauty of John 3:16” offers an enlightening exploration of eternal salvation, Christian salvation, and the theology of salvation within the context of life after death in Christianity. With a style deeply rooted in Christian theology and spiritual education, this book is a beacon of hope and understanding for individuals aged 18 and older who seek clarity on the profound questions about the afterlife.
In a world where uncertainty about the soul’s eternal destiny prevails, “Salvation from the Lake of Fire” serves as a guiding light. It bridges the gap between the concept of eternal salvation and the foreboding imagery of the lake of fire, making it accessible and relatable to readers from all walks of life.
This book’s primary mission is to extend a hand of love and grace to those who may not fully comprehend God’s boundless love for humanity. It serves as an introduction to salvation, inviting both unbelievers and questioning Christians to embark on a journey of spiritual discovery.
Within its pages, you’ll find a comprehensive exploration of the theology of salvation, illuminating the profound significance of John 3:16. This timeless verse reveals God’s sacrificial love in sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to secure eternal salvation for humanity. It underscores the pivotal role of faith in Jesus as the pathway to redemption from the ominous lake of fire.
This book stands alongside other spiritually enriching titles like “40 Questions About Heaven and Hell” by Alan W. Gomes, “Four Views On Hell” Second Edition With New Contributors by Preston Sprinkel, “The Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel, and “Captured by Grace” by David Jeremiah. If you have been searching for books on eternal life or have contemplated the theology of salvation, “Salvation from the Lake of Fire” is a must-read.
As you delve into this profound exploration, you’ll come to appreciate the timeless truths within John 3:16 and the assurance it offers. In a world filled with uncertainty, this book sheds light on the promise of eternal salvation, guiding you away from the fearsome lake of fire and toward the warm embrace of God’s love. It’s a transformative journey, an introduction to salvation, and an invitation to experience the profound beauty of John 3:16.
About the Author
Elisabeth Christine Nelson has a heartfelt desire to share God's message of love and redemption. She focused on completing this book after retiring in late 2019. She has plans to write on various theological subjects and is a volunteer member of her church's care team. Elisabeth, an alumnus of California State University, Long Beach, was the first woman in her family to earn a bachelor's degree; others have followed. She is blessed with one adult daughter and resides in Southern California.