Is Hellfire A Bible Teaching?

[Alter2Ego]

Even though I remain suspicious of the OP, I will for the benefit of my brothers and sisters I will explain the New Church approach to biblical symbolism. Every term and phrase in the Word expresses an inner meaning that correspondences with a spiritual truth about our Lord. These spiritual meanings add to the literary and historical meanings that convey more basic instruction.

Passages related to fire are particularly clear that this is so it corresponds with love. Love, either good or bad, is the inward fire, as seen in some representative examples from the Word: I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance; but he that cometh after me . . . shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. (Matt 3:11) All these refer to the love that filles our hearts when we recieve Him.

ALTER2EGO -to- CHADWOOTERS:
As I mentioned in my opening post, fire is used in the Bible to symbolize cleansing OR permanent destruction. The scripture at Matthew 3:11 that you quoted above is one such example. The speaker is John the Baptist, and he's referring to Jesus Christ.

"I, for my part, baptize you with water because of your repentance; but the one coming after me is stronger than I am, whose sandals I am not fit to take off. That one will baptize you people with holy spirit and fire." (Matthew 3:11)


That scripture has no connection whatsoever with hellfire. Furthermore, the Bible indicates that hell is nothing more than mankind's common grave. If it were a place of literal fiery torment, Jesus Christ, the epitome of a righteous man, would not have spent three days there after his crucifixion as that would have been unjust.

"{21} In fact, to this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving you a model for you to follow his steps closely. {22} He committed no sin, nor was deception found in his mouth." (1 Peter 2:21-22)


"He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that HIS SOUL WAS NOT LEFT IN HELL, neither his flesh did see corruption."
(Acts 2:31--King James Version)

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