The Doctrine Of Heaven

The Doctrine Of Heaven

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, July 2, 2026 (Donate)

What Are Some Misunderstandings About Heaven In Our Modern Culture?

Nearly everyone has an idea about heaven, but many of those ideas come from movies, television, songs, false religions, or popular traditions rather than from the Bible.

Some people imagine heaven as floating on clouds while playing harps forever. Others picture everyone automatically going there simply because they tried to be a “good person”. Still others think heaven is merely a state of mind or that people become angels after they die. These errors are sadly a commonplace in our culture.

The Bible teaches something very different. Heaven is a real place created by God where He dwells in His glory. It is not imaginary, symbolic, or merely an emotional feeling. People do not become angels after death, nor is heaven earned by good works. Angels and humans are distinct creations of God (Hebrews 1-2) or different kind and essence.

And getting to heaven—salvation—is by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by human effort (Ephesians 2:8-9) and definitely not through any other alleged religion.

Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Another misunderstanding is that heaven is “boring”. Some imagine endless church services or sitting around doing nothing. Scripture presents heaven as a place overflowing with joy, worship, fellowship, purpose, beauty, action-packed, and perfect peace in the presence of God.

It is the greatest future anyone could ever imagine, yet even our greatest imaginations fall far short of its reality.

What Are The Three Heavens Described In The Bible?

The English word "heaven" translates Hebrew and Greek words that can refer to different "heavens" depending on the context. Scripture describes three distinct heavens (e.g., 2 Corinthians 12:2).

1. The Atmospheric Heaven

The first heaven is the sky surrounding the earth where clouds form, birds fly, rain falls, and weather occurs.

Genesis 1:20 speaks of birds flying "across the face of the firmament of the heavens." Jesus referred to the "birds of the air" in Matthew 6:26. This atmospheric heaven is part of God's physical creation.

2. The Spacious Heaven

The second heaven is outer space where the sun, moon, planets, and stars are located—i.e., the expanse of heaven.

Genesis 1:14-18 records God placing these heavenly bodies in the heavens to give light upon the earth and to mark seasons, days, and years. Psalm 19:1, NKJV declares:

"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork."

Every star and heavenly body points to the wisdom, power, and majesty of its Creator. Together with the atmospheric heaven, they are denoted as the “sky” from an earthly perspective.

Seeing a "Sunbow" in the sky in 2026, one can't help but give glory to God; Photo by Bodie Hodge

3. The Spiritual Heaven

The third heaven is God's dwelling place—still a created place, where His glory is revealed in a unique way. This is the abode of God or heaven of heavens.

The Apostle Paul referred to being caught up into the "third heaven" (2 Corinthians 12:2-4), clearly distinguishing it from the physical heavens. Here God's throne is described (Isaiah 6; Revelation 4-5), angels worship continually, and redeemed believers are gathered in His presence.

God is infinite and spirit and cannot be contained by creation (1 Kings 8:27), yet He has chosen to reveal His glory from His heavenly throne.

"I Go To Prepare A Place For You"—How Does This Relate To Heaven?

On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus comforted His disciples with these wonderful words:

"In My Father's house are many mansions... I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." (John 14:2-3, NKJV)

Jesus was not simply speaking poetically. He promised that heaven is a real destination prepared specifically for His people.

Through His death, resurrection, and ascension, Christ opened the way into God's presence. His work on the cross secured salvation, and His ministry as our High Priest guarantees that believers will one day be with Him forever.

The greatest promise is not merely beautiful surroundings but the presence of Christ Himself. Heaven is wonderful because Jesus is there. Every sorrow, pain, disappointment, and struggle experienced in this fallen world will be replaced by perfect fellowship with our Savior.

Why Do We Need New Heavens And A New Earth?

Many people wonder why God will create a new heaven and a new earth if heaven is already perfect. The answer begins in Genesis 3.

When Adam sinned, God's curse affected not only the world but all creation. The ground was cursed (Genesis 3:17-19), suffering entered the world, death spread throughout creation, and the entire universe became subject to corruption because of sin (Romans 8:20-22).

Even the physical heavens belong to the present cursed creation.[1] Peter explains that the current heavens and earth are reserved for judgment (2 Peter 3:10-13). After God's final judgment, He will create "new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells."

Besides Peter, Isaiah and John mention the new heaven(s) and new earth too.

“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind. (Isaiah 65:17, NKJV)

“For as the new heavens and the new earth Which I will make shall remain before Me,” says the LORD, “So shall your descendants and your name remain. (Isaiah 66:22, NKJV)

Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. (Revelation 21:1, NKJV)

Revelation 21-22 describes this glorious restoration more specifically.

·       The curse introduced in Genesis 3 will finally be removed.

·       No more death.

·       No more pain.

·       No more sickness.

·       No more tears.

·       No more mourning.

·       No more decay.

·       No more sin.

The Bible beautifully comes full circle. The curse begins in Genesis 3 but is completely removed in Revelation 22:3. God's original creation purposes will be perfectly fulfilled forever.

Nothing Impure Will Enter Heaven—So How Can Sinners Ever Make It There?

One of the clearest statements about heaven is found in Revelation 21:27, NKJV:

"But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles..."

This creates a serious problem for every human being.

The Bible declares:

"For all have sinned..." (Romans 3:23, NKJV)

"There is none righteous, no, not one." (Romans 3:10, NKJV)

If nothing sinful enters heaven, how can sinful people ever be there? The answer is the gospel. Jesus Christ lived the perfectly sinless life we could never live. He died on the cross bearing the punishment deserved by sinners.

When Christ died He took our sin and punishment upon Himself. When we received Jesus Christ as Lord (e.g., 1 Corinthians 12:3), Jesus’ righteousness and purity is transferred to us. This is called imputation—where the righteousness of God in the flesh is imputed to us. Thus, we are seen as spotless and pure just like Christ!

How do we know? Jesus rose bodily from the grave, conquering sin and death. Christ has power of sin and death and has all authority. When someone repents and places their faith in Christ alone, God forgives every sin and credits Christ's righteousness to that believer (2 Corinthians 5:21). The believer is justified, declared righteous before God, not because of personal goodness but because of Christ's finished work.

Only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life enter heaven (Revelation 21:27). Salvation is entirely by God's grace received through faith in Jesus Christ.

How Amazing Is Heaven For Eternity (Consider 1 Corinthians 2:9) And God’s Infinite Blessing?

The Bible describes heaven as far more wonderful than anything we can fully imagine. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NKJV):

“But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.””

Although Paul is pointing out the greatness of God's wisdom in Christ, the principle certainly reminds believers that God's eternal blessings far exceed human imagination. Heaven is not merely an improved version of life on earth but the perfect dwelling place of God's glory and the eternal home of all who trust in Jesus Christ.

One of heaven's greatest blessings is access to God's perfect presence. Revelation 21:3 says that God will dwell with His people, and they will enjoy perfect fellowship with Him forever. There will be no more sin to separate mankind from God. Believers will worship Him with joy, intimacy, serve Him gladly, and behold His glory in ways never before experienced.

The Bible also describes heaven as a place where every effect of the Fall has been removed. Everything broken by Adam's sin in Genesis 3 will be completely restored.

Heaven will also be a place of unimaginable beauty, perfect righteousness, and everlasting peace. God's people will receive glorified, incorruptible bodies fit for eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:42-49). They will enjoy fellowship with all the redeemed throughout history while continually growing in their knowledge and enjoyment of the infinite God.

Because God Himself is infinite in wisdom, love, holiness, and glory, His blessings will never be exhausted. Throughout eternity believers will continually discover new reasons to praise Him. Heaven is therefore not an endless existence of boredom, but an everlasting life of joy, purpose, worship, and delight in the presence of the Lord.

□

Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.

Mr. Hodge earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar, Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.

His love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia for AI use and training. Mr. Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields.

*Images generated by ChatGPT

---

[1] To what degree a spiritual heavens was affected, we are not told in Scripture.

What About Annihilationism And Hell?

What About Annihilationism And Hell?

(The Doctrine of Hell)

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI 

Biblical Authority Ministries, October 10, 2025 (Donate) 

All verses NKJV and ESV

In today’s culture, there are a growing number of people who believe in God and yet reject the reality of hell. They adopt a position that says that God is “too loving” to punish someone in hell, especially for eternity.

In doing so, they may develop an annihilationist position––a doctrinally errant position: essentially, unsaved people cannot go to heaven, and they believe they cannot go to hell, so they are left with the position that unsaved people are simply annihilated and never punished or potentially put in a state of unconsciousness so they do not feel the punishment. There are variations to this, and I’ll discuss this more in a moment.[1]

Image requested by Bodie Hodge, modified; (ChatGPT)

For several biblical reasons (which will be discussed shortly), the ministry rejects annihilationism, which is opposed in our Statement of Faith. The rejection of annihilationism was not placed in the Statement of Faith on a “whim,” but as a result of diligence in Scriptural study. The point on annihilationism states the following: 

Those who do not believe in Christ are subject to everlasting, conscious punishment in Hell, but believers are secure to enjoy eternal life with God in Heaven. (Matthew 13:49–50, 25:41-46; John 3:16–18, 3:36, 5:24; 1 Thessalonians 1:8–10; 1 John 5:11–13; Revelation 21:8).[2]

Much of the debate (surrounding a literal hell) stems from arguments over the way some may perceive God as opposed to what God says in His Word. So, this becomes a biblical authority issue (due to a battle over a god of one’s own making versus the God of the Bible). In this article, the 66 books of the Bible are used as the authority, rather than human emotion, which tends to fuel this debate the most.

What Is Annihilationism?

Many would say that annihilationists believe that hell is not real. But this is not entirely fair to say, as many annihilationists would agree that hell is real such as Conditionalists. It is better to say that annihilationists believe that hell is not a place for the unsaved to spend eternity.

They distinguish this by saying that hell is indeed reserved for the devil and his fallen angels (where they will spend eternity), but not for sinful, unrepentant, unsaved man. Rather, this position holds that the unsaved will be annihilated (cease to exist) or at the very least will be made unconscious of the pain, but they will not go to hell to be in torment for all eternity.

Those who hold to the annihilationist view do get one thing right: hell was created for the Devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41), likely since the Devil’s rebellion occurred immediately before mankind’s fall into sin.[3] But in this same passage it says people will be there as well. And keep in mind, just because it was created for the Devil and his angels does not mean that others could not be put there.

The predominant annihilationist argument falls short when one considers that they argue that God is too loving to send sinners to hell (man), but argues that God does send sinners to hell (the devil and his fallen angels). If one argues that Satan is a spiritual being, that doesn’t help, because man is also a spiritual being (e.g., 1 Thessalonians 5:23) made in the image of a spiritual God.

There are variations of annihilationists’ positions too. Some hold that people will go to hell, but only for a short time, and then God releases them (e.g., non-eternal; perhaps even heaven afterwards?) However, this would not be a true annihilationist position but something more akin to a hypothetical purgatory. And this is not the focus of this chapter.

Some say an unsaved person goes to hell for a short time, and then they are annihilated. Others argue that hell itself will be annihilated after a certain point so it no longer exists. Still others say there is no hell at all, and that fallen man (as well as Satan and his fallen angels) will be annihilated immediately. People who take this view liberally interpret “reconciliation” in 1 Corinthians 15:28. There are certainly other variations beyond these but this short introduction to annihilationism should suffice to get us started.

Is Hell A Reality?

The reality of hell must be addressed first. Hell is discussed throughout the Bible. Jesus speaks extensively about hell and heaven, so that should settle the issue that both are real places. The Greek word for hell is gehenna. And there are several passages where these are used, including in the gospel of Mark:

"If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched–– "where ‘Their worm does not die, And the fire is not quenched.’ "And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched–– "where ‘Their worm does not die, And the fire is not quenched.’ "And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire–– "where ‘Their worm does not die, And the fire is not quenched.’ (Mark 9: 43-48)[4]

Other passages that use this Greek word are Matthew 5:22; 5:29; 5:30; 10:28; 18:9; 23:15; 23:33; Luke 12:5; and James 3:6. This is not to be confused with the word hades, which has connotations of hell (Luke 16:19-31) but means “grave,” “death,” and “depths.” The Hebrew word sheol is likely a counterpart to hades, since its definition is “grave,” “underworld,” and “pit” with connotations of hell.[5]

Is Hell An Eternal Conscious Punishment?

Next, the Bible never states that punishment in hell is temporary; on the contrary, punishment in hell is described as “everlasting destruction” (2 Thessalonians 1:9). This is significant because the primary reason for denying that punishment in hell is eternal often does not come from the Bible but from the proposition, “How can a loving God condemn people to eternal hell?” That proposition implies that God is not cruel and would not dare judge in such a fashion; i.e., God is perfect in love, forgiveness, and grace. But the theology then lends that God is not perfect in justice, judgment, or eternal decree.

But again, this view of God does not come from the Bible. The Bible teaches something different: a crime against an infinite and eternal Creator demands an infinite and eternal punishment (eternity in hell). This is why the Son (Jesus Christ), who is the infinite and eternal God, could take on such a punishment from the Father who is the infinite and eternal God.[6]

Is such an eternal punishment discussed in the Bible? Consider Daniel:

And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt. (Daniel 12:2)

In both cases, the same terminology is used of those who will inherit everlasting life and those who will inherit everlasting contempt. The Hebrew word for contempt here is dera’own and means “aversion” and “abhorrence,” both of which indicate extreme feelings such as loathing and dislike. And the passage makes it clear that they will be conscious (“awake”) during this time. The New Testament echoes this teaching in John 5:28-29:

Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth––those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.

In this passage, “resurrection of life” is contrasted with “resurrection of condemnation,” giving equal duration to both; this is very similar to Daniel 12:2. Basically, the grave will give up its dead and they will be judged for eternal life or eternal judgment. Even Paul confirms such a resurrection and judgment of the just and unjust will take place (Acts 24:14-16).

Also, with regard to the duration of punishment in hell, consider Christ’s own words:

Then he will say to those on his left, “Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal (aionios) fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.” Then they also will answer, saying, “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?” Then he will answer them, saying, “Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.” And these will go away into eternal (aionios) punishment, but the righteous into eternal (aionios) life. (Matthew 25:41-46)

Jesus made it clear that hell is not annihilation but instead an eternal conscious punishment. Punishment in hell is contrasted with life once again in this passage, meaning that if the punishment is not everlasting or eternal, then neither is life.

What would this say about the character of a loving God who promises to give eternal life and yet does not? It is better to trust the Scriptures that there is an eternal punishment and in the same way that a good and loving God rewards those who have received Him with eternal life.

The Greek word meaning “eternal” in this passage (aionios) is the same word used to describe the eternality of God Himself in other passages such as Romans 16:26, 1 Timothy 1:7, Hebrews, 9:14, 13:8, and Revelation 4:9. So to make the claim that the term eternal does not necessarily mean eternal to those being punished has serious repercussions, such as inadvertently calling into question the eternality of God. Paul in one of his letters reaffirms this teaching of Christ:

These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, (2 Thessalonians 1: 9)

John and Jude also speak of everlasting punishment, be it for angels or others (“forever and ever, no rest, punishment of eternal fire…”):

Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. "And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name." (Revelation 14:9-11)

And angels who did not keep their own domain, but abandoned their proper abode, He has kept in eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day, just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, since they in the same way as these indulged in gross immorality and went after strange flesh, are exhibited as an example in undergoing the punishment of eternal fire. (Jude 1:6-7)

When we look at the Bible, it should be exceptionally clear that the biblical understanding of hell is an eternal conscious punishment, not annihilation.

As an additional note, some believe that since such a punishment exists, God is responsible for it. However, there was no need for such a punishment until after man’s sin against Him.

Originally, God made a perfect world (Genesis 1:31; Deuteronomy 32:4). It was because of man’s actions that death and sin entered the world. It is because of man’s actions against a perfect God that such an eternal punishment in hell even exists (Genesis 3, Romans 5).[7] Therefore, blaming God for such a place as hell is not warranted. The blame should be directed at sinful man, sinful Satan, and sinful angels.

There are other Greek words that discuss eternal punishment. The root word for the eternal torment in Revelation 14:11 is basanizo. It means “grievous pains” and “torment.” It is used to describe labor pains in Revelation 12:2, and the centurion's servant in Matthew 8:6, who is "dreadfully tormented".

Revelation 14:10-11 speaks of the punishment as having no rest day or night from it:

“He himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. "And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name."

There will be no stop to the pain for all eternity. For the punishment from an infinite God is an infinite punishment. This is all the more reason to witness to all people, who are our relatives through Adam and Noah. Consider John 3:36:

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

How can this wrath from an eternal God be satisfied, when the people in hell are not equal to God? Because they are not, this wrath will continue for all eternity. Consider the words of Scripture regarding Judas:

The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born. (Matthew 26:24)

If the punishment were merely annihilation or an unconscious torment, then it would be as though the person were never born. But this is not the case for Judas, for Scripture says the opposite.

What about Proverbs 12:7, which says the wicked will be “no more”? The answer to this is simple enough when read in context (Proverbs 12:5-7):

The thoughts of the righteous are right, But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. The words of the wicked are, "Lie in wait for blood," But the mouth of the upright will deliver them. The wicked are overthrown and are no more, But the house of the righteous will stand.

The context is clearly speaking of the wicked on earth, their actions here and their judgment here, not their eternal judgment, which occurs after death (Hebrews 9:27).[8]

The point is that God makes it clear in Scripture that the wicked will be punished eternally, and they will be conscious of it. When people try to make the argument that God will reduce this punishment’s duration or cause people to be annihilated, it does not come from Scripture but from arbitrary opinions.

Is Reconciliation Salvation?

Some have argued that reconciliation in the Bible is essentially salvation (e.g., Colossians 1:20). Reconciliation is not salvation nor is it a temporal ending of punishment. The Bible never equates reconciliation with salvation.

“Reconciliation of all” means that there will be a change for all: all will change to know who Christ is. This change happens to believers when they are saved (since we had a mind of sin but now have the mind of the Spirit), but it also happens to unbelievers but after they die—but by then it is too late for them.

They will bow the knee, confess to God, and know that God is God, and they will be reconciled unto that (Isaiah 45:23, Romans 14:11, Philippians 2:10), but they will still have to endure the punishment because it is too late for them at judgment.

Some have tried to use John 12:32 to argue for a form of reconciliation as well. When Jesus says, "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself,” He is not saying all people will be saved, but that all peoples will be drawn. This is confirmed by other passages of Scripture (e.g., John 6:44, Colossians 1:23). 

Other debates aside, what it shows is that no one has an excuse (Romans 1:20). All peoples have been drawn, but if they do not receive the Lord Jesus as their Savior, they retain the wrath of God (John 1:12, 3:16-18, 3:36).

Is Hell Complete Separation From God?

One aspect of this argument is that hell is complete separation from God, and since something cannot exist outside of God, it must be annihilated. Many Christians use the term “separation from God” as a nice way of saying “hell”. But it needs to be clarified because it is only partially accurate—it is not a complete separation.

When man sinned against God in the Garden of Eden, death and suffering came into the creation (Genesis 3, Romans 8). Essentially, sin became a point of separation between man and God. We were separated from God to a certain degree; death, which is the result of sin (e.g., Genesis 2:17, Genesis 3:19, Romans 5:12), and eternal death (for unbelievers, Satan, and fallen angels), which has its final culmination in hell, is seen by some as absolute separation from God.

However, this is not exactly a complete separation, as even hell will be not be able to escape the fact that all things are being upheld by Christ (Hebrews 1:3). Furthermore, the wrath of God will abide on those in hell (John 3:36), so even God will have a direct influence there. Hell will not be annihilated, but will be sustained for all eternity.

To be clear, there is separation (Matthew 13:49, Matthew 25:32, Hebrews 7:26), but it is better to understand this “separation” as an absolute separation from God’s goodness and love, not a complete separation from existence. In other words, those in hell will not receive God’s goodness in but rather the punishment they deserve. Christians will not experience this separation from God’s love and goodness (Romans 8:35).[9]

Conclusion: Image Of God

The last point of discussion I want to address is that man is made in the image of God. Unlike a plant, rock, or an animal, man is made special and unique, having the breath of God inserted into him from God to Adam (Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 2:7); from Adam to Eve (Genesis 3:21-25); and from them to all of us (Genesis 9:6).

Can God simply cease to exist? No. It would be contrary to His nature of being absolute life, from which all life and existence stem. Bearing the image of God, we too are eternal beings (not be confused with infinite beings— man will exist eternally in the future but not eternally past). We will live on: either in heaven with God and His goodness, or in hell separated from God’s goodness and love and having the wrath of God abiding on us for all eternity.

Do you see why it is important to witness to people, to see them saved? Such a punishment is not what anyone would want to endure.

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)


□

Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist since 1998 helping out in various churches and running an apologetics website. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.

Originally at Answers in Genesis; Edited; Republished by permission.

---

[1] This is not to be confused with the Roman Church’s position of purgatory, an idea that originates in the minds of men about a second chance between earth and heaven. People who hold to annihilationism still adhere to Scriptures like Hebrews 9:27 that say we die once, and then after this is the judgment, as opposed to dying once and then being offered a second chance in purgatory.

[2] “The BAM Statement of Faith,” Biblical Authority Ministries, https://www.biblicalauthorityministries.org/p/blog-page.html.

[3] Bodie Hodge, The Fall of Satan (Green Forest, Arkansas: Master Books, 2011), pp. 53-57.

[4] All Scripture taken from the NKJV and ESV

[5] There is also the Greek term tartaroo, which also refers to hell, but is specifically used in conjunction with fallen angels. Since this term is only used once in the Bible (2 Peter 2:4), it may be more difficult to ascertain its full meaning or range of meanings. Regardless, according to the passages above, hell is a reality. 

[6] Interestingly, it is possible to do functions mathematics with infinites. For example, 1 infinity minus 1 infinity equals zero. So, in an abstract sense, one infinite punishment that mankind deserves minus one infinite satisfaction of that punishment by the Son equals 0. In other words, Christ’s substitutional atonement was sufficient for salvation.

[7] Satan did sin first, but he did not have dominion over the world—Adam and Eve did (Genesis 1:26-28). When they sinned, then their dominion fell. This is why sin affected the world when Adam ate of the tree, not when Satan sinned. However, Satan’s sin, even though it would have been prior to Adam, did require punishment, and hence, hell is his final destination.

[8] Some have also tried to use Psalm 37:10 to defend an annihilationist view, but again the context is in reference to what is occurring on earth and the actions of the wicked on earth. This is not speaking of an eternal state but of affairs on earth. The wicked shall be cut off and be no more on earth—and then they will face eternal judgment.

[9] Consider the rich man and Lazarus of which Jesus spoke (Luke 16:19-31). Upon death, there was a great chasm or gulf that existed between the two, so that the rich man, who was in torment, could not pass through to the other side.

 

Revelation Day 27

But aren’t we still waiting for the promise of Abraham’s descendants to be as the stars, dust of the ground, and sand on the seashore—a future eschatological event?

Day 27

B. Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

 Biblical Authority Ministries, June 28, 2020 (Donate)

Abraham was given a beautiful promise to which he never lived to see fulfilled. In Genesis 13:16, 15:5, and 22:17, he was told that his descendants would be as numerous as the “dust of the earth”, “sand on the seashore”, or as the “stars in heaven” if he could count them. This was reiterated to Jacob, Abraham’s grandson, in Genesis 26:4, 28:14, and 32:12. 

Yet so few realized that this was fulfilled quickly as God gave the increase (Deuteronomy 1:10, 10:22, Joshua 11:4, 1 Samuel 13:5, 1 Kings 4:20, Psalm 139:18, Isaiah 10:22, and Hebrews 11:12).

In Deuteronomy 28:62, it was prophesied through Moses that though they would reach this metaphorical number, they would be reduced to a remnant (Isaiah 48:18-19 with Romans 9:27).

And all of this came true. God is the one responsible for multiplying Abraham’s descendants and this exceeding increase came to Israel. And the Egyptians recognized this and wanted to do something about this population explosion occurring with the Israelites—hence enslaving them and trying to kill their baby boys in an effort to control them!

But the children of Israel were fruitful and increased abundantly, multiplied and grew exceedingly mighty; and the land was filled with them. (Exodus 1:7)

But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were in dread of the children of Israel. (Exodus 1:12)

Therefore God dealt well with the midwives, and the people multiplied and grew very mighty. (Exodus 1:20)

Now is this increase a problem? No. It is not a problem for an all-powerful God to make the promise and keep it. There is no problem for God to make the Israelites as numerous as He promised. It would only be a problem if God hadn’t kept his promise, but that did not occur.  

This would only be a problem if we allege that God had no part and that the increase of Israelites could only be done by human means. That is, by naturalistic means. But this population growth is no problem whatsoever for God as the promise was fulfilled. After the Exodus, the Lord comments (see also Numbers 23:10 and Hosea 1:10): 

The LORD your God has multiplied you, and here you are today, as the stars of heaven in multitude (Deuteronomy 1:10). 

The book of Hebrews relates:

Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude — innumerable as the sand, which is by the seashore. (Hebrews 11:12)

God’s promises to the house of Israel came to pass and were fulfilled (Joshua 21:44-45). Abraham’s spiritual descendants continue to grow as well (Galatians 3:29). As it is, Abraham is to be the heir of the world (Romans 4:13).

Read Deuteronomy 1:10, 10:22, Joshua 11:4, Judges 7:12, 1 Samuel 13:5, 1 Kings 4:20,  Psalm 139:18,  Isaiah 10:22, and Hebrews 11:12.