Episode 73: Climate Change and the Question of Hell’s Heat: A Biblical Worldview

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Climate Change and the Question of Hell’s Heat: A Biblical Worldview

Introduction: The World is Heating Up—But What About Eternity?

https://www.secondcoming.org/is-hell-getting-hotter-climate-change-and-the-divine-perspective/

When you hear the term climate change, your mind probably jumps to melting glaciers, rising sea levels, or scorching summers. Scientists warn us daily that the earth is heating up at an alarming rate. But as Christians, we can’t help but ask deeper questions: what does climate change mean in light of eternity? Could it even relate to the biblical teaching of hell being a place of fire and torment?

From a biblical worldview, this question opens a door to reflect not only on the environment but also on eternal realities, faith, hope, and the second coming of Jesus Christ. It helps us remember that while the world may grow hotter physically, what matters most is our spiritual destiny. In this article, we’ll explore the background of climate change, biblical perspectives on hell and eternal life, and how God’s grace provides hope no matter how dire the circumstances on earth may seem.

Background: Climate Change in Today’s World

Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it’s happening right now. Heat waves break records, hurricanes intensify, and wildfires rage across continents. According to the latest reports, global temperatures continue to rise due to greenhouse gas emissions. Humanity is feeling the consequences of how we treat creation.

Yet, for Christians, climate change isn’t merely a scientific or political issue—it’s also spiritual. Scripture tells us that “the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1). The way we treat God’s creation reflects our stewardship and faithfulness. This leads us to an important thought: if the earth itself can burn under climate pressures, what about the eternal burning of hell?

Understanding Hell from a Biblical Perspective

Many people imagine hell as a place where souls are endlessly tormented in flames. But when we turn to the Bible, we find a more nuanced picture:

• Hell as Destruction, Not Eternal Torment: Jesus often described hell (Gehenna) as the final destruction of the wicked (Matthew 10:28). Instead of endless conscious torture, Scripture paints it as the complete and final end of sin and rebellion.
• Fire as Symbol and Reality: Fire represents God’s judgment, but also His purifying presence. Just as climate change brings destructive fires to the earth, hell represents the consuming fire of God’s justice.
• Sleep at Death: The Bible consistently teaches that when people die, they sleep until the resurrection (Ecclesiastes 9:5, John 11:11–14). No one is burning in hell right now; judgment comes at the second coming of Jesus Christ, not immediately at death.
• The Resurrection and Eternal Life: At the parousia—the second coming of Christ—the righteous will be raised to eternal life, while the wicked face destruction in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14–15).

Climate Change and the Imagery of Hell

Now let’s connect the dots. While hell is not a place currently burning beneath our feet, climate cha

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