In my previous post, I summarized the two main Christian views of hell. Now, I want to explain where I personally land—and why. My goal isn’t to win an argument, but to think faithfully about what Scripture teaches and what it reveals about the victory of Christ.
In recent years, I’ve come to hold to annihilationism. This isn’t because I’m trying to soften hard truths. It’s because, as I’ve studied Scripture, I believe it aligns best with the whole story of redemption—from Genesis to Revelation.
Hell and the Intermediate State
Part of what makes this discussion complex is the theological concept of the intermediate state—the condition of souls between death and the resurrection of the dead upon Jesus’ return. As Beth Felker Jones writes,
“Most of the Christian tradition reads the biblical texts as pointing to a conscious intermediate state, a life for the soul in the time between an individual’s death and the day of resurrection.”
(Practicing Christian Doctrine, p. 234)
I believe hell exists in this sense now—as a state of conscious separation from God and His glorious presence. It is a state of torment, where the wicked face the reality of their godless existence and their coming destruction.
But when Christ returns and brings final judgment, I believe He will eradicate all evil from existence.
Two passages in Revelation have shaped my view.
- Revelation 14:11 speaks of the wicked being tormented “day and night forever and ever.” However, because Revelation is apocalyptic literature, rich with symbolism, we must be cautious about reading this imagery literally.
- Revelation 21, on the other hand, paints a picture of complete renewal: “Behold, I am making all things new.” The end of God’s mission is not to sustain two parallel realities—one of eternal bliss and another of eternal rebellion—but to redeem and restore all things.
Evil will not exist forever. God will not rearrange wickedness into another dimension; when Jesus returns he will bring it to an end.
The Restoration of All Things
The ultimate goal of God’s mission is not perpetual dualism—heaven above and hell below—but the unblemished renewal of all creation. In Christ, all things are reconciled (Col. 1:19–20). The annihilation of evil and sin affirms that Christ’s victory is total. When God’s judgment is complete, there will be no corner of creation that still resists His rule.
This, to me, magnifies the gospel. The good news is not only that believers will live forever, but that all who oppose him will be no more.
Holding This View Humbly
While I hold annihilationism with conviction, I do so humbly. These are deep waters, and Scripture’s imagery of final judgment should always lead us to worship, not arrogance.
Regardless of one’s view, we must all affirm that God’s judgment is an act of His goodness and righteousness. We must also let the reality of hell—whatever its exact form—motivate us to proclaim the gospel boldly and compassionately.
As Peter reminds us:
“The Lord is patient toward us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
(2 Peter 3:9)
Conclusion
The end of the Biblical story is one of full and final restoration. Christ’s victory means that one day, evil will be no more, every tear will be wiped away, and God will be all in all (1 Cor. 15:28).
Maybe that’s what I’ll tell my daughter the next time she asks: Yes, hell is real—but so is the victory of Jesus, who came to make all things new.
Ministry That Matters 