Symbol of Horses in Revelation – B I B L E – ONLY

Revelation 6:1.2. First Seal With a White Horse

Tony — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 14:58:14 +0000

First seal with a white horse

Rev 6:2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.

The crown is στεφανος (stephanos) in the Greek and was a crown given to military victors coming home from a battle during the roman and Greek era. This stephanos, was given to victors who had full victory over their enemies and not a partial victory. This is emphasized in the words “he went out conquering and to conquer,” which means to defeat and overcome 100%. In addition, the rider is carrying a bow. This was one of the battle weapons used by military soldiers going to war. The soldier would shoot his arrow at the enemy, and if the enemy did not die from his wound, the soldier would go in for the kill with his sword and finish his victim off.

Where do we fit this white horse Rev 6:2 in prophecy?

This white horse with its rider is riding into battle. The battle is the last world war on earth called Armageddon. The rider is Jesus Christ, who is riding to conquer the nations of all unbelievers on the earth. Rev 17:14 These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings. Who are these in the text? They are the wicked nations on the earth who do not believe in God and they are going into war against God´s people who keep the Ten Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus Christ. Rev 12:17 14:12. This war is called Armageddon. Rev 16:12-16. This war occurs just before the Second Coming of Christ when the fate of every individual on this earth has been decided.

Word study on horses in the Bible

Rev 6:2 And I looked and behold a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. (The crown is stephanos στεφανος in the Greek and is a crown of victory given to military victors in war. In addition, the bow is used for battles and war in this context.)

Rev 19:11 Now I saw heaven opened and behold a white horse. And he who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.

Rev 19:12-15. His eyes where like flames of fire. And on His head were many crowns. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called the Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. (This is without a doubt Christ going to war against all nations who do not believe in Him and he is using a battle sword)

Zech 1:8-11 I saw by night and behold a man riding on a red horse, and it stood among the myrtle trees in the hollow; and behind him were horses: red, sorrel, and white. Then I said, “My Lord what are these?” And the man who stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, “These are the ones whom the Lord has sent to walk to and fro throughout the earth.” So they answered the Angel of the Lord, who stood among the myrtle trees, and said, “We have walked to and fro throughout the earth, and behold, all the earth is resting.” (These horses are not riding into battle and they do not appear to have weapons. They have walked to and fro throughout the earth and behold all the earth is resting. These horses appear to be scouting horses and watching out for the Lord, but they are not battle horses even though they have colors of white, red and sorrel. It is interesting to notice that there is an absence of the pale and black horses as written in Rev 6:)

Zech 6:1-8 Then I turned and raised my eyes and looked and behold, four chariots were coming from between the mountains, and the mountains were bronze. With the first chariot were red horses, with the second chariot black horses, with the third chariot white horses, and with the fourth chariot dappled horses-strong steeds. Then I answered and said to the angel who talked with me, “What are these, my lord?” And the angel answered and said to me, “These are four spirits of heaven, who go out from their station before the Lord of all the earth.

The one with the black horses is going to the north country, the white are going after them, and the dappled are going toward the south country. Then the strong steeds went out, eager to go, that they might walk to and fro throughout the earth. And He said, “Go, walk to and fro throughout the earth.” So they walked to and fro throughout the earth. And He called to me, and spoke to me, saying, “See, those who go toward the north country have given rest to My Rest in the north country.”

(The first thing to notice is the chariots with horses do not have riders riding them. The second point to notice is they do not have weapons, and the third point is they are walking and not riding fast. So it is hard to imagine they are battle horses going to war without weapons. Furthermore, these horses with the chariots are spirits walking throughout the earth, analyzing, investigating, watching, and reporting which country is at peace or which country is at war. The north country from Israel was Babylon, and the south country from Israel was Egypt. In addition, pale horses are not mentioned as in Rev 6:).

2 Kings 6:15.16. The context of these verses is that Elisha and his servant were taking refuge in the city of Dothan because the Syrian army were after them. Why? Because Elisha was receiving revelations from God as to the whereabouts of the Syrian army and giving the information to the Israelite king. The Syrian king wanted Elisha captured and so sent his army after Elisha.

Verses 15.16. And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him. “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

The army of the Syrians had horses and chariots. So these are horses ready for battle. The horses and chariots from God up in the mountain were also battle horses because they were chariots of fire ready for battle.

Deut 17:16 (God´s command to Israelite kings) But he shall no multiply horses for himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, for the Lord has said to you, “You shall not return that way again.” Why? Deut 17:20 That his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right or to the left.

These horses, which a king should not purchase from Egypt, were battle horses because king Solomon disregarded this commandment and bought these horses from Egypt. 1 kings 10:26.28. And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen; he had one thousand four hundred chariots and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem.

Deut 20:1 When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you – – -. (Battle horses).

Ps 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some trust in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God. (Battle horses).

Jerm 8:6 as the horse rushes into battle.

Joel 2:1.4. (Day of the Lord) People coming to Jerusalem like horses and chariots. Verse 5 like a strong people (Babylon) set in battle array. (Battle horses).

Zach 9:10 I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem; the battle bow shall be cut off. He shall speak peace to the nations. (Battle horse).

Rev 6:2 (White horse) He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him and he went out conquering to conquer. (Battle horse and a rider with a crown of victory as used in the military).

Rev 6:4 (Fiery red horse) And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another, and there was given to him a great sword. (Battle horse).

Rev 6:5.6. (Black horse) He who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “— do not harm the oil and the wine.” (Battle horse).

Rev 6:8 (Pale horse) And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth. (Battle horse).

Rev 9:7 The shape of the locusts were like horses prepared for battle.

Rev 9:17.18. I saw the horses in vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red – – – and out of their mouths came fire, smoke and brimstone. By these plagues a third of mankind was killed. (Battle horses).

Rev 19:11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithfull and True and in righteousness He judges and makes war. (This white horse is a battle horse).

Rev 19:14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed him on white horses. (White horses are battle horses).

Rev 19:19 And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. This white horse is a battle horse).

Rev 19:21 And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of him who sat on the horse. (Battle horse).

Conclusion

Horses in the Bible are used and related to war, battle, army, to conquer, to kill, death and hades, hunger, plagues, judgment, military and a new king should not multiply horses but trust in God. In addition, horses without riders and weapons, were used by God to search the earth and see what the nations were planning. Fx. Zach 1: 6:

Word study on the word “bow.”

In the Greek the word bow is τοξον and in the Hebrew qesheth.

Gen 27:3 Please take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me.

Gen 49:24 But his bow remained in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong.

Jos 24:12 I sent the hornet before you which drove them out from before you, also the two kings of the Amorites, but not with your sword or with your bow.

1 Sam 2:4 The bows of the mighty men are broken.

1 Sam 18:4 Jonathan took off the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, even to his sword and his bow and his belt.

2 Kings 9:24 Jehu drew his bow with full strength and shot Jehoram between his arms; and the arrow came out at his heart, and he sank down in his chariot.

Psalm 7:12 (God is angry with the wicked) He will sharpen His sword; He bends His bow and makes it ready.

1 Chron 5:18 To shoot with bow and skillful in war.

Is 21:15 For they fled from the swords, from the drawn sword, from the bent bow, and from the distress of war.

Jerm 9:3 And like their bow they have bent their tongues for lies – – -.

Jerm 49:35 Behold I will break the bow of Elam, the foremost of their might.

Ezek 39:9 Then those who dwell in the cities of Israel will go out and set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and bucklers, the bow and arrows, the javelins and spears – – -.

Hos 1:4.5. I will bring an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel. I will break the bow of Israel in the Valley of Jezreel.

Hos 1:7 Yet I will have mercy on the house of Judah, will save them by the Lord their God. And will not save them by bow, nor by sword or battle, by horses or horsemen.

Hos 2:18 Bow and sword of battle I will shatter the earth.

Hos 7:16 they are like a deceitful bow.

Zech 10:3.4. For the Lord of hosts will visit His flock, the house of Judah, and will make them as His royal horse in battle. From Him comes the cornerstone, from Him the tent peg, from Him the battle bow, from Him every ruler together. (This is a Messianic text from Zechariah. It is referring to Christ the Messiah who is the cornerstone. He is the one who will go into battle and fight our enemies verse 5).

Conclusion

The word bow is related to the following: weapons, strength, skillful in war, battle bow, and hunting game. (Nowhere in the Bible is the bow related to spreading of the gospel).

The white horse is a battle horse because he has a weapon: a bow. The only other white battle horse found in the New Testament is in Rev 19:11-15. Now I saw heaven opened and behold a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like flames of fire. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood. And the armies in heaven – – – followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it to strike the nations.

These two white horses in Rev 6:2 and Rev 19:11-15 have the same rider.

Who is the rider on this white horse?

It is without a doubt Jesus Christ. Rev 3:14 He is the Faithful and True Witness. Rev 2:18 These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire. Rev 2:12 These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword. Rev 19:16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. When Christ uses this name it means He is going to war to defend his people on this earth.

Where do we fit this white horse in Rev 6:2 in prophecy?

This white horse with its rider is riding into battle. The battle is the last world war on earth called of Armageddon. The rider is Jesus Christ, who is riding to conquer the nations of all unbelievers on the earth. Rev 17:14 These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings. Who are these in the text? They are the nations on the earth who do not believe in God and they are going into war against God´s people who keep the Ten Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus Christ. Rev 12:17 14:12. This war is called Armageddon. Rev 16:12-16. This war occurs at the Second Coming of Christ when the fate of every individual on this earth has been decided.

This war of Armageddon is between the beast, the false prophet, the seven false churches of the earth and all the nations of the world, against Gods people who keep the commandments God and the faith of Jesus Christ. Who wins this last great war on earth? It is God´s people because they are led by the Lamb: Jesus Christ.

Ellen G. White Comments related to the word conquer

“He knew that truth armed with the omnipotence of the Holy Spirit would conquer in the battle with evil – – -.” ((1))

“In vision, I saw two armies in terrible conflict. One army was led by banners bearing the world´s insignia; the other was led by the blood stained banner of Prince Emmanuel – – – a mighty general cried out with a loud voice, “Come into line. Let those who are loyal to the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ now take their position. The battle raged – – -. The Captain of salvation – – -. He taught them terrible things in righteousness as He led them on step by step, conquering and to conquer.! ((2)) (Describes events before the Second Coming of Christ).

“Clad in the armor of Christ´s righteousness, the church is to enter upon her final conflict – – – she is to go forth into all the world, conquering and to conquer.” ((3))

“In the power of him, who rides fourth conquering and to conquer, weak finite man may gain the victory.” ((4)) (The context of this passage is: He shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other at the Second Coming of Christ).

“Christ is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the one who is soon to ride forth conquering and to conquer. John describes the impression made upon him by the vision of his Lord.! ((5)) (Christ is the Lamb slain is taken from Rev 5:6. The Lion of the tribe of Judah is taken from Rev 5:5. The one who is soon to ride forth conquering and to conquer is taken from Rev 6:2. This is the only text in the Bible where it mentions “conquering to conquer.” Christ is the Lamb. Christ is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Christ is the one who rides the white horse conquering and to conquer. This manuscript was written in 1902, so the rider of the white horse cannot ride before this date, only after this date).

Therefore, the white horse in Rev 6:2 fits in perfectly with the white horse at the Second Coming of Christ in Rev 19:11, at the last world war Armageddon.

Ellen G. White, Acts of the Apostles (Mountain View, California: Pacific Press Pub., Assoc., 1911), 20. 21.
White, Christian Experience and Teachings (www.whiteestate.org), 228.
White, Prophets and Kings (Mountain View, California; Pacific Press Pub., Assoc., 1943), 725.
White, Sons and Daughters of God (www.whiteestate.org),358.
White, Manuscript 136. 1902.

Revelation 6:7.8. Fourth Seal With A Pale Horse

Tony — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 15:05:30 +0000

Fourth Seal with a Pale Horse

Rev 6:7.8. So I looked, and behold a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death and Hades followed him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth.

Who is the rider on this horse?

Rev 1:18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold I am alive forevermore, Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and Death.

The text is referring to Jesus Christ who is the Son of Man in Rev 1:13. In fact Rev 1:9-18 is referring to Christ speaking to John the disciple in vision. Christ has the keys of Hades and Death and is therefore the only one with authority to ride this pale horse.

Where shall we put the pale horse? In which time in the future?

It is interesting to note that Ellen G. White wrote in 1898 that this would be a period of time in the future. “Rev 6:8-11. Here were the scenes presented to John that were not in reality, but that which would be in a period of time in the future. (Letter 65-1898. 22)”.

Death and Hades refers to the time when Christ will send fire down from heaven, Rev 20:9 and destroy all unbelievers with the second death, totally, in the lake of fire. Rev 20:14. I refer to the second death. If anyone wants to know what happens when we die with the first death; open up the title on my website: What happens when we die? This is referring to the first death.

There is a teaching from the Roman Catholic Church and the Pentecostal Church, that suggests people who do not believe in God, or believe in God but have not made retribution for their sins, will burn in Hell eternally. We shall look at this teaching and see if it is related to Hades and Death, or even found in the whole of the Bible.

What does “hell” mean in the Bible?

There are four texts, which are used to support this teaching, that unbelievers will burn in Hell eternally.

Luke 16:19-31 This is a parable of the rich man.[1]

What is the definition of a parable? The Oxford Dictionary states that a parable is a “fictitious narrative used to point a moral or illustrate some spiritual relation or condition.” Furthermore, a parable cannot determine a doctrine from the Bible. You have to have more than six to ten texts to determine a doctrine like the Second Coming of Christ from the Bible etc.

There was a rich man and a poor man named Lazarus. The poor man was fed by the crumbs, which fell from the rich man´s table. Then came the time when both men died. The poor man was carried away to Abraham’s bosom, and the rich man was taken to a place called Hades where he was tormented with fire. The rich man complained of his situation and Abraham said to him that their lives were now reversed. The rich man asked if someone could be sent to his brothers to warn them of a place called Hades. Abraham said “If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded through one raised from the dead. Luke 19:31.

This parable of the rich man Lazarus was used by Jesus to teach the Pharisees that being rich is not a token of Gods favor or guarantees a good place in heaven. Jesus further explains in Luke 16:1-13 that the Pharisees who represent the unjust steward, the lovers of money; that money does not guarantee a place in heaven. Luke 16:13 You cannot serve God and Mammon. In addition, there is not one text in the Bible that states that Abraham, when he died, he went to heaven. So this text is a parable.

Rev 14:9-11

If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand – – -. 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 (αιωνας and αιωνων, aionas and aionon in the Greek language); and they have no rest day or night, and whoever receives the mark of his name. (The words forever and ever will be explained in the following word study).

Rev 20:9.10. (Refers to unbelievers after the 1,000 years millennium)

They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night, forever and ever (αιωνας and αιωνων, aionas and aionon in the Greek language). (The words forever and ever will be explained in the following word study).

2 Thess 1:7-9

When the Lord is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting (αιωνιον, aionion in the Greek language) destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power. (The word everlasting will be explained in the following word study).

Words from the Bible like everlasting, eternal, and forever and ever, have three different meanings.

The first meaning: Joh 3:16. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting (αιωνιον, aionion in the Greek language) life.

This everlasting life has a start but no ending. We can believe in Jesus Christ now, today and then we have eternal life which has no ending which is called infinity. Start → No ending.

The second meaning: Jude 7. As Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal (αιωνιου, aioniou in the Greek language) fire.

This eternal fire, which fell over Sodom and Gomorrah, had a start and an ending. Archaeologists say they have found the ashes of these cities Sodom and Gomorrah. This would mean that these cities were on fire for about 14 days and then they were burnt to ashes. In Malachi 4:1.3. it says for behold the day is coming, burning like an oven, and all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up. – – – You shall trample the wicked, for they shall be ashes under your feet. The word eternal in this context means it has a start and a short period of fire, reduced to ashes, and resulting in a finish. Eternal fire means total destruction in this text.

Start → Short period of time ←Ending.

The third meaning: Psalm 90:2. Even from everlasting to everlasting (αιωνος, αιωνος, aionos in the LXX Greek Bible) You are God.

The words everlasting to everlasting has no beginning and no ending and means God is from infinity to infinity. ← No start/No ending →

When we look at the words everlasting or eternal in reference to fire, smoke, punishment and destruction from God, it refers to a short period of time only, and not many years. The words mean total destruction.

We shall now do a selected short word study in the Bible on fire from God.

Gen 19:24 Then the Lord rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the Lord out of the heavens. (This fire is not burning now. It lasted for about 14 days. The ashes of these cities have been found upon these plains. This fire means total destruction).

Luk 17:29 but on that day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all.

Lev 9:24 Fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. (This fire consumed the burnt offering in a short time).

Lev 10:1.2. Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. So fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord. (When fire came from the Lord, these two brothers died instantly).

Num 11:1.2. Now when the people complained, it displeased the Lord; for the Lord heard it, and His anger was aroused. So the fire of the Lord burned among them, and consumed some in the outskirts of the camp. Then the people cried out to Moses, and when Moses prayed to the Lord, the fire quenched. (This fire from the Lord was a short period of time).

Num 16:35 And a fire came out from the Lord and consumed the two hundred and fifty men who were offering incense. (These men Dathan and Abiram were the head of priestly families in Israel. They and others rebelled against Moses and God. This fire from God lasted only a few seconds and consumed the men).

1 Kgs 18:38 Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. (This is Elijah the prophet on Mount Carmel. He built an altar, put a sacrifice on it, poured water on it, and the Lord consumed the sacrifice, the stone altar and water in a few seconds).

2 Kgs 1:10 (The king of Samaria sent fifty soldiers to take Elijah captive). So Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty, “If I am a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men.” And fire came down from heaven and consumed him and his fifty men. (This fire lasted only a few seconds to consume the fifty men).

2 Chron 7:1 When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. (This fire consumed the offering within a few seconds).

Ps 11:6 Upon the wicked He will rain coals; fire and brimstone and burning wind. (This fire will be a short period of time like that in Sodom and Gomorrah).

Math 3:12 His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. (Unquenchable fire means that the fire does not stop burning until all is consumed and destroyed, which would be a short time for God).

Math 13:49.50. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. (This is referring to the final consummation of the wicked, when fire comes down from God. Rev 20:9. This refers to a short period of time).

Math 18:8 It is better for you to enter into life lame and maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into everlasting fire. This fire would refer to a short period of time).

Math 25:41 He will say to those on the left hand, “Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” (This fire is the same fire poured out from God in Rev 20:9 and will be for a short period of time).

2 Thess 1:7.8. When the Lord is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. (This is the fire from God in Rev 20:9 and is a short period of time).

2 Pet 3:7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for the fire until the day of the judgment and perdition of ungodly men. (This is the fire from God in Rev 20:9 and is a short period of time).

Rev 19:20 Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshipped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. (This is the fire from God in Rev 20:9 and is a short period of time).

Rev 20:9 And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. (This fire devoured all unbelievers after the 1,000 years of judgment. This is the fire from God in Rev 20:9 and is a short period of time).

Rev 20:10 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire. (This is the fire from God in Rev 20:9 and is a short period of time).

Rev 20:14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (This is the fire from God in Rev 20:9 and is a short period of time. It means that death is totally extinct, and does not exist anymore. It is destroyed completely in the this fire).

Rev 20:15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. (This is the fire from God in Rev 20:9 and is a short period of time).

Conclusion

Nowhere in the Bible is fire from God related to a place called Hell which burns people for a long period of time.

The fire from God is related to: total destruction, consummation, devoured, unquenchable furnace, everlasting, flaming fire, judgment, the beast, the false prophet, those who worshipped his (the beasts) image, lake of fire, the devil, Death and Hades, anyone not found written in the Book of Life).

Explanation of the word Hell in the Bible

The word “Hell” is written 52 times in the Old and New Testament Bible. 31 times it is referred to the Hebrew word “Sheol”. 10 times it is referred to the Greek word “Hades”. 11 times it is referred to the Greek word “Gehenna”. One time it is referred to the Greek word “Tartarus”.

Not one of these words refer to a burning fire for a long period of time, a place were people are persecuted for their sins in purgatory.

Examples of the Hebrew and Greek words used in the Bible:

Deut 32:22 For fire is kindled in My anger, and shall burn to the lowest hell (Sheol); it shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains. (This hell is “Sheol” in the Hebrew and refers to the end of time Rev 20:9 when God shall consume the whole of the earth with fire).

Math 11:23 And you Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hell (Hades), for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. (This is referring to the day of judgment, verse 24 at the end of time Rev 20:9 when fire will consume the whole of the earth).

Mk 9:47 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 have two eyes, to be cast into hell (Gehenna) fire. (This fire is referring to the end of time Rev 20:9, but also has a parallel with the fire burning in the valley of Hinnom).

“Gehenna is the Grecized form of Gi Hinnom, Valley of Hinnom, a gorge near Jerusalem repeatedly mentioned in the Old Testament (Jos 15;8. 2 Kgs 23:10, 2 Chron 33:6, Jerm 7:31). Here the barbaric heathen rite of burning children to Molech was conducted. (2 Chron 28:3, 33:1-6.). Jeremiah predicted that because of this sin, the Lord would make the valley of the sin of Hinnom a ´Valley of slaughter´ where the corpses of the Israelites would be buried until there was no more place for them, and the remaining dead bodies would be food for the fowls of heaven. (Jerm 7:32.33). This doubtless led to the valley being regarded as a place of judgment of the wicked. Later, rabbinical tradition claims that the Valley of Hinnom was also a place outside the city for burning carcasses and rubbish.

These references to a final punishment of sinners by fire of Hell are further clarified in such texts as Mat 3:12, where sinners are likened to chaff that is burned with unquenchable fire. (Mk 9:43-48. Luk 3:9).”[2]

2 Pet 2:4 For God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell (Tartarus) and delivered them into chains of darkness to be reserved for judgment. (One third of the angels of heaven sinned against God in heaven. Rev 12:4 Stars in prophecy represent angels. The dragon represents Satan Rev 12:9. These were cast down to earth and await the Day of Judgment for 1,000 years Rev 20:1-3. Then they will be cast into the lake of fire and be consumed Rev 20:9.10.)

Conclusion

Not one of these references to Hell refer to a burning fire for a long period of time, a place were people are persecuted for their sins.

[1] George Arthur Butterick, Ed., The Interpreter´s Dictionary Of The Bible: (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1982), Dead, 788.

[2] Seigfreid H. Horn, Seventh-Day Adventist Bible Dictionary (Washington D. C.: Review & Herald, 1979), 474. 475.