Clay,<br><br>In case you missed my reply where I also wrote that I believe that the language used to describe Hell and its torments were to be taken "figuratively" (as opposed to literally and/or "spiritually"). Thus, I would be in 100% agreement with Berkhof's remarks and the quote from Calvin. My point, which I evidently failed to convey clearly, was that the modern idea that hell is nothing more than "separation" (alienation), i.e., God's presence is lacking contradicts both the Omnipresence of God and the clear statements of Scripture, of which I only quoted by a few, which describe hell as a place of torment, pain, suffering, agony, etc. I also believe that although those in hell will be unrestrained and thus vent their total capacity for wickedness, there is a positive punishment exacted upon them by God Himself for their rebellion and transgression against Him. In short, much of the torment experienced in hell will be due to the punishment exacted upon the inhabitants by God in addition to that which they will naturally experience from each other's wickedness. One thing is for sure.... it is beyond my comprehension and it makes me shudder even at the thought of it.<br><br>On the other hand, I cannot comprehend the glory which awaits those who belong to Christ. The descriptions in Scripture are even more incredible than those which describe hell. There is so much which has not been revealed and no doubt for a good reason.<br><br>Maranatha! Lord come quickly!! Amen<br><br>In His Grace,<br>

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simul iustus et peccator

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