The Watchtower Bible Tract Society, commonly known as Jehovah’s Witnesses does not only teach that men can be saved after death but also actively warns people by their tracts about the dangers of the doctrine of hell fire (not the danger of going to hell). Satan is the author behind the denial of the existence of hell as a place of everlasting torment for the unsaved. He whispers to all men that it is not true and offers false hope.
The cult has four reasons why hell as a literal place of punishment cannot be true: (1) It is unscriptural; (2) it is unreasonable; (3) it is contrary to God’s love; and (4) it is repugnant to justice (McDowell and Stewart 1982, p. 74). They are teaching soul-sleep (unconsciousness after death) and the annihilation of the wicked -- eternal extinction after judgment (Wilson and Tetley 1992, p.93) . Human reason may support these demonic teachings but the Bible teaches the opposite.
It is absolutely scriptural: (1) Matt. 25:46 speaks of “everlasting punishment” against “life eternal”; (2) Matt. 25:41 “everlasting fire” for eternal anguish; (3) Matt. 25:30 “weeping and gnashing of teeth “ pictures the torment only conscious souls shall be tormented even immediately after death (Heb. 9:27; Luke 16:19-31 as a reference to the present hell); (4) Rev. 20:14-15; “cast into the lake of fire.” This is the future final destination or place of the unsaved. The present hell shall be cast into this future lake of fire. “ Death” here does not mean annihilation but the separation from the true eternal life which is God. The purpose of fire is not for extinction of existence but for eternal torment (Rev. 20:10).; (5) II Thes. 1:9 “punished with everlasting destruction.” Destruction here does not also mean annihilation; rather it describes the impact and extent of punishment that is eternal. And this is “righteous judgment” (II Thes. 1:5-6) of the God of justice to those who do not believe the gospel (II Thes. 1:8).
Hence, it is not contrary to God’s love and justice. In His great love, Christ suffered and died for the sins of the whole world. He offers free salvation to all men. If men reject it, then they have to suffer the penalty of sin. What kind of punishment only God can rightly judge because He knows how terrible sin really is. His holiness and eternality we cannot fully comprehend. His perfect holiness demands perfect justice and He has already revealed it clearly in the Scriptures. Wisdom teaches us to accept it and act according to the divine decree before it is too late.
References:
McDowell, Josh and Stewart, Don. (1982). Handbook of Today's Religions: Understanding the Cults. San Bernardino, CA:
Wison, Alex and Tetley, Christine. (1992). Witnessing to the Cults. Makati: Church Strengthening Ministry.
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