Table of Contents
Hell at the End of World
Neither Satan nor sinners reside in hell today because the Scriptures teach that hell will take place at the end of world. The Bible says that God reserves, or holds back, the wicked until the day of judgment to be punished (2 Peter 2:9). “For the wicked are reserved for the day of doom; they shall be brought out on the day of wrath” (Job 21:30). Both the wicked and the righteous that have died are in their graves “sleeping” awaiting the Resurrection (John 11:11-13). https://bibleask.org/bible-answers/112-the-intermediate-state/
Jesus stressed the fact that people will be rewarded or punished at the end of time as seen in the following passages:
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work” (Revelation 22:12).
“The hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:28, 29).
“So it will be at the end of this age. The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire” (Matthew 13:40–42).
Where Does Satan Reside?
Paul wrote that Satan is the “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2) and the “prince of this world” (John 14:30). And he added, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12).
The air and the high places mean the atmospheric heavens. These expressions may stress the fact that the demonic angels are invisible and inhabit the air around us. Satan is working among men to destroy and devour them. Therefore, we need to “be alert and of sober mind” for our “enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
Satan Cast in Hellfire
Satan and sinners will be punished by fire after the great Judgment. The good Lord would not punish anyone until his case has been examined and decided in the heavenly court. “The word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). At that time, Satan will be found guilty and destroyed for ever (Revelation 20:10).
He, his angels and his followers will turn him into ashes. “I turned you to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all who saw you. … You … shall be no more forever” (Ezekiel 28:18, 19). The annihilation of Satan will remove every trace of sin and purify the earth for the future abode of the righteous (Revelation 20:14, 15; 21:1).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
