What I share today is heartbreaking and disappointing. I do not share this with any sense of being judgmental. I just believe that the warning is necessary because of the popularity of this person. And I share this because I want us to be sure that we understand what the Bible says on the topic and that we build our theology from there. Please — read and receive this in the spirit intended.
Actor and podcaster Kirk Cameron stirred up a theological hornet’s nest after he revealed he no longer believes in a Hell that includes “eternal conscious torment.”
Cameron, 55, shared his changing views during a Dec. 3 episode of the Kirk Cameron Show in which he and his son, James, explored biblical references to Sheol, Hades and Gehenna to “examine whether God’s justice is compatible with endless suffering.”
Acknowledging the doctrine of Hell is an “uncomfortable subject,” Kirk said the topic is a popular point of contention for atheists who characterize it as the “eternal barbecue for sinners.”
“Jesus died so that we could have eternal life. But do the wicked have eternal life in Hell? And if they do, why does the Old Testament describe the fate of the wicked in the opposite terms?” he asked, pointing to references using words like “destroy,” “perish” and “death” when describing the fate of the wicked.
“The soul that sins, it shall die,” he said, quoting from the prophet Ezekiel. “It will perish. It will be destroyed, which is like the ending of life, not the ongoing life forever in punishment…”
Best known by the Christian community for his roles in films like the “Left Behind” series and “Fireproof,” Cameron’s previous work with evangelist Ray Comfort and the Way of the Master ministry made the traditionalist doctrine of Hell a cornerstone of their evangelistic efforts.
In response to Cameron’s thoughts on annihilationism, Comfort said that while Kirk is no longer affiliated with his ministry, Living Waters, which doesn’t hold to Kirk’s position, he believes his former ministry partner is “sincere” in his belief.
“While we believe Kirk is sincere, we believe that conditional mortality and annihilationism are erroneous views, and that the Bible’s clear teaching on Hell is known as ‘eternal, conscious torment,” Comfort told The Christian Post on Tuesday. “We firmly believe this is the only correct biblical view.”1
Revelation 14:11 seems pretty clear to me. “And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.” Revelation 20:10-15 gives these horrifying words. “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (11) And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. (12) And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. (13) And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. (14) And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (15) And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
Matthew 25:46 is another verse that seems very clear on the subject. “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”
Travis Allen, Director of Internet Ministry at Grace For You says that “Matthew 25:46 clearly teaches that the duration of punishment and life are alike, both eternal. John MacArthur has said,
“Punishment in hell is defined by the word aionios, which is the word eternal or everlasting. There are people who would like to redefine that word aionios and say, “Well, it doesn’t really mean forever.” But if you do that with hell, you’ve just done it with heaven, because the same word is used to describe both. If there is not an everlasting hell, then there is not an everlasting heaven. And I’ll go one beyond that. The same word is used to describe God. And so if there is not an everlasting hell, then there is not an everlasting heaven, nor is there an everlasting God. It is clear that God is eternal; and, therefore, that heaven is eternal, and so is hell. (John MacArthur, “A Testimony of One Surprised to Be in Hell, Part 2”)”2
I don’t know what got Cameron turned sideways on this issue but let me beg of us to do three things. First, we need to be praying for him. Cameron has been extremely influential for the cause of Christ for many years. His movies, books, and speaking engagements have honored the Lord by taking a strong stand for Biblical morals and values. And he has never been shy about sharing the Gospel. His change of views on hell, though, has the significant potential of adversely affecting hundreds of thousands, causing them to stray from the Scripture. So, pray!
Second, we need to pray for the person who is going to confront Cameron and attempt to practice James 5:19-20. “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; (20) Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” Somebody is going to try to straighten him out on this matter and we need to ask the Lord to give them wisdom, graciousness, and love for Cameron.
Third, let’s sharpen our swords and get ready for those who agree with Cameron. Know WHAT you believe and WHY!
Annihilationism isn’t a new teaching. However, Cameron’s celebrity status will make this issue surface. Let’s know what our Bibles teach and stick to the truth of God’s Word. Prepare your answer Biblically when someone says that Hell isn’t eternal.
I am excited to see what the Lord is going to do and I’m anxious for Cameron to be “converted from the error of his way.” When this happens, he will be one of the most powerful voices on this subject.
Always remember, beloved, we don’t get our theology from PEOPLE or PERSONALITIES. We get it from the Bible. Therefore, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
1https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/kirk-cameron-changes-stance-on-doctrine-of-hell-says-he-no-longer-believes-in-eternal-conscious-torment/ar-AA1S6i69?ocid=msedgntp&pc=LCTS&cvid=693ad6874d424acbb67002383f9d4289&ei=51
2https://www.gty.org/blogs/B110506/is-hell-really-endless
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