The Road to Hell: Everlasting Torment or Annihilation?

In "The Road to Hell," author David Pawson has written a compelling book about an unfashionable subject. He points out that while the concept of Hell used to be a frequent sermon subject in bygone eras, it is hardly mentioned in churches today. The very word "Hell" is used more as a swear word than to scare people into repentance. Yet Jesus talked about Hell, and so Pawson says people should pay careful attention to the topic.The theological questions around the concept of Hell are numerous. What and where is Hell? Does it mean burning in an eternal fire, or simply separation from God? Or does death perhaps bring oblivion or sleep?Pawson gives a good summary of the many shades of opinion. The good news, he says, is that only two qualifications are needed to avoid Hell and enjoy Heaven: forgiveness and holiness. However, he warns readers, "Salvation may be free, but it is not cheap." It requires believers to "take up the cross daily and follow [Jesus].""The Road to Hell" is packed with so much information that it's hard to do justice to it in a review. Readers who are interested in the subject may want to order the book in order to see the author's scriptural assessment of a place most of us would rather avoid if we could. Pawson has much to say about how not to end up in Hell. He also gives us an appealing description of Heaven.This book is available on Kindle.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who isn't afraid of the truth. Jesus and true repentance is the way - David Pawson makes no apologies for the Bible, nor does he water anything down like many teachers do. Get ready to be convicted!

David Pawson has done it again. I've read some of his other books and this one is important for a believer to read.

Author has good explanation and references

Great read on God's truth.

great

This book was for my brother in law I love the writer so I hope Raul like it too. ThanksLaura Hebb

David Pawson's book is divided into two main sections. The first seven chapters cover a review of some historical traditions of hell, arguments and emotional aversions to hell, an exploration of hell in the Bible, the opportunity to avoid hell, and a look into hell's counterpart, heaven. The second section is a homiletic exploration of various passages that make references to hell. The author attempts to balance passages of biblical writers reflective of the proportion of hell material in their writings. He includes exploration of passages from Matthew, Luke, Paul, John, and Jude.The Road to Hell is by the author's intent directed primarily to believers. His writing is prompted by two reasons. He repeated throughout the book his understanding that Jesus and the biblical writers were primarily addressing believers when the topic of hell was presented. David Pawson does concede Jesus' occasional aim at religious hypocrites (Pharisees), but stresses it was the disciples and even more specifically the twelve who received Christ's warnings. Mr. Pawson also cites concern that believers have become overly concerned with temporal needs at the neglect of the eternal.As both the title and David Pawson's reasons for writing suggest, his book seeks to counter believers' conceptions of annihilation and to some degree universalism. His attention to detail and careful exploration of Scripture is evident. One example is the comparative usage of 'all' used in Philippians 2:10; Ephesians 1:9 and 10 and Colossians 1:20. Universalism, the author points out may use the same passages to argue for ultimate inclusion, yet the text itself offers key omissions that help him conclude support for the eternal torment of hell. Pawson highlights the phrase 'under the earth' included in the previous verses in acknowledgment of Christ's authority. He likens this to criminals, in prison, but still under the authority of their sovereign. Then the latter verses speaking of reconciliation notably omit the 'under the earth' phrase. Pawson concludes that the context clarifies a difference that provides for a separated eternal existence without limitation to the glory and authority of God.David Pawson's book includes a number of quotes in the pages preceding the table of contents. One from William Booth at the end of his life is rather striking:The Principal danger of the 20th century will be:a religion without the Holy Spirit,Christians without Christ,forgiveness without repentance,salvation without regeneration,politics without God anda heaven without hell.This quote seems to accurately encapsulate the feelings of the author. It is clear that he has witnessed hell eroded with the many other biblical footings of the Christian faith. I greatly appreciated his careful handling and high view of scripture. He approaches scripture not purely as an academic exercise, but as one willing to experience an encounter with the living God and be changed. His encouragement to the readers was both heartfelt and genuine.I found helpful Pawson's discussion of the Greek word aionion (often translated 'everlasting' from the noun aion where we get our word 'aeon' referring to a period of time, an 'age' or 'era'). This word does create interesting challenges. Believers gladly translate this as everlasting when referring to eternal life in Christ, but when approaching punishment it fractures into distinctions between effect and experience for some. Again, the author displays his integrity, presenting the challenges by the annihilation position, and then argues well for the case of endless torment. He argues from several vantages, but most interesting to me was the argument "Fear of hell far outweighs the fear of death" (p. 69) from Matthew 10:28. I agree with the author that Christ's warning loses much of its impact if annihilation was the final end of unregenerate sinners.His fair handling of scripture in the entire second portion of the text is good. However, Pawson does seem to often get sidetracked on issues other than hell. This may be a second strength of David Pawson's book to awaking believers' consideration of their position with Christ. He titles and frames his writing around the traditional view of hell, but continues a challenge throughout the entire work to the 'once saved, always saved' mentality. This is a strong theme in his book and his emphasis seems warranted in light of Jesus and biblical writers largely directing teaching on hell to followers of Christ.