Rethinking Heaven, Earth, and Hell: Judgment, Restoration, and the Mission of Jesus (Exile Series)
How reframing hell through the lens of heaven and earth can lead us to a more restorative understanding of God's judgment and radical love. In a deeply personal and theologically rich episode, Mike Erre and Andy dive into the ongoing "Exile Series" with an intense focus on how hell is misrepresented in Christian thought, why judgment is essential to the biblical story, and how eternal consequences don't have to mean eternal torment. Blending pastoral vulnerability with scriptural insight, Mike shares his own experience with anxiety and uncertainty while simultaneously inviting listeners to rethink the nature of God’s justice, redemption, and future restoration.
Key Takeaways: • Heaven and Earth, Not Heaven and Hell – The Bible tells the story of the rupture and eventual restoration of heaven and earth, instead of a dichotomy between heaven and hell. • Why Judgment Matters – God’s judgment is not about arbitrary punishment, but about restoring shalom by confronting evil, telling the truth about history, and purging all that dehumanizes creation. • Hell as Exile, Not Torture – Drawing from the biblical imagery of Gehenna and exile, hell is reframed as banishment and containment rather than a cosmic torture chamber. • Surprise and Reversal – God's judgment brings unexpected outcomes. Insiders may become outsiders, self-righteousness is exposed, and humility is exalted. • Sin Carries Its Own Consequences – Many of God’s judgments are intrinsic to the sin itself. Consequences are often lived out now, shaping who we are and where we’re headed. • Hope Beyond Damnation – Mike offers a compelling case for conditionalism (sometimes called annihilationism), arguing that eternal conscious torment may not reflect the heart of the gospel or the nature of God’s justice.
Resources Mentioned: • Book: Skeletons in God’s Closet by Joshua Ryan Butler • Book: Four Views on Hell (2nd edition) edited by Preston Sprinkle • Podcast + Book: Rethinking Hell by Christopher Date • Book: Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright • Voxology Teaching Series on Hell – voxologypodcast.com • Live Show: March 9 at Monkey Business Café
This episode is a powerful blend of theology, personal struggle, and a fresh vision of the gospel that highlights Jesus's beauty, mission, and mercy in a world desperate for hope and truth.
We’d love to hear what questions or insights you have as you process this. Feel free to share this episode with someone navigating their own understanding of hell and eternity—it’s a conversation starter, not a definitive close.
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We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.
Our Merch Store! ETSY
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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford
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