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Betty A. Burnett

One Word Can Change the Entire Meaning of a Sentence.

The Difference Between Outer Darkness and Hell (Lake of Fire) 9-23-24


Last week I wrote messages about people who many think because they were cast into outer darkness or that the door was shut, they went to hell.


Certain words used in one sentence could mean something totally different in another sentence. They must be used in the proper context or it will change the entire meaning of the sentence.


Also, a different word could have the same meaning. For instance, in our Bible study, we have learned what ministry is in Romans, chapter 12. Verse six says gifts, whereas verse seven says ministry. 


 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching. Everything is given to us according to the grace, which is the ability to minister, to serve, to help others in our giftings, therefore the words are interchangeable, or interrelated. This means that whatever word we use, it is not improper.


Take a good look at these parables which are simple stories to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson.


But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 8:12).

Did you see that? It said sons of the kingdom! This is not hell; they will not stand out like the ones who were faithful.


“But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment.  So, he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 22:11-13).


This meant that the man had not made himself ready for the wedding feast. But he was at the feast, so this shows that he was saved.


From the internet: The casting into “outer darkness” symbolizes the exclusion from privileges of those not honoring Christ.


He answered and said to them: “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man.  The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. 


Therefore, as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, 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. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear! (Matthew 13:37-42)


Gnashing of teeth will be different for the born-again believer who did not fulfill; God’s purpose. Their tears and the gritting of teeth will not last. However, the unsaved will be tormented forever.


From the internet: This passage is from the Parable of the Ten Virgins in the Bible, specifically from Matthew 25:1-13. The parable emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the return of Jesus Christ, who is represented as the bridegroom. The ten virgins symbolize the Church, with the wise virgins being those who are ready and prepared, and the foolish virgins being those who are not12. (Matthew 25:30).




This verse confirms the previous verses; meaning that some may not be ready when Jesus comes. And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have

confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming (1 John 2:28).


Ps. Every image I saw of outer darkness on the internet was depicting hell; that is so sad! Outer means further from the center. So outer darkness is further away from those who were faithful.


His handmaiden, Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org


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