Every so often in NZ Baptist I see an opinion expressed which makes me realise how much dodgy doctrine has infiltrated our church. Warren Prestidge’s article “Explore the truth about hell” reminded me of a conversation I had with a Jehovah’s Witness friend. They believe the same thing, soul death, but even my friend would not disagree that Jesus’ words indicate clearly the opposite, that hell is a place of eternal torment.

That Mr Prestidge, who is a pastor, would rush in where even Jehovah’s fear to tread is, I regret, a sign of the times. While he magnanimously continues willing to fellowship and work with Christians who believe in a literal hell, they may not reciprocate. 2 John 1:10-11 states that “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into [your] house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”

– Chris Ward
Doubtless Bay