Will people in Hell be able to see people in Glory?

This question recently came up in a conversation with Jeremy Lundmark. His comment was:

Also, I was just thinking about this... do you think those in hell will be able to see us? Edwards maintained that we would see them and believed that their punishment would stand as a reminder to us of God's Wonderful Grace... But it seems to me that seeing us in a glorified state, with God would serve the same purpose. I guess that gets into speculation but the thought just ran through my head :-)

The Bible has alot to say about Hell (Jesus says more than anyone else). Undoubtedly, it will be the most horrific experience any human will ever have to endure. But comprehending just how horrible is like comprehending God - impossible in our current state.

But, what about Hell is going to make it so dreadful? the answer: separation from God's grace.

You pagans are saying, "what's the big deal? I live without God now, so I won't mind living without Him eternally."

The truth is, YOU COULDN'T POSSIBLY LIVE WITHOUT GOD! He is the source of life. Every good thing you have/enjoy in this world is His, and is from Him.

Enjoy breath? Thank God.
Enjoy love? Thank God.
Enjoy relationships? Thank God.

There is not ONE good thing (notice I said "good", for God is not the author of the evil you enjoy), in your life that does not have God as at least its primary source.

The Bible tells us God is: life, light, love, joy, peace, relational, happy, provider, sustainer, creator, etc.

In Hell, all of God's Common Grace (that grace which He pours out on ALL creation: pagans and Believers alike) will be REMOVED.

God's Common Grace even restrains pain, suffering and evil in this world. So, in Hell, good things will be withheld, and wicked things will be unhindered.

Thus, by deduction, we may conclude Hell will be a place of:

1. Utter darkness - so black (because God is light, yet He won't be there - by choice, not inability) you won't be able to see the hand in front of your face.

2. Utter lonliness - fellowship is of God: no God, no form of fellowship. People say, "I can't wait to get to Hell, I'm going to party with my friends for all eternity." Wrong, you will be completely alone for all eternity.

3. Torment - not because some guy with horns and a tail will be stabbing you with a pitch fork! But because you will be:
- thirsty and unable to drink
- hungry and unable to eat
- freezing because God has removed His blessing of heat
- burning because God has not hindered pain
- terrified because God has not hindered evil
- suffocating with every breath (air is God's gift), yet unable to die

If you meditate on the blessings of God in this life, you can compile an almost infinite list of the terrible things that await those destined for Hell.

So, pagan, open your eyes to God's grace in your life. It is not that you live without Him, its that you live without ACKNOWLEDGING Him.

btw- to answer Pastor Jeremy's initial question: No, I don't think those in Hell will be able to see those in Glory.

Stinkin' Like Christ,
Rob