Marcko, interesting the term gnashing of teeth in the original greek is bucho such as in Matt 8:12
This word has more of a meaning of grinding of teeth in anger. This verb does suggest a continuance of some rebellion against God in hell for at least some time as we understand it. The darkness described in the above verse is different to the fire and brimstone described but no less painful and terrifying for the individual, the total separation fron God.
Today as we read this we are obviously still alive, you have the ability to seek God and connect with the creator. Gods presence is there and you know it's free for those that wish to seek fellowship. Imagine the horror in ones soul once this link is actually broken for eternity, absolute darkness that can never be escaped. Horrendous outcome one that you would not wish on anyone.
I believe it is humans that place themselves in hell not God as our sin and defiance against the creator is one that our free will sets the chains of hell from within. God is not invisible the only way you cannot find God is the same reason a criminal does not look for the police because they are either hiding or running away from the law. The same can be said today as many are simply running away in defiance.
sin, the separation from God by thought and or deed by our free actions will be judged and our free will respected by God.
The justice is the part people find hard to swallow.
I don't believe in universalism but hell is the mechanism that justice will ultimately prevail and God who is Holy will destroy evil.
It is extremely unpleasant for humans with rational minds to contemplate but we have many examples in the bible when God finally judged a culture such as the Canaanites or the wicked Sodomites that it is brutal and final.
The Holy nature of God is a very difficult concept to grasp as purity will not coexist will evil, the judgement day and hell are the consequences. The prophet Isaiah vision of God described in chapter six demonstrates how we as mere humans have no concept of God true pure nature.
If time permits there is a concise summary in the following link worth a read to get some idea of the nature of God and how the prophet Isaiah realised that even a great man of faith pales in holiness.
http://www.enduringword.com/commentaries/2306.htm
Whether hell is eternal conscious suffering is somewhat ambiguous but Jesus used the most horrible language to describe hell it's clear that judgement will be eternal and without a doubt hell is to be avoided, hence if an arm is going to send you to hell then it's better to cut it off yourself then risk eternal darkness.
God is unable to save you ironically in this sense it is you who by your free will choose Hell over God and eternity. There are things that humans can do that God cannot do such as you and I can learn and improve ourselves this is impossible for God.
