Few subjects are more difficult to discuss than hell. It is uncomfortable, frightening, and often avoided. Yet if we believe Jesus Christ, we cannot simply remove hell from our understanding of eternity. Jesus spoke plainly about judgment because He loves us and wants us to be saved.
Hell Is Real
Jesus warned:
“These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
— Matthew 25:46, NASB
Notice the contrast. Jesus described both punishment and life as eternal. If we accept His promise of eternal life, we must also take seriously His warning of eternal punishment.
Hell was not invented by preachers to frighten people into church. It is part of the biblical teaching concerning sin, judgment, and eternity.
Jesus repeatedly warned about the danger of being lost (Matthew 5:29–30; 10:28; Mark 9:43–48). His warnings were not cruel. They were compassionate. A loving Savior warns people about a danger He came to rescue them from.
Why Would a Loving God Allow Hell?
This is one of the most common questions about Christianity.
The Bible teaches that God is love (1 John 4:8), but it also teaches that God is holy and just. Sin separates humanity from Him:
“But your wrongdoings have caused a separation between you and your God.”
— Isaiah 59:2, NASB
God does not delight in anyone being lost. Peter wrote that the Lord is patient, “not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
God wants us saved.
That is why He sent Jesus.
Hell Is Separation From God
Perhaps the most terrifying description of eternal punishment is found in 2 Thessalonians 1:8–9. Those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel face eternal destruction “away from the presence of the Lord.”
Everything genuinely good ultimately comes from God. Imagine eternity separated from His goodness, comfort, mercy, hope, and fellowship.
That is the tragedy of being lost.
Judgment Is Certain
Hebrews 9:27 teaches that it is appointed for people to die once, followed by judgment.
Death does not end our accountability to God.
Paul wrote:
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:10, NASB
Our possessions, accomplishments, education, popularity, and social standing will not determine our eternal destiny. What matters is our relationship with Jesus Christ and whether we have responded faithfully to His gospel.
God Has Provided a Way of Escape
The message of hell should never be preached without also preaching the good news of Jesus Christ.
We have sinned (Romans 3:23).
Sin brings death (Romans 6:23).
But Jesus died for us while we were sinners (Romans 5:8).
God has therefore provided the way home.
The gospel calls us to hear God’s Word and develop faith (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus Christ (John 8:24), repent of our sins (Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30), confess Christ (Romans 10:9–10), and be baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3–4; Galatians 3:27).
Then we begin a life of faithful discipleship.
Hell Does Not Have to Be Your Destination
The biblical teaching about hell is serious, but the message of Christianity is ultimately a message of hope.
Jesus did not come merely to tell us that we were lost.
He came to save us.
God has done something extraordinary to keep us from eternal separation from Him: He gave His Son.
The cross demonstrates both the seriousness of sin and the greatness of God’s love.
So the question is not merely, “Is hell real?”
The more personal question is:
“Am I prepared for eternity?”
Jesus Christ has opened the way to forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life. We should not ignore His warning, but neither should we overlook His invitation.
Today we can hear His Word, obey His gospel, and begin walking with Him.
There is no reason to remain lost when Jesus has provided the way home.
Garland Van Dyke, Minister
Do you have a Bible question, prayer request, or comment? Email me!
Send me an email on this or any Bible topic (I only speak English)! garland.churchofchrist@gmail.com.
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