The Reality of Hell

Today, we delve into a sobering yet crucial topic: the reality of Hell. As part of our series on Eternal Destinies, it's essential to understand what the Bible says about Hell to grasp the full scope of our eternal destinies. This is not to instill fear, but to enlighten and urge us towards a path of righteousness and salvation.

Luke 16:19–31 NKJV

19 “There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. 20 But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, 21 desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 “Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. 26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’ 27 “Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, 28 for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ 29 Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’ ”

1. The Existence of Hell:

The Bible affirms the existence of Hell in numerous passages. Jesus spoke more about Hell than anyone else, emphasizing its reality and the need for repentance.

Matt.10.28

Matthew 10:28 NKJV

28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Lexham Theological Wordbook γέεννα

This Greek word is a transcription of the Aramaic name for one of the valleys outside of Jerusalem—the valley of Hinnom. This name came to be used metaphorically for the place where the souls of the wicked would be judged (1 Enoch 27:2; 90:26; 2 Esdras 7:36–38). In the NT, Gehenna is used for the place souls go for eternal punishment (e.g., Matt 5:29–30; Luke 12:5). Sometimes it is referred to as “Gehenna (geenna) of fire” (e.g., Matt 5:22; 18:9).

Luke12.5

Luke 12:5 NKJV

5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!

Do you want to know the most terrifying Theological truth about God?

Are you ready for it?

God is good...

That is it…God is good. I know what your thinking. “Why is God being good so terrify?”

I will tell you. He is good and you are not. So now, what does a good God do with someone like you?

That is the great theological and philosophical problem in the scriptures. God is good and that is terrifying.

You see hardened criminal working for some crime organization who hears that the judge he is going to be standing before is corrupt is full of joy. The most terrifying thing you could tell that criminal is that the judge is not corrupt he is good. It will fill him with terror.

We should be terrified that God is good (holy)? Because we are not. God’s goodness demands justice. That is why God just can’t simply look the other way and forgive you without justice being paid.

Matthew 25:41 NKJV

41 “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:

Jesus describes Hell as a place of destruction and eternal fire, highlighting the severity and eternity of this destination for the unrighteous.

2. The Nature of Hell:

Hell is depicted as a place of torment, separation from God, and unending suffering. The Bible uses various descriptions to convey the horror and anguish associated with Hell.

Mark 9:43–48 NKJV

43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— 44 where ‘Their worm does not die And the fire is not quenched.’ 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— 46 where ‘Their worm does not die And the fire is not quenched.’ 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire— 48 where ‘Their worm does not die And the fire is not quenched.’

Christ here is being hyperbolic, only teaching the severity of the eternal torments of Hell. Hyperbolic language is used to emphasize a point dramatically but is not meant to be taken literally.

Rev14.10

Revelation 14:10–11 NKJV

10 he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”

These vivid descriptions underscore the unending torment that characterize Hell.

Matthew 13:41–42 NKJV

41 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, 42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

The reality of hell is nothing but dreadful agony. There will only be crying and gnashing of teeth. Some people when they wake up in hell will be devastated. And they will not find enough water in their eyes to satisfy their need to weep. They will be sobbing “OH NOOOOOOO!!!! NOT HERE!!! OH GOD PLEASE HAVE MERCY UPON ME!!!! It will be the greatest disappoint for them to wake up in hell. But the other group will be there but they will not be weeping, they will be gnashing their teeth. Which is Biblical metaphor for human fury. “HOW DARE YOU GOD PUT ME HERE!!!!!” The anger of the damned will know NO past.

I sure don't want to end up in hell, but one thing I know for sure, if I do, because I have deceived myself all these years. And I am one that says, “Lord Lord didn't I do this and didn't I do that and He looks at me and say to me “Depart from me I never knew you” and sends me to hell, one thing I can promise you is that I will be a weeper and not a gnash-er because I know enough about theology that if sent me to hell I could not make no just complaint against Him. I have been guilty of treason and I have sinned against a holy God who owes me nothing. And if I end up in hell I have only recieved what my life has merited.

3. Who Will Be in Hell?

The Bible identifies those who will face Hell's judgment, emphasizing the importance of faith and righteousness.

Matt7.21

Matthew 7:21–23 NKJV

21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

Rev21.8

Revelation 21:8 NKJV

8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

These passages reveal that mere profession of faith is insufficient, profession is one thing but possession is all another thing. Hell awaits those who reject God's grace and persist in sin.

4. The Purpose of Hell:

Hell serves as a place of divine justice and retribution. It is the ultimate consequence for rejecting God’s grace and living in sin.

2thess1.8

2 Thessalonians 1:8–9 NKJV

8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,

Those who reject God only plan of salvation that He offers by grace will be cast out, into everlasting punishment.

Matthew 25:46 NKJV

46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Hell underscores the holiness and justice of God, demonstrating that sin has severe, eternal consequences.

5. The Hope of Salvation

While Hell is a reality, YHWH has provided a way of escape through Jesus Christ.

John 3:16 NKJV

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Romans 6:23 NKJV

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

God’s love and grace offer us the hope of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, avoiding the dreadful reality of Hell.

Conclusion:

The reality of Hell is a sobering truth that calls us to examine our lives and our relationship with God. It underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Let this message stir our hearts towards genuine faith and discipleship, leading us and others away from the path of destruction and towards the hope of eternal life in God’s presence.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word that enlightens and guides us. We pray for a deeper understanding of the reality of Hell, that will drive us into your merciful arms and willingly, faithfully, share the hope of salvation with others. Grant us the grace to live in a way that honors You and draws others to Your saving grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.