What is Hell?

Introduction:

What is Hell?

To some hell is purely a description (war, poverty, suffering). • People often use the word as a metaphor for extreme suffering in this life, (Gehenna-metaphorical reference to destruction) yet Scripture consistently presents Hell as a real place of judgment beyond this life (Luke 12:5; Hebrews 9:27). • Jesus spoke of Hell more than anyone else in the New Testament, warning repeatedly of its reality (11-12 times) (Matthew 5:22; Matthew 23:33).

Some have stated that Hell is oblivion. • Some argue that the wicked simply cease to exist, but the Bible repeatedly describes punishment as ongoing and conscious (Mark 9:48). • Jesus described Hell as a place “where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:48).

In our attempts to teach the love and mercy and grace of God, we often ignore the warnings of scripture. • The same God who offers salvation also warns of judgment (Romans 11:22). • Jesus warned of Hell out of love so that men might escape it (Matthew 7:13-14). • Paul preached both the goodness and severity of God (Romans 11:22).

So let’s break down three things about hell.

Discussion:

Hell is a Place of Pain

Hell is real (Matthew 10:28). • Jesus warned: “fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” • Hell is not symbolic but presented as a real place of punishment prepared by God (Luke 16:23; Revelation 20:15). • Christ spoke of Hell repeatedly, confirming its reality (Matthew 5:29-30; Matthew 8:11-12).

Hell was designed for the rebels of God (Matthew 25:40-41). • Hell was “prepared for the devil and his angels.” • It was not originally intended for mankind, but those who reject God follow the same path of rebellion (Revelation 20:10). • Those who follow Satan share in his fate (John 8:44; Revelation 21:8).

Hell is a place of fire (Matthew 18:8; Mark 9:43). • Scripture repeatedly describes Hell with imagery of unquenchable fire (Luke 3:17). • The fire represents intense torment and judgment (Revelation 20:10; Revelation 14:10). • Jesus described it as “the furnace of fire” (Matthew 13:42).

Hell is dark (Matthew 25:30). • Hell is described as “outer darkness.” • It is separation from light, joy, and hope (Jude 13). • Those cast into it experience “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 13:50).

Hell is eternal (Matthew 25:46). • The same word used for eternal life is used for eternal punishment. • This indicates the punishment is ongoing and everlasting (Revelation 14:11). • The torment of the wicked continues “day and night forever and ever” (Revelation 20:10).

Hell is the opposite of the Lord (1 John 1:5-8). • God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. • Hell represents complete separation from the presence of God’s goodness (2 Thessalonians 1:9). • It is the absence of all that comes from God: peace, joy, comfort, and hope.

Hell is a Place of Pondering

Eternity allows us to remember our past (Luke 16:25-31). • The rich man remembered his life, his family, and the opportunities he wasted. • He remembered Lazarus and recognized his former neglect. • This passage shows consciousness, memory, and regret.

When one has the opportunity and rejects it, the suffering is worse (Matthew 11:21-24). • Jesus taught that some would receive greater condemnation because they rejected greater light. • Cities that witnessed His miracles were judged more severely. • Knowledge increases accountability (Luke 12:47-48).

Our soul is eternal while our body is physical (1 Corinthians 15:54). • The soul survives death (Matthew 10:28). • While the physical body dies, the soul continues beyond the grave (Ecclesiastes 12:7). • The eternal nature of the soul makes eternal punishment possible (Daniel 12:2).

Memory is a punishment in of itself. • Regret and realization will accompany the lost. • They will recognize what they rejected (Luke 13:28). • Seeing the righteous saved while they are excluded intensifies the sorrow (Matthew 8:11-12).

Hell is Preventable

Hell was NOT designed for us (Matthew 25:40-41). • God created man for fellowship with Him (Genesis 1:26-27). • Hell was prepared for the devil and his angels, not mankind. • But those who follow sin ultimately follow Satan’s path (Romans 6:23).

God finds no pleasure in the suffering of the wicked (Ezekiel 33:11; 2 Peter 3:9). • God desires repentance rather than destruction. • He patiently waits for men to turn to Him. • His mercy delays judgment to allow opportunity for salvation.

God wants all men to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). • Salvation is offered universally through Christ (John 3:16). • Jesus died for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2). • The gospel invitation is extended to all (Mark 16:15-16).

We have a method to avoid this fate (1 Peter 3:21). • Salvation is offered through obedience to the gospel (Romans 6:3-4). • Faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). • Repentance is required (Acts 17:30). • Confession of Christ must be made (Romans 10:9-10). • Baptism unites us with Christ and washes away sins (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16).