what is HELL

Hell is a very real place, often misunderstood. It is not a place of enjoyment. If people understood it correctly, they would likely do everything to avoid it. For those curious about the true nature of hell, here’s what you need to know.

Point 1: Hell Currently Has No People in It

Revelation 20:13-14 says, "The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death." This passage occurs at the end of the age when God will judge people, and then Death and Hades will be cast into the lake of fire, known as Hell. Currently, no one is in Hell. Only the Antichrist and the false prophet are said to be there, indicating Hell is not yet inhabited by people.

Point 2: Hell is the Final Destination for Those in Hades

In Luke 16:22-24, Jesus tells of a beggar named Lazarus and a rich man. When they died, Lazarus went to Abraham's bosom, and the rich man went to Hades, where he was tormented. This is not a parable but an account of actual events, as Jesus names Lazarus and Abraham. Hades is a place of torment for those who have died, and those in Hades will eventually be cast into Hell, a place of final judgment.

Point 3: Hell May Have Different Degrees of Punishment

Luke 10:10-14 illustrates that some will face harsher punishment than others. Jesus speaks of cities that reject his disciples, saying they will have it worse on Judgment Day than Sodom. This implies varying levels of torment in Hell. Luke 12:47-48 also supports this, where Jesus explains that servants who knew their master's will but did not prepare will be beaten with many stripes, while those who did not know will receive fewer stripes.

Point 4: Hell is a Real and Eternal Place of Punishment

Matthew 25:41 and 46 state, "Then he will say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’ And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." This indicates that Hell is an eternal place of punishment. Some believe in soul destruction or reincarnation, but the Bible teaches that souls will either face eternal punishment or receive eternal life.

Point 5: Hell is Deserved, But It Can Be Avoided

Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." John 3:16-17 tells us, "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." The punishment for sin is death and Hell, but belief in Jesus can grant eternal life. God’s judgment on sin is just, but his love offers a way out through Jesus' sacrifice.

Point 6: Hell is God's Wrath on People

Romans 1:18 and 32 explain that God's wrath is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness. People go to Hell because of God’s righteous anger towards sin. Just as we seek justice when wronged, God’s perfect justice requires punishment for sin. Hell is eternal because rejecting Jesus' infinite sacrifice requires an infinite punishment.

Point 7: Hell is a Place That Many People Will Go To

Matthew 7:13-14 warns, "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." Many will choose the path to destruction, making it crucial for Christians to preach the gospel and warn others of Hell’s reality.

Jesus frequently taught about Hell to highlight its seriousness. Its existence is not negated by disbelief. Second Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." God’s patience aims to give everyone a chance to repent and be saved.

In closing, love for others includes warning them about Hell and sharing God’s love. Jesus loves you, and this message of hope and salvation through Him is vital.