Articles
The Reality of Hell
There are few subjects that strike the hearts of people like the subject of Hell does. For years many have wondered if Hell really exist? Perhaps it is just a myth that has been passed down from generation to generation for the sole purpose of scaring people into believing God. For many years the very idea of Hell has often been a controversial topic for many who acknowledge the existence of the Almighty God. It is certainly a hot button issue that has often caused divisions among people in the religious world. In the book Four Views On Hell, concerning the Literal View of Hell John Walvoord says this, “Most Christians have natural problems with the concept of eternal punishment”(1992, pg. 11).
According to a research done by the folks at Pew Research Center in 2014, 72% of American adults surveyed in the particular research believe in Heaven but only 58% of these people believe in a Hell. Generally speaking, most people tend to believe more concerning the reality of Heaven than that of Hell. Why is that? When one thinks about Hell, often what comes to mind is a place described as attributing eternal punishment. Perhaps one of the most popular questions asked concerning this issue or this idea of Hell is: How can a loving God can send people to a place of eternal destruction forever and ever? Surely, He would not even think of doing something like that. If God truly love us why then would He create such a place for many to suffer? It sounds like a major contradiction and one that goes against the principles of God Himself. Many people have a problem in understanding the concept of Hell; therefore, they choose not to believe that it doesn’t exist and that it’s just a made-up myth.
The truth is, God does love us. He loves us so much that He sent His only begotten Son to die for us on a cross so that we might have hope of eternal life with Him (cf. John 3:16). However, the truth doesn’t just stop there. God created us with free-will i.e. the ability to make decisions for ourselves based on what we have learned and experienced in the course of life. This free-will comes along with an important responsibility. Yes, we are free to make any decisions we want but God will still hold us accountable for what we do. If we choose to obey Him we will have hope, but if we choose to reject Him we will go to Hell. Hell is real. It is just as real as Heaven! What you and I choose to believe about the reality of Hell doesn’t change the fact that it is exists.
Jesus tells us in Mark 9:43-48, “And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.”I don’t know much about the properties of Hell any more than the scriptures have revealed. It is however, absolutely clear that Hell is a painful and devastating place. It is a place of eternal suffering and horrors the likes no man and no creature has ever experienced. The worst possible thing about Hell, is the fact that God is not there, and man will be separated from His creator forever. Of this point our Lord says, “Then He will say to those on His left, Depart from Me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels”(Matthew 25:41).
It is due to verses such as Mark 9:43-48 and Matthew 25:41, Edward William Fudge and Robert A. Peterson make this observation: “The Bible clearly teaches that those who persistently reject God’s mercy throughout this life will one day face Him in judgment and finally be cast into hell. Hell is real. It is fearful beyond human imagination, and those who go there will never come out again”(Two Views of Hell, 2000). Jesus Christ clearly taught that those who do not obey Him and listen to His words will be judged and they will be going to a place of eternal destruction.
I want you to understand and know that God does not want to send anyone to Hell. He truly does love and care for every single person but that won’t change the fact that we must choose to willingly serve and obey Him. Jesus warned in Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Unfortunately many people live in a way that causes God to punish them because of their sin. God is Holy and He cannot deal with sin. Are you doing everything you can to get rid of sin in your life? Even if you only have one sin on judgment day, you won’t get to go to Heaven. What are you doing to change that?
Hell is a very real place and a place of eternal punishment and pain. Hell is a place reserved for those that do not obey God and listen to His words. We must make every effort to work to avoid being in such a place. We can’t see Hell now and many people still doubt its existence. It is based on faith and therefore we must act to go to Heaven and avoid going to Hell. We only have one chance to make our lives right with God. There is no coming back from Hell and unfortunately many people will find that as their final destination. We can change that and make a difference in the lives of others. May God help us to do so.
