Many Christians question the concept of hell. If God is truly good, they believe He should create a world in which everyone freely chooses Him and can be saved.
People often assume that an all-loving God would never condemn anyone to hell even if they have chosen not to follow Him, which is known as Universalism.
What is Hell?
Many within and outside of the church treat sin lightly, but Scripture clearly teaches that sin is rebellion against God, including rejecting Christ as Savior and Lord – this act alone can send people to hell! Furthermore, scripture indicates that sin deserves punishment – this serves as motivation to stop engaging in harmful behaviors and seek salvation instead.
Hell is a term borrowed from the Bible that refers to an eternal state of conscious torment under God’s wrath, where there is total destruction and separation from his blessings (II Thessalonians 1:6-9). Fire and darkness are often used to depict this place; Matthew 25:41 depicts hellfire burning unquenchable; while Luke 16:28 paints it as lashing scorpions with darkness full of gnashing teeth as metaphors for hellfire.
Hell is an eternal place where disembodied souls or resurrected wicked people will be tortured consciously forever, with unbelievers and demons both being tormented there (Revelation 20:10). Thus, biblical teaching about Hell helps clarify its existence – both its permanence as well as any possibility for correction – thus ruling out either an annihilationist (denying Hell everlastingly) or universalist approach (holding that all will eventually be saved out of it) view of things. That’s why understanding biblical teaching about Hell so crucial!
What is the punishment for sin?
Over time, various theologians have devised what are known as “accepted punishments” for each of the Seven Deadly Sins, first officially acknowledged by Pope Gregory I in 590 AD. Books and websites exist that explain these punishments which range from burning in Hellfire to being cast down to Hades by fire and brimstone arrows.
Sins punishable by death include adultery, homosexuality, bestiality, some forms of incest, blasphemy, devil worshipping, Sabbath breaking and premeditated murder – but this list only scratches the surface; many other sins such as theft, idolatry witchcraft false prophecy etc may also warrant punishment with death.
Hell is the ultimate punishment for sin; those who reject Christ will suffer an agonizing existence forever in this terrible realm.
Hell is a place where punishment for sinners comes swiftly and mercilessly from their Creator, not because He holds any personal grudges against them but due to their transgression against Him. Hell is an abhorrent state where beauty, glory, and happiness from Heaven have been stolen away – those that do not accept Jesus will forever remain unaware of all they could have had.
How do we get to Heaven?
There are various theories on the best way to reach Heaven, such as working hard and performing good deeds; others might say you must follow certain teachings or rules; but the Bible indicates that one of the keys to reaching it lies within trusting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and receiving eternal life as a gift.
Many people consider hell an exaggeration; they believe God is loving and would not subject anyone to such suffering. Yet scripture makes clear that hell is God’s just judgment for sinning against an infinitely glorious and powerful being like Him, something for which eternal death should be punished accordingly.
God would be unfair if He turned His back on sinful actions such as Hitler and Stalin living forever in their sin. Furthermore, according to Scripture hell isn’t just terrifying for evil people but also those who claim they follow him yet do not serve alongside him – where their rebellion against his righteous rule will finally come to an end and they’re subjected to its punishment forever.
How do we avoid Hell?
By abstaining from sin and remaining in good relationship with Jesus Christ and his Church, it will be easier to avoid Hell. If you should stumble into mortal sin, the sacrament of reconciliation can help restore full communion with Him; you can also avoid Hell by not rejecting holy spirit so forcefully that your heart hardens against it.
But to know for certain if Heaven awaits, simply accept and trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior now. God wants everyone saved!
Some may believe they can avoid Hell by obeying the Ten Commandments or adhering to certain rituals and rites; but these beliefs are untrue; Jesus never stated this would keep anyone out of Hell; rather He revealed that accepting and trusting Christ as your Lord and Savior would prevent you from going there – otherwise you are doomed! Hell is punishment for sins against an infinitely holy and perfect God; any rebellion against this is met with punishment as part of its consequences. The Bible makes this clear by showing how – rather than punishing sin against an infinitely holy and perfect God will result in punishment within this lifetime – it is simply part of rebellion against an infinitely holy and perfect God!
Can You Condem People to Hell?