What Does the Bible Say About Hell?

Quick Answer

The Bible describes hell as a real place of eternal, conscious torment for those who reject Christ. It’s characterized by separation from God, fire, darkness, and suffering. Jesus spoke about hell more than anyone else in Scripture, emphasizing its reality and the importance of avoiding it through faith in Him.

Hell is a topic that many find uncomfortable, yet it’s a significant part of biblical teaching. Understanding what the Bible says about hell is crucial for grasping the full scope of God’s justice, love, and the urgency of the gospel message. This comprehensive article explores the biblical concept of hell, its nature, purpose, and implications for Christian faith and life.

The Reality of Hell

Biblical Evidence for Hell

The Bible consistently presents hell as a real place of judgment for the unrighteous. Jesus Himself spoke more about hell than anyone else in Scripture. He used vivid language to describe it, including terms like “eternal fire” (Matthew 25:41), “outer darkness” (Matthew 8:12), and a place of “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 13:42).

Other New Testament writers also affirm the reality of hell. The apostle Paul speaks of “eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord” (2 Thessalonians 1:9). The book of Revelation describes the “lake of fire” as the final destination for the ungodly (Revelation 20:14-15).

Old Testament Foundations

While the Old Testament doesn’t use the term “hell” as we understand it today, it lays the groundwork for the concept. The Hebrew word “Sheol” often refers to the grave or the realm of the dead, sometimes implying a place of judgment for the wicked (Psalm 9:17).

See also: Bible Verses about Hell

The Nature of Hell

Eternal Duration

One of the most sobering aspects of hell is its eternal nature. Jesus describes it as “eternal punishment” (Matthew 25:46), contrasting it with “eternal life” for the righteous. This parallel suggests that hell’s duration is as endless as the life granted to believers.

Conscious Torment

The Bible portrays hell as a place of conscious suffering, not annihilation. Jesus’ parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) depicts the rich man in torment, fully aware of his condition and surroundings.

Separation from God

Hell involves eternal separation from God’s loving presence. Paul describes it as being “away from the presence of the Lord” (2 Thessalonians 1:9). This separation is the ultimate consequence of rejecting God’s offer of reconciliation through Christ.

Fire and Darkness

Scripture often uses imagery of fire to describe hell (Mark 9:43-48). Paradoxically, it’s also described as a place of “outer darkness” (Matthew 25:30). These seemingly contradictory images underscore the horrific nature of hell that transcends human understanding.

The Purpose of Hell

Divine Justice

Hell demonstrates God’s perfect justice. Sin against an infinite God requires an infinite punishment. The eternal nature of hell reflects the severity of rebelling against the Creator.

Upholding God’s Holiness

The existence of hell upholds God’s holiness. A holy God cannot tolerate sin in His presence, and hell serves as the ultimate quarantine for evil.

Vindication of the Righteous

Hell vindicates those who have suffered for their faith. Believers who endured persecution and remained faithful to God will see justice as the wicked face their due punishment (2 Thessalonians 1:6-8). This vindication is not merely about retribution but also about the ultimate triumph of God’s justice and righteousness.

Magnifying God’s Mercy

Paradoxically, the reality of hell magnifies God’s mercy. Understanding the judgment we deserve makes Christ’s sacrifice all the more profound and grace all the more amazing.

Hell and God’s Love

The doctrine of hell often raises questions about God’s love. However, hell actually demonstrates God’s love in several ways:

  • It shows the seriousness of sin and the value God places on His creation.
  • It respects human free will, allowing those who reject God to exist apart from Him.
  • It highlights the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice to save us from this fate.

Implications of Hell

Urgency of Evangelism

The reality of hell underscores the urgency of sharing the gospel. If we truly believe what the Bible says about hell, it should motivate us to warn others and point them to Christ.

Call to Holiness

Understanding hell should drive believers to pursue holiness. Jesus’ warnings about hell often include calls to radical obedience and separation from sin (Matthew 5:29-30).

Appreciation of Salvation

The doctrine of hell deepens our appreciation for salvation. Knowing what we’ve been saved from magnifies the glory of what we’ve been saved to.

Conclusion

While hell is a difficult doctrine, it’s an integral part of biblical teaching. It reveals the seriousness of sin, the holiness of God, and the immeasurable value of Christ’s sacrifice. Understanding hell should lead us not to despair but to gratitude for God’s mercy and a renewed commitment to share the hope of the gospel.

References

  1. https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/take-hell-seriously
  2. https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-hell.html
  3. https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/is-god-present-or-absent-in-hell
  4. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/hell-is-for-real
  5. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/degrees-punishment-hell
  6. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/the-uncomfortable-subject-jesus-addressed-more-than-anyone-else
  7. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/hell-as-endless-punishment
  8. https://bible.org/article/what-bible-says-about-hell
  9. https://bible.org/question/where-hell-located
  10. https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/biblical-evidence-hell
  11. https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/hell
  12. https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/4-truths-about-hell
  13. https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/80-376/the-truth-about-hell
  14. https://www.gty.org/library/bibleqnas-library/QA0197/does-hell-last-forever
  15. https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/80-67/4-marks-of-a-hellbound-man
  16. https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/81-123/a-voice-from-hell
  17. https://answersingenesis.org/hell
  18. https://answersingenesis.org/eternal-torment
  19. https://www.compellingtruth.org/where-is-hell.html
  20. https://www.compellingtruth.org/did-God-create-hell.html
  21. https://www.compellingtruth.org/separation-from-God.html
  22. https://www.compellingtruth.org/who-will-go-to-hell.html
  23. https://www.challies.com/articles/what-i-would-have-to-deny-to-deny-hell
  24. https://www.challies.com/articles/the-unbearable-weight-of-hell
  25. https://www.challies.com/articles/the-holiness-of-god-and-the-existence-of-hell
  26. https://www.9marks.org/answer/what-should-pastors-preach-about-hell
  27. https://www.9marks.org/article/why-hell-integral-gospel
  28. https://www.9marks.org/article/how-does-hell-glorify-god
  29. https://www.neverthirsty.org/bible-qa/qa-archives/question/where-in-the-bible-does-it-speak-of-jesus-going-to-hellhades-after-his-death
  30. https://www.neverthirsty.org/bible-qa/qa-archives/question/did-jesus-descend-into-hell
  31. https://www.neverthirsty.org/is-hell-a-real-place
  32. https://www.neverthirsty.org/bible-studies/topical-bible-studies/heaven-paradise-or-sheol-hell-hades
  33. https://blog.truthforlife.org/some-thoughts-on-sin-and-hell
  34. https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/sin-serious-hell-real
  35. https://tabletalkmagazine.com/article/2020/10/suffering-with-christ
  36. https://tabletalkmagazine.com/posts/what-misery-does-sin-bring-2020-03

Sunday Morning Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You this morning with hearts filled with gratitude and praise. We thank You for Your unending grace and mercy, and for the gift of salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ.

We humbly ask that You guide and lead us in Your ways, that we may honor You and glorify Your name. We pray for wisdom and discernment, that we may make decisions that please You and align with Your will.

We also lift up those in our community who are in need of Your comfort and healing. We pray for the sick, the hurting, the lonely, and the lost. We ask that You bring them hope and peace, and that they may know Your love and presence in their lives.

We also ask for Your protection and guidance for our leaders, both in our church and in our country. We pray that they seek Your wisdom and lead with integrity and justice.

Lastly, we ask that You help us to be a light to those around us, that we may share the love and truth of the gospel with those who do not yet know You.

We pray all these things in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Suggested Bible Readings

Psalm 119:105 ESV

Your word is a lamp to my feet
    and a light to my path.

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Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths.

Read full chapter

Matthew 6:33 ESV

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

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John 14:27 ESV

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

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2 Corinthians 5:20 ESV

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

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Matthew 5:16 ESV

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

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Prayer for Wednesday

Heavenly Father,

We come before You on this Wednesday with humble hearts, full of gratitude for all that You have done for us. We praise and honor You for Your unending love and grace. We thank You for Your many blessings, for the gift of life, for the beauty of Your creation, and for the hope that we have in Jesus Christ.

We ask for Your guidance and wisdom as we navigate through this day. Give us the strength and courage to stand firm in our faith, to resist the temptations of the world and the enemy, and to walk in Your will and way. We pray for Your protection over us and our loved ones, for Your provision in all of our needs, and for Your peace to fill our hearts and minds.

We also lift up to You those who are in need of Your touch. We pray for the sick and the suffering, for those who are struggling with various trials and challenges, and for those who are lost and searching for You. We ask for Your healing power to be upon them, for Your comfort to surround them, and for Your hope to fill them.

We also lift up to You the leaders of this nation and the world, that they would seek Your wisdom and guidance as they lead Your people, and to be instruments of peace, justice, and righteousness.

We trust in Your faithfulness and Your goodness, knowing that You are sovereign over all things.

We pray this in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen

Suggested Bible Readings

Psalm 55:22 ESV

Cast your burden on the Lord,
    and he will sustain you;
he will never permit
    the righteous to be moved.

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Philippians 4:6-7 ESV

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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Isaiah 40:31 ESV

but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
    they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
    they shall walk and not faint.

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Colossians 3:23-24 ESV

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

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Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths.

Read full chapter

The Prayer of Peace

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today in need of Your peace. The world around us is filled with chaos and turmoil, and we long for the calm and tranquility that only You can provide.

We confess that we have not always put our trust in You, and have instead relied on our own understanding. Forgive us for our lack of faith, and help us to trust in You more fully.

We ask that You would fill our hearts with Your peace, and guard our minds from fear and anxiety. Help us to rest in Your love and grace, knowing that You are in control of all things.

We pray for peace in our families, in our communities, and in our nation. We ask that You would bring an end to conflicts and violence, and that Your love and justice would reign in the hearts of all people.

We give You thanks for Your faithfulness, and for the hope that we have in You. We praise You for Your goodness and Your mercy, and we look forward to the day when all things will be made new through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Suggested Bible Readings

Isaiah 26:3 ESV

You keep him in perfect peace
    whose mind is stayed on you,
    because he trusts in you.

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Philippians 4:6-7 ESV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Read full chapter

John 14:27 ESV

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Read full chapter

Colossians 3:15 ESV

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

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Prayer About Peace

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today in need of Your peace. We humbly ask You to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus and to fill us with Your perfect peace. We are aware that in this world we will face troubles, but we take comfort in the knowledge that You have overcome the world.

We ask You to grant us the strength and wisdom to navigate the challenges that come our way, and that You would grant us Your peace in every situation. Help us to trust in Your goodness and sovereignty, even when we cannot see the outcome.

We pray for peace in our families, our communities, and our nations. We implore You to bring healing and reconciliation to relationships that are broken and to work through the leaders of our world to bring about peace and justice for all people.

We are grateful for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who is our peace. We trust in Your promise that You will never leave us or forsake us and that You will be with us always, even to the end of the age.

In Jesus’ name, our savior and Lord we pray, Amen.

Suggested Bible Readings

Isaiah 26:3 ESV

You keep him in perfect peace
    whose mind is stayed on you,
    because he trusts in you.

Read full chapter

John 14:27 ESV

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Read full chapter

Philippians 4:7 ESV

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Read full chapter

Colossians 3:15 ESV

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

Read full chapter

John 16:33 ESV

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Read full chapter