The Opposite of Heaven
Do you avoid thinking or talking about Hell? Why? Is it simply too unpleasant and distasteful? Or is it out of a hidden or repressed fear? Let’s look into that.
1—Does Hell really exist? Some believe Hell does not exist and question how a loving God could send someone there. Others assert that Hell is simply life here on earth. Some use the word “hell” casually and flippantly, showing they don’t even understand what it really is. But the Bible tells us that it is indeed a real place.
2—Why should we care about Hell? We should care about Hell because God talks about and cares about the reality of Hell. God is clear that He “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3-4) and that he is “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
3—What is Hell really like? The Bible describes Hell as a place of real, eternal, conscious torment under the righteous judgment of God. It is mentioned over 160 times in the Bible, describing a place of real, ongoing punishment.
Here are some descriptions to read and consider about Hell: Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth (Matthew 24:51), Eternal Separation from God (2 Thessalonians 1:9), Forever Destruction and Punishment (2 Thessalonians 1:9, Matthew 25:46), Never-ending Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Torment (Revelation 14:10-11), Conscious Pain, Thirst, Sorrow (Luke 16:19-31), Under God’s Wrath and Fury (John 3:36, Romans 2:8-9), Constant Fire (Matthew 3:12, Mark 9:43-48, Luke 3:17, Jude 7), Undying Worms (Mark 9:48), Utter Darkness (Jude 13), Shame and Contempt (Daniel 12:2), Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:10, 14-15; 21:8), Second Death (Revelation 21:8), Destination for the Devil and Demons (Matthew 25:41), No rest (Revelation 14:11).
4—Who goes to Hell and why? God is righteous, holy and morally perfect. He has revealed Himself to all of Creation. People go to Hell because they have continued in their dishonoring and disobeying of God (Romans 1:18-23; 2:15-16). Mankind has no excuse. We have demonstrated a willingness to ignore God (James 1:13-16) and value ourselves more than Him. Since we have violated the law in our rebellion, punishment and justice must be given (Romans 3:10,23, 5:12, 6:23; John 3:18).
5—How do you not go to Hell? The only way to not go to Hell is by trusting, treasuring, and valuing Jesus more than yourself (Acts 4:12, John 14:6). We must turn away from our self-love, confessing our sinful rebellion and inwardly believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave (Romans 10:9-10).
6—How do these descriptions affect you? If you are a Christian these descriptions should drive you to a deeper love of Jesus for His mercy, grace and compassion on you. They should drive you to a greater love for the lost that drives you to fervent prayer and courageous, compassionate witnessing.
If you do not treasure and trust Jesus above everything in this world, these descriptions of Hell are intended by God as a warning and are used by God to confront you in the seriousness of your sin. Hear and respond to His loving cry.