In today’s world, discussions about hell are often avoided. Many people prefer to focus on love, grace, and blessings, which are undeniably central to the Christian faith. However, the Bible also speaks clearly and repeatedly about the reality of hell—a place of eternal separation from God, filled with unending torment and despair. This is not a popular or pleasant topic, but it is a truth that cannot be ignored. Understanding the gravity of hell is essential for recognizing the profound gift of salvation offered through Jesus Christ. Hell is not a place anyone should desire or be indifferent about. It’s a destination that Jesus, in His love, warns us to avoid.
The Reality of Hell
Hell is real. The Bible describes it as a place of “outer darkness” (Matthew 8:12), where there will be “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:30). It is a place of “unquenchable fire” (Mark 9:43) and a “lake of fire” that burns with “brimstone” (Revelation 20:15). These descriptions are not symbolic or metaphorical—they are warnings of the literal, horrific nature of hell.
Jesus Himself spoke more about hell than anyone else in Scripture. He made it clear that hell is a place of final judgment for those who reject God. In Matthew 10:28, He said, “Fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” The word Jesus used here for “hell” is “Gehenna,” referring to a burning garbage dump outside Jerusalem, symbolizing the endless, consuming nature of this place of torment.
Hell is the destination for all who refuse to accept God’s offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. It is a place of eternal separation from God (2 Thessalonians 1:9), where His love, light, and presence are forever absent. The torment is not just physical but spiritual—knowing that the chance for redemption is lost forever.
Why No One Should Desire to Go There
Hell is not a place anyone should desire or be complacent about. It is a place of indescribable suffering—worse than anything we could imagine. In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus tells the story of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man, after living a life of luxury and self-indulgence, finds himself in hell, tormented by flames, begging for just a drop of water to cool his tongue. He is fully conscious, aware of his suffering, and filled with regret, yet he knows his fate is sealed forever. This story is a clear warning: hell is real, and once there, there is no escape, no second chance.
This is why it is so urgent to understand that eternity is at stake. The Bible says, “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). After death, there are no more opportunities for repentance or change. The choices we make in this life determine our eternal destiny.
Jesus Is the Only Way to Avoid Hell
The good news is that no one has to go to hell. God, in His love and mercy, has provided a way for us to escape eternal damnation. That way is through Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). He came to this earth, lived a sinless life, and willingly sacrificed Himself on the cross, taking upon Himself the punishment for our sins. Through His death and resurrection, He made it possible for us to be reconciled with God and to spend eternity in heaven instead of hell.
Romans 6:23 makes it clear: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” This gift is freely available to anyone who will receive it, but it requires a decision. We must choose to believe in Jesus, confess Him as Lord, and turn from our sinful ways. The Bible says in Romans 10:9-10, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
A Call to Surrender
If you have never made the decision to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, today is the day of salvation. The reality of hell is not something to take lightly or put off. Eternity is too long to be wrong. God loves you so much that He sent His only Son to die for you, so that you would not have to spend eternity in hell. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
Will you accept His offer today? If you feel the tugging of the Holy Spirit on your heart, do not ignore it. You can be saved right now by praying a simple prayer of faith and surrender:
“Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Your New Life in Christ
If you just prayed this prayer and meant it with all your heart, you are now a child of God! Your sins are forgiven, and you have passed from death to life. The Bible says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Begin reading your Bible daily, praying, and connecting with other believers who can help you grow in your new faith.
Remember, Jesus did not just save you from hell; He saved you for a relationship with Him and a life of purpose and joy. Hell is real, but so is the love of God, and His desire is that none should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Choose life today and share this good news with others while there is still time.
The Message Bearer, Cornelius Bella
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