Hell will be Hell
Hell, according to the Bible, is the ultimate destination of those who are not members of God’s family. It is described as a place of eternal punishment, characterised by torment, darkness, separation from God, and destruction. The concept of hell can be traced back to the Old Testament, but it is more explicitly described in the New Testament.
Jesus’ teaching
Jesus Himself referred to hell on multiple occasions. In Matthew 10:28, he warned about the One who can destroy both body and soul in hell, highlighting the eternal nature of the punishment. In Mark 9:43, Jesus spoke of hell as a place "where the fire never goes out," implying unending torment. Furthermore, in Matthew 25:41, Jesus mentioned hell as a place "prepared for the devil and his angels," emphasizing its purpose as a place of punishment for the forces of evil.
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31 is a vivid account that illustrates the reality of hell as a place of torment and separation. The rich man, in Hades, suffers from thirst and anguish while being separated from Abraham and Lazarus by a great chasm (Luke 16:26).
Paul’ teaching
The Apostle Paul, in his letters, also mentioned hell as a place of eternal destruction. In 2 Thessalonians 1:9, Paul wrote that those who disobey the gospel "will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord." This verse emphasises the element of separation from God's presence as a crucial aspect of the punishment.
John’s teaching
The Book of Revelation provides a more detailed description of the ultimate fate of the devil and his followers. Revelation 20:10 reveals that "the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur," where he will be tormented forever. Revelation 20:14-15 further explains that death, Hades, and those whose names are not written in the Book of Life will also be cast into the lake of fire, the second death.
The following Bible verses explore in more detail this teaching.
Hell as a Place of Torment
"In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side." Luke 16:23
"... and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Matthew 13:50
"If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out." Mark 9:43
Hell as a Place of Darkness
"Then the king told the attendants, 'Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'" Matthew 22:13
"They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever." Jude 1:13
"These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them." 2 Peter 2:17
Hell as a Place of Separation
"And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us." Luke 16:26
"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.'" Matthew 25:41
"Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'" Matthew 7:23
Hell as a Place of Destruction
"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." Matthew 10:28
"They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might." 2 Thessalonians 1:9
"Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death." Revelation 20:14
Hell as a Place Prepared for the Devil and His Angels
"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.'" Matthew 25:41
"And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever." Revelation 20:10
"For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment;" 2 Peter 2:4
Hell as a Place to Be Avoided
"It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Hebrews 10:31
"If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell." Matthew 5:29
"The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead." Proverbs 15:24
Conclusion
These Bible verses paint a vivid and sobering picture of hell as a place of torment, darkness, separation, destruction, and eternal punishment. It is described as a destination reserved for the devil and his angels, but also warns of the possibility of human souls being condemned there. As believers, we should strive to avoid this terrible fate by seeking God's grace and mercy, living a life that is pleasing to Him, and sharing the gospel message with others.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the salvation that is found in Your Son, Jesus Christ. We pray for the strength and wisdom to walk in Your ways and to share Your message of hope with others. We ask for Your protection from the snares of the enemy and the temptations that lead to destruction. Help us, Lord, to live in a manner that reflects Your love and light, so that we may one day dwell with You in eternity. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
