I am very concerned about some recent books that deny the existence of hell and eternal punishment. They argue that a loving God cannot send anyone to hell. writings appeal to the emotions but disregard God’s warnings.

If you were to drive along on a road with 200 road signs warning you not to continue because there is danger ahead, you would be foolish to keep going, wouldn’t you? There are over 200 verses that indicate the reality of hell in the Bible. Each is like a road sign in our lives, calling us to repent of our sins and to flee to God’s gospel grace in Christ.

The Bible describes hell as a place of never-ending separation from God’s favor (Matthew 7:23), outpouring of God’s wrath against sin (Revelation 14:10), exclusion from heaven in outer darkness (Matthew 8:11-12), abode with devils and wicked men (Matthew 25:41), punishment (Matthew 25:46), torment (Mark 9:44), grief and pain (Matthew 22:13), destruction (2 Thessalonians 1:9), imprisonment (Jude 6), and an eternal, bottomless pit (Revelation 9:1-2) where sinners suffer without rest or relief forever (Revelation 14:11).

Both the soul and the body will suffer in hell (Matthew 10:28). Hell is a place of eternal dying, where the wicked will suffer God’s wrath without intermission, without dilution, and without end (Luke 16:24-26; Revelation 14:10-11). There is no end or escape, no second chance, no annihilation (Isaiah 33:14; Matthew 25:46; Jude 6). It would have been better for those in hell if they had never been born (Matthew 26:24).

Why would we ever choose to talk about such a horrible subject? First, God in His wisdom and love talks to us about it often in the Bible. All Scriptures was breathed out by God and is good for us (2 Timothy 3:16). We dare not pick and choose what we will teach from the Scriptures but must be faithful messengers of the Lord (Proverbs 30:5-6).

Second, the biblical truth of hell displays the glory of God.

Isaiah 5:14-16 says,

Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it… But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.

Hell teaches us to fear the Lord and glorify His holy name (Matthew 10:28; Revelation 15:1-4).

Third, we must talk and think about hell because it increases our faith and wonder at the gospel of Christ crucified. If we do not believe that God judges sin severely, how can we believe that God would send His Son into such horrific agony to pay for sin? Looking into the pit of hell will make us rejoice with trembling that Christ redeemed us from God’s curse by becoming a curse for us (Galatians 3:13). Amazing love! How could God choose to suffer hell for me?

Lastly, we need the doctrine of hell because it presses us to evangelize the world, and it presses sinners to turn to Christ. Hell puts a note of urgency into evangelistic and mission work. We will be more willing to suffer and make sacrifices to bring the gospel to the lost if we are convinced that the only alternative to faith in Christ is eternal fire. Sinners will feel the edge of conviction more sharply if they know that after death comes eternal judgment (Hebrews 9:27-28).

As hard as it is, cling to the reality of hell – for the sake of the gospel.