The Reality of Hell, Part 2 of "Heaven and Hell"Sample

How to respond to the biblical doctrine of hell

“We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others.” (2 Corinthians 5:10-11)

Given the Bible verses we have studied thus far about the concept of hell, we must conclude that people who reject God, will suffer eternal punishment. That’s hard to bear. It makes me cringe when I think about people I know who don’t believe in God. I don’t want them to suffer like that! I can totally agree with the theologian John R.W. Stott, who wrote: “Emotionally, I find the concept intolerable”[1].

Pondering the reality of hell can make us anxious and depressed, or causes us to question God’s goodness. However, our emotions are an unreliable guide to truth. The important thing is not my feelings, but what God’s word says about it.

God does not explain to us in detail how He will deal with people who never had the chance to know Him. He does not tell us what eternal punishment will look like for a particular person. That’s none of our business. We must trust that He will judge justly.

It’s actually good that we find the thought of hell unsettling and difficult to bear. For it is a terrifying reality. Take it as one more reason to share the Gospel with others and “persuade them” to fear God and find eternal joy!

[1] Evangelical Essentials, 314