Defense Against the Dark ArtsChikamu

Day 6: Is Hell Real?

Hell—it’s not the most popular subject, but it’s unavoidable. Scripture (and Jesus for that matter) doesn’t dance around it, and neither should we. The Bible paints a clear picture of eternal, conscious punishment (Revelation 20:10; Matthew 25:46). And while it’s tempting to shy away from that reality, we have to ask: Does this make God a moral monster? The short answer is no. In fact, hell reveals God’s perfect justice and holiness, which is inseparable from His love.

Sin isn’t just a mistake or a "whoops." It’s outright rebellion against a holy and infinite God. And when you rebel against an infinite God, the punishment reflects the offense. It’s not about cruelty—it’s about justice. We can’t downplay God’s holiness without misunderstanding why hell exists in the first place. The Bible is clear that hell is real, and it’s eternal (Mark 9:43-48; 2 Thessalonians 1:9).

But here’s the thing: God’s justice doesn’t undermine His love. They’re two sides of the same coin. A loving God has to confront evil, or He isn’t really loving. Imagine a judge who lets every criminal walk free—would that be just? Absolutely not. God’s holiness demands that sin be dealt with, and His justice is a response to the seriousness of sin. That’s why hell exists.

At the same time, we can’t forget that God’s offer of mercy is always on the table. Jesus took the punishment we deserved. He absorbed the wrath, the judgment, so that we wouldn’t have to (Romans 5:8-9). But for those who reject God’s grace, hell is the final separation from Him. It’s not because God is vengeful—it’s because He is just and respects human freedom.

In the end, hell isn’t a contradiction of God’s love. It shows just how serious He is about justice, holiness, and the opportunity for us to choose grace.