What is hell like?

Before we get to the hope of Christ, let’s detour to consider what hell is and what it's like. Hell is the “second death” referred to in Revelation 21:8.

Hell can be confusing and daunting. Though we don’t know much about hell, the Bible provides some insight.

Above all, hell is separation from God (Luke 16:26). Remember Jesus’ warning: "'And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness'” (Matthew 7:23). Hell is a real place, mentioned fifteen times by Jesus himself. While many Christians don’t even believe in its existence, much less the rest of the world, ignorance and deceit do not change the fact of its reality.

God’s word often describes hell as “fire,” as in the parable of today’s reading (Luke 16:24). Revelation 14:10 says, “He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment rises forever and ever.”

Hell is called “darkness” in Jesus’ parable: “Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth'” (Matthew 22:13).

Hell is permanent (Luke 16:26); it is the “second death” (Revelation 20:14). Interestingly, hell was made for Satan and his cohort of demons (Matthew 25:41).

Those judged as sinful are condemned to eternal hell at the final judgment: “They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might” (2 Thessalonians 1:9). When they stand before God in the final judgment, “If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15).

Why do you think hell exists?

Does hell instill a healthy fear and reverence, or anxiety and uncertainty?

How sure are you that you won’t be separated from God after death?

Why is separation from God’s favor important in our understanding of hell?

If you’re concerned, don’t worry. We’ll look into how we can be sure of God’s salvation in the sweet promise of Jesus’ grace and how God will write your name in the book of life.