The topic of hell is controversial and often avoided in many churches today. However, the Bible has a lot to say about the existence and nature of hell. This 9000 word article will dive deep into what the Scriptures teach about hell in order to shed light on this sobering subject.
Old Testament References to Sheol
The Old Testament word corresponding most closely to hell is “Sheol”. It is used over 60 times and refers to the place where the dead go. Sheol is sometimes translated as “pit”, “abyss”, or “grave”. Sheol was seen as the common destination of both the righteous and the unrighteous after death (Genesis 37:35, Job 14:13). However, there are hints that Sheol was not a pleasant place. Descriptions portray it as deep, dark, and joyless (Psalm 86:13, 88:3-6). Additionally, people are said to be “redeemed/saved” from Sheol, indicating it is something negative to be delivered from (Psalm 49:15). These characteristics connect well with later revelations about hell’s separation from God and punishment for sin.
While Sheol was the main Old Testament term, concepts later associated with hell also appear in a variety of passages. References are made to the wicked being turned into hell (Psalm 9:17 KJV), the earth opening its mouth and swallowing the disobedient (Numbers 16:30), and fire consuming God’s enemies (Isaiah 33:14). God’s wrath is said to burn against impenitent people (Deuteronomy 32:22). Such descriptions depict Sheol as a miserable destination for the unrighteous awaiting judgment.
Gehenna – the Place of Fire
When transitioning to the New Testament, the Hebrew word Gehenna is key for understanding hell. All but one of its 12 occurrences are spoken by Jesus himself with a solemn warning about God’s fiery judgment (Matthew 5:22,29,30, 10:28, 18:9, 23:15,33, Mark 9:43,45,47, Luke 12:5). The name Gehenna comes from the Valley of Hinnom located southwest of Jerusalem. It had an evil association because pagan child sacrifices had once taken place there (2 Chronicles 28:3, 33:6). In Jesus’ day it was a garbage dump where refuse was burned. The eternal fire of hell is therefore vividly illustrated by Gehenna – a place of perpetual burning.
Jesus utilized Gehenna to warn about the danger of God’s wrath and being cast into hell (Matthew 5:29). Descriptions stress the totality of its destruction – it is better to go through life maimed than to be thrown into this unquenchable fire (Mark 9:43). Further, hell’s flames do more than annihilate the physical body, but can destroy both body and soul (Matthew 10:28). Vivid warnings are given against the peril facing every impenitent person. Jesus taught hell is a real place of judgment no one should take lightly.
Hades – The Realm of the Dead
The New Testament also makes use of the Greek term Hades. Similar to the Old Testament Sheol, it generally refers to the place of the dead. Occurrences in Jesus’ teaching associate it with judgment and torment. The rich man who neglected poor Lazarus is sent to Hades when he dies (Luke 16:23). His plea for relief from agony is denied, emphasizing Hades as a place of irreversible justice. Other examples connect Hades to the wrath of God that will destroy the disobedient (Matthew 11:23, Luke 10:15). This agrees with Revelation 20:14 portraying Hades as the realm of the dead thrown into the lake of fire at the final judgment.
In addition to Jesus’ words, several other New Testament passages provide details about Hades. It is linked to death as its counterpart and partner (Revelation 1:18, 6:8). The gospel is proclaimed to those detained there (1 Peter 3:19). The hope of rescue from Hades motivates preaching Christ’s salvation (Acts 2:27,31). Like Gehenna, the biblical concept of Hades aligns with characteristics Jesus assigns to hell.
The Lake of Fire
The book of Revelation provides the most vivid depiction of final judgment and hell through its descriptions of the lake of fire. Those who worship the beast are threatened with being plunged into this fiery lake (Revelation 14:9-11). The devil, beast, false prophet, and all unrepentant people will suffer there eternally (Revelation 19:20, 20:10,15). Death, Hades, and all not written in the book of life will be cast into this dreadful destination (Revelation 20:14-15).
Such imagery underscores how God’s enemies will be removed and quarantined in their own sphere to face enduring punishment. The lake of fire represents the second death (Revelation 20:14), an awful sentence worse than normal physical death. The fiery lake summarizes the destination of the lost asexclusion and suffering outside God’s life-giving presence. His righteous wrath and justice require such a place exist for impenitent sinners.
Eternal Fire and Outer Darkness
In concert with the lake of fire, Jesus frequently described hell as a place of eternal, unquenchable fire. Such warnings appear in his teachings about Gehenna as well as several parables illustrating the final judgment (Matthew 13:40-42, 25:41, Mark 9:48). The consentient message is that at the end of the age, the wicked will be cast into a fiery furnace from which there is no escape. Jude likewise points to the eternity of this fire that awaits the godless (Jude 1:7). No doubt is left that hell’s flames never go out or cease tormenting those who have rejected God.
Alongside burning fire, hell is also portrayed as a realm of utter darkness. On several occasions, Jesus described it as a place of outer darkness with weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 8:12, 22:13, 25:30). Here the lost are banished into gloomy exile outside where God’s presence shines as radiant light. Together these twin metaphors of fire and darkness capture hell’s extreme suffering and total lack of hope or comfort.
A Place of Torment
Building on the imagery of fire and darkness, Jesus and his apostles repeatedly connect hell with intense anguish. The rich man in Hades is in agony and pain (Luke 16:23-24). Accounts warning of being thrown into Gehenna or the fiery furnace consistently stress there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth (e.g. Matthew 13:42,50). The wicked are said to pay the penalty and suffer the punishment of eternal destruction away from the Lord’s presence (2 Thessalonians 1:9, Revelation 14:11). Such torment of body and spirit will have no relief or end.
Similarly, the book of Revelation declares that the impenitent have no rest but will be tormented day and night (Revelation 14:11, 20:10). Their exclusion from heaven means never sharing in the rewarding rest God gives his people (Hebrews 4:1-11). Instead, they endure continuous misery marked by anguish, regret, and despair. Biblical authors leave no doubt about the painful retribution awaiting in hell.
A Place of Separation from God
In addition to the vivid descriptions of fire, darkness, and torment, hell is notably portrayed as separation from God. Jesus warns the disobedient will be told “depart from me” on judgment day (Matthew 7:23, Luke 13:27). As the source of all good, being abandoned by God means losing everything worthwhile. Paul speaks of everlasting destruction and shut out from the Lord’s presence (2 Thessalonians 1:9). A key element of the punishment is to be cut off from the Lord’s goodness and blessings.
Accordingly, hell is described as the “second death” (Revelation 20:14) because it eternally removes people from the life God provides. Just as the Lake of Fire and Gehenna symbolize being cast out of God’s kingdom, exclusion and banishment are core components of hell’s anguish. Apart from God’s presence there is only spiraling desolation and emptiness. Hell is ultimately the endpoint for those who reject God and want nothing to do with Him.
A Place Prepared for Satan and Demons
As the ultimate rebels against God, the devil and demons are forerunners awaiting judgment in hell. Scripture points to a fiery destiny prepared for the devil and his angels. Jesus warns the fire of Gehenna was made for Satan and his servants, not humanity (Matthew 25:41). The book of Revelation confirms that the lake of fire awaits Satan, the beast, and false prophet who are thrown in and tormented forever (Revelation 20:10). Such passages indicate that unclean spirits convicted by their rebellion will suffer perhaps the worst of hell’s wrath.
Hell is pictured as a prison where demons begged Jesus not to send them into the abyss during his earthly ministry (Luke 8:31). Their pleas show that evil spirits inhabit and have some degree of reign over hell. Yet the devil does not rule hell but is a captive of it like his followers. God remains sovereign even over the powers of darkness destined for damnation. Satan’s realm is still under divine judgment.
Why Hell is Necessary
Though often avoided, the doctrine of hell is vital for appreciating God’s holiness and the extent of Christ’s salvation. Hell shows that God deals justly with evil and rebellion cannot go unanswered. His perfect character requires wrong and wickedness to be punished. Justice demands some penalty for those who abuse His creation, harm others, and scorn God himself. Hell honors God’s righteousness by validating that sin warrants a proportional response.
Additionally, the existence of hell exalts the meaning of Christ’s sacrifice. He came precisely to save people from such unending wrath by bearing it himself (Romans 5:9, 1 Thessalonians 1:10). God’s mercy shines brighter knowing the alternative we deserve is so bleak. Without hell, Christ’s death seems less significant. But understanding its reality magnifies his grace and the value of following Jesus. Our salvation depends on grasping hell’s significance.
Responding to Objections About Hell
Some object that eternal punishment in hell is disproportionate to temporary sins in this life. However, even brief sins defy an infinitely holy God. The heinousness of impenitence depends not on its duration but offending against an eternal, glorious Creator. Additionally, the damned persist in rebellion and do not repent even under judgment. So there is no injustice in God’s endless sentence matching their enduring hate. Hell is entirely appropriate for unyielding, deliberate rejection of the Highest Good.
Relatedly, some claim a loving God is incompatible with hell. But love requires both upholding righteousness and respecting human free will. Giving unrepentant sinners what they desire – separation from God – is consistent with love. Further, God’s love empowers those who accept his grace to avoid hell. His mercy never forces people against their will. Therefore, hell is evidence of God’s love for His standards and His image-bearers’ freedom.
Another protest argues that eternity in hell is unjustified for sins committed in this finite life. But again, offenses against an infinitely holy God warrant infinite punishment. Further, the condemned in hell continue in hostility and rebellion rather than repentance. Their persistence in hatred fuels ongoing punishment rather than a remorseful heart. There is no injustice is God’s endless sentence when impenitence remains endless.
Some also worry a loving God would never subject creatures to such horrible misery as described in hell. However, God does not desire anyone to be there and sent His Son to provide an escape (Ezekiel 18:23; John 3:16-17; 2 Peter 3:9). Those in hell are there by their own choice against God’s will. He is honoring their freedom to reject Him while balancing it with His justice. Hell contains no surprises but simply ratifies the path unrepentant souls have deliberately taken.
Conclusion
These are a sampling of biblical teachings about hell that could be explored in much greater detail. But they demonstrate that despite cultural shifts away from discussing hell, it remains a crucial part of the gospel message. God has provided a way to avoid this dreadful destiny through Jesus’ atonement for sins. Yet hell’s existence and horrors still should instill holy fear and motivate sharing Christ’s offer of salvation. If we believe the Bible’s warnings, complacency and silence are not options. Hell is a reality impacting forever, and we must respond by proclaiming Jesus’ redemptive escape from its punishments.