29 Oct Is Hell Eternal? Here’s What The Bible Says

As humans, we often think about what will happen after we die. However, this is not a popular topic of conversation. For many of us, it is a passing thought that we shrug off, choosing instead to focus on the here and now. While this is not necessarily bad, it is important to consider the afterlife. Doing so will help us establish our beliefs as Christians and share our faith with greater boldness and fervency. 

Is hell eternal? The Bible clearly states that our eternal destination once we pass on from life on earth is forever. Whether we spend eternity in heaven or in hell is dependent on our decision to place our trust in Jesus. It is important to educate ourselves and those around us on the horrific reality of an eternity in hell. In doing so, we acknowledge the incredible gift of eternal life in heaven while inspiring others to commit their lives to Christ.

The reality of an eternity in hell is truly horrific. In the Bible, we find countless graphic descriptions of the horrors that await those who refuse to put their faith in God. In this post, we will take a deeper look into what the Bible says about hell. We will also answer important questions such as “Is Hell a physical location?”, “How does a loving God send people to hell?”, and much more.

What The Bible Says About Hell

Both believers and unbelievers alike often shy away from conversations about hell or what happens after we die. For believers, the promise of heaven awaits. This should excite us! However, for individuals who have not placed their trust in Christ, the reality of the afterlife is quite bleak. 

As believers, we know that it is important to educate ourselves on the realities of both heaven and hell. Not only will knowledge of these topics provide us with greater insight into the gracious gift of salvation but it will also allow us to have productive conversations with people who are not yet believers. 

In the Bible, we find that hell is a constant thread that is woven throughout the pages of Scripture. There are over 160 mentions of hell in the New Testament alone! Let’s take a closer look at what the Bible has to say about the eternity and reality of hell.

Is Hell a Physical Location?

Many religions teach that hell is simply a state of being or a figment of the imagination, not a physical location. The Bible, however, is quite clear about the fact that hell is a physical location. Because we believe the Bible is the true and inerrant Word of God, we know that hell is a real place, the final destination of people who do not accept the gracious gift of salvation during their life.

Countless passages throughout the Bible describe the physical sights, smells, sounds, and sensations of hell. Some of the things we know to be true about hell include:

• Darkness
• Eternal Separation from God
• Everlasting Lake of Fire
• Fire & Brimstone
• No Water or Food
• Torment & Anguish
• Unbearable Noise
• Weeping

These are just a few of the horrifying descriptions of hell that are shared throughout the Bible. You can learn more about the reality of hell here.

Are You Stuck in Hell For All Eternity?

When speaking about The Final Judgement in Matthew 25:46 Jesus said, “And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”. This should leave us with no questions as to the eternity of hell. 

While other religions teach that hell is a place you can “earn” your way out of, a temporary form of torment, we understand that our eternal destination is decided once and for all during judgment day. Once you are granted entrance into heaven, you will spend the rest of eternity in God’s presence. Likewise, once you are sent to hell, you will never leave.

Fortunately, God has graciously given us all the opportunity to accept His gift of salvation. By repenting of our sins, admitting our need for a Savior, and accepting the gift of salvation, we can escape the harsh reality of an eternity in hell. 

What The Bible Says About Hell

So, what does the Bible actually say about hell? As mentioned previously, there are over 160 mentions of hell in the New Testament alone! This is in addition to several direct and indirect mentions of hell that are found in the Old Testament. Most believers assume that the book of Revelation covers this topic in the most depth. However, mentions of hell are found throughout scripture including the following passages:

• Amos 9
• Ephesians 4:9
• Ezekiel 26
• Ezekiel 31
• Isaiah 33
• Mark 9
• Matthew 12:40
• Matthew 25
• Numbers 16
• Psalms 11
• Psalm 139:25
• Revelation 20
• 1 Samuel 28:14-15
• 2 Thessalonians 1

In these verses and others like them, we learn more about what hell is really like. We find graphic descriptions of the vast darkness, constant weeping, unbearable noise, and endless torment. We also learn that there is no relief from the unbearable heat in hell, no access to food or water. 

However, the worst part about hell is not these horrifying descriptions. An eternity in hell means eternal separation from God. This is the worst punishment imaginable. There is no good in hell, there is no opportunity for redemption or a second shot at heaven. Once you are sent to hell, you will remain in torment for the rest of eternity. This horrific reality should encourage believers around the world to share the hope of heaven and the truth of the gospel with greater fervency. 

A Better Alternative to Eternity in Hell

God, in His perfection, can not let anything sinful or unholy enter His presence. As sinners, we all deserve an eternity in hell. Fortunately, God is a merciful God. He has provided a better alternative to an eternity in hell. Through His son’s death on the cross, our sins are forgiven. When we accept His gift of salvation, acknowledge our need for a Saviour, and place our trust in God, we are granted an eternity in heaven. 

Heaven is the complete opposite of hell. Heaven is full of beauty, peace, and most importantly, the glory of God. There are many things we learn about heaven throughout the Bible. Here are a few of the key verses that give us insight into heaven, the alternative to an eternity in hell:

• Christians go to Heaven when they die. (Philippians 1:21-23)
• Christ currently dwells in heaven. (Acts 1:11)
• God’s dwelling place is Heaven. (Psalm 33:13)
• Heaven is known as the Father’s House. (John 14:2)
• Heaven is paradise. (Luke 23:43)

These are just a few of the most important facts about heaven. Heaven is so full of God’s glory that earthly words could never properly describe the beauty that awaits.

How Does a Loving God Send People to Hell?

So, if God is a merciful and loving God, how can He send people to hell? While God is perfectly loving and perfectly merciful, He is also perfectly just. God is pure perfection, he can not let anything besides perfection into His presence. If this were the only qualifier, no one would enter heaven. However, we are all offered the gift of salvation. 

Each of us has the opportunity to accept salvation, committing our lives to Christ, and receiving forgiveness of our sins. Through the death of Jesus on the cross, we are seen as worthy in the eyes of God. We are granted eternity in heaven, basking in the glory of God and worshipping Him forever.

Does All Sin Send You to Hell?

Whether you are a believer or an unbeliever, you understand your sin nature. Sin entered the world through Adam and Eve and, unfortunately, is a part of the human experience. Although we may strive to live a life worthy of our calling, we all fall prey to the temptation of sin in our lives. So, what happens when you sin? Does sinning mean you will be sent to hell upon your death? Will your sin send you to hell?

Sin of any type disqualifies us from eternity in heaven. However, through salvation, we are granted forgiveness of our sins, past, present, and future. As Christians, we must strive every day to become more like Christ in our thoughts, actions, and responses. However, when we inevitably mess up, it is important to repent of our sins and remind ourselves that His mercy is new every morning. We have been given grace and the gift of salvation, regardless of what we have done or what we will do.  

Where to Learn More About Heaven & Hell

As believers, we have confidence in our salvation. An eternity in heaven awaits all who have placed their trust in Christ and admitted their need for a Savior. However, if you have not taken this step, the harsh reality of an eternity in hell awaits.

Fortunately, God’s gift of salvation is free to anyone who admits their need for a Savior. At Liberty Justice HQ, we desire for all people to take this important step towards salvation. To learn more about heaven and hell, or accepting Jesus into your heart, reach out to a local pastor or contact our team today! There is nothing more important than securing your eternal destination.