There are many people who do not believe in literal hell. They argue that God is a loving God, and will not allow people to suffer. Foolishly, they do not understand the holiness of God. God who is Holy will not tolerate sin and punish sin. Loving God made provision for Salvation and Holy God will banish sinners along with Satan to eternal hell called Lake of Fire. The Bible describes this in three words. ‘Sheol’ is the Hebrew word that means the ‘place of the dead.’ ‘Hades’ is the Greek word for the world beyond. Bottomless pit (Revelation 9:1) and ‘Abyssos’, prison of demons. (Luke 8:31; II Peter 2:4; Jude 6) ‘Gehenna’ is the third word used in Greek and Hebrew representing the Valley of Hinnom, that is outside Jerusalem where heinous practises of Molech worship and human sacrifice were done. (II Chronicles 28:1-3; Jeremiah 32:35) The lake of fire is prepared for the devil. (Matthew 25:41)
1) Eternal separation from God: If there is higher life, eternal life in God’s presence, there is deeper death reserved for the ungodly as second death. As there is no more death for saints; there is no more life for those condemned for second death.
2) Eternal separation from life and living: Death is the absence of life. It means, absence of a life of quality: peace, joy, love…etc. Even those who are tormented in hell will not have any meaningful relationship with one another.
3) Eternal place of torment: They will wish to die, but death will not overtake them. The torment of the devil and those who are thrown into hell will be beyond imagination, without mercy or comfort, there will be eternal sorrows, weeping, and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 13:42)
4) Eternal regret and envy: The rich man who ignored Lazar in his home, longed for water. He could see his neighbour Lazar, recognize him but could not reach Abraham’s bosom. Those who reject the gospel choose hell. The repentance is of no value, like that of Esau. (Hebrews 12:17)
Have I received the gracious gift of gospel?