What is Hell Like

Read

Revelation 20:14-15 “Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”

Think

When we think about Hell, our minds often go to images of fire and brimstone. And while the Bible certainly uses these descriptions, Hell is far more than just a physical place of torment. It is a state of eternal separation from God, where every trace of God's goodness, love, and presence is absent. Imagine being in total darkness, where peace, hope, and joy have evaporated, leaving only regret and sorrow. Hell is not just about flames; it's the unbearable reality of knowing that a life with God was offered but rejected. This eternal separation is the most agonizing aspect of Hell.

Scripture tells us that Hell is a place of both physical and spiritual suffering. It is depicted as a “lake of fire” (Revelation 20:14-15), where there is “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 13:42). These descriptions give us a glimpse of the intensity of the suffering—a place where there is no rest, no relief, and no comfort. It is described as eternal—there is no escape or reprieve. The suffering is constant, and the knowledge that it will never end compounds the despair. But worse than the physical pain is the isolation—Hell is a place where the soul is cut off from every good thing.

Theologian Charles Spurgeon, once said, "Think lightly of Hell, and you will think lightly of the cross; think little of the sufferings of lost souls, and you will soon think little of the Savior." His words remind us that the existence of Hell magnifies the incredible sacrifice Jesus made for us. It’s not just about physical agony, but the deep, eternal regret of rejecting the one thing that could have saved us—Jesus’ love. Hell is realizing, forever, what’s been lost and can never be regained.

But the beauty of the gospel is that Jesus made a way for us to avoid this fate. God does not desire for anyone to go to Hell, and that’s why he sent his Son to die in our place. Hell is real, but so is the gift of eternal life with God. Today, you have a choice: to embrace the rescue plan Jesus offers, or to turn away. Choose life, choose Jesus, and live in the freedom that comes from his salvation.

Apply

Ask yourself, "Am I certain where I stand with him?" If you haven’t already, pray and ask Jesus to be a part of your life, inviting him to lead you. If you already follow Christ, think of one person you know who might need to hear about God's love and offer to share your faith with them.

Pray

Lord, thank you for making a way for me through Jesus. Help me trust in you more each day and live in your Word's truth. Help me to daily surrender to you; strengthen me when I’m tempted turn from your ways. Guide me to share your love with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.