Faith
The Urgent Truth of Hell as Taught by Jesus Himself
Many Christians today derive their understanding of Hell more from classic literature and popular culture than from the Holy Scriptures. While the chilling realms depicted in Dante’s Inferno or the charismatic devil of Disney’s Hercules might capture the imagination, they do not offer a biblically accurate portrayal of Hell.
The term “Hell” itself originates not from Scripture but from an old Germanic word describing “the underworld.” In the Bible, the concept varies: the Old Testament refers to Sheol, a term whose meaning spans from punishment to simply being distant from God’s presence. This indicates that while the afterlife was recognized, it was not deeply elaborated upon by the ancient Israelites.
In the New Testament, the narrative becomes clearer, particularly in the Book of Revelation which vividly describes eternal torment for those who stray from God’s path. Verses like Revelation 14 and Revelation 20 speak of a “lake of fire” and “fire and sulfur,” emphasizing an eternity of suffering for the wicked.
Surprisingly, it is Jesus Christ who speaks most frequently and explicitly about Hell. His teachings are direct and severe, highlighting Hell as a real and dreadful place. For instance, Matthew 5:22 warns of the “hell of fire” for those who harbor anger against their brethren, and Matthew 10:28 advises to fear God, who can “destroy both soul and body in hell.”
These scriptures are clear: Hell is a definitive reality, and its existence was of significant importance to Jesus. He did not shy away from discussing its harsh truths, teaching that actions have eternal consequences. This contradicts the often sanitized image of Jesus prevalent in modern American culture, which prefers to view Him solely as a figure of love and peace.
This misconception overlooks the essential truth of the Gospel as articulated nearly a century ago by theologian H. Richard Niebuhr, who criticized the diluted Christian message that omits the necessity of God’s judgment and the reality of sin and its consequences. Hell, therefore, is not a mere tool of fear or a myth created by the Church; it is a cornerstone of divine justice. It promises that no wrong, no matter how obscured or protected, will go unpunished—be it in this life through the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross or in the eternal life to come.
For victims of injustice and oppression, the doctrine of Hell serves not as a cause for fear but as a beacon of hope. It affirms God’s unwavering commitment to justice—that every act of sin against His creation will ultimately be addressed. In a world rife with sin and evil, the truth of Hell underscores the profound seriousness with which God approaches sin and the redemption He offers to those who choose His path. Through this understanding, we grasp the full measure of God’s love and justice, reassuring us that ultimately, “everything sad will come untrue.”
Faith Facts
- Post-WWII geopolitical stability has ended, with volatility now the norm.
- Tariffs, sanctions, and border restrictions are routine statecraft tools worldwide, including in America.
- Christianity’s vibrant growth centers in the Global South, misaligning with Western institutions.
Christian leaders must embrace scenario planning rooted in Biblical conviction amid global realignments threatening missions.
Inherited structures built for continuity now face funding volatility and regulatory pressures.
The post-war order of predictable borders and resources no longer holds, demanding resilience like the early Church.
As Proverbs urges wise stewardship, institutions must distinguish essentials from comforts to advance the Gospel.
Christian patriots, lead with faith-driven adaptability to safeguard evangelism and family values globally.
Faith Facts
- Only 14% of Peruvians have a personal relationship with Christ despite openness to the Gospel, with high rates of anxiety, alcoholism, and drug abuse.
- Over 2,400 pastors from 700 churches joined preparations, expanding the event from one to two days after the 1998 festival’s lasting impact.
- Churches are training believers via the Christian Life and Witness Course to share faith, disciple new converts, and build lasting communities.
Lima, Peru’s ‘City of Kings,’ prepares to hear about the true King Jesus amid spiritual challenges and declining traditional faith.
The Esperanza Lima festival, led by Franklin Graham of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, runs March 7-8, drawing thousands in a city of over 11 million.
Local leaders express growing excitement for this beacon of salvation, forgiveness, and purpose in Christ, echoing the wise men’s Epiphany worship.
Christians worldwide, join in fervent prayer for Lima’s hearts to open to God’s hope and for strength in this evangelistic mission rooted in Biblical truth.
Faith Facts
- Christian leaders demand regime change through national solidarity and wise leadership under Reza Pahlavi’s program to end despotism and moral collapse.
- Invoking biblical Cyrus the Great, who freed Jews from Babylon, they pray Iran heralds hope, freedom, and God’s healing as in ancient times.
- Iran ranks 10th worldwide in Christian persecution; converts face illegal status, secret house churches, and arrests on security charges.
Over 200 Iranian Christian leaders have boldly endorsed exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, son of the last Shah, amid deadly nationwide protests against the tyrannical regime.
Declaring themselves inseparable from the Iranian nation at a pivotal moment, they accuse the government of grievous harm.
They say it has suffered a total loss of legitimacy since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
“Today, in order to move beyond despotism, violence, and moral and social collapse, Iran requires national solidarity, responsible leadership, and a transition grounded in wisdom and reason. Accordingly, we declare our support for Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi and his programme.”
“We believe that our beloved Iran can once again, as in the era of Cyrus the Great, become a herald of hope and freedom for its people and its neighbours. In this spirit, we affirm that the living and true God is able to bring warmth and healing to broken hearts … May God’s peace and healing be upon our nation.”
Let us pray fervently for Iranian believers enduring persecution, standing firm in faith against oppression, and join in proclaiming biblical freedom for all nations.
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