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.”