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
- The BEST Center in Cambodia celebrated 15 years of using the Bible to teach English, with many students becoming followers of Christ.
- Leaders in Colombia reported nearly 900 baptisms and ran a youth camp to encourage discipleship and leadership among young believers.
- A new Bible institute in Malawi opened after years of prayer, aiming to train ministers for service and outreach.
From Cambodia to New Zealand, God’s Word is being shared as ministries and churches equip believers and serve their communities. Each story shows the strength and unity found in faith, as families are transformed and leaders step forward to guide others in righteousness.
Efforts such as evangelism campaigns in Romania and youth leadership training in Colombia highlight how the global Church nurtures spiritual growth and discipleship, motivating believers to stay true to biblical values.
“I love the spirit of cooperation among these Transylvanian churches,” Marty Knight said, speaking of teamwork among Romanian congregations.
These international testimonies remind us that the gospel is alive, reaching hearts and changing lives as people respond in faith and service. Let us give thanks for the faithful believers spreading hope around the world.
Stay prayerful and bold in supporting Christians as they proclaim truth, defend families, and promote liberty through biblical foundations.
Faith Facts
- Finnish MP Päivi Räsänen is facing renewed legal action for expressing biblical beliefs on marriage and sexuality in a 2019 tweet.
- Despite being acquitted twice, the state prosecutor is appealing again, taking the case to Finland’s Supreme Court.
- This case highlights concerns over religious freedom and the right to express faith-based views in public discourse.
Päivi Räsänen, a Christian parliamentarian and former minister in Finland, is facing her third trial for referencing biblical teaching in a tweet questioning her church’s sponsorship of an LGBT pride event. The Finnish prosecutor has appealed her two previous acquittals, and Finland’s Supreme Court will consider her case later this year.
The tweet included a Bible verse from Romans 1, which describes same-sex relationships as sinful according to Scripture. Räsänen’s public statements and a church pamphlet from 2004, co-published with Bishop Juhana Pohjola, are central to the charges of “agitation against a minority group.”
Räsänen’s defense maintains that quoting the Bible and sharing Christian doctrine should never be criminalized.
“It isn’t a crime to tweet a Bible verse, or to engage in public discourse from a Christian perspective.”
Throughout this legal journey, both Räsänen and Pohjola have been acquitted twice, yet the prosecution continues its pursuit despite strong support for biblical freedom from many Christians worldwide.
Paul Coleman, a leader in Räsänen’s defense team, emphasized the broader fight for liberty:
“In a free and democratic society, all should be allowed to share their beliefs without fear of punishment.”
This case is a crucial moment for the protection of religious liberty and free speech, standing as a reminder of the importance of defending biblical truth and Christian conviction in the public square. Stay vigilant and pray for those standing for faith and freedom in the face of adversity.
Faith Facts
- Iran’s regime arrested 53 Christians, accusing them of espionage and anti-security activities after confiscating Bibles and Christian materials.
- State television aired forced confessions and linked Evangelical Christians to foreign intelligence, further targeting the faithful community.
- Most Iranian Christians, primarily converts, face persecution and lack legal places to worship or gather safely.
Recent mass arrests in Iran show the price believers pay for standing firm in their faith under regimes hostile to Christianity. The government continues treating Christian worship, prayer, and gatherings as criminal, targeting religions that threaten oppressive ideologies.
State media broadcasts forced confessions and confiscated Bibles, seeking to shame and silence Christians in a campaign equating faith with disloyalty.
“The clear suggestion being made here is that all Evangelical Christians are associates of Mossad,” said Mansour Borji, director of Article18.
Human rights lawyers and international observers say these Christians likely face unfair trials, denied legal counsel, and suffer persecution for ordinary acts of worship.
In Iran, Armenian and Assyrian Christians may worship but cannot include converts or use Persian, isolating new believers and pushing gatherings underground or abroad.
Many arrested Christians had attended worship events in neighboring countries, as options at home are unsafe or unavailable.
“All those arrested on charges of security, political, ideological or ‘espionage’ offences are denied a fair trial, subjected to severe torture and do not even have access to an independent lawyer,” stated Hossein Ahmadiniaz, a human rights attorney.
Despite pressure and injustice, Iran’s Christians remain steadfast, highlighting the power of faith to withstand tyranny. Their sacrifice is a call for believers everywhere to support religious liberty and defend the right to worship.
Pray for our brothers and sisters who suffer for their faith, and urge leaders to champion religious freedom as a God-given right.
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