Clear teaching on the reality of Hell is not a popular topic in the church today.
Even though it is unpopular, we should be clear where the Bible is clear. Here is an eye raising description of the reality of Hell.
“Anyone who worships the beast and his statue or who accepts his mark on the forehead or on the hand must drink the wine of God’s anger. It has been poured full strength into God’s cup of wrath. And they will be tormented with fire and burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb. The smoke of their torment will rise forever and ever, and they will have no relief day or night, for they have worshiped the beast and his statue and have accepted the mark of his name.” Rev 13:9-11
1. Hell is for those who don’t worship the true God.
“Anyone who worships the beast and his statue or who accepts his mark on the forehead or on the hand must drink the wine of God’s anger.”
In this case, those who worship the beast experienced the anger of God. But anyone worships anything but God will also be subject to God’s wrath.
The only way to escape Hell is through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. He died so that we don’t have to go to Hell. All we have to do is accept his grace and make a choice to turn from our sins and follow him and we will receive eternal life.
2. Hell is where people who rebel against God experience God’s wrath.
“It has been poured full strength into God’s cup of wrath.”
God’s wrath is another unpopular topic. Knowing that God’s anger toward sin helps us realize that he is a just God and helps us see why Jesus had to die.
3. Hell is a place suffering and torment.
“And they will be tormented with fire and burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb.”
The suffering in Hell is related to burning and fire. This is the closest earthly description of the sufferings that will take place in Hell. If you have ever burned yourself you know it is very painful.
4. Hell is a place where there will be no relief forever and ever.
“The smoke of their torment will rise forever and ever, and they will have no relief day or night, for they have worshiped the beast and his statue and have accepted the mark of his name.”
Imagine this type of suffering and knowing that you have no rest or relief to look forward to. Just as Heaven is forever, Hell is also forever.
These truths do not make me happy. I am heartbroken thinking about people who will experience this. I am motivated to do whatever I can to help as many as I can to avoid this fate. Through prayer, sharing the gospel, and loving our neighbors we can be a part of rescuing people.
How does the reality of Hell effect your desire to share the good news of Jesus saving us?
Share on Facebook or Twitter or post a comment. Get daily updates by subscribing by email. From my reading in Revelation 14 in the One Year Bible New Testament.
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