Read Matthew 25-26
One day while I was soul winning by myself, I knocked on the door of a woman who was a Jehovah’s Witness. I tried to give her the gospel, but her own beliefs based on that religion seemed to conflict which much of what I was trying to express. The biggest problem she had with the gospel as I gave it to her was on the subject of hell. She, like many, would not accept that God would create a place of eternal fire and punishment for those that reject Jesus Christ. The sad and hard truth is that hell is more than the scary fiction that people watch on TV.
Hell is real. Matthew 25:41 describes that at the judgment, there will be those who God will cast into everlasting judgment in this place. The distinction isn’t between those who went to church, gave money, or did good deeds. The separation takes place for those reject His Son, Jesus Christ.
Hell is separation from God. Verse 41 says, “Depart from me…” This is the Lord speaking. The worst part about hell is that it is complete and eternal separation from the Lord and the possibility of ever having a relationship with Him.
Hell is forever. There is no hope, no second chances, and no mercy given. Punishment throughout our lives has an end. No valley lasts forever in this life, and it is hard to even understand the concept of something that lasts forever. The word “everlasting” in this verse makes it clear that this is no temporary judgment.
Hell is torment. The lake of fire that Jesus describes gives no details of people throwing a party or having a fun time like some may joke. Every description of hell is torment. It is terrible in every way.
Hell is not for you. Notice the last phrase of this verse- “…prepared for the devil and his angels:” Jesus said He is going to prepare your mansion in Heaven if you are saved, but hell was never made for you. Satan deceived Eve into falling into sin because Satan is a recruiter. He wants you to be in hell with him, but that is not God’s desire.
Today’s Truth: Every aspect of hell is horrible. It is these insights into this place that draw us to Jesus and move us to tell others about how they can be saved.