The Reality of Hell, Part 2 of "Heaven and Hell"Sample

The existence of hell makes it possible to endure suffering

“Indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant relief to you who are afflicted” (2 Thessalonians 1:6-7)

When Jesus was still on earth teaching His disciples, He told them that the world would hate them for His sake. And indeed, many believers across the globe can testify that being a Christian is difficult and dangerous. And even if we personally do not suffer, we read in the newspaper about horrific human-caused suffering.

The book of Revelation gives us a glimpse into heaven. There are “the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne.” These people cried out to God for justice: “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” (Revelation 6:10).

In his second letter to the Thessalonians, Paul addresses the same topic. His readers are also suffering for their faith. But they can maintain their steadfastness and trust without avenging themselves because God will do justice.

Paul appeals to the sense of justice that we all feel: Those who deliberately make others suffer, should pay for their crimes. And they will, the Bible assures us. God will judge the world with righteousness and the people with equity (Psalm 98:9).

Do you wrestle with feelings of revenge because of injustice done to you or others? How do you express these feelings? Does the existence of hell make a difference here?