Jesus & HellSample

What hell is like

Years ago, I was on a bus with a pastor friend and met a very extroverted woman who was very proud to tell us that she did not agree with our biblical beliefs. We weren’t preaching or pushing her. She was driving the conversation about salvation, and at one point, she said, “I know you guys think I’m going to hell, and I’m okay with that because all my friends will be there.”

No. I’m sorry, but that’s not true. Not according to Jesus. He once told a story about a man in hell who screamed, “I am in agony in this fire” (Luke 16:24). Agony. Torment. A place where you weep and gnash your teeth. That’s what hell is like.

Please believe Jesus when he speaks about hell. There is no happiness in hell. No good days. No friendship. No love. No one who cares. There is nothing good when you are separated from God. That’s what hell is like.

We, perhaps even those who attend church, have downplayed a message that Jesus frequently preached. But if hell is as bad as Jesus says and heaven is as glorious as Jesus claimed, we must keep our focus on the life to come. In the end, all that truly matters is whether or not we will be with God.

So repent of your sins, and trust in his Son. Know that through Jesus, this life is as close to hell as Christians will ever get.