Many people live with the idea that as long as they’re “good enough,” God will let them into heaven. They believe their good deeds outweigh their bad ones—and that must count for something. But the truth is, God doesn’t grade on a curve.
The Bible makes it clear that our entrance into heaven isn’t based on what we do, but on who we know. The one question that matters most is this: Do you have faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?
What the Bible Says About Hell
In Matthew 25:41–46, Jesus describes a sobering reality:
“Depart from me, you cursed, into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels… And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
According to Scripture, hell is a real place—a place Jesus Himself spoke about more often than heaven. He did so not to frighten people but to warn them out of love and mercy. Teaching on hell is one of the most compassionate things a follower of Christ can do, because it reminds us what’s at stake.
Hell is not a myth or a metaphor. It is described as a place of everlasting fire and eternal separation from God’s love, peace, and grace. Those who reject Christ will face this judgment, not because God is cruel, but because they chose to live apart from Him.
Why Was Hell Created?
Matthew 25:41 tells us that hell was prepared for the devil and his angels, not for humanity. God created all beings with free will—including angels. Lucifer, once a glorious creation, rebelled against God, choosing pride over worship. His rebellion led to his downfall and the creation of hell as a place of eternal punishment for him and the demons who followed.
God never intended for people to end up there. But when individuals reject Christ’s gift of salvation, they align themselves with that same rebellion. God honors our choices—even when those choices separate us from Him.
The Nature of Hell
Scripture gives us several important truths about what hell is like:
- It is eternal. There is no end to its suffering or separation. Revelation 14:11 says, “The smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever.”
- It is a place of fire and darkness. Jesus describes it as “outer darkness” where there is “weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
- It is separation from God’s manifested presence. Those in hell will no longer experience His love, grace, or peace—only the absence of everything good.
While God’s omnipresence extends everywhere, hell is the absence of His comforting presence. It is existence without hope, light, or life.
Jesus Took Our Hell on the Cross
The good news is that Jesus Christ took our punishment for us.
When He hung on the cross, He endured the wrath and separation that sin deserves. As Pastor Mike said, “Jesus took your hell on the cross.”
Romans 3:23 reminds us, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” There are no perfect people—but there is a perfect Savior. Through His death and resurrection, we have the opportunity to escape judgment and receive eternal life.
That’s why salvation is not about rituals, religion, or self-righteousness. It’s about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Knowing that heaven and hell are real should change how we live. Pastor Mike outlined several key responses for believers:
1. Trust God with Your Questions
Faith often begins where explanations end. It’s okay to have doubts, but don’t let them stop you from trusting God. Even great men of faith, like John the Baptist, wrestled with uncertainty. True faith means choosing to believe even when you don’t have all the answers.
2. Tell Others the Good News
The reality of hell should compel us to share the hope of Christ. Before ascending to heaven, Jesus commanded His followers to go and make disciples of all nations. We are not called to argue people into faith but to lovingly lead them one step closer to the cross.
“Our job,” Pastor Mike says, “is to be part of the rescue squad.”
3. Be Winsome, Not Combative
The goal is not to win arguments—it’s to win souls. When we share the gospel, we must do so with humility and grace, remembering that every person we meet is someone Jesus died for.
4. Remove Obstacles That Keep You from Witnessing
As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9, he became “all things to all men” so that he might reach some. That means being willing to step outside of comfort zones, build relationships, and reflect Christ in both word and action.
How to Escape Hell and Find True Hope
If you’ve never placed your faith in Christ, today is the day of salvation.
Believe the gospel—that Jesus died for your sins, was buried, and rose again—and trust in Him alone for your salvation.
To believe means to repent, turning from sin and self-reliance and turning toward Christ. When you do, God will pour His Spirit into your heart, grant you forgiveness, and give you eternal life.
“Please make sure that heaven is your home,” Pastor Mike urges, “and that you have put your faith in Jesus Christ for your true salvation.”
Final Thoughts
Talking about hell isn’t easy. But understanding it makes us appreciate the cross even more. Jesus endured hell’s punishment so that you wouldn’t have to.
If you’re reading this and feel uncertain about your faith, take that step today. There is hope worth having—and His name is Jesus Christ.