Connecting Point: Is Hell Real?

Often, controversial topics scare us. But just because a matter is uncomfortable, sometimes it’s an unintended consequence for clergy when they are motivated by caring, caring that includes caring for people. So, Jesus spoke about Hell even more than Heaven. Christ is quoted 70 times in context with Hell. Take heed.

In the case of my profession, my heart gets closer to the sleeve than in almost all other professions. I have been at the pulpit for thirty years now. I throw misunderstandings and misconceptions to both the profession and my heart. One common dilemma that grows in the flesh more of theology than say teaching, a comparative field, Christians grapple with reason and heart and tear: “Why would a loving God allow people to go to Hell?” Poor comprehension of true love leads to this angry sentiment.

For example in scripture: in the Old Testament, Ezekiel 33:11 admonishes: “As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?” But, late in the New Testament contrast, Christ leads to ultimate love.

The Bible displays God’s love through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance,” (2 Peter 3:9). The morality of God is easily

questioned but his character is just and free from evil. We make the choice to receive his love. Theologian J. P. Moreland said, “I believe hell is morally justifiable, but I don’t feel comfortable about it because it’s sad.” True, through Jesus we are all given the opportunity to be pardoned but we too sadly can reject salvation. God made us in his image, and we are not bonded to go to Heaven or Hell. We are free.

Another question, “Are the flames and darkness real?” brings to mind hell-fire preaching. I believe that’s somewhat misguided. It is imperative that we have a clear understanding of Scripture; sometimes we mischaracterize what is being taught. Author Lee Stroble suggests in his book, The Case for Heaven and Hell, that the two key images of hell—flames and darkness—if taken literally would cancel each other out. Flames produce light. A better description of hell in essence is a place that is absent from God’s presence, an eternal place of loneliness and despair.

A correlating question includes, is hell a torture chamber? Again, we must be careful in making assumptions that are contrary to God’s nature. He is not some evil mastermind wishing to torture people for eternity. Lee Strobel states that “torture” is externally imposed so we must be careful with such an assumption regarding God. On the other hand, “torment” is internally generated which is the result of spending eternity in Hell by rejecting salvation through Jesus.

In no way, shape or form am I downplaying the reality of Hell. I concur with what Jesus taught. Hell is very real and an eternal place of torment. By God’s grace, we are given the opportunity to spend eternity in joy and peace in God’s presence.