I. What is hell?
A. Having discussed heaven in some detail, we must also notice that not
everyone will be there. In the day of judgment, the Bible clearly teaches
that many will not be pleasing to God and go to hell.
B. This is a sobering thought. What is hell, why is it bad, and how can we avoid
going there? Let us examine what God tells us about the other side of the
judgment.

II. Hell is real
A. The Bible talks about hell in real terms. It is not a fairy tale or a scary story.
As clearly as Jesus speaks about the new birth, loving enemies, and a home in heaven, He also speaks very clearly of hell.
B. Matthew 5:29-30. Here we read that the danger of not correcting sin in our
lives is hell. However, we are not told specifically what this is or why it is
bad, simply that it is a real possibility we want to avoid.
C. Matthew 18:8-9. Here we read in a parallel passage that hell is "the
everlasting fire" and "hell fire". If something is causing us to sin, we must
remove it, lest we be cast into fire that lasts forever.
D. 2 Pet 2:4, Jude 6. We may not know everything about the angels and their
folly, but we know that their punishment was real! And we certainly
know we don't want the same thing to happen to us!
E. Many more passages we will discuss speak of hell as real, but we must assert
primarily that this is not a fairy tale. Though many in our world, including
many religious people, would like to eliminate hell, we must say that God
warns us of it explicitly.

III. Hell is horrible
A. Almost every Scripture describing hell speaks of it as a place of intense
torment.
B. Mark 9:43-48. Although the fire and worm may not be literal (considering we
will be spirits), the image given is clearly meant to inspire fear. Jesus is
telling us this is a place we don't want any part of. The pain and agony of
the tormented soul is more than we can imagine.
C. Luke 16:19-25. The emphasis of this story is on the awful torment of the rich
man. Can you imagine being in such pain that a drop of cool water would
relieve your torment? These images are intended to frighten and motivate
us to be in Abraham's bosom rather than in flame.
D. The same God who promises and gives innumerable blessings to His children
also promises unfathomable torment in hell. It truly is and will be a
horrible place.

IV. Hell is forever
A. Our torment is not just for a little while. God promises it will endure forever.
B. Luke 16:25-26. The rich man will endure this misery forever. There will be
no point where he is allowed to come over into heaven. His time will not
be served. Because of his sin, he will suffer forever.
C. The concept of eternity in heaven is difficult to comprehend. However, it is
much worse to consider an eternity of torment and horror, regret and
sorrow.
D. 2 Thess 1:8-9. They shall be punished with "everlasting destruction." This is
the same word we use to describe eternal life. The destruction will last
just as long as the life God promises in heaven: forever.
E. Remember, "their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched"(Mk 9:48).
Truly, if we have missed heaven, we have missed it all.

V. Hell is punishment
A. There is a reason for all this torment. Those who go to hell have disobeyed
God.
B. 2 Thess 1:8. These are punished because they do not know God and do not
obey the gospel of Christ. This is what makes obeying God's word so
vitally important! If we refuse to obey, we will be punished by a just God
with good reason.
C. Rev 21:8. Do these things describe us? In the eyes of God are we cowardly
or sexually immoral? These things carry a horrible punishment-are we
ready to face God with them on our conscience?
D. Even things we sometimes think as lesser problems-such as not using our
talents wisely or not helping those in need-Jesus deems worthy of
punishment in hell. They are serious to God!! (Matt 25:30, 41-46)
E. Hell is punishment, but we CAN avoid it! If we do our best to remain in the
mercy of God and follow Him at every step, with a heart that fears Him,
loves Him, and always seeks His will, we can escape the punishment we deserve through Jesus' blood.

VI. Hell can teach us lessons
A. Here is an important point. Once we have thought very seriously and soberly
about hell, it can benefit us as we seek after God.
B. Matt 10:28. We no longer fear the world and its dangers. They are nothing
compared to the danger of disappointing God! How can we be silent
when someone needs the gospel, ignore someone in need, or not stand up
for His word when we know He'll judge us? How can we fear the world
when He has the true power?
C. Mark 9:43-48. Now that we have hell in our view, we can see very clearly
what's important in this life. It is not the joys and pleasures we have here,
but rather the hope of heaven and avoidance of hell. This reorders our
lives to please God, because we know that no sacrifice is too great. Are
we truly seeking God first?

Many have made grave errors by ignoring the Bible's teachings on hell. Although they are unpleasant, if we pay attention and obey God, He will bless us with a heavenly home!___Jacob Hudgins