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What the Bible says
What Does the Bible Say About Hell?
The Bible speaks soberly of hell as real separation from God, and it speaks even more loudly of a Savior who came so that no one need go there.
Jesus spoke of hell more than anyone, not to frighten us needlessly, but to warn us in love. It is the tragic reality of a life that finally refuses God, the just end of choosing ourselves over Him.
The Bible never presents hell as God's desire; He takes no pleasure in the death of anyone and pleads with all to turn and live. The whole message of the cross is that God went to unimaginable lengths so that we would not be lost.
Key Bible verses
“And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”
Matthew 25:46 · King James Version (public domain)
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9 · King James Version (public domain)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16 · King James Version (public domain)
“As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live.”
Ezekiel 33:11 · King James Version (public domain)
How this points to Jesus
Jesus took the judgment we deserved upon Himself so that we would not have to bear it. On the cross He experienced the God-forsakenness of hell in our place. The good news is that no one has to face it; the door of mercy stands open, and Christ Himself is the way through.