It’s hard not to recoil at the mention of hell. Personally, I struggle. But I believe there to be utility in understanding and dwelling on the doctrine.
Jesus talked a lot about hell. Our theology comes straight from his lips.
From Jesus
He described it in many ways.
- Fire of hell (Matthew 5:22)
- Outer darkness (Matthew 22:13)
- A place of eternal torment (Luke 16:23)
- Where the worm doesn’t die (Mark 9:43)
- Where people will gnash their teeth in anguish and regret (Matthew 13:42)
- A place of no return, even to loved ones. (Luke 16:19-31)
What is gained?
Hell is an important doctrine. We cannot afford to ignore it. No matter how uncomfortable it is.
I believe if we understand and dwell on this doctrine it will add to us.
Firstly, we will gain a better appreciation of God’s holiness.
To understand hell is to gain a greater reverence for God’s justice and holiness. It puts our sin into a serious light. It helps us understand that a sinner could never dwell in the presence of an intensely holy God.
Secondly, we will gain a better understanding of the gospel.
The gospel is a salvation story. But from what were you saved? To understand hell is to understand what Jesus gave his life to save you from. To understand the torturous nature of hell is to know more the greatness of the salvation act.
Thirdly, we will gain a greater sense of urgency for outreach.
If we are convicted of this truth, other pursuits will diminish in importance. A sense of urgency will arise for the lost souls who are dead in trespasses. Souls who are destined for eternal separation from God.
The importance
So I ask you, how important are these three things?
When was the last time you sought to understand hell more?
The doctrine of hell is so disconcerting, so frightening, it makes my skin crawl. But this needs to be endured because of the drive it produces.
It’s honestly a crushing reality that people will not be with Jesus in the next life. I wish my friends, my family had a more secure destiny. But I am convinced that what Jesus has proclaimed is truth.
Jesus’ nature is truth. And this teaching comes from his mouth. He is the exact representation of God’s being.
Our only interaction with this doctrine should not come from a legalist’s sign on a picket. In view of God’s holiness, the gospel and evangelism, we should strive to understand hell more.
Below are a couple resources I have felt helpful.
Tim Mackie, co-founder of the Bible Project, has a series on heaven and hell. It’s a great series that will clear up many misconceptions about life and death. I love how it makes the point that heaven and hell are present realities.
https://thebibleproject.com/podcast/series/heaven-hell/
Tim Keller, another amazing teacher of the word, preaches a sermon on the passage of the rich man and Lazarus. There he helps us realise just how hell is living out our false identity for eternity. Also that it helps us understand the gospel more.
https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/timothy-keller/upside-down-living-tfuzCySj_5d/
Roden Meares enjoys playing basketball, reading comics and going to the gym. He has a passion for evangelising and helping others in their faith through writing.
Roden’s previous articles can be viewed at https://www.pressserviceinternational.org/roden-meares.html