What Happens in Hell

QUESTION: What happens in hell?

ANSWER:

What happens in hell is the opposite of what happens in heaven. Jesus shared about hell extensively in the gospels, providing us with many depictions of what happens in hell. These terms that Jesus uses state that hell will be a place of torment where there will be "a furnace of fire…wailing and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 13:42). Jesus also says that hell is a "fire that will never be quenched" (Mark 9:43).

In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus describes a wealthy man who did not help others (specifically a poor man, named Lazarus with sores all over his body). The rich man went to hell and suffered greatly from the flame of the fire and was constantly thirsty. The poor man (Lazarus) died and was sent to "Abraham's bosom." The rich man begged for Lazarus to get him some water to quench his thirst, but no one was allowed to cross the gulf between heaven and hell.

Other depictions of hell include:

• Separation from God (2 Thessalonians 1:9). This is the opposite of heaven. Those who are saved will enjoy the presence of God forever (Romans 6:23).
  
  
• Everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46). Heaven will be eternal joy in the presence of the Lord (Psalm 16:11).
  
  
• A place for spirits or souls (1 Peter 3:19, 2 Peter 2:4) who are tormented continually (Revelation 20:10, 14-15).
  
  
• Destruction that has no end (2 Thessalonians 1:9). In heaven there will be no pain, no torment, no evil or unpleasant things (Revelation 21:4-5).

What happens in hell is utter agony forever, non-stop. Suffering that cannot or will not compare to any occurrence here on earth.

We have been provided a choice in Jesus Christ (John 3:15-16). What happens in hell is predicated on whom we choose in this life. Who or what do you choose? The Word of God is clear on this subject.