What Did Jesus Say About Hell?

What did Jesus actually teach about hell?

Many of the ideas people have about hell come from movies, television, popular culture, and tradition rather than Scripture.

In this episode of FaithFuel, Bob Shaw looks at what Jesus said about hell, why He spoke about it, and what it reveals about God's heart for people.

This thoughtful, Bible-based devotional explores eternal separation from God, God's desire that people be saved, and the hope found through Jesus Christ.

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Transcript

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This might be a little surprising to you. Jesus talked about hell more than most people realize. I'm Bob Shaw, and this is Faith Fueled. Matthew 25, verse 41. Then he will say to those on his left, depart from me. Few subjects create more confusion than hell. Part of the reason is that many of us learned about hell from places other than the Bible. Movies, TV, comedians, popular culture, literature, images of a subterranean, fiery realm of torture ruled by the devil, who, for some reason, wears red tights, carries a pitchfork, and has horns. Or the idea that hell is one big party where all your friends will be. The problem is that those ideas didn't come from Jesus. What hit me isn't just that Jesus talked about hell, it's why he talked about it. Jesus wasn't trying to satisfy people's curiosity or giving people material for debates. He was warning them. And warnings only make sense when someone cares. When a parent warns a child not to run into the street, it's because they love them. When Jesus warned people about hell, it came from the same place. Love. One thing that's often overlooked is that Satan is not the ruler of hell. Matthew twenty five, verse forty one says hell was prepared for the devil and his angels. He's not in charge there. And contrary to what some people joke about, Scripture does not describe hell as a place where people gather with their friends and continue life as usual. So then what is hell? At its core? Hell is eternal separation from the God people were created to know. People often ask how a loving God could allow hell. Well, that's a bigger conversation than we can fully answer in a few minutes. But I do know this. John three sixteen says God loved the world so much that he gave his only son. Second Peter three nine says he is not willing that any should perish. The cross tells us exactly how far God was willing to go to make a relationship with him possible. That's why I think it's important to remember that Jesus didn't speak about hell because he wanted people to spend eternity there. Quite the opposite. He wanted people to spend eternity with him. That's the heart behind the warning, and it's the heart behind the gospel. Father, thank you for loving us enough to tell us the truth. Thank you for sending Jesus so that we could be forgiven and reconciled to you. Help us understand your heart and your desire for people to know you, and help us never to lose sight of the hope and salvation that are found in Christ alone. In Jesus' name, Amen. If this devotional raised questions for you, I encourage you to spend some time reading what Jesus actually said in Scripture. And if you've never placed your trust in Christ, there's no better time than today. I'm Bob Shaw. Peace and joy.