![[article cover study.wiki.png]] ![[sub.logo 1.png]][Substack Articles](https://practicalchristian.substack.com/?r=507pdm&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklist)** ![[coffee.png]][Buy me a coffee?](https://givesendgo.com/PracticalChristianity?utm_source=sharelink&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=PracticalChristianity) **Cross Reference**: #theology, #Christian_identity, #Gods_grace, #Doctrine_of_Hell, #Eternal_Judgment, #Biblical_Justice # The Doctrine of Hell: Understanding Eternal Judgment The **[[doctrine of hell]]** is a sobering and often controversial topic in **[[Christian theology]]**. It addresses the final state of those who have rejected [[God’s Grace]] and remain outside of [[Jesus Christ]]. This post will explore the **biblical** and **theological** underpinnings of this doctrine, its historical development, and its significance for the **[[Christian faith]]**. Though difficult to grapple with, the reality of hell underscores the seriousness of **[[Sin]]** and the necessity of the **[[Gospel]]**. ## What is Hell? Biblical Terms and Background The word **hell** is derived from an **Anglo-Saxon term** with possible roots in **Norse mythology**. It originally referred to a place associated with the **underworld** and the dead. In the **Bible**, however, multiple terms are used to describe this state, each with its own unique background and nuance. ### [[Sheol]] (Old Testament) > “For a fire is kindled by my anger, and it burns to the depths of *Sheol*.” > — **[Deuteronomy 32:22](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+32.22&version=AMP)** *Sheol* is a Hebrew term that appears frequently in the **Old Testament**. It is often translated as the “grave” or the “realm of the dead.” In its early usage, *Sheol* had a more neutral meaning, describing a place where **all the dead** go, whether righteous or wicked ([Psalm 88:3](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+88.3&version=AMP); [Isaiah 7:11](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+7.11&version=AMP)). Over time, the idea of *Sheol* developed to include concepts of **punishment** and **separation** from [[God]] for the wicked. ### [[Hades]] (New Testament) > “In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.” > — **[Luke 16:23](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+16.23&version=AMP)** The Greek term *Hades* is used in the **[[Septuagint]]** (the Greek translation of the **Old Testament**) to translate *Sheol*. In the **New Testament**, *Hades* sometimes retains its neutral sense, but more often it is associated with a place of **[[torment]]** and **[[judgment]]**, as in the **parable** of the rich man and **Lazarus**. ### [[Gehenna]] > “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, fear him who can destroy both soul and body in *Gehenna*.” > — **[Matthew 10:28](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+10.28&version=AMP)** *Gehenna* originally referred to the **[[Valley of Hinnom]]**, a ravine outside [[Jerusalem]] that was used as a **garbage dump** and a place of **[[child sacrifice]]** ([Jeremiah 7:31](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+7.31&version=AMP)). By the time of [[Jesus]], it had become a symbol of **eternal suffering**. Jesus used the term *Gehenna* to refer to the **final state** of the wicked—a place where “the worm does not die and the fire is not quenched” ([Mark 9:43](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+9.43&version=AMP)). ## Hell in the Old Testament: Development of the Concept ([Isaiah 66:24](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+66.24&version=AMP); [Daniel 12:2](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+12.2&version=AMP)) > “And they shall go out and look on the dead bodies of the men who have rebelled against me. For their worm shall not die, their fire shall not be quenched, and they shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.” > — **[Isaiah 66:24](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+66.24&version=AMP)** The early books of the **Old Testament** are relatively silent on the concept of hell. They speak more often of *[[Sheol]]*, the **grave**, or the general **realm of the dead**. However, the **later prophetic books** begin to develop the idea of a **final judgment** for the wicked. - **[Isaiah 66:24](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+66.24&version=AMP)** speaks of **eternal destruction** and **punishment** for those who **rebel** against [[God]]. - **[Daniel 12:2](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+12.2&version=AMP)** describes a future **resurrection** where some will be raised to “everlasting life” and others to “shame and everlasting contempt.” By the **[[Intertestamental period]]** (between the **Old** and **New Testaments**), **Jewish literature** frequently depicted **hell** as a place of **eternal suffering** for the wicked. ## Hell in the Teachings of Jesus ([Matthew 25:46](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+25.46&version=AMP); [Mark 9:43](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+9.43&version=AMP)) > “And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” > — **[Matthew 25:46](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+25.46&version=AMP)** [[Jesus]] spoke of **hell** more than any other figure in the **[[Bible]]**. His descriptions are vivid and unsettling: - **[[Eternal Fire]]**: Hell is depicted as a place of *unquenchable fire* ([Matthew 25:41](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+25.41&version=AMP)). - **Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth**: It is marked by intense **sorrow** and **regret** ([Matthew 13:50](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+13.50&version=AMP)). - **Outer Darkness**: It represents **separation** from [[God’s presence]] ([Matthew 22:13](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+22.13&version=AMP)). - **Prepared for Satan and His Angels**: Hell was originally created for rebellious **[[angels]]**, not **[[humans]]** ([Matthew 25:41](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+25.41&version=AMP)). The **severity** of [[Jesus]]’ warnings about **hell** highlights the **seriousness** of rejecting [[God’s offer of salvation]]. His teachings make it clear that **hell** is not merely a **temporary state** but an **eternal one**. #### Call to Action: - **Take Sin Seriously** **Hell** reminds us of the **gravity of sin**. **Sin** is not merely breaking **rules**; it is **rebelling** against a **[[holy God]]**. This should cause us to seek **repentance** and **holiness**. - **Proclaim the Gospel Boldly** [[Jesus]]’ warnings about **hell** were intended to **drive people to repentance** and faith. As **Christians**, we are called to share the **gospel** with urgency, knowing that **eternal destinies** are at stake. - **Live with Eternal Perspective** The **reality of hell** should shape how we live in the **present**. It should deepen our **compassion** for the **lost** and motivate us to live for [[God’s kingdom]]. ## Concluding Thoughts The **[[doctrine of hell]]** is difficult to comprehend, but it is a vital part of **[[Christian teaching]]**. It highlights the **justice** and **holiness** of [[God]], the **seriousness** of **[[Sin]]**, and the **urgency** of the **[[Gospel]]**. As we reflect on this doctrine, may it cause us to cling to **[[Christ]]** as our **only hope** and to proclaim Him as the **Savior** who delivers us from “the wrath to come” ([1 Thessalonians 1:10](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+1.10&version=AMP)).