During this week of ‘Hellish’ fantasies, I’ve been pondering the truths of Hell. This is a topic we don’t talk much about these days. I think preachers have too long been accused of using ’scare tactics’ when it comes to Hell, so they’ve shied away. But in looking at what God’s Word has to say about this awful place, I’ve come to understand that the truth about Hell is nothing short of frightening. Here are eight things I learned about Hell.

Photo courtesy of:StuSeeger

1. No Desire For Fellowship With Friends In Hell

I often hear non-believers talk about how they are going to have a big party with their friends in Hell, but the words of this resident of Hell tell a different story.

“He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ (Luke 16:27-28 NIV)

I’m so touched by the sincerity of the love this man expresses for his brothers. He even made a second plea for them …

Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’ “ (Luke 16:29-31 NKJV)

2. No Hope For A Cure In Hell

On earth, the believer may face financial ruin or failing health, but he has hope even in death.

When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge. (Proverbs 14:32 NIV)

However, there is no cure for the sufferings of the non-believer in eternity.

And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ (Matthew 25:30 NIV)

“And they will go out and look upon the dead bodies of those who rebelled against me; their worm will not die, nor will their fire be quenched, and they will be loathsome to all mankind.” (Isaiah 66:24 NIV)

If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— where ‘THEIR WORM DOES NOT DIE AND THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED [see Isaiah 66:24].’ (Mark 9:43-44 NKJV)

3. No Unbelievers In Hell

On earth, some may find it difficult to believe in things that are not seen, but in eternity there will be no doubt about God or His glory.

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10-11 NIV)

4. No Water In Hell

There will be no means of refreshing in Hell … not even the most basic of refreshments will be available.

In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. (Luke 16:23-25 NIV)

5. No Rest In Hell

There will be no recess from Hell’s torture.

And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” (Revelation 14:11 NKJV)

6. No Light In Hell

Perhaps these passages speak not only of physical darkness, but also of spiritual darkness.

And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ (Matthew 25:30 NIV)

These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest, for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. (2 Peter 2:17 NKJV)

7. No Mercy In Hell

On earth, every person enjoys God’s tender mercies and receives a portion of His blessings … but in Hell, mercies and blessings are no longer available.

For He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. (Matthew 5:45b NKJV)

8. No Exit Door In Hell

There is no escape from hell.

And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ (Luke 16:26 NIV)

Although There Is No Escape FROM Hell …

There is a way to escape hell altogether. His name is Jesus Christ.

God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT)

But unless you repent, you too will all perish. (Luke 13:3b NIV)

If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. (Romans 10:9-10 NIV)

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6 NLT)

Keeping it real,