What Is Hell Like? | 4 Views on Hell

Type of Doctrine: Debated (some say Primary while others say Secondary or Tertiary)

"And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

-Matthew 25:46 ESV

Why does it matter?

Being punished by God is a terrifying thought. Moreover, if the punishment is eternal then surely we would want to do whatever we can to avoid it. One's view on this subject can either be eternal punishment with no hope of being saved from it, temporary punishment with hope of being saved, or temporary punishment with annihilation afterwards. These are dramatic differences and very distinct outcomes!

This doctrine is a tricky one to classify. In one sense, believing that hell exists is a primary doctrine. Based on the creeds, the church has believed in judgment from the earliest centuries. The traditional view is that hell is eternal, conscious torment. Many view universalism as heresy, and rightly so (Scripture seems fairly clear in this respect since, for example, Scripture refers to judgment and eternal death). To be clear, universalism is heresy. But, to classify the doctrine of hell as a primary doctrine where only one view is acceptable is still problematic. Why? Because that means some pastors and theologians who otherwise believe in historic, orthodox Christianity are outside the Christian faith (e.g., John Stott who believed in annihilationism). So, in another sense, it could be considered a secondary doctrine since it will so significantly affect doctrine, evangelistic zeal, and ultimately will affect the church that one attends. Still, in some cases, it could possibly even be considered a tertiary issue (where mature, well-meaning Christians could disagree and still attend the same church). This topic is a unique one. Even if one considers it a secondary doctrine, the implications are massive and concerning.

What is it?

The most frightening thought in the universe is the idea of being punished by God. Various Scriptures provide us with information on the doctrine of hell. But what is hell like? Is it literally a place of fire and smoke? Or is "fire" a metaphor? Is it eternal? Or do people cease to exist?

Here are some of the most common Scriptures on the subject of hell:

• "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matt. 10:28).

• "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels'" (Matt. 25:41).

• "And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life" (Matt. 25:46).

• "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom. 6:23).

• "They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might" (2 Thess. 1:9).

• " . . . just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire" (Jude 7).

• " . . . wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever" (Jude 13).

• "And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name" (Rev. 14:11).

• "But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death" (Rev. 21:8).

4 Views on Hell

View	Description	Scripture	Adherent
Literal	Punishment is a literal, eternal, and conscious torment of fire. Those who are wicked will never be redeemed.	Matt. 25:41, 46; Luke 16:19-31; Rev. 14:10-11	John Walvoord
Metaphorical	Punishment is eternal and consicous but not necessarily literal fire. However, this does not lessen the punishment (it could be worse than fire!). Those who are wicked will never be redeemed.	Jude 13	William Crockett
Purgatorial	Hell has a place called purgatory where some will emerge as redeemed after some time. Punishment is eternal for those who do not make it out of purgatory.	1 Corinthians 3:15	Zachary Hayes (Roman Catholic)
Conditional	Punishment is not eternal but temporary (since they believe that it does not mesh with a God of love and grace). Some argue that everyone will be saved at some point after this temporary punishment (i.e. universalism) while others argue that the wicked will cease to exist (i.e. annihilationism).	Matthew 10:28	Clark Pinnock

Application

The doctrine of hell should be a sobering reminder of God's holiness. He is a holy God, and we are sinful people.

The doctrine of hell should also make us humble people. We deserved this punishment, but God saved us. The cross of Christ is such an amazing gift of grace. We have been delivered from the consequences of sin. We have been forgiven for our unrighteousness, and we have been given Jesus' righteousness. What an amazing gift!

The doctrine of hell should also make us compassionate people. It should lead us to pray for nonbelievers and share the gospel with them so that they would be forgiven and saved from this punishment.

Where can I learn more?

Bibliography:

• Got Questions article on purgatory can be found here.

• Crockett, William, ed. Four Views On Hell. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996.

For more information:

• Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1994.