We should mention the Biblical terms that describe Hell… Gehenna is a valley where Hell is located; unfortunately used for ‘CHILD SACRIFICE’; and referred to as eternal, constantly in flames and with great heat. Sheol, is a Grave or dwelling place, mostly spoken of in the Old Testament, while Hades is the Greek word for Hell, used throughout the New Testament. So, what group of people can expect to be translated to this eternal place of misery after they die. Revelation 21: 8, tells us… “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, 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.” Not a place anyone should want to be.

I do find it interesting that many people believe that if they find themselves in the Lake-of-Fire, that all life simply ceases to exist. Now according to God’s Word, this is not so. Matthew 10: 28, tells us… “do not fear of those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell”. So, who do you think is correct; God or the world? The Bible makes it clear that anyone who HAS NOT RECEIVED JESUS as their Lord- and-Savior, will one day arrive in Hades. And since NO ONE KNOWS which way a person is going to go, I would be careful about your choices in life. Interesting point… we can be assured that God knows the hearts of every man and woman; and so, He never makes a mistake as to where a person should be going.

Being aware of Hell and the relationship that it plays in man’s life cycle, is rarely spoken of from today’s pulpits. Pastors are taught NOT TO SPEAK OF IT, as the Brethren would rather not be reminded of it. They prefer to hear about the wonderful things that Heaven represents, rather than ensuring that they are prepared to go there. If we clearly understood how sin destroys one’s character, and how it can cause a ‘good person’ to commit terrible atrocities, I think we would take a closer look at our options regarding Heaven and Hell. To be clear, Eternity is a very long time, and where each of us decides to park our blessed assurance, should be the most important consideration in our lives.

If you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, there is no reason to be concerned about Hell… YOU’RE NOT GOING THERE. But it is certainly a good idea, that in our conversations with Christ and God’s Holy Spirit, that we remind ourselves of those things that we need to avoid in life. We should also be ready to ask God for His Forgiveness, regarding anything that looks or smells like sin in our lives… at least once every day is not too often for me.

Let’s be clear; God doesn’t send anyone to hell. The choice to go there has always been ours. No one needs to go, but unfortunately many will find themselves there. Too many times, Born-again Christians, including myself, don’t take sin seriously enough. If we did, the choices we make regarding sin and eternity would be better though out. I’m also convinced that the reason for this inconsistency, is our rebellious nature. We are given a clear opportunity to make the right choices about eternity; our responsibility is to understand and chose well.

Fortunately, the God-of-the-Universe came to earth in human form, died for our sins, and was resurrected; so that we could have a new life in Christ. And before we start sharing what hell represents with someone, let’s share our personal testimony with them first; along with our hope and expectations regarding Heaven and Eternity. And be sure to put the horse before the cart; not visa-versa.