Is there a hell?

Definition and Overview

In many biblical passages, “hell” is portrayed as a final place or state of judgment for those who reject God’s redeeming plan. Scripture references various terms—Sheol in Hebrew and Hades or Gehenna in the Greek—that have been interpreted to depict an eternal separation from God (Matthew 25:46). This term often conveys the idea of a real destination of spiritual consequence, a place where God’s justice is carried out.

Scriptural Evidence for Hell

Hell is not rooted in the imagination of later religious developments but is threaded throughout the biblical narrative. The following survey offers a panoramic view of where and how Scripture addresses the existence of hell:

• Matthew 25:41: “Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’”

• Mark 9:47–48: “And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where ‘their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched.’”

• 2 Thessalonians 1:9: “They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might.”

• Revelation 20:14–15: “Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death—the lake of fire. And if anyone was found whose name was not written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”

These passages consistently indicate a literal, enduring consequence for those who remain outside God’s saving grace.

Hell in the Old Testament

The Old Testament predominantly uses the Hebrew term “Sheol” to describe the realm of the dead (Psalm 9:17, “The wicked will return to Sheol…”). Though often referring broadly to the grave, the context in passages like Isaiah 66:24 speaks of unending punishment for those who rebel against God. Some interpret these verses as pointing toward a more defined notion of divine retribution that becomes clearer in the New Testament.

Archaeological findings—such as the Dead Sea Scrolls—provide evidence for the continuity of Jewish thought. Certain Second Temple Jewish texts reflect belief in final judgment and punishment, supporting the argument that ancient Jewish communities held to some concept of punishment beyond physical death.

Hell in the New Testament

By the time of the New Testament, the teaching on hell as a place or state of eternal consequence becomes more explicit. Jesus Himself mentions hell multiple times, using the term “Gehenna,” referencing a valley near Jerusalem historically linked with unholy practices (cf. 2 Kings 23:10). This real-world location came to symbolize God’s final judgment against sin.

The epistles expand on this doctrine, explaining that one’s standing with Christ dictates eternal communion with God or eternal separation (Romans 6:23). The Book of Revelation employs vivid imagery—describing those not in the Lamb’s Book of Life as being “thrown into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:14–15).

The Nature of Hell

Scripture describes hell with images such as fire (Mark 9:47–48) and outer darkness (Matthew 8:12). Although interpreters debate whether these descriptions should be taken literally or metaphorically, the consistent emphasis is on the reality of profound suffering and the unending nature of the separation from God’s goodness. It remains widely affirmed across biblical teaching that hell is not a mere temporary correction but an eternal result of rejecting God’s grace (Matthew 25:46).

The concept of God’s justice ties into the intelligent design perspective that the created order has purpose and moral parameters. Just as intentional design presupposes meaning and objective truth, so hell reflects a definitive outcome in response to moral and spiritual rebellion.

Addressing Objections and Misconceptions

1. Mistrust of Ancient Texts: Manuscript evidence such as the thousands of Greek New Testament fragments (including the John Rylands Fragment, dated to the early second century AD) demonstrates textual reliability. Scholars who have studied these documents—like those involved in the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls—have confirmed that, although minor variances in manuscripts exist, they do not alter core doctrines, including teaching on final judgment.

2. Question of a Good God Allowing Hell: Scripture consistently portrays God as merciful, providing abundant opportunities for humanity to turn to Him (2 Peter 3:9). Hell is portrayed as the final outcome for individuals who persistently reject God’s saving mercy. The existence of hell upholds the principle that choices in this life—especially regarding God—carry ultimate consequences.

3. Eternity as Figurative: The same New Testament passages that reference “eternal life” also reference “eternal punishment” (Matthew 25:46). If the statement of eternal life is real and unending, the parallel statement of eternal punishment carries the same sense of duration and reality.

4. Alternative Beliefs (Annihilationism or Universalism): While these views are sometimes proposed to harmonize biblical statements of judgment with the mercy of God, the plain reading of Scripture leans toward an ongoing awareness of the consequences in hell (Revelation 14:11).

Practical Implications

The doctrine of hell underscores the gravity of personal faith decisions. Passages like John 3:16 exhibit God’s loving provision of salvation—available to anyone who believes in Christ. Far from being a supplementary issue, the reality of hell highlights the need for the gospel message and reinforces the urgency of receiving God’s gift of redemption.

Historical Christian teaching, supported by early church writings and consistent manuscript evidence, has affirmed this urgency. Archaeological evidence, such as the early Christian catacombs and inscriptions, indicates that believers have long taken seriously both the hope of heaven and the warning of eternal judgment.

Conclusion

Biblical testimony, historic church interpretation, and the earliest manuscripts all present a coherent teaching: there is a definitive place or state known as hell, signifying separation from God and the fulfillment of divine justice. From its foreshadowing in Old Testament references to the detailed portrayal in the New Testament, hell stands as a sobering and central part of the scriptural witness.

Scripture’s consistent message is one of God’s love offering redemption through the crucified and risen Christ and, in parallel, warning of the alternative faced by those who reject that grace. The core point remains that God, as Creator, honors human choice and calls all people toward salvation, offering eternal life through Jesus Christ rather than the consequences of eternal separation.