Is Hell Eternal, and Why Would a Loving God Send Anyone There?
The Questions We Keep Asking – Post 3 of 10
“If God is love, how can He send anyone to Hell?”
This question stirs emotion, fear, and sometimes deep confusion. Hell is often caricatured or dismissed, even by Christians. But if we believe in Jesus—who spoke of Hell more than anyone else—we must understand what the Bible truly says.
I. Hell Is Real—and Jesus Said So
“And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
— Matthew 25:46
“Do not fear those who kill the body… rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
— Matthew 10:28
Jesus didn’t avoid the topic—He emphasized it. Hell is not symbolic or temporary. It’s described as:
- Outer darkness (Matthew 22:13)
- Unquenchable fire (Mark 9:43)
- A place of weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 13:50)
Hell is real—and it’s terrifying because it’s supposed to be.
II. Hell Was Not Made for Us
“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.’”
— Matthew 25:41
Hell was not originally designed for people—it was created for Satan and his rebellion. But all who reject God’s grace align themselves with that rebellion.
God doesn’t send people to Hell like a warden locking up inmates. People choose it by rejecting His offer of life. In the end, Hell is God honoring human freedom.
“God is not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
— 2 Peter 3:9
III. A Loving God Must Also Be Just
“For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.”
— Isaiah 30:18
We want a loving God—but love without justice is not love. If God ignored evil, He would be a corrupt judge.
- Would a loving judge ignore child abuse?
- Would a righteous God overlook genocide or cruelty?
God’s justice demands a response to evil. Hell is that response for those who reject mercy.
IV. The Cross Shows Us the Cost of Avoiding Hell
“God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
— Romans 5:8
If Hell weren’t real or eternal, why would Jesus endure the cross?
He took the wrath of God we deserved. He was forsaken so we wouldn’t have to be.
The cross isn’t just a display of love—it’s a divine rescue from judgment.
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”
— John 3:36
Reflection & Life Application
- How does the reality of Hell change how you view the gospel?
- What would you say to someone who believes Hell is unfair?
- Have you accepted Christ’s sacrifice or are you still ignoring God’s invitation?
Let’s Talk About It
Hell is not a scare tactic—it’s a sobering truth.
And it makes the gospel even more glorious.
Let’s be urgent in sharing Christ—not because we’re afraid of Hell, but because we’re in awe of His mercy.
Next Post in the Series:
What Does the Bible Really Say About Mental Health?