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When was the last time you thought deeply about hell? For many, it's an uncomfortable topic that elicits a range of emotions - from fear and anger to skepticism or even embarrassment. Yet, the Bible speaks clearly and repeatedly about this eternal reality. Perhaps it's time we set aside our discomfort and examine what Scripture actually teaches about hell, and why it matters for our lives today.

The concept of hell isn't just reserved for the most notorious evildoers of history. According to the Bible, hell awaits "those who do not know God and those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus." This sobering truth should cause us to pause and reflect: Do we truly know God, or do we merely know about Him?

Knowing God isn't about accumulating facts or religious knowledge. It's about having a genuine relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. Just as knowing trivia about a celebrity doesn't grant you access to their inner circle, simply having information about God doesn't equate to knowing Him personally. The only way to truly know God is through faith in Jesus - believing He is the Son of God who lived a sinless life, died for our sins, and rose again to offer us eternal life.

But what exactly is hell like? Popular culture often portrays it as a place of rebellion and twisted freedom. The Bible, however, paints a far different picture. Hell is described as a place of intense suffering, using vivid imagery like "unquenchable fire," "weeping and gnashing of teeth," and "utter darkness." Perhaps most terrifying is the eternal nature of hell. Jesus Himself spoke of "eternal punishment" in contrast to "eternal life."

The greatest horror of hell, though, is separation from God's presence. Every good thing we experience in this life - from the love of family to the beauty of nature - is a gift from God. In hell, one is cut off from the source of all goodness and joy. As C.S. Lewis insightfully noted, "All your life an unattainable ecstasy has hovered just beyond the grasp of your consciousness. The day is coming when you will wake to find, beyond all hope, that you have attained it, or else, that it was within your reach and you have lost it forever."

At this point, many might object: "How can a loving God send people to hell? It seems so unfair!" This common sentiment fails to grasp two crucial realities: the infinite holiness of God and the depth of human sinfulness.

The prophet Isaiah's vision in Isaiah 6 provides a glimpse of God's overwhelming holiness. Even mighty seraphim cover their faces in His presence, crying out "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts!" When Isaiah, already a prophet of God, encounters this divine holiness, his response is telling: "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips!"

Our sin is an offense against this infinitely holy God. To illustrate: scratching a junked car is vastly different from damaging a priceless work of art. The value of what's offended determines the severity of the offense. How much more serious, then, are our offenses against the infinitely valuable Creator of the universe?

Understanding these truths should lead us to one of three responses:

1. Trust in Jesus: If you've never placed your faith in Christ, now is the time. Admit your sin, believe in Jesus' death and resurrection on your behalf, and commit your life to Him. This is the only way to escape the reality of hell and enter into eternal life with God.

2. Test Your Faith: For those who consider themselves Christians, it's vital to "test yourselves to see if you are in the faith" (2 Corinthians 13:5). Do you have a genuine desire to see and be with Jesus? Is there evidence of spiritual growth and good works in your life? Is your ultimate aim to glorify God? These are important indicators of authentic faith.

3. Tell Someone the Good News: If we truly believe what the Bible teaches about hell, how can we remain silent? The Apostle Paul was driven by "knowing the fear of the Lord" to "persuade others" (2 Corinthians 5:11). Who in your life needs to hear about the hope found in Jesus?

The story is told of the renowned Christian thinker Francis Schaeffer being asked, "What will happen to those who have never heard of Christ?" Instead of launching into a theological discourse, Schaeffer simply bowed his head and wept. Perhaps this is the most appropriate initial response to the doctrine of hell - tears of sorrow for those who don't know Christ, mingled with tears of joy that God has rescued us from such a fate.

As we conclude, let's remember that the doctrine of hell isn't meant to paralyze us with fear or shame. Instead, it should motivate us to:

1. Deepen our appreciation for God's grace in saving us.
2. Live with urgency, knowing the eternal stakes for those around us.
3. Proclaim the good news of Jesus with compassion and conviction.

May we be people who take seriously what Scripture teaches about eternity, allowing it to shape our priorities and fuel our mission in this world. The reality of hell makes the offer of salvation through Jesus all the more beautiful and compelling. Let's not be ashamed of this truth, but rather let it drive us to love God more deeply and share His love more widely.