Christopher Love

Hell is the place of eternal judgment (Matt. 5:29; Luke 12:5; 16:23). Further, it is the only place of eternal torment, as opposed to the extra-scriptural idea of purgatory (cf. 1 Cor. 3:12–14; 2 Cor. 5:6, 8; Phil. 1:23; Heb. 1:3; 1 John 1:7). Scripture readily affirms the existence of hell (Matt. 23:33; Luke 16:19–31; 2 Peter 2:3–4) and notes that it is the place where the bodies and souls of men are afflicted. Hell has many names that underline its nature. It is described as an unquenchable fire (Luke 3:17); a furnace of fire (Matt. 13:42; cf. Dan. 3:21–22); a lake of fire (Rev. 19:20); eternal fire (Jude 7); outer darkness (Matt. 22:13); the blackness of darkness forever (Jude 13); and chains of darkness (2 Peter 2:4).

Some object to preaching and teaching on the doctrine of hell, supposing that its teaching is the antithesis of the New Testament emphasis on Christ’s message of the gospel. However, all protest is laid aside when it is noted that the doctrine of hell is more clearly set forth in the New Testament than the Old, and, further, it is found most often on the lips of Christ Himself. Furthermore, an understanding of the continual torment of body and soul in hell is meant to startle the drowsy consciences of those unbelievers yet living (Matt. 10:28; 2 Cor. 5:11). Instilling a biblical fear of hell is therefore necessary and useful.

Two things demand this awful judgment for the unbeliever. First, hell is necessary because of the filthy nature of sin against the infinite and holy God. It is necessary that a proportionate punishment should be executed according to God’s justice. Second, hell is required because Christ did not satisfy the justice of God for the wicked, who must therefore bear the full wrath of God themselves in hell.

This tormenting wrath of God in hell has two qualities. First, the judgment is an eternal deprivation. The presence of God (Matt. 25:41); the company of saints and angels (Matt. 22:13; 24:41); the blessedness of heaven (Luke 16:23); the mercy of God and Christ, and the godly with them (Prov. 1:26); and all hope for recovery forever (Matt. 3:12; 25:46; 2 Thess. 1:9; Jude 7; cf. Luke 12:59, Isa. 33:14; 66:24)—all is shut out by the gates of hell. The ungodly eternally become more and more impoverished in hell.

Second, there is a multitude of ways the damned are made more miserable as the wrath of the holy God is exercised in its fullest degree. This suffering is eternally augmented by: the universality of torments affecting the wicked in body and soul; the extremity of torments that can neither be quenched nor tolerated; the continuity of torments having no cessation or intermission; the society of torments, those with whom the wicked suffer; the quality of torments, a misery devoid of all comfort and pleasure; the cruelty of torments at the hands of the devil and his demons; and the eternity of torments that will forever be heaped upon the wicked.

At these things, the unbeliever must freely fear and tremble so that he might be brought to repent and believe. Further, all men—and believers particularly—are thereby called to forsake the sins that lead to hell (Matt. 10:22–23; 23:14–15; Mark 12:40; Luke 12:47–48; Rom. 2:5; Heb. 13:4; 2 Peter 2:9–10). A glimpse of hell must yield the desertion of all ungodliness. Additionally, the doctrine of hell brings the believer’s heart to rest more sweetly in the glories of heaven. When the bitterness of hell is recognized, the joy of heaven becomes of an even greater value.

Christopher Love (1618–1651) was born in Wales, became a Puritan pastor in London, and was beheaded on grounds of treason. This article is adapted from Christopher Love, Heaven’s Glory, Hell’s Terror.

Published by The Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth, used with permission.