What does hell look like?

Answer

We cannot know exactly what hell looks like or how hot it will be. However, Scripture does provide some descriptive language about hell, giving us an idea of its nature. It is certain to be a place of torment, often depicted as fiery in the Bible. In this article, the terms hell and lake of fire are used interchangeably.

Some interpreters consider the descriptions of hell in the Bible to be symbolic, as some of these descriptions are challenging to reconcile. For instance, portraying hell as both fire «Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: », (Matthew 25:41) and outer darkness «But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. », (Matthew 8:12) appears paradoxical. Nevertheless, the God of the impossible can do anything, even create dark fire. Therefore, these descriptions could be literal. Whether the language describing hell is symbolic or not, the place itself is real, and undoubtedly, the reality will be more dreadful than the symbols suggest.

The scriptural depictions of hell aim to underscore the torment and suffering that those in hell will endure. The “fire” may symbolize the wrath of God experienced by unbelievers in hell, while the “outer darkness” may symbolize the separation from God’s love, mercy, and grace. Whether the vivid language is symbolic or literal, we can be certain that hell is a dreadful and terrifying place. Perhaps the most terrifying aspect of hell is its eternity. The suffering is eternal, without end. For us, in the present, the concept of hell should lead us to the cross of Christ. Only through the cross can we find salvation from the horrors of hell.

Repentance and faith in Christ are essential for our salvation from the impending wrath.

Below are some Bible verses that depict hell:

Matthew 25:41 states, “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.’”

Matthew 8:12 mentions, “But the subjects of the kingdom will be cast outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

In 2 Thessalonians 1:6–9, it is written, “God is just: He will repay trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will occur when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his mighty angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will face everlasting destruction and exclusion from the presence of the Lord and from the splendor of his might.”

Revelation 20:10, 15 describes, “And the devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had also been thrown. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever. . . . Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”

Romans 2:8 warns, “But for those who are self-seeking and reject the truth, and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.”

Matthew 25:30 conveys, “And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Though the exact nature of hell remains unknown, it is depicted as a realm of eternal suffering and anguish with no possibility of escape. Therefore, today is the day of salvation. Today is the day for all to repent and believe in the gospel. Today is the day for us to proclaim the good news that Christ has come to rescue sinners who place their trust in Him for forgiveness. Those who turn to Christ now will be saved from the impending wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10).

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