HELL: A NECESSARY DOCTRINE

Brandon Aponte

As a Christ follower, I know for certain hell is real, and those who deny the Gospel are destined to go there. Throughout the years, I’ve heard skeptics pose the following question: how can a loving God condemn sinners to hell? Before answering this question, however, I find it necessary to first define hell in accordance with Biblical doctrine. In this piece, I shy away from classical depictions of hell as a “fiery furnace” or a place of utter darkness.[1] Rather, I address the theologically subtle aspects of hell pertaining to eternal separation from God. I then describe what specific actions deem a person worthy of hell before concluding with my personal reflection on how to attain salvation and, Lord willing, peace of mind, body, and soul. Here, I would like to acknowledge that my interpretation undoubtedly has its shortcomings. However, I hope that what I express below helps you to reconcile the tension we all must face, that which exists between a loving God and a place of eternal damnation.

First, let us ask the following question: what exactly is hell? Paramount to all other biblical descriptions, I believe that hell is a place of eternal separation from God. In his first letter to the Thessalonian Church, Paul writes that those who do not personally know God are to be forever removed from His holy presence: “They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.”[2] With one rhetorical blow, Paul substantiates the grievous yet undeniable truth that those who deny God will be forever denied by God. Jesus similarly spoke about hell to His disciples, prophesying that “[God] will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire …’”[3] Those who are “cursed” — without a robust faith in Christ alone — do not have the right to fellowship with God in heaven but are rather destined to the “eternal fire” of hell, away from the presence of God and all things good.

As harsh as it sounds, God can do anything He chooses. That said, I am a strong-willed human who desires complete control over his life. Bred for competition and intellectuality from infanthood, I once made it my mission to be the best — academically, extracurricularly, and spiritually. Today however, I can personally attest to the undeniable fact that there is no greater place to be than in accordance with God’s will. Knowing God is in control and I am not is the most freeing realization I have experienced. Throughout my life, surrendering to God has meant accepting the Bible as unwavering truth. And as frustrating as it can be to abide by, the Bible is inerrant and the only truth to be cherished. To be a Christian is to acknowledge every verse as both truth and a doctrine to live by. If we — mere fragments of God’s creation — think we know more than what is stipulated in the Bible, we are severely misguided. Hence, let me specifically return to the question posed above: how can a loving God condemn sinners to hell? Well, hopefully you now are beginning to discern the answer to this question: our God can do anything, for He is a perfect and righteous God, and we are man, imperfect and undeserving of His grace. However, I won’t simply conclude with this answer. Below, I expound upon the theological reasoning that justifies the necessity of hell.

As a holy God, our Creator cannot exist in the tainted presence of those who have not been cleansed by the blood of Christ.[4] This was made clear from the beginning, when Adam and Eve chose disobedience over humble submission to God. Prior to the fall of man, God walked in the presence of Adam and Eve — both unclothed and unashamed of their nakedness — in the Garden of Eden.

[5] However, everything changed once man began to sin. Immediately after indulging themselves in the forbidden fruit, Adam and Eve hid from the Lord in shame.[6] From that day onward, man and God were separated from each other.

I would be remiss in this discussion of human shortcoming if I failed to define sin, the very thing which prevents man from naturally delighting in the presence of God.

[7] The Biblical construct of sin comprises anything that contradicts the inerrant nature of God. In his rhetorical appeal to Christians, Jude references Sodom and Gomorrah, two markedly depraved cities during the time of Abraham. As described by Jude, both cities “indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire” and were subsequently punished via “eternal fire.”[8] For modern-day believers, these two infamous cities serve as harrowing reminders of what it means to actively deny God: namely, to contradict His originally intended will for our lives. And what specifically is this will held by God?

Paul aptly submits to the Roman Church that, to lead a life according to God’s will, one must “present [his body] as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is [his] spiritual worship … be transformed by the renewal of your mind …”[9] Otherwise, those who belong to the world will cease to exist.[10]

Returning to the previous discussion, if God according to His holy nature cannot tolerate the presence of sin — for He couldn’t even gaze upon His own Son who bore our sins, not His, on the cross — then how could God stand to be in the presence of man who, as a direct consequence of Adam and Eve’s actions, is innately imbued with a sin nature?[11] Certainly, it appears as if Christ’s crucifixion served to rescue us from hell. Indeed, hell is not only necessary without Christ’s sacrifice but is demanded by God’s goodness. To be clear, it is not that God wishes to destine those whom He loves to hell, but rather it is His nature that cannot stand for sin to flourish forever. [12] Therefore, those who accept the Gospel are deemed worthy of heaven by God’s grace, while those who choose to deny the Gospel are resigned to eternal damnation.

How are we therefore to respond to the necessary doctrine of hell? First, if you do not personally know Christ as Lord and Savior, I would encourage you to seek Him first before anything or anyone else. Only in a state of constant sanctification and humility can one truly experience peace. If you are running away from the Gospel and are actively choosing to shun Biblical teaching, then heed my words: turn from your sin, avoid eternal separation from God, and run into The Father’s loving arms. Running away from God is no way to lead a peaceable life. This course of action will only lead to distress and, as is portrayed in the Bible, death — physically and spiritually. In short, seek out the peace that is found in personally knowing Christ today, and do not wait until it is too late to repent.

For those of you who do follow Christ and proclaim Him to be Lord and Savior, it is your utmost duty to preach the Gospel to those around you, so that they too can be imbued by peace. As Christ instructed His disciples prior to His heavenly ascension, we too are left with the command to “teach all nations … to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.”[13] Known by Christians as the Great Commission, this command is the foundational principle driving believers to follow the Bible and live devout lives — exemplifying the fruits of the Spirit as described by the apostle Paul in his letter to the Galatian Church.[14] Friends, pursue this mission wholeheartedly to ensure that those we know turn to Christ and are snatched from the eternal flames of hell. Amen. ❖

[1] Matthew 13:42; Matthew 8:12.

[2] 1 Thessalonians 1:9.

[3] Matthew 25:41, ESV.

[4] Hebrews 9:14.

[5] Genesis 2:15; Genesis 3:8.

[6] Genesis 3:10.

[7] Romans 3:23.

[8] Jude 1:7.

[9] Romans 12:1-2.

[10] 1 John 2:17.

[11] Matthew 27:46.

[12] 2 Peter 3:9.

[13] Matthew 28:19-20, KJV.

[14] Galatians 5:22-23.

Brandon is a junior pursuing a degree in economics and biology. His academic interests include macroeconomics, cellular biology, and classical music. Aside from Vox Clara, Brandon serves as an active leader in Chi Alpha, studies classical violin under Robin Sharp, conducts COVID-19 research under Dr. Bhattacharya, and has recently begun writing for the Stanford Review. After Stanford, Brandon hopes to work at a think tank, where he will conduct research to further advance healthcare policy.