Are You Hesitant to Talk About Hell?

From Gospel Translations

Four Reminders for Women

I admit, I am hesitant to talk about hell. I hadn’t really noticed until another woman asked me whether women seem reluctant to mention hell, perhaps even and especially when we are talking to unbelievers. My first reaction was to think, Let’s talk about something else, shall we? The irony was not lost on me.

Easy (and Dangerous) to Ignore

While I’ve never seen data on the subject, I can understand why it might be more difficult for women to warn people about hell. In general, the feminine nature leans toward nurturing, encouraging, and showing kindness. It is probably true that most women prefer to tread softly, trying to avoid offense. If there is bad news, many of us would rather have someone else deliver it.

After all, we don’t want people to receive Jesus’s saving grace mostly out of fear of punishment or damnation. Instead, we want them to see their own sinfulness, realize their desperate need for a Savior, and eagerly embrace Jesus as the one who died to rescue them. True belief in Jesus guarantees an eternity with him — one filled with joy! Isn’t this all an unbeliever needs to hear?

Of course, these aspects of the gospel are some of the best and most important. But they are still only part of the story. If we share only the “good” part of the good news, never taking seriously God’s warnings of judgment, there is a real danger that those we care about will not truly understand how holy God is, how righteous his wrath is, and why our forgiveness required the sacrifice of the Son of God. Without hell in the picture, we can’t fully understand the true weight of our depravity and its consequences. When we diminish this weight, we diminish the magnitude of Jesus’s sacrifice — and therefore diminish the glory he deserves for giving his life.

Whether we talk about it or not, hell is real because God’s wrath is real (and just). There are many biblical references one could point to: Every New Testament author talks about hell, and Jesus himself warns about hell more than anyone else in the Bible. We can’t review them all, but John Piper helpfully highlights some places where Jesus, Paul, and John are clear about the reality and nature of hell. So, for all the women (like myself) who want to grow in their understanding, boldness, and love for God and others, consider these four basic realities about hell.

1. Hell is eternal.

In Mark 9:43, Jesus describes hell as an “unquenchable fire.” That is, it will never go out; there is no relief — forever. In Mark 3:29, Jesus refers to blasphemy against the Holy Spirit as “an eternal sin.” It is not just one and done; there are never-ending consequences. In Matthew 25:46, speaking of separating the sheep and goats, Jesus says, “These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” The parallel is unmistakable.

2. Hell is characterized by indescribable pain.

Jesus speaks of throwing the sinful and the law-breakers “into the fiery furnace” (Matthew 13:41–42) and “into the outer darkness” (Matthew 8:12), where they will be “cut . . . in pieces” (Matthew 24:51). These examples result in “weeping and gnashing of teeth.” The loving apostle John refers to those whose names are not written in the book of life as being thrown into the fire, where “they will be tormented day and night forever and ever” (Revelation 20:10, 15; 14:10–11).

3. Hell is deserved and perfectly just.

We are responsible for the way we regard our holy, righteous, and loving God — as well as for the implications thereof. Our indifference and rebellion store up his righteous wrath: “Because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed” (Romans 2:5). Every time we choose our own way against God, we invite his wrath. And as the saints and angels show in the book of Revelation, those who understand God’s wrath most clearly cannot help but call it just (Revelation 15:3; 16:5, 7; 19:2).

4. Hell is escapable.

When we understand that our sinful nature is bent against the beauty and glory of our triune God, that our spirits most naturally and selfishly reject his perfect wisdom and authority — when we understand this and grieve deeply over it — then we begin to understand why God’s wrath and the punishment of hell are just. Then we truly appreciate the wondrous magnitude of Jesus’s sacrifice, paying the price for our evil resistance. Part and parcel of the good news is that hell is escapable if we embrace Jesus. An eternity of joy with God is our promised reward when we do. “Good news” seems like an understatement!

Love Tells the Whole Truth

If we women truly love our families, our friends, and our neighbors, then we will not shy away from speaking the whole truth. It is a kindness to tell others that refusing to embrace Jesus has horrible, eternal consequences.

Imagine you are hiking in the Smoky Mountains, and you come upon a raging mama bear. As you are beating a fast retreat, you come upon others heading that way. You wouldn’t try to turn them around just by commenting on the beauty below; you would be clear about the deadly danger that lies ahead. How much more if those travelers were headed for indescribable, eternal pain and suffering?

Our holy God is right, even loving, to cast the severest judgment on those who reject him and oppose his beloved people. He created us out of the overflow of his love because he desired to share the wonder of who he is with us for all eternity. His holy wrath guards his perfections forever so that he — and all those who love and embrace him — can enjoy pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11).

Fellow women, if we truly want to nurture, encourage, and show kindness as our God made us to do, we will have the courage to tell others the whole truth. When we help others understand the depth of their depravity, the wonderful news of saving grace available through Jesus, and the alternative for those who reject him, we will be faithful, loving, and true followers of Jesus. Isn’t that what we want most?