Did Jesus Teach That Hell Is Eternal?
Or is punishment only temporary?
A Pew Research study from 2014 revealed that 70% of adults who identify as “Christian” believe in Hell.
Sometimes when people consider how horrible Hell is, they begin to wonder, “Is Hell really eternal? Will it truly last forever?”
Hell is described as a “lake of fire” by John in the book of Revelation.
Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:11-15)
This description alone ought to convince us of the terror of this place. John later reveals who will be cast into this fiery lake.
But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." (Revelation 21:8)
When Jesus taught about those who would be sent into punishment at His return (Matthew 25:31-32), He divided into two groups those who humbly served Him and those who did not. Where would these two groups be sent?
And these [those who had not served] will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. (Matthew 25:46)
Jesus said life would be “eternal.” He also said the punishment would be “everlasting.” Both places will exist without end.
Thankfully, God wants us to enjoy eternal life with Him and desires that we repent (2 Peter 3:9) and be baptized for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38) so that we can enjoy eternal life with Him.