What did Jesus say about Going to Hell

Jesus spoke directly and indirectly about hell, emphasizing its reality and the seriousness of avoiding it. The concept of hell in the Bible is depicted as a place of eternal punishment for the wicked and those who reject God. Here are three key passages from Jesus’ teachings:

1. Matthew 25:41-46: Jesus describes the Final Judgment, where He will separate people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. To those on His left, He will say, “Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels… And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life” .
2. Mark 9:43-48: Jesus warns about the dangers of sin and the reality of hell (Gehenna), where “the worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.” He emphasizes the seriousness of avoiding sin, even to the point of cutting off a hand or foot, or plucking out an eye if it causes one to sin .
3. Luke 16:19-31: The parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus depicts a rich man suffering in Hades, desiring relief from his torment. This passage highlights the finality of judgment and the importance of repentance during one’s lifetime .

Three Main Takeaways:

1. Eternal Consequence: Jesus’ teachings on hell underscore the eternal consequences of our choices on earth. The decision to follow Christ or reject Him carries implications that extend beyond this life into eternity.
2. Justice and Mercy: The doctrine of hell reflects God’s justice in dealing with sin and evil, balanced by His mercy offered through salvation in Jesus Christ. It serves as a stark reminder of God’s holiness and the seriousness with which He regards sin.
3. Urgency of the Gospel: The reality of hell emphasizes the urgency of the Gospel message. It compels believers to share the hope found in Jesus Christ, knowing that salvation is the only means by which people can be saved from eternal separation from God.

Jesus’ teachings on hell are meant to warn us of its reality and to guide us toward a relationship with Him, which is the only way to avoid such a fate.