Lesson 48: Hell

Memory Verse: ‘The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.’Psalm 9:17

Outline: 

1. Description of Hell
2. How To Avoid Hell

Introduction

Hell is a reality, an awful fact to be realised. The Bible makes it clear that those who reject Christ are condemned already (John 3:18) and the wicked will end up in hell.

Description of Hell

Hell is banishment from the presence of God (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9). It is a place of torment and punishment, a sort of prison where the wicked are punished forever (Matthew 25:46; Luke 16:23). Some people ask, “Where is hell”? The Bible says it is “down” (Isaiah 14:9, 15; Proverbs 15:24). Hell was originally prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41). The original size of hell is not known but scriptures confirm that it had enlarged itself (Isaiah 5:14). It is of unquenchable thirst, of suffering and agony at its worst (Luke 16:23-24). Hell is a place of unquenchable fire and its worms never die (Mark 9:44). Those in hell will recognise other people whether in Heaven or hell (Luke 16:23). They will even be able to pray but their prayers will never be answered (Luke 16:27). The Bible repeatedly says both Heaven and hell are doorways to eternity (Matthew 25:46).

How To Avoid Hell

1. The first requirement is to turn from your wicked ways and accept the saving grace in Jesus (John 3:16).
2. Have a personal relationship with Jesus (Jude 20-21).
3. Live a holy and righteous life (Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16).
4. Seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33).
5. Be watchful and prayerful (Matthew 26:41; Mark 13:33).
6. Guard your salvation jealously (Philippians 2:12).
7. Live daily with the consciousness of the reality of heaven and hell (Hebrews 9:27; Matthew 25:46).

Conclusion: To avoid hell, believe and receive Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour and stay with Him till the end (John 3:16; Matthew 24:13).

Questions:

1. Briefly describe hell.
2. Mention four ways to avoid hell.

Further Readings:

• SUN: Matt. 5:29
• MON: Matt. 8:12
• TUE: 2 Thess. 1:9
• WED: Psalm 9:17
• THUR: Psalm 86:13
• FRI: Prov. 15:24
• SAT: Isaiah 28:15

Assignment: Sheol, Gehenna, Hades, and Tartarus are the four words from the original language (Hebrew and Greek) representing hell in the King James Version. Give a reference for each of these words (2×4=10 Marks).