Heaven & Hell: what are they?

Heaven & hell are two major topics in and outside the church. They aren’t easy topics to discuss, because of the seriousness of them, and there is only so much known about them. There are many opinions and controversies regarding these two places, however the Bible gives us enough detail to paint an adequate picture. Please note I will only share what the Bible says and do so with sensitivity but truthfully.

Many people will shy away from these topics, specifically Hell, yet the Bible clearly presents it as a real place. There can’t be good news without the bad. I’ve heard many say in the past that all the “cool” people are there or it’ll be “one big party” because all their friends are there. Some will go so far as to say that this world in itself is ‘Hell’ and it can only get better.

Jesus taught more about Hell than Heaven and, when you dig into the text, you realize it’s because God is very clear that it is not a place you want to go to.

…and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 13:50)

If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. (Mark 9:43)

From just these verses alone, we can tell that it is a place of punishment and of suffering. There is nothing good in Hell, and it’s distressing to think of a person going there. It is a place that was created for Satan and the Angels who followed him. Sin is so serious to God, there must be Punishment for it. He is Holy and Just, thus sin cannot be in His presence. However the Bible tells us that this is why Jesus came; we don’t need to go to Hell. We can have forgiveness and spend eternity in Heaven with God by having Faith in Jesus and His finished work on the Cross. However, the Bible also makes it clear that the Christian life isn’t just a ‘get out of jail’ card. It’s sincerely believing in Jesus, turning away from a life of sin and selfishness, and following Jesus.

If Hell is a place of torment and punishment, Heaven is the exact opposite.

They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. (Revelation 22:4-5)

‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:4-5)

Heaven is where there is no more sorrow or death. Growing up, I often thought of Heaven as a place where there was continuous singing, but that isn’t necessarily the case. No doubt there will be worship; there will be singing (how could there not be?) and, as an adult, I think of the times when I’ve been in a church and there are hundreds gathered, praising God. It’s joyous and beautiful. But there is much more to Heaven. There is no more sin (wrongdoing) and no more death: it’s hard to imagine that because in today’s world, we are surronded by sin. It’s what we know. But the Bible describes Heaven as far greater than this world.

Most importantly, there will be no separation from God, we will see Him face-to-face and be in His presence forever. It is a beautiful place, but the Bible makes it clear that no one can go there, unless clothed in the righteousness of Christ.

^{If you have a question, please do send a comment and I will do my best to answer it, whether in blog or personal.}