Matthew 25:41-46 (41)
Hell, to my neighbor is something you will only experience here on earth. Is he correct? Is hell just a descriptive word for a tragedy in life?
A doctor was asked about a terrible incident in Africa. He told of a man who had worked around vats of sulfuric acid. One day at work the man fell into the vat. The man quickly jumped out of the vat but was covered with the acid. In panic and excruciating pain the man ran outside. His coworkers chased after him but the chemical seared through his skin, cauterized his blood vessels, ate his internal organs, dissolved much of his body and in unbearable pain he died.
Could hell be worse than that? The Bible warns us that the tragedies of life are an insufficient depiction of the realities of hell. Scripture describes hell as ‘eternal fire’ (Matthew 25:41), “unquenchable fire” (Matthew 3:12), “shame and everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2), “everlasting destruction” (2 Thessalonians 1:9, and a ”lake of burning sulfur” where the wicked are “tormented day and night forever and ever.” (Revelation 20:10).
The African man whose body dissolved in pain after falling into the vat of sulfuric acid is but an example of what the inhabitants of hell will experience forever. But even worse than the physical pain will be the spiritual pain. They will be separated from God, hope, love, and peace forever. They will be at home with regret, remorse, sorrow, shame, hate, and unforgiveness throughout eternity.
Hell on earth is a poor imitation of the reality awaiting those who chose not to live for God.
by Dr. Gayle Woods