The Question, “Is Hell Consistent with a God of Love?”

  • The Bible clearly teaches the reality of Hell. It is a place of eternal, conscious punishment and absolute separation from God (Luke 16:19-31; Matthew 25:41-46; Revelation 20:10-15).
  • God doesn’t want anyone to go to Hell (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:3-4). In fact, the message of the Gospel is that God, in his great love, has freely provided a way for all of humanity to be rescued from Hell (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 6:23).
  • God doesn’t condemn anyone to Hell. Sinful men and women condemn themselves by rejecting God’s offer of salvation (John 3:17-18). Saying “no” to God means no God.
  • Jesus Christ saw no inconsistency in the reality of Hell. As God incarnate, and the perfect display of love to the world (1 John 4:9-10), Jesus repeatedly and consistently warned people about the existence of Hell.
  • While some question the fairness of Hell, or its consistency with God’s love, we must remember, what we think about Hell as finite human beings is irrelevant. The only thing that matters is what is true. And the infinite and eternal God has clearly warned us of the reality of Hell.
  • Many have wondered, “How bad is Hell?” Hell is so bad that it cost the Son of God his very life to keep you from going there. And he gave his life willingly because he loves you!

For more on the reality of Hell, please check out the Apologetics Study Bible for Students available in our online store.