What are Hell and Heaven like?
When someone asks us to physically describe heaven and hell, how should we respond?
First, heaven is a very real place. In Revelation, John tells us, “the Holy City…shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel” [Revelation 21:10,11]. In heaven, we will spend eternity in the presence of the Lord. There will be no more sadness, pain, or sin. Instead, there will be singing, worship, and service to God.
Then there’s hell. Most of what we know about hell comes from the lips of Jesus Christ Himself, and it’s no laughing matter. Jesus describes hell as the place where “the fire never goes out” [Mark 9:43] and where “the worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched” [verse 48]. He hardly could have painted a worse picture.
The truth about both heaven and hell can be a very positive motivator. When we share our faith with others, we are part of God’s rescue plan to snatch individuals from misery with no end and share with them the glory of an eternal paradise with God.
Proverbs 16:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and satevh such as be of a contrite spirit.Psalm 145:18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truthJer. 29:12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.Philippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.