If you want to go to hell, I bet it would be so difficult. Surprised? Just read on. There are a few hard to deny truths you need to hurdle and overcome before you can get there. But before going any further, I would like to make an assumption that you already believe in a literal hell as there is a real heaven. These are not according to my write ups (as I’ve posted two articles already about heaven), but the reality of heaven and hell are clearly written in the Word of God, the Bible. If you truly believe in God, for sure you also believe in what He says. For the word of the Lord stands firm forever. Two profound truths declare that, “heaven and earth will pass away but His words will endure forever,” and ”God cannot lie.”
Hell is as real as heaven is. It’s a place of endless torment, agony, pain, sorrow, loneliness, and the like. It’s a place described in the Scriptures where fire is not quenched and worms don’t die. It’s a place of continuous thirst because there’s no water; and yes as the song popularized it, there’s no beer in heaven, and let me add, as well as in hell. Sorry guys. It’s a place so hot and uncomfortable because there’s no air conditioning system. It’s a place where one can’t rest nor sleep. There’s no laughter nor singing there but only whining and cursing. Many jokingly say that they’re not afraid to be in hell because they thought that if one is dead he stops existing and therefore can’t feel anything. Is it true? According to Jesus in Luke 16:19-31, the story of the rich man and Lazarus, when they both died, they can still feel, speak, reason, see and know what is happening to them and around them. They are fully aware and wide awake.
Now why do I say that it is so hard to go to hell? Some may argue my statement because some scriptures are also saying that, ”wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter into it.” and ”it’s easier for a camel to enter in the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven.” These scriptures have been quoted out of it’s true context many times. Yes, many will be going to hell not because it’s easier to go there than in heaven, but it would be because they chose to be there.
The heart of God is for all people, man and woman, boy and girl, young and old to be with Him in heaven. In reality and in the heart of our Creator, hell is not for mankind but is prepared for the Devil and his demons, the fallen angels. But because of the justice of God, man has also been given a choice for him to decide where he wants to be in eternity. Therefore, going to hell is no accident, it’s a choice. But you have to face first these hard to deny truths which I called the hurdles in going to hell. These for sure will give you a hard time, but in spite of these and you still want to go to hell, then again it’s a choice – your choice.
Here are the following reasons why I think it’s so hard to go to hell. You may agree with me or not but here they are. Let’s call these the hurdles a person must overcome before going to hell.
The hurdle of conscience. The sense of right and wrong is innate in each person. It is God-given. A personal radar that tells us if one thing is good or not. Many want to ignore the truth about right and wrong, good and evil, righteousness and wickedness, things of God and of the devil. There are those who said that there’s no good and bad nor right and wrong, and they live their lives in licentiousness with an adage, “if it feels good then do it.” But regardless of all these, in the depth of each person’s heart and soul is the consciousness of right and wrong. And if you want to go to hell, you have to overcome this hurdle, your conscience. Ignore it, deny it, don’t listen to its alarm as it gives you warning that such action will have their corresponding consequences here in this life and in the one to come.
The hurdle of the truth of God’s Word. Truth is not relative nor subjective. Truth is true either we believe or deny it. Truth remains the truth even if we don’t feel like doing or submitting to it. In our modern and highly technological times, people may argue that what was true before may not be true today, what is truth to others may not be applicable to everyone. In some cases that logic may have some point, just like what people in ancient times believed; they did say that the world was flat but later it was found out and accepted that the world is round, spherical to be exact. But there are absolute truths and principles that do not change through time. One example is the law of gravity. It doesn’t matter if a person believe it or not, it’s not important if that person lived during the stone age or at this time of the information age, if he jumps off a tree, cliff or building, he will surely fall downward. This law is no respecter of person and time.
In the same manner, the truth of God’s words has been reminding each person in every generation that our lives should align with it. We were created and wired to live by God’s Word and if we live the other way, we will end up reaping the consequences of our decisions. Man can’t say that he doesn’t know, for I believe that the God of justice will not allow any person to leave this world without having a consciousness of Someone greater than himself. With the abundance of God’s words being preached and taught; in writing and in broadcast, in some way or another reaching even the unreached groups, no one can say he doesn’t know about it. And if a person wants to go to hell, I bet he must overcome this hurdle by rejecting the truth and the God of truth.
The hurdle of the Holy Spirit’s conviction. The Holy Spirit of God is the one convicting people of their sins. He speaks through our conscience and uses the Word of God to remind and warn us if we are in the wrong path. He teaches, counsels and guides us to live by the truth as what God desires for us. Ignoring the voice of the Holy Spirit means rejection and disobedience. Living away from His counsel will endanger us of something not good. John 16:8 says, “He will come to convict the world of sin, to show the world what has God’s approval, and to convince the world that God judges it.”
2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.”
Let me say it again, it’s so hard for a person to go to hell. By the way, as I end this article, let me inspire you with this thought, God created us for heaven, hell is for the devil and his fallen angels. God said in His word that He doesn’t want any one to perish but everyone to come to repentance. You may think that because of all the bad things you’ve done you may not qualify for heaven? The good news is, nobody does. All of us are just the same, we are all sinners in need of a Savior, in need of forgiveness. We all likewise fall short and we all need grace. Yap, grace and mercy are gifts of God to all of us. One last thing with regards to the truths about heaven and hell. You may forget what I have written but don’t forget this: All of us deserve to be thrown in hell, for all have sinned, and sins must be punished, but because of God’s mercy He won’t if we believe Him. We don’t deserve to be in heaven forever but we will be there if we choose to accept and trust Him. For grace simply means, receiving what we don’t deserve – heaven. Mercy means, not receiving what we deserved – hell. It’s still a choice. Make yours now. Don’t ignore the hurdles – your conscience, God’s Word and God’s Holy Spirit. Make these hurdles your stairway, not downward to hell but upward to heaven.