Faith & Purpose Today
A Daily Devotional By Larry
The Reality of Hell
November 16th, 2025.
Luke 16:23–24 (NIV) – “In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me… I am in agony in this fire.’”
Hell is not a metaphor. It is not a myth or a symbolic warning. It is a real place, described by Jesus Himself, where souls who reject God’s offer of salvation spend eternity in torment. In Luke 16, Jesus tells the story of a rich man who lived in luxury but ignored the needs of others and the call of God. When he died, he found himself in Hades—tormented, thirsty, and full of regret.
This passage is not a parable—it’s a revelation. Jesus, who came from eternity, is the only one qualified to speak with authority about what happens after death. He makes it clear: Hell is real, and it is final. The rich man begged for relief, even a drop of water, but none was given. He pleaded for someone to warn his family, but the warning had already been given. His agony was not just physical—it was emotional and spiritual. He remembered every opportunity he had to choose differently. That memory intensified his suffering.
Hell is described as a place of darkness, fire, and isolation. It is a bottomless pit where there is no escape, no comfort, and no second chances. Revelation 20:15 says, “Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.” This is not a punishment God delights in—it’s a consequence He warns us about.
God did not create Hell for humans. It was prepared for Satan and his rebellious angels (Matthew 25:41). But when humans choose to reject God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, they align themselves with that rebellion. It’s not God who sends people to Hell—it’s the choices they make.
This is why the message of salvation is urgent. Jesus died to rescue us from this fate. He took the punishment upon Himself so we wouldn’t have to. But that gift must be received. Romans 10:9 says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Hell is not a scare tactic—it’s a reality. And the love of God is not just a comfort—it’s a rescue. If you died today, would you be ready? Would your name be found in the book of life?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for revealing the truth about eternity. I don’t want to live in denial or delay. I choose to believe in Jesus Christ as my Savior. Rescue me from the path of destruction and lead me into Your everlasting light. Help me to share this truth with others in love and urgency. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Question
What does the reality of Hell stir in your heart—and how should it shape the way you live and share your faith?
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