Is Hell a Real Place? What the Bible Actually Says

Hell is a topic many avoid — and even more deny. Some believe Hell is just symbolic of suffering on earth. Others think a loving God could never allow such a place to exist. Still others hope that good deeds, prayers from loved ones, or simply being a “decent person” will be enough to secure Heaven.

But what does the Bible actually say?

Hell Is Real — and Eternity Is Nonnegotiable

The Bible is clear: after death, every person will spend eternity in one of two places — Heaven or Hell. And once that decision is made, it cannot be changed.

“Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.”— Hebrews 9:27 (WEB)

“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”— Matthew 25:46 (WEB)

Hell is not just emotional torment. It is a real, literal place of eternal separation from God — filled with pain, fire, and regret.

Who Was Hell Created For?

Originally, Hell was not created for humans. Scripture tells us it was prepared for Satan and his angels:

“Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”— Matthew 25:41 (WEB)

But those who reject God and His gift of salvation through Jesus Christ will also face this destiny.

Common Questions — What Scripture Says

1. Is Hell symbolic of suffering on Earth?

No. Hell is described as a real place of torment, fire, and darkness — where the soul is destroyed.

“…Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”— Matthew 10:28 (WEB)

2. Do we cease to exist after death?

No. We are eternal beings. Everyone will live forever — either with God or separated from Him.

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies.”— John 11:25 (WEB)

3. Don’t “good people” automatically go to Heaven?

No. The Bible says all have sinned, and none can be saved by good works alone.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”— Romans 3:23 (WEB)

“It is by grace you have been saved, through faith… not by works, so that no one can boast.”— Ephesians 2:8-9 (WEB)

4. Can someone be prayed into Heaven after they die?

No. Scripture tells us that our decisions before death determine our eternity.

“…Between us and you a great gulf is fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over.”— Luke 16:26 (WEB)

Why Do People Go to Hell?

According to scripture, people end up in Hell by:

• Rejecting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior

• Living in unrepentant sin

• Refusing to forgive others

• Turning away from God after knowing the truth

“No one comes to the Father except through me.”— John 14:6 (WEB)

“If you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your sins.”— Matthew 6:15 (WEB)

“God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”— Galatians 6:7 (WEB)

But Doesn’t God Want Everyone to Be Saved?

Yes — absolutely. God desires that no one should perish. But He has given us free will. He will never force salvation on anyone.

“The Lord is… not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”— 2 Peter 3:9 (WEB)

The choice is ours. Heaven is a gift — not a reward we can earn, but a promise we must receive.

Your Next Step

If you’re unsure where you stand with God, you can make that right today. Here's a prayer to guide you:

Salvation Prayer

Father, it is written in Your Word that if I confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead, I shall be saved.

Today I confess Jesus as my Lord. I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead. I renounce my past and receive Your forgiveness.

Jesus is my Lord, and I am a new creation. From this day forward, I belong to You. Amen.

The above prayer is from the book "Prayers that avail much" by Germaine Copland.

If you prayed that prayer sincerely, Heaven is rejoicing. And your eternity — your forever — has just changed.