Read: 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9

In February 2021, my home state of Texas endured a massive blackout due to a snowstorm. It was miserable, and as days turned to weeks, the situation became more dire. I remember thinking to myself whether this was going to last forever, especially when so many people in my community were struggling. Years later, it’s hard to imagine living in such a state that is permanently cut off from light and power. Hell, in its most profound essence, is separation from God—permanent, irreversible, and much more severe than any blackout.

Many people struggle with the question, “Why would a loving God create a place like hell?” It’s a valid question. To answer it, we must first understand the nature of God. God is both loving and just. We love to focus on His love, but His justice is equally essential. As a just God, He cannot overlook sin. Sin is rebellion against God’s holy nature, and justice demands that sin be punished.

Hell exists, in part, because God must deal righteously with evil. Satan, the embodiment of evil, and all who choose to reject God’s grace face hell because it is the rightful consequence of rebellion. 2 Thessalonians 1:8–9 gives us a glimpse into this truth: hell is not just about torment but about being “away from the presence of the Lord.” God’s presence is the source of all life, joy, peace, and hope. To be separated from Him is the ultimate consequence of sin.

But here’s the good news—God is not in the business of sending people to hell. His desire is for every person to come to repentance and receive the gift of eternal life through Jesus. Hell was never meant for us; it was created for Satan and his angels (Matthew 25:41). Yet, when we choose to live in rebellion, rejecting God’s offer of salvation, we are choosing to be separated from Him.

The existence of hell should remind us of both the seriousness of sin and the incredible mercy of God. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross offers a way out of that darkness—a way back into the light of God’s presence. It’s not a question of whether God loves us, but whether we will accept that love and choose Him.

Reflection Questions:

  1. How does knowing that hell is separation from God change the way you view sin and its consequences?
  2. Why do you think it’s important to balance God’s justice with His love in your understanding of His character?
  3. In what ways can you live more aware of God’s presence, avoiding the spiritual separation that sin causes?