What the Bible Says About Hell: Revelation 20

Every person carries the eternal question: will I spend forever with God in heaven, or face separation in hell? The good news of the Gospel is that hope exists—real and lasting—for everyone willing to believe. Revelation 20 provides powerful clarity about the destiny of all humankind.

What Revelation 20 Teaches

• A great white throne is set, and all the dead—both great and small—stand before God to be judged.
• “Books” are opened, including the Book of Life. Those whose names are not found in it are cast into the lake of fire.
• Death and Hades (or Hell) themselves are thrown into the lake of fire—this is called “the second death.”

Through Christ, believers are spared this judgment. Our sins are forgiven because Jesus took our penalty on the cross.

Words the Bible Uses for Hell

To understand hell fully, it helps to know some of the words Scripture uses:

• Sheol (Hebrew) – in the Old Testament, this word often refers to the realm of the dead; sometimes simply “the grave,” other times the place of the unrighteous awaiting final judgment.
• Hades (Greek) – similar to Sheol, this is a present reality for the dead who have rejected God, awaiting their final fate.
• Gehenna – described by Jesus as a place of fire and torment. It was a literal valley of waste outside Jerusalem where garbage was burned; He used it to illustrate the seriousness of eternal separation from God.
• Lake of Fire – the final, eternal place for Satan, angels who rebelled, and all who reject Christ. One’s destiny after the final judgment.
• Tartarus – mentioned in 2 Peter as the place where some fallen angels are held in darkness until judgment.

Why People Face Hell

Hell is not something God desires for anyone, but Scripture teaches that hell results from rejecting God’s offer of salvation. It’s a choice—not because God forces anyone there, but because rejecting Christ means rejecting the only way to be reconciled to God (John 3:16; Romans 10:13).

Christ Offers Real Hope

If you’re wondering, How can I be sure of heaven? How can I avoid hell? here’s what the Word of God says:

1. Acknowledge you are a sinner in need of grace.
2. Believe that Jesus died and rose again for your sins.
3. Call upon Him to forgive your sins and be your Lord.

Romans 10:13 promises that “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

What This Means for Us

• Rejoice – Believers have been rescued; through Christ we are forgiven, and eternity with God is secured.
• Reach – Share this good news. Hell may be real—but so is God’s love, and He freely offers rescue to all.
• Respond – If you’ve not yet trusted Christ, don’t wait. Tomorrow is not promised. If you have, live boldly for Him—your life matters now and forever.