God did not create hell to punishment mankind. Though that tends to be the mindset so many, both in the church and outside the church, have today. This is just one of the many misconceptions people have about hell. One that must be addressed as it causes people to have a completely wrong view of God. So if hell was not created to punish us who was it created for?
To really answer that question we must go back way back. Before the first people ever sinned or were even created. To the time when satan held his position in Heaven. Before his fall, the devil was God’s chief musician, but before too long, his pride got the best of him. He started to believe he could overtake God and in turn, become God. Eventually, he tried to do just that will the help of some of God’s own angels. As a result, an intense battle broke out in heaven resulting in satan and his angles being forever cast out.
Isaiah 14:12–14 (ESV)
12 “How you are fallen from heaven,
O Day Star, son of Dawn!
How you are cut down to the ground,
you who laid the nations low!
13 You said in your heart,
‘I will ascend to heaven;
above the stars of God
I will set my throne on high;
I will sit on the mount of assembly
in the far reaches of the north;
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High.’
Revelation 12:7–9 (ESV)
7 Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, 8 but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.
As a result, left satan and the demons to roam the earth until the time of their punishment would come. A punishment that is later alluded to in the New Testament when Jesus reveals in passing that hell was originally created to punish the devil and his demons. You see, while many today see the devil as the tormenter in hell that actually is not the case. Satan is the original one meant to be tormented for eternity. Therefore, Hell has been waiting for him ever since he was cast from Heaven.
Matthew 25:41 (ESV)
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
Revelation 20:10 (ESV)
10 and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
God never meant for hell to become a punishment for His created people. He was preparing a place to punish the original sinner. The Bible tells us plainly that God does not want to see anyone sentenced to that terrible eternity. Instead, He wants to see all people come to know Him and receive salvation. In addition, Scripture tells us that the Lord has waited to return because He wants as many people to be saved as possible.
Ezekiel 33:11 (ESV)
11 Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?
1 Timothy 2:3–4 (ESV)
4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
2 Peter 3:9 (ESV)
9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
While Hell was not originally created for mankind it sadly has become a place of punishment for many. It has, however, become the final place those who have chosen to live a life of sin will ever visit. Because just like those angels that fell, many have, and will, turn their back on God to follow satan. Likewise, those that do the same as the devil are going to end up where he does.
John 8:44–45 (ESV)
44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me.
For those on a path leading to hell, please know that doesn’t have to be the case. God did not create hell for you. He does not want you to be sentenced to eternal punishment. You can still let go of your sinful ways and turn to God. He is willing to forgive you and will offer you the free gift of salvation. You can spend eternity in the place that was created for you, Heaven! Where pain, sadness, and dearth will no longer exist and you can live in peace forever.
John 3:16 (ESV)
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
1 John 1:9 (ESV)
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
John 14:3 (ESV)
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
Revelation 21:4 (ESV)
4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
In conclusion, know that our God did not prepare hell for His beloved creation. Hell was only meant for the devil and those that rebelled with him. The Lord created Heaven to be enjoyed by all mankind. It is a place where everyone is welcome all that is asked is that you flee from satan and follow after God. Those who follow the biblical plan of salvation can be sure they will one day call Heaven their home.
Acts 2:37–38 (ESV)
37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
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