How can I avoid going to hell since hell is a real place?

Bible Question:

How can I not go to hell?

Bible Answer:

 

Since hell is a real place, an important question every person should ask is,  “How can I escape hell?” Hell is not a place where the wicked drink alcohol and party. Hell is not a fun place. Hell is a place where Satan and his demons will exist for eternity. Hell is also called the lake of fire. It is a place of eternal fire or eternal punishment. In Matthew 25:46, we are told the unrighteousness, that is, the wicked . . .

“. . .  will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” Matthew 25:46 (NASB)

That is, hell is a place of eternal fire, brimstone, and darkness. Those who go to hell will never be able to escape for all eternity. The account of Lazarus and the rich man reveals that after death no one can leave hell and go to heaven (Luke 16:19-31).  Our destiny is determined in this life and it cannot be changed after we die. We are also told that hell is a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 25:30). Hell is the place where people will never die. They live in the fire forever. So, hell is a horrible, dangerous, and real place!

That is why Jude 22-23 urges Christians or believers to have mercy on unbelievers by warning them to believe in Christ.

And have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh. Jude 22-23 (NASB)

This verse reveals several important points. The first important point we should notice is that God urges believers to show mercy to unbelievers. Some unbelievers may have doubts about Jesus Christ, but others will believe in Christ. As a result, they will be snatched from the fire of hell. They will be able to escape or avoid hell.

This is great news because it reveals that God cares about unbelievers. God is warning unbelievers about hell because Romans 6:23 tells us that anyone who has committed any sin deserves death—spiritual death. They are headed for hell. But then we are told that God has offered everyone the free gift of eternal life. Eternal life is available through Jesus Christ. Here is Romans 6:23.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (NASB)

So, those who commit any sin will spend eternity in hell. Then we are told that God has offered us a free gift which is eternal. That is, we can escape hell. We can obtain eternal life if we believe in Jesus Christ.  If you do, then Jesus is your Savior.

John 3:16 tells us how to obtain eternal life and escape hell.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.  John 3:16 (NASB)

First, we are told that God loves us.  Therefore, Christ took on flesh and blood in order to die for our sins (Romans 5:6-8). As a result, our sins can be forgiven (1 Corinthians 15:3-5). Second, those who believe in Christ are those who are given eternal life. To believe in Christ means that the person believes that Christ is God. It also means that because of Him our sins can be forgiven. Acts 4:10-12 says that salvation can only be obtained through Christ, and no one else.

And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12 (NASB)

To be saved, means that we are saved from hell. That is how a person avoids hell. We should also notice that John 3:16 gives us two promises. First, we are told that those who believe in Christ will not perish. That is, we escape going to hell. The second promise is that believers have eternal life. That is, they will live forever in heaven with God. The wonderful news for believers is that all of their old, present, and future sins are forgiven. Eternal life is given to believers immediately. When they die, they will go to heaven.

So, God has promised that anyone who believes that Jesus is God can have their sins forgiven and go to heaven. (John 8:24) So, if you desire to avoid hell, tell God that you believe Christ died for your sins and ask Him to forgive you for sinning. Tell Him that you are sorry you have sinned and that you want to stop sinning. Ask Him to help you stop sinning, and become a godly man or woman. Then visit Guidance For New Christians.

Suggested Links:

Is Hell a real place? — What does Jesus say about Hell?
Does John 3:16 promise assurance of salvation to every Christian?
Where does the Bible say, “Trust Jesus as your Savior”?
The Death and Eternity of Pharaoh and the People of Egypt