Hell: Outer Darkness

The last major picture of Hell is that of “Outer Darkness.” We immediately contrast this with Heaven, where there is no need for the sun because “the Lamb is the Light”. This “Outer Darkness” is a place reserved forever for fallen angels, and for false prophets and teachers; for faithless Israelites who have been cast out of the kingdom; for those who are unprepared for the King’s wedding feast; for those who have wasted what God has entrusted to them. The general features are that it is “outside,” away from God or “the joy of thy lord,” and that there is weeping and gnashing of teeth there.


In all these pictures of Hell, it should not be lost that the power of Hell is not its inclement environment, nor even the absence of God, but rather the active wrath of God. It is where sin meets its righteous and eternal judgment-- a natural and glorious aspect of a God who loves His Son and those who love His Son, but who hates every unclean thing, every lying tongue, every hand that sheds innocent blood, every heart that devises wickedness, every foot that runs to mischief, every false witness, and every one that sows discord. All the rage and scorn that sin deserves are actively heaped on those who embrace it in a place specifically prepared by Him for that purpose. To be there is to drink the undiluted wine of God’s wrath from the cup of his indignation; to be cut to pieces before the King rather than to see His face of kindness and sit with Him in judgment. It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of Jehovah, who is a consuming fire.

We should also note that Heaven would not be Heavenly if it were populated by people who reject its King and wound His people through every hurtful or abominable act that serves their own pleasure. It is necessary to separate the sheep from the goats, the wheat from the chaff.

Return to summary of pictures of Heaven and Hell.

Return to Index of studies.

***********************************************************************************
References for the foregoing:

Place reserved forever for fallen angels, and for false prophets and teachers (2Pt 2:1, 4, 17, Jude 6)
A place “outside”, away from God or “the joy of thy lord,” where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth (Mt 8:11-12, 22:12-13, 25:23-30, Lk 13:27-28)

Contrast with Heaven, where the Lamb is the light (Rev 21:23-26, Is 24:23)