The Consolations In Hell
The Consolations In Hell
Dedicated to all thoughtful, but lost people
This will be an interesting treatise; and some of the things I will write will seem preposterous to some of you who read them. I do wish to state at the outset, that I take the issue of hell with utmost seriousness; and I am not a big fan of any levity with regard to this subject.
My primary thesis is this: sinners outside of Christ both want to go to hell; and they know (in the deep recesses of their hearts) that they are going there, barring regenerative faith in Jesus Christ and resulting repentance.
Someone might immediately object, by saying, "That is ridiculous. Who would want to suffer eternal torments in hell?" This objection is reasonable; and it deserves some response. My answer would be, "No one actually desires to be in constant torment every moment for all eternity; but the alternative (in their unregenerate minds) is even worse." What do I mean by this? I mean that the alternative, that of willingly bowing the knee to King Jesus is infinitely more to be abominated, than it is to burn in perdition for all time.
Again, somebody might object, and ask, "Why is willingly bowing the knee to Jesus Christ so objectionable?" And the answer is, because this would be to admit that God was right all along, that He is holy and righteous, good and benevolent, sovereign and gracious. Why are these facts so tormenting to the unregenerate heart? Because they mitigate against everything a sinner wants in God. As unregenerate people, we want God to bow the knee to us; and to allow us to do whatever we want to do--regardless of God's perfect standard, which is totally consistent with His character.
I mentioned the word "willingly" earlier. The reason this qualifier is important, is because everyone will bow the knee to King Jesus; and everyone will confess Him to be Lord. (We know this, particularly, from Philippians 2:9-11.)
. . . So, what are these weird "Consolations in Hell," of which this treatise hopes to explain? I would say that they are this: in hell the damned will be able to curse God for all eternity--and that this is what they want to do. This will be their only satisfaction in perdition. Their rage and anger at the true God, for putting His Son on the throne of the universe, will be unleashed in a never-ending chorus of vitriolic hatred and fury. This will never end, for all eternity.
Someone might say, "That does not sound like a very satisfying existence"; and the answer would be, "It is not truly satisfying; but it is what the damned desire--not only in the eternal world to come, but in this world, too."
The aforementioned cursing of God is portended for us in Revelation 16:21; and the doctrine of the insane ferocity of sinners being angry with God for establishing His Son's kingdom is especially brought out in the Second Psalm.
If any or all of this seems rather "extreme" to anyone--let us recognize the immense and eternal effects of our Fall in Adam; and let us accept the Scripture's teaching regarding the absoluteness of the Gospel in the Lord Jesus Christ. Everything hinges on these two extreme poles.
I would argue that sinners would prefer a thousand Auschwitzes, rather than one moment willingly bowing to King Jesus.
Someone might inquire, "What is so bad, about God being good and holy?" This is a good question. The answer is, "Nothing is bad about this; it is just that we, as unregenerate sinners, cannot stand it." We stand in complete abhorrence of God's goodness. We cannot tolerate His holiness; and His right to rule over us, (especially in His Son Jesus Christ).
Let us hasten to say, that all of us who are in Christ today, used to hold all of these rebellious positions and attitudes. We are no better than the unregenerate. If it was left up to us, we would be happy to go to hell, to curse God for all eternity. It is only the pure sovereignty, mercy, grace, and love of God in Jesus Christ and His Gospel that has spared us this horrible experience.
Please allow me to share with thoughtful unregenerate people who may be reading this treatise. (You know who you are.) . . . Let me encourage you to lay down your arms against God. Let me urge you to consider the goodness and love of God to us sinners. Though you may seek your fullness and happiness in rebellion against God; and in your seeking to be god yourselves--I would implore you to consider the alternatives.
True life in Christ is much better than anything you can find or do outside of Him. If you were to experience the love of God the Father, as it is poured out by God the Holy Spirit, all in God the Son--you would be absolutely amazed and astounded. It would make all of your illusory life of death appear reprehensible to you.
You might say, "Well, are you not a Calvinist, who believes that God chooses His own people, and places them in His Son and His church?" And, I would have to answer, "Yes; that is true; but this does not mitigate against my (or any other faithful ministers') efforts to encourage you to think about these things."
If you do not know what to do, I would counsel you to pray to God/to ask Him for Jesus/to be honest with God/to let Him know who and what you are.
Trust me: if you call out to God for Jesus Christ in earnest faith, He will come to you.
Let us face this reality: after death and after the Judgment Day, there are only two destinations: heaven or hell. There is no such thing as Purgatory; and even one of the recent popes threw out Limbo.
If sinners go to hell, it is their own fault; and it is their own choice. If sinners go to heaven, it is solely because of the grace of God in Jesus Christ.
Turn to the Lord Jesus today, in faith and repentance. You will be glad you did.
Rev. Mark J. Henninger
Treatise #16
20 May 2025
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