Who Goes to Hell? What Revelation 21 Says About the Second Death

Over the past few days, we've been studying eternity, focusing specifically on Hell. What do the Scriptures reveal about who is destined for Hell? The Book of Revelation provides insight:

But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Revelation 21:8).

The verse above indicates that at the second resurrection, individuals who are cowards, liars, and unbelievers in Christ will be thrown into a lake of fire and brimstone. It is unclear whether this lake is literal or symbolizes a certain state of being. What we do know for certain is that the Lake of Fire is a place of torment and destruction. The Bible also depicts Hell as an area of eternal darkness (Jude 1:13). We have the choice to be consumed by either the Light or the Darkness and embrace one for eternity.

Consider the essence of light and darkness. Light fosters health and well-being; plants require it to survive. It reveals, sustains, and illuminates. Darkness, on the other hand, covers and conceals; it is simply an absence of light. Psychologists warn that extended periods of darkness can lead to depression and other mental health issues. Living without light is unhealthy for humans. The lake of fire will be a realm of darkness.

Who is Destined for Hell?

I understand that discussing a place of darkness can be uncomfortable. Who will be sent there? Think about this: how many murders does it take to become a murderer? Just one. How many lies make someone a liar? Just one. How many sins make someone a sinner? Just one. What we are saying is that everyone needs a Savior, and only Jesus can save us from our sins and their consequences.

Recognizing our need for a Savior is the first step toward God. Paul the Apostle stated, "There is no one righteous, not even one... there is no one who does good, not even one" (Romans 3:10-12). He explains that no one can be declared righteous through works alone (Romans 3:20). Instead, righteousness apart from the Law has been revealed through the sacrificial death of Christ on our behalf. This righteousness is given to us when we repent, turning away from sin and toward Christ, and accept Jesus Christ as the ruler of our lives. Trusting in Christ is the only way to avoid eternal separation from God (Acts 4:12). When you put your faith in Christ, your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life (Revelation 21:27), recording all who have surrendered to the Lord and received His gift of eternal life through His forgiveness. Those whose names are not in the book are cast into the lake of fire.

And death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14-15).

He also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger, and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name (Revelation 14:10-11; emphasis added).

My prayer is that you may never go to such a place. Believe and place your trust in the Lord Jesus—do it today! Keith Thomas

Continue Your Journey…

This devotional is part of our series, Insights into Eternity. If you want to dive deeper into what God has planned for your future, continue to the next lesson: Is Hell A Real Place?