Question: I disagree with your statement that there is such a thing as "eternal separation from God in Hell." Please tell me, is God so cruel and uncaring that he would punish rebellious people to be tortured in Hell for all eternity?

Answer: I'm not surprised that you reject the disturbing doctrine of eternal condemnation in Hell. Many reject the doctrine of Hell. Sinners do not like to think they are so corrupt and evil that they merit such a severe punishment. Sinners are more likely to malign God and accuse Him of cruelty and injustice, rather than worship Him who is perfectly just and a consuming fire.

Yet human unbelief does not change reality one bit. It is fatal to build our beliefs on sentimentality rather than the Word of the all-knowing God. The Bible is clear: hell does exist and its punishment is everlasting.

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels...And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal Matthew 25:41,46.

Just as the righteous enjoy eternal life, even so the cursed will experience eternal punishment. The Lord uses exactly the same word to describe both destinies.

The Lord Jesus emphasized the eternal nature of hell. Note how often He repeats that the fire of hell is not quenched and the worm dieth no -

And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched (Mark 9:43-48).

Yes, hell exists and its condemnation is forever.

All of us merit God's righteous condemnation. Yet there is one way of escape from the terrible consequences of our sin. Jesus is the Way. God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. May every one of us flee to Jesus for forgiveness and mercy at this last hour of grace.