Real Hell
It better be real for some real good reasons.
The problem with us humans is we are squishy and weak-kneed. We prefer to be always in some comfortable acceptable middle. For this reason we often lack the drive to pursue the best course. To do so would move us out of the pack and we would feel uncomfortable as representatives of goodness and, ultimately, holiness.
Holiness is a purity so pure that nothing impure can touch it. If we pursue this highest of ideals, this truth above all else, we fear, and rightfully so, we would lose friends. Others would see us as condemning them and their middle-road lifestyles.
This is why hell is a real place. It shows that this tension between true good and absolute bad are beyond the differences between fallible humans attempting to figure out life and do the best they can with what they know so far. If we are pursuing holiness it shouldn’t matter to others. They have a bigger problem to deal with over critiquing us. It’s called Hell.
Hell is the darkness where all light, all good, all hope is swallowed up.
And like a black hole, hell has an event-horizon — a point at which the gravity of evil cannot escape. This means two things. First, that which goes in can’t get back out. And second, evil can be ultimately contained, which then enables heaven to flourish uncontaminated.
If real hell doesn’t exist there is no counterbalance to a real heaven.
If hell is just a concept then no one should look forward to going to a real heaven — and God, if he even exists (by this way of thinking) is a liar, and therefore, not good, but evil. I believe this last statement to be a lie coming from the pit of you-know-where.
Of course this last point makes a good segue into thinking about whether or not God can really be good if hell exists. My response to this, which I understand is not a proof in and of itself, is to reply that I don’t believe God is really good if hell does NOT exist. You know that verse in Proverbs that says the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom? Water down the serious reality of hell and you water down fear of God. This means at the very start of someone’s wisdom training they are heading down a wrong path. They may likely not grow in much real wisdom going forward.
Let’s remember both directions — either toward God or away from him, toward heaven or hell — are choices we must make. It is set up this way for love to exist, and love is only possible if we have the choice to hate as well as love.
Also justice is not a thing if there is no punishment.
Taking this even further, assuming you know the gospel story, if there is no hell there was no reason for Jesus to die on a Roman cross.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.
If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it.
This is an extremely important topic that is not addressed much these days. I appreciate so much the clear and precise way you have expressed it. I personally know folks that do not believe it exists and judging from what goes on around us , that seems to be a lot of people. That's why we as followers of Jesus Christ, we should continue to look for what is good and pure and and loveiy so we might help others see the light.