What Hell Is Like

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Leading the Way

Read Luke 16:19-31.

During His earthly ministry, Jesus talked more about hell than He did about heaven. Hell is serious business, and He wanted people to understand that apart from Him, that’s where they are headed. Out of love, He warned people about hell in the most caring, heartbroken, and compassionate way. Today, however, hell is not a popular subject. Many pastors avoid it altogether, not wanting to be labeled a “fire-and-brimstone preacher.” But if Jesus thought it was important to talk about hell, shouldn’t we?

Some people wonder, If God is so good, how could He send people to hell? But the Truth is the everlasting fire was “prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41). While Satan and his demons have no choice about their eternal destination, every human being can choose to escape from hell. We can choose to come to Christ in repentance, faith, and confession, receiving the gift of forgiveness and eternal life from Jesus’ hands. But Satan cannot be redeemed. Revelation shows us the future, when the devil “was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur” to “be tormented day and night for ever and ever” (Revelation 20:10).

Can you see why Satan wants to keep the church quiet about hell? Not only does he not want to be reminded of his eternal destiny, but he wants to take as many people with him as he can. Brothers and sisters, that is precisely why we cannot remain silent. Pastors must preach the full counsel of the Word of God, including the reality of hell. And all of us must allow the seriousness of hell to spur on our own zeal for evangelism.

In Matthew 18:34, Jesus says hell is a place of torture. In Matthew 25:30, He tells us it’s a place of utter darkness, “where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” And it is not only physical darkness; hell is a place of moral and spiritual darkness, a domain without God’s presence or goodness. It’s a prison for the soul and the spirit (see Matthew 18:21-35). We might say it is like a nightmare, but no one has ever had a nightmare as horrible as hell is. Those who are confined to hell will experience constant agony and relentless regret.

The Bible speaks plainly about hell, but every person must decide for themselves what they will do with the grace that God offers. May we who know Truth share it boldly—the eternal stakes are high.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your mercy and grace that have saved me from hell and to heaven. Help me to boldly share the Good News of salvation through Christ, and may many come to know Your goodness through the work of Your Spirit in my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels’” (Matthew 25:41).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon series Heaven Awaits: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.

More Posts by Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.:

  1. Asking for God’s Vision
  2. Praying the Will of God
  3. He Can Open Your Eyes
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