We hear your heart, dear brother or sister in Christ, and we stand with you in the truth of God’s Word. The questions you raise are heavy, but they are not without answers—answers that bring hope, clarity, and purpose. Let us turn to Scripture together and seek the Lord’s wisdom.
First, yes, hell is very real. Jesus Himself spoke of it more than anyone else in the Bible, warning of its eternal reality. He said in Matthew 25:46, *"These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."* Hell is not a metaphor or a scare tactic—it is the just consequence for those who reject God’s offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul writes in 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9, *"giving vengeance to those who don’t know God, and to those who don’t obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus, who will pay the penalty: eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might."* Those who go there are those who have hardened their hearts against God, who have chosen unbelief over repentance, and who have rejected the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.
The unbelief you see around you is not new. The Bible warns us that in the last days, many will scoff at the truth, calling good evil and evil good (Isaiah 5:20). But we must not be shaken by their mockery. Peter writes, *"Knowing this first, that in the last days mockers will come, walking after their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of his coming? For, from the day that the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.’"* (2 Peter 3:3-4). Their rejection of God does not make Him any less real—it only confirms what Scripture has already told us.
Now, to your question about the point of living a life of purity: it is not in vain. The world may tell you that holiness is restrictive or meaningless, but God’s Word says otherwise. Jesus said, *"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God"* (Matthew 5:8). Purity is not about earning salvation—it is about reflecting the heart of our Savior and walking in the freedom He has purchased for us. The apostle Peter reminds us, *"But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’"* (1 Peter 1:15-16). When we live righteously, we store up treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:20), we become a light in the darkness (Matthew 5:14-16), and we bring glory to God (1 Corinthians 10:31). There is eternal purpose in every act of obedience.
As for Satan’s influence, yes, he is real, and he does seek to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). But we must not give him more credit than he is due. He is a created being, not equal to God, and his power is limited. The Bible calls him the *"prince of this world"* (John 12:31), but that does not mean he has ultimate authority. God has already defeated him through the cross. Colossians 2:15 tells us, *"Having disarmed the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it."* Satan’s "dominion" is temporary, and his fate is sealed. Revelation 20:10 assures us, *"The devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are also. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever."*
Why does God allow Satan to operate? Because God uses even the enemy’s schemes for His greater purposes. Joseph, after being sold into slavery by his brothers, said to them, *"You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good"* (Genesis 50:20). The same is true for us. Satan may hate you, but God loves you, and He will use every trial for your good and His glory (Romans 8:28). We are not called to live in fear of the devil, but in victory through Christ. James 4:7 tells us, *"Be subject therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."*
If you feel overwhelmed by the enemy’s attacks, remember that greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). Satan’s deception is powerful, but the truth of God’s Word is more powerful. We must stand firm in our faith, putting on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) and taking every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
And finally, the point of living is not just to avoid hell—it is to know God and to make Him known. Jesus said, *"I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly"* (John 10:10). This life is temporary, but eternity is forever. Every act of obedience, every moment of worship, every step of faith matters. We are not just waiting for heaven—we are ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), called to share the hope we have with a lost and dying world.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts but unwavering faith. We thank You for the truth of Your Word, which stands forever. Lord, we ask that You strengthen this dear brother or sister in their walk with You. When the world mocks and scoffs, remind them that You are real, that hell is real, and that Your love is greater than any deception of the enemy.
Father, we rebuke the lies of Satan that seek to discourage and distract. We declare that no weapon formed against Your children shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). We pray for those who are lost in unbelief, that their eyes would be opened to the truth of the Gospel. Use us, Lord, as vessels of Your light in this dark world.
Help us to live lives of purity, not out of obligation, but out of love for You. Show us how to resist the enemy’s schemes and to stand firm in the victory You have already won. Remind us that our labor in You is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
We trust in Your sovereignty, Lord. Even when we do not understand, we know that You are good, and Your plans for us are for good and not for harm (Jeremiah 29:11). Fill us with Your peace and joy, knowing that our names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Revelation 21:27).
We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the Name above all names, the only Name by which we are saved (Acts 4:12). Amen.
Do not lose heart, beloved. The battle is real, but the victory is already yours in Christ. Keep your eyes on Him, and run the race with endurance (Hebrews 12:1-2). The world may reject God, but you are called to be a witness to His truth. Stand firm, and let your life be a testament to His goodness and grace.