Just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people.

— Romans 5:18

Hell is not an easy subject to discuss when we are talking about faith in Jesus. It’s much more pleasant to focus on the love of God through Jesus that saves us from death and hell. Nevertheless, the subject of hell is mentioned in Scripture, and it is probably best described as condemnation or complete separation from God.

Romans 5 helps us understand that “sin entered the world through one man”—that is, Adam (see Genesis 3)—and that death, or condemnation, “came to all people” because of that. But Jesus, the Son of God, who became human, came to turn that problem around. Jesus never sinned when he was tempted, so through his obedience all who believe in him are “made righteous.” God’s “abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness” are made possible “though the one man, Jesus Christ!”

Sadly, all of us sin, so it is fair to say that we all deserve condemnation. Romans 6:23, for example, says that “the wages of sin is death”—and then it adds, “but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”!

All who have been rescued by Jesus have no need to fear. We will not be condemned. Jesus took on himself all of the sins that condemned us. So instead of being condemned to hell, we are promised new life forever with Jesus in the new heaven and new earth.

Jesus, thank you for rescuing us from sin, death, and hell. Help us to share this good news with everyone! Amen.