What is hell like? Is it really all that bad? Is it real at all? Do all people go to heaven? How good do I have to be to make it to heaven? If the afterlife lasts for an eternity, won’t I get bored? Discover the truth behind common myths about heaven, hell and the afterlife, and why accepting salvation means more than just being saved from an eternity in hell.
Discussion Guide
Week 2 – Heaven or hell?
What is hell like? Is it really all that bad? Is it real at all? Do all people go to heaven? How good do I have to be to make it to heaven? If the afterlife lasts for an eternity, won’t I get bored? Discover the truth behind common myths about heaven, hell and the afterlife, and why accepting salvation means more than just being saved from an eternity in hell.
Break the ice
- On a scale of 1-10, how comfortable do you feel with your understanding of hell? Explain why.
- Where have most of your views of hell come from?
- What do you think heaven will be like? What do you hope to experience when you first enter?
- Describe a moment when you felt like you experienced a piece of heaven.
Read
Matthew 7:13-14
“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.”
2 Thessalonians 1:7-9
Jesus will come with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power.
Philippians 3:19-21
They think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Saviour. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.
Revelation 21:1, 3-5
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared.
I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!”
Other passages to explore
- Revelation 20:10
- Revelation 14:10-11
- John 3:16
- Romans 3:23-25
- Romans 6:23
- John 14:1-6
- 1 Corinthians 2:9
- 2 Corinthians 4:18
- 1 Corinthians 15:55-58
Discuss
- Read Matthew 17:13-14. What point does it seem Jesus is trying to get across through this imagery?
- What are some reasons you or others struggle to believe hell exists?
- Read Philippians 3:19-20. What do you think it looks like to live believing your citizenship is in heaven?
- What are some misconceptions you’ve had in the past about heaven?
- Have you ever felt unsure of whether or not you’re going to heaven? How have you worked through that?
- What’s the first practical step you can take this week to live, love, and serve with eternity in mind?
Pray
God, we believe you are good. Thank you for giving us choice. Thank you for preparing a place in heaven for us. Thank you for sending Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life. Teach us to seek you and your will on earth as it is in heaven. Inspire us to love everyone we can with your practical grace and truth that promises eternal life. Help us to share the hope we have with others. Amen!
This week
- Ask someone you’re close friends with what they believe about heaven, hell, and eternity. Share with them what you believe.
- For further exploration, consider reading The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis.
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