The Throne of Hell?





Introduction

In Chapters 4 and 5 of the Book of Revelation, we see a detailed vision of the throne room of Heaven. Keeping in mind that this is not a literal description; rather a figurative one as announced in Rev. 1:3. But we see God sitting on His throne and His Son, Jesus, approaching the throne in regards to the scroll with the seven seals.

A lot of people these days think that there is a similar scene in Hell; while God sits on His throne in Heaven, Satan sits on his throne in Hell. According to scripture, nothing could be further from the truth.



You’re in My Chair!

Over the last few decades I’ve always heard young people talk about Hell and the fact they believe that Satan sits upon a throne; watching over his dominion of lost souls. I’ve even heard people say that they would boldly walk up to him and say, “You’re sitting in my chair” which would be some kind of challenge to claim his throne and therefore rule the dominion instead.

One such individual I’ve pleaded with to become a Christian to avoid Hell and her response was, “If I end up in Hell, I’m going to try and take over.”

Such foolish belief would easily tell you that they have never read anything in the scriptures about Hell or anything else for that matter. Most of the things that talk about is information passed down from friends and family; none of them have read scriptures either.
Hell Vs. Hades

One of the challenges in reading scripture is knowing when Hell; the eternal place is referenced and Hades; the land of the Dead. These are two different places.

Hades is the place where everyone, who departs from the Mortal Realm will go after death. People do not directly go to Heaven or Hell as there is a judgment that takes place before that (Heb. 9:27; 2 Cor. 5:10; 2 Pet. 2:4)

HADES

Jesus tells a story in Lk. 16:19-31 about where people go when they die. Those who are righteous; Paradise, and those who are unrighteous; Torment. If you’re familiar with the old Hercules and Xena TV series you know that the Greek Mythology will have you believe that this Underworld (Tartarus and the Elysian Fields) is the final resting place of the souls. Hades was the god of that realm. They believed that Heaven was the home of the gods and no one else would, or could, go there.

But Jesus explained that souls went here when they died and would remain until the day of judgment. Even on the cross, the one thief told Jesus to remember him when he came into his kingdom and Jesus’ reply was, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise." (Luke 23:43) He wasn’t telling the thief they we going to Heaven but, rather, Hades on the side of Paradise.



HELL

No one in scripture talked more about Hell than Jesus. The reason was that He didn’t want anyone to end up there. In Mk. 9:43-48, Jesus was referring to the local dumping ground, Gehenna, or The Valley of the Son of Hinnom when he spoke of Hell. He referenced Isa. 66:24 for emphasis as the locals would make that connection. Dead animals, thieves, and destitute people would be tossed in this “landfill”. A fire would sweep back and forth from side of the area to the other burning the bodies. Of course, when the fire hasn’t yet reached certain parts, flies would come in and lay eggs and creates maggots (worms) that would feast on the carcass.

It’s a disgusting visual for sure but it’s guaranteed to assure that no one would want to end up there. Some believe that the Hellfire would eventually burn out and there’s no truth to that. Jesus said in Mt. 25:41 and 46, that the fire is everlasting. Paul confirms this in 2 Thess. 1:9.



Conclusion

Contrary to popular belief, Hell is not a party nor is it a place that people can “contend for the throne”. It is a place of eternal punishment for all sinners, and the devil and his angels alike (Mt. 25:41). Satan knows his outcome in the end but it is his goal to take as many souls with him to “share” in his misery. He is a cunning individual (Jn. 8:44; 1 Pet. 5:8) and it is his goal to get people to assume he will rule Hell and invite others to join him.

You can avoid Hell and eternal punishment by doing what God has commanded us in his Holy World (Mt. 7:21; Jn. 8:31). Choose eternal life today!


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