Why Those in Hell Can Never Leave

[Michie]

Many people wonder why the God who is infinite love would sentence someone to an eternity of fiery punishment. Consequently, many entertain the idea that God would never do such a thing. Then, they conclude that God will either eventually bring those who are in Hell into Heaven (universalism) or that He will annihilate their souls (annihilationism), thereby bringing an end to their suffering. This article will show why both conclusions are wrong.

The Catechism on Hell​

Like any good parent, God tells His children about the punishments that await us if we do not cease our evil actions and do what is right. Scripture verses about Hell serve as a warning to reject all evil. They are calls to conversion. The Catechism states,

The affirmations of Sacred Scripture and the teachings of the Church on the subject of Hell are a call to the responsibility incumbent upon man to make use of his freedom in view of his eternal destiny. They are at the same time an urgent call to conversion: ‘Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few’ (CCC 1036).

Bible Verses On Hell​

Continued below.

Why Those in Hell Can Never Leave – Catholic Stand

catholicstand.com

 

[Paulwat]

Completely disagree wih that article and I find the idea of people being etternally tortued forever disturbing and untrue.

I don’t believe anyone is in hell forever, because eternal punishment simply doesn’t align with the nature of a loving and merciful God. The idea of “eternal torment” came from mistranslations of words like Sheol and Gehenna, which actually mean the grave or a place of destruction—not endless suffering.

God’s justice is restorative, not cruel. A loving Creator wouldn’t delight in pain or condemn His children to eternal agony. Those who reject goodness and love simply cease to exist; they don’t live forever in torment. Eternal punishment doesn’t exist—God’s plan is ultimately about healing, renewal, and peace.

 

[Michie]

Completely disagree wih that article and I find the idea of people being etternally tortued forever disturbing and untrue.

I don’t believe anyone is in hell forever, because eternal punishment simply doesn’t align with the nature of a loving and merciful God. The idea of “eternal torment” came from mistranslations of words like Sheol and Gehenna, which actually mean the grave or a place of destruction—not endless suffering.

God’s justice is restorative, not cruel. A loving Creator wouldn’t delight in pain or condemn His children to eternal agony. Those who reject goodness and love simply cease to exist; they don’t live forever in torment. Eternal punishment doesn’t exist—God’s plan is ultimately about healing, renewal, and peace.

Paul, while you are welcome to fellowship here you can debate the teachings of the Church or teach your personal beliefs in the Catholic forum.

 

[Paulwat]

Paul, while you are welcome to fellowship here you can debate the teachings of the Church or teach your personal beliefs in the Catholic forum.

Ok, it's just that the title and post in this thread made me feel sad about the idea of this. It triggers my anixety that the idea of someone could be tortured forever

 

[Michie]

Ok, it's just that the title and post in this thread made me feel sad about the idea of this. It triggers my anixety that the idea of someone could be tortured forever

I understand.

 

[RileyG]

Ok, it's just that the title and post in this thread made me feel sad about the idea of this. It triggers my anixety that the idea of someone could be tortured forever

God bless you. Also, the Church teaches that hell is a state of separation from God, not necessarily "fire and brimstone."

(I'm aware you aren't Catholic)

His grace and peace to you.

 

[Paulwat]

God bless you. Also, the Church teaches that hell is a state of separation from God, not necessarily "fire and brimstone."

(I'm aware you aren't Catholic)

His grace and peace to you.

Thank you, I really appreciate that. I know a lot of traditions understand hell more as separation from God rather than literal fire, and that perspective definitely feels less frightening to me. My anxiety just tends to latch onto the harshest interpretations, even when I know they don’t line up with God’s love and mercy.

I’m working on reminding myself that God’s nature is compassion, not cruelty , and that fear doesn’t come from Him. Thank you for your this post and for taking the time to say that. It really means a lot.