Why Those in Hell Can Never Leave

Michie · 2025-08-30T09:22:59-0500

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

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