Paul described the past state of Gentiles who did not know the true God back before they had become Christians in Ephesians 2:12: “that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.” What would it be like to be without God? These Gentiles were blessed to have the opportunity to obey the gospel. When they did they were brought near to God by the blood of Christ (Eph. 2:13) and reconciled to God (Eph. 2:16).
However, the New Testament does reveal the sobering reality of a time to come when those who are lost will be without God forever. Jesus described Hell as a place of “outer darkness” (Mt. 8:12; 22:13; 25:30). God is light (1 Jn. 1:5) and is called the Father of lights (Jas. 1:17). Revelation 21:23 says, “The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light.” However, to be separated from God forever would mean no light.
Jesus said that the wicked who are cast into this place of outer darkness suffer with weeping and gnashing of teeth (Mt. 8:12; 22:13; 24:51; 25:30). The rich man was so tormented in flames, he wanted Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water to bring just a drop to him. However, he is told this is not possible (Lk. 16:26). God is the God of all comfort (2 Cor. 1:3). The promise of Revelation 21:4 is: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” But to be separated from God means no comfort. He who wipes away tears will not be there to comfort.
God is the God of hope (Rom. 15:13) and the God of peace (Rom. 15:33). However, if I am lost in Hell, then I will have no hope and no peace forever. When you stand before the Lord on the last day, what words will you hear? Will He say to you, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” (Mt. 7:23)? Will He say, “Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Mt. 25:41)? How sad that would be! God has done everything for us to be with Him for eternity. Will you respond to His love by obeying the gospel and serving Him faithfully the rest of your days? If you do, then you will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord” (Mt. 25:21, 23), and “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Mt. 25:34).
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