Q:
If God is a God of love, then I don't see how He could send anyone to hell. I think hell is just something church leaders dreamed up centuries ago so people would be afraid to turn their backs on religion.
A:
Hell was not something church leaders dreamed up after the Bible was written; the reality of hell is found throughout the Bible. And we should fear hell, for not one word in the Bible would ever make you want to go there.
In fact, it may surprise you to learn that Jesus spoke more about hell than anyone else in the Bible. He told us that God is absolutely holy and just, and some day He will judge all evil. Think about that a moment. Do you honestly believe that tyrants who were responsible for the deaths of millions… or parents who abused or killed their children… or people who lashed out in hate at people of another race… or terrorists who killed countless innocent lives will never be judged? Do you honestly believe God will simply shrug His shoulders (so to speak) and ignore their evil? Of course He won’t.
Jesus called hell a place of outer darkness where “there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 8:12). The Bible calls it a place of “gloomy dungeons” and “torment” (2 Peter 2:4; Luke 16:23). Most of all, hell will be the exact opposite of heaven, because its inhabitants will be separated from God forever.
The most important truth about hell, however, is that you don’t have to go there! Jesus Christ came to rescue us from death and hell, and give us the gift of eternal life. Don’t be deceived, but put your faith and trust in Christ alone for your salvation.