"What is hellfire preaching? Is hellfire preaching biblical?"

"The term ‘hellfire preaching’ does not appear in the Bible, although the concepts of the fires of hell and the necessity of preaching certainly do. Hellfire preaching means different things to different people and conjures up different images, mostly negative. Those who use ‘hellfire preaching’ in the pejorative are generally repulsed by even the mere mention of hell, preferring instead to imagine a God whose great love for mankind simply precludes Him from sending anyone to hell or even allowing them to go to hell, despite their best efforts to do so. On the other extreme are those who see a perpetually angry, wrathful, and vengeful God who condemns people to hell for the sheer enjoyment He gets from it. Both views of God’s character and the reality of hell are biblically insupportable.

Although true preachers of the Word of God have always included the reality of hell in their messages, hellfire preaching has come to be associated with preachers of the 18th and 19th centuries in Europe and America. The image of Puritan preachers is often one of bewhiskered, black-frocked theological terrorists pounding their pulpits and continually threatening their congregations with eternal burning. Perhaps the epitome of the image of the hellfire preacher is Jonathan Edwards, whose sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” depicted the realities of hell so clearly that it was said the hearers could smell the sulphur burning. However, it is fair to say that Edwards believed strongly not only in the fearful reality of hell but his duty as a minister to warn people of that reality. “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” when read properly, has a clear emphasis upon the mercy of God. It is nothing but God’s mercy that keeps us out of hell, he was saying, and therefore we are to ask God for that mercy for salvation.

Is hellfire preaching biblical? Clearly Jesus taught on hell and He did so to warn people not to go there. Hell is depicted in Scripture as a very nasty place from which there is no escape. The punishment of the wicked dead in hell is described throughout Scripture as “eternal fire” (Matthew 25:41), “unquenchable fire” (Matthew 3:12), “shame and everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2), a place where “the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:44-49), a place of “torment” and “fire” (Luke 16:23-24), a place where “the smoke of torment rises forever and ever” (Revelation 14:10-11), and a “lake of burning sulfur” where the wicked are “tormented day and night forever and ever” (Revelation 20:10). Surely a loving and compassionate Savior could not be so described if He failed to warn us about hell. But Jesus is certainly loving and compassionate, and He presented the joys and bliss of heaven and was clear about the only way to attain them. “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” He said, “no one comes to the Father but through me” (John 14:6). The apostle Paul was equally blunt about the fate of those who rejected the gospel of salvation through Christ alone. They are condemned to ‘everlasting destruction’ (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).

Is there a place for hellfire preaching today? Not only is there a place for teaching about the fires of hell and the only way to escape them, but true preaching of the gospel of Christ is not complete without it. If today’s pastors and preachers are to be consistent with the Scriptures, preaching and warning their flocks about the fires of hell must be part of their message. Too often, people are invited to come to Christ so He can ‘fix up’ their lives, make their marriages better, or provide health, wealth, and prosperity. But this is not the message of the Bible. We come to Christ for forgiveness of sin, the very presence of which in all our hearts is a sure one-way ticket to hell. A balanced, biblical message consists of the reality of hell, a warning to escape it, and the only way to do so—through the shed blood of Christ on the cross for our sins."

Source: gotquestions.org

From my Independent Baptist background, I understand that term to mean a specific type of preaching, usually found in the south. I won't name names, but it's what's been referred to as "hell-fire, brimstone preachers." In other words, he's fired up for God about sin, about getting right, about doing right and everyone knows it. Have you ever been to these types of churches in, say, North Carolina, Alabama, etc.? I've been under that kind of preaching many times and God has really worked through it. God bless them; they seem so scarce nowadays.

Is anyone familiar with this?

I realize other preachers also preach about hell (and God knows we need more of them), but I'm just referring to this certain type of preaching I'm familiar with when this term was used.

I'm not scare of hellfire nor that type of preaching, I don't necessarily agree with it.

I am more afraid of being an object of God's Holy Wrath and this is what I believe should be preached. I understand hellfire preaching in the realm I have seen it used and that is the motivation of fear complete and absolute fear. Then a man gives his final invitation and gives you the decision of Heaven or Hell but that's not really the gospel. The gospel is through Christ we can become Friends and Brothers of the Most High and have forgiveness, that we are no longer Objects of God's Holy wrath but Objects of His Holy Love.

No to be apart from Christ for eternity is far worse than any pain we can bear in the afterlife. Now not to confuse anyone I will say I have heard very good and proper extortation that would be considered Hellfire Preaching but again I am speaking from personal experience and by no means am speaking as an all incompassing knowledge on the topic. :)

Everything in the Gospel has its place, and Its the Kindness of God that causes a man to repent, I know far to many people that are scare of Hell but have no fear of God. Just some thoughts. :)

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rusaved wrote:

From my Independent Baptist background, I understand that term to mean a specific type of preaching, usually found in the south. I won't name names, but it's what's been referred to as "hell-fire, brimstone preachers." In other words, he's fired up for God about sin, about getting right, about doing right and everyone knows it. Have you ever been to these types of churches in, say, North Carolina, Alabama, etc.? I've been under that kind of preaching many times and God has really worked through it. God bless them; they seem so scarce nowadays.

Jesus-is-GOD wrote:

In other words, let's say we're looking at Jesus' words - have we looked at the context of these hell verses to whom was He speaking to?

Christ's warnings about hell adressed to:

THE MULTITUDES OR CROWDS = 6 TIMES
(Matt.5:22; Matt.5:29; Matt.7:19; Matt.8:12; Matt.13:30; Luke 13:24-30)

HIS DISCIPLES = 11 TIMES
(Matt.10:28; Matt.13:41-42; Matt.13:49-50; Matt.18:8-9; Matt.18:34-35; Matt.24:50-51; Matt.25:30: Matt.25:41; Matt.25:46; Jn.15:6)

THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES = 5 TIMES
(Matt.21:43-44; Matt.22:13; Matt.23:33; Mk.3:29; Lk.16:19-31)

CERTAIN CITIES = 1 TIME
(Lk.10:15)

Christ's warnings about Judgment Day, hell, or both, addressed to:
(Note: This following break-down includes the scripture references from the break-down above because it includes warnings about hell)

THE MULTITUDES OR CROWDS = 11 TIMES
(Matt.5:22; Matt.5:29; Matt.7:19; Matt.7:23; Matt.8:12; Matt.8:34-38; Matt.13:30; Lk.12:20; Lk.13:1-5; Lk.13:24-30; Jn.12:48)

HIS DISCIPLES = 14 TIMES
(Matt.10:15; Matt.10:28; Matt.13:41-42; Matt.13:49-50; Matt.16:26-27; Matt.18:8-9; Matt.18:34-35; Matt.24:50-51; Matt.25:30: Matt.25:41; Matt.25:46; Mk.16:16; Lk.21:34-36; Jn.15:6)

THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES = 12 TIMES
(Matt.12:31; Matt.12:36-37; Matt.12:42; Matt.21:43-44; Matt.22:13; Matt.23:33; Matt.26:64; Mk.3:29; Lk.11:49-52; Lk.16:19-31; Lk.2046-47; Jn.5:28-29)

CERTAIN CITIES = 3 TIMES
(Matt.11:24; Lk.10:13; Lk.10:15)

John the baptist also warned not only religious people about Judgment Day and hell but also the multitudes which included the tax collectors, soldiers, etc.(see Luke 3:7).

Also, I think we should keep in mind that our Lord commanded the disciples to preach publicly what they heard privately from Him(Matthew 9:27).

Thanks for the comments Jesus-is-GOD. Just to let you know, the first break down is focused on all the warnings on hell. The second break down is focused on all the warnings on Judgment Day, hell, or both. So the second break down includes passages from the first break down.

I totally understand what you mean regarding being led by the Spirit and agree with you. I believe that it is crucial to be sensitive or in tune with the Spirit, and that is through prayer and the Word. That said, sometimes we cannot discern exactly what part of the gospel a stranger may need to hear. In those cases I believe it is wise to try to share the whole counsel of God with them, both the good and bad news. This would apply especially in many open air preaching scenarious, because in a big crowd there are different types of people.

BTW Jesus-is-GOD, or anyone else, please let me know if you find any mistakes or ommisions in the break-downs. TIA.

here is what i would label "hell fire preaching" the biblical way as i understand it, this is not something we can "do" as a thing, we need the anointing and burden of God....

Tim Conway
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFZli5JMI58

Hell, whats it like? David Wilkerson
https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/mydownloads/visit.php?lid=8084

Hell, Leonard Ravenhill
https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/mydownloads/visit.php?lid=20404

Also you can read many old sermons, often they speak up more on this subject then our contemporary Christendom.

"Hell fire preaching" (someone described it as "clearing a spot and throwing a fit")... IS a method... is it "BIBLICAL"?? ... well... "look to Jesus... the author and finisher of our faith..." follow Paul's example, Peter's example, John's example... Do you see them "clearing a spot and throwing a fit??"

I believe this is the scripture for the topic of "hell fire preaching":
Jude 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
Jude 1:23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

I realize this thread is a bit old, however, I wanted to link ya'll to one of Sammy Allen's messages on hell. It's one of those must-listen-to messages. Very powerful and pointed; he doesn't let anyone get off.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYWPjxMzjm4

I've known him since I was three years old and will vouch for what the commenter below says.

Look at one of the comments,

"Dr. Allen is absolutely one of the greatest men i have ever had the privilege of knowing. I have known him since I was 14 years old. I have traveled with him, preached with him, slept in the same motel rooms with him, fellowshipped with him, ate with him, stayed in his home, and about anything else you could list. Therefore I am qualified to say that he is more real than any preacher I have ever met. Or any Man that I have ever met. He doesn't gossip, he doesn't run down other preachers, he doesn't talk bad about other people, he prays 3-5 hours every morning and he is a MAN after Gods own heart. If there is any precher in the world who is real then Sammy Allen is that man."

""Is there a place for hellfire preaching today?""

I don't think so. I believe a preacher can teach and preach the word of God AND talk about hell without being "hellfire and brimstone."

I was raised under ‘hellfire and brimstone’ preaching in South Dayton, Ohio (tons of southerner’s there!), my papaw was a preacher, I was taken to all kinds of southern Baptist churches and church camps growing up.... and if I got saved once, I got saved hundreds of times.

But most importantly, I would like to submit that there was absolutely NOTHING new in the sermons they preached; no, they scared you to death with all their yelling and hacking, “If you committed a sin today, (ha) and die tonight (ha), you are going to hell (ha), no doubt about (ha), you’re going to burn in hellfire (ha),” over and over, all night long. ***I’m NOT making fun of this type of preaching, I’m just remembering.

The point I want to make is that never do I remember one of these hellfire preachers explaining to me (or any other person for that matter) how to overcome lust, how to overcome shame, how to overcome ANY sin in my life... (Let’s pick an easy one... nope, still nothing), nothing in order to live a victorious life in Jesus Christ. A good friend invited me a church last summer that was having revival; Pentecostal mind you and the evangelist preached the same message with the same emotionalism and the same scary stories, etc., it’s a crying shame in my book; but remember.... that’s just me. The only reason I didn't get up and leave was out of respect for my friend.

I would like to close with ... maybe the type of hellfire brimstone preaching in South Dayton, Ohio was unique and no one here knows what I’m talking about!! Maybe it worked for some people but I know that type of preaching didn’t work for me nor did it keep me in love of God.

That’s my horror story for the year!!! LOL

God bless you,
Lisa

Grant it, Lysa, there will always be extremes; therefore there are extreme hell-fire, brimstone preachers, whose methods may be wrong. There is a measure of the fear of the Lord and of his judgment that is very healthy; you would probably agree with this. But yes, if that is exchanged for emotionalism, then that is not right.

I know Bro. Sammy Allen was considered one, but he wasn't extreme, although very southern. I just love the heartiness of "them southerners" (nothing against any northerner albeit!). Did you listen to the link of his preaching? It is very edifying, by the way.

I get your point, Approved. Yet I wouldn't speak so against a preacher; as David said, no matter what's wrong with him, he's still the Lord's anointed. There isn't always a one-preacher-fits-all kind of man, and I know that God has really used them to awaken some hardened sinners. Of course, appealing to the emotions isn't right, but that's NOT how they all are--I've been under the preaching of many such who simply preached the word, no frills. Exceptions excepted, I've seen the zeal of the Lord consume these men, not a fleshly carnality. Kind of like how the folks used to come to hear Wesley preach and "watch him burn" and then some of them would catch that fire and go off and others would watch them burn... If you catch what I'm saying, I'm only trying to express that there is a Biblical balance which I've seen preached out in an extraordinary way, to GOD'S glory. God be with you!

savedtoserve

Do you think Noah was mild and soft spoken about the coming judgment? John the Baptist was not a soft spoken preacher. He preached it hot

Some preachers preach hell-fire with tears, like they do not want anyone to go there. I believe this is the biblical way. I forget who it was, but one great preacher said he did not ever want to preach on hell without tears for lost souls.
Then there are those who preach hell-fire like they are glad you are going there. This way is not biblical. On another note, it seems many today do not fear hell and the judgment. It is like a deadness has settled in. Nothing moves some people.

The message of the kingdom is Good News

The message was, "Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand", NOT, "Repent, or your going to hell".

The flesh does not like to hear about the righteous judgment of God against sin and sinners. It likes to be tickled with smooth speeches about the the good news only.

hi, hell preaching and fear has been used on me adnausium. this mindset has never worked in my or anyone elses life. fear hath torment and it is the goodness of God that leads to repentance.love is the power of God on the earth.where do we get the idea that our preaching saves people?unless the Holy Spirit shows up on the scene all you have is a religeous dog and pony show. the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life thru Jesus Christ who conquered sin on the cross for all that believe on Him.repentance is giving the rule of your life to Christ.jimp

IMHO, hellfire and brimstone is a mindset that relies on how “hard” a man preaches, how “loud” a man can be because if not enough people come to the altar, do they ask why God didn’t show up? No, they blame themselves because “they” didn’t do something right. That mindset is so wrong! It’s God who gives the increase. I submit that men have had to come up with these tactics because God left the building.

I have an acquaintance who preaches in the schools (before school) and his main objective is “getting them saved” and seeing those hands raised to ask Christ into their life. He’ll text how many “got saved” that day or week. I used to ask him, “Do you do ANY follow up with them? Do you even know their names so that someone can disciple them? Have you EVER gone back five years later to see how many was walking the walk and still talking the talk?” The answer is no.

I KNOW that he has a burden for the lost but getting the names to check on them later doesn’t seem to be his number one priority (because of that once saved always saved mentality – say a prayer today and be saved tomorrow); his interest is in immediate gratification of those hands being raised so he can tack those numbers on his wall; kind of like notches in his belt.

But friends, I stand as a witness that you do not need altar calls or see hands raised to know people are being converted. If the preacher stops relying on himself and “his” tactics and the let the Holy Spirit do the work, I think we’d have a LOT more died in the wool, changed Christians and lives out there.

But all this is just one mere woman’s opinion!!!

God bless you,
Lisa

sister Lysa, your last comments prove the point that some of us have different understandings on what "hellfire preaching" is and isn't. I would venture to say that many of us who believe it is biblical do not believe there is any need for altar calls when preaching the gospel. The kind of evangelism you described is a huge part of the problem in our churches.
What some of us are advocating is simply preaching the whole counsel of God, both the severity and kindness of God(Rom.11:22), as all the prophets and apostles preached, in the anointing of the Spirit. We simply want to be faithful to God and His Word without sugarcoating or watering down the hard truths or sayings of His Word.

Exactly, Oracio.

Lysa, what you've described is the mindset and methods of the modern church. Perhaps what we're talking about could be termed the "old school, old time" hellfire preaching that is not as prevalent as the modern kind, but is real nonetheless. Also, remember that this is not condemning other preachers, it is just realizing that the Spirit of God convicts and convinces of sin in many different ways. (Bro Allen's preaching really pinned me down, even when I tried to convince myself I was saved. Some time later, I was gloriously converted and I can't forget the influence of his preaching.)

jimp wrote:

fear hath torment and it is the goodness of God that leads to repentance.

Regarding the fear of God, is not the fear of God the begining of wisdom? Proverbs 16:6 says "by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil."

Regarding the goodness of God that leads to repentance(Rom.2:4), is it not true that sometimes He reveals His goodness and mercy to us through His warnings, judgments and disciplines? Does Rom.2:4 teach that we should only preach on the love and mercy of God and leave out warning about the judgment to come? If that is true, Paul contradicted himself since we see that he did not leave the judgment of God out of his preaching.

Also, if we look at the context of Rom.2:4 we see that Paul did not mean to say we should only preach on the love and mercy of God. What Paul is doing in Rom.2:4 is rebuking non-believers for despising the goodness of God. In the very next verses he goes on to warn, "5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who “will render to each one according to his deeds”; 7 eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; 8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, 9 tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; 10 but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 11 For there is no partiality with God."

This is why context is so important when interpreting Scripture. When we take verses out of context we misinterpret them. It is always important to consider the verses before and after the verse we have in mind. And it is also important for us to consider the context of the whole Bible because it never contradicts itself.

... WITH ALL HUMILITY,

THE SAMARITAN WOMAN NEEDED LOVE TO BE SAVED, AND SO DID MARY OUT OF WHOM JESUS CAST OUT SEVEN DEVILS,

BUT, NINEVEH NEEDED A PROCLAMATION OF DOOM, FROM A RUN-AWAY PROPHET LIKE JONAH. THEY NEEDED TO HEAR SOMETHING LIKE "YET FOURTHY DAYS, AND NINEVEH SHALL BE OVERTHROWN."

THE DOCTRINE OF HELL REMAINS AS BIBLICAL AS EVER. IF THERE WAS EVER ANY GENERATION THAT NEEDED TO HEAR IT SERMONIZED TO THEM DAILY, I THINK ITS THIS GENERATION.

WHATEVER, AS THE SCRIPTURES SAY, "WISDOM IS PROFITABLE TO DIRECT" AND WE NEED TO KNOW THE RIGHT MESSAGE FOR THE RIGHT CONGREGATION.THAT'S WHY WE NEED THE HOLY SPIRIT.

MAY GOD TEACH US TO BE WISE.

hi. dear ora. wrote a biblical and balanced piece in kind correction of me.i also believe in a hot hell of eternal torment and tell others about the total hopelessness and lonelyness of it.that being said i do not promote it. i preach JESUS and Him crucified.that is the greatest love message of all time in that while we were yet sinners and sentenced to death He died for me, so i can be free of the wrath of His Father