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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I have a group of friends who are questioning the reality of Hell. They say they don’t believe it is a literal place, yet they are asking questions and seeking truth. What can be said to them? – R.H.

A: There’s enough in the Bible about Hell to tell us what we need to know, and more than enough to make us not want to get near this place. While Hell is not a pleasant topic, it cannot be ignored – and God help those who refuse to grasp its truth.

Unbelief of Jesus Christ shuts the door to Heaven and opens it to Hell. Unbelief rejects the Word of God and refuses Christ as Savior. Unbelief causes man to turn a blind eye to his sin.

Hell has been cloaked in folklore for so long that many people deny the reality of such a place. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8, NKJV). When we say there is no Hell, when Jesus holds the very keys to it, we deceive ourselves.

Years ago at the World’s Fair in New York City, its theme was “The World of Tomorrow.” What is the world of tomorrow in death? It will lead through the gates of Hell, or it will lead through gates of glory – God’s Heaven.

As these words are considered, it’s imperative that people do not put off tomorrow what can be done today – right now. James 4:14 says, “You do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (NKJV). Time will vanish, but the soul – the real person – remains.

With all of this in mind, people can exchange unbelief of God to faith and trust in Him and His eternal Word by repenting of sin and receiving Him as Lord and Savior.

(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

©2026 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c)2026 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.