To be isolated and alone is not the way God designed us to live. Man needs companionship. We were made for community, for relationships and for human touch and sound. That’s why it’s so important for us to connect with other people. That’s just one reason why God created the church.
Now try to imagine a place where you will never see another person again. In this place, you will never have a conversation, never be able to take comfort from another and never hear a human word uttered again. This is what it means to be isolated in hell.
It’s been shown that when a person is sentenced to prison, and then further placed in solitary confinement, they often experience severe mental health issues. The longer they remain in that place, the worse their condition. Psychological effects to the individual can include anxiety, depression, anger, cognitive disturbances, perceptual distortions, obsessive thoughts, paranoia and psychosis. At least those in solitary confinement are usually allowed some physical recreation for an hour per day. There is no reprieve in hell. There is no break or timeout. Furthermore, in hell, the human mind can’t escape into insanity. Insanity would be a form of escape or relief. A person remains aware and cognizant. There is no relief.
It’s also one thing to be alone, but add to that complete, pitch-black darkness, and the terror is amplified. You can’t see the demonic activity that is happening around you. You have no companion or friend to endure with. The horror is beyond description.
There are so many terrifying aspects of hell to consider, but one that people often overlook is the absolute isolation. In hell, there is no hope of human contact. There is no one to endure the pain with. There is only absolute darkness and loneliness.
Thankfully, you will never have to fear being alone as a Christian. Hebrews 13:5b says, “For He Himself has said, “’I will never leave you, nor forsake you.’” This promise from God alone should draw every one of us into relationship with Jesus.
Bill Wiese is the author of the New York Times bestselling book, “23 Minutes In Hell,” the story of his life-changing visit to hell in 1998. Bill has since authored six additional book titles and continues to share his experience around the world. He and his wife. Annette, founded Soul Choice Ministries in late 2006 and have dedicated their lives to reaching the unsaved. For more information about Bill Wiese and Soul Choice Ministries, please visit us at: soulchoiceministries.org/. You can find more of Bill’s teaching at this link.
