Newsletter Banner

No One Will Repent in Hell

Do people reject the gospel of God because they do not have a compelling reason to believe it? Suppose the gospel was preached in hell, and those in hell were given an opportunity to respond. Would any obey the command to

repent ye, and believe the gospel [Mark 1:15] ?

Those in hell would fully understand the consequences of believing not the Son.

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. [John 3:36]

Would this be sufficient to compel them to believe the gospel?

The Sufficiency of Scripture

Scripture alone is sufficient for a person to believe the gospel. Anything other than God's word is completely unnecessary, and not even useful. We have a powerful example of a rich man in hell who wanted Lazarus to rise from the dead and warn his 5 brothers so they would not end up in the same place. Jesus said;
If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. [Luke 16:31]

Thus a supernatural event like hearing a warning from a person raised from the dead, has less impact than the word of God.

Spiritual Darkness in Hell

The mind of those in hell is going to be so dark, so given to a lie, so reprobated, that if I were allowed to go preach in hell, or if Jesus sent an angel to preach in hell, or if He sent better yet Paul: after about 10 million years He sent Paul to hell to preach, you know there would not be one single soul in hell that would respond. The very thought of God right now, the very thought of holiness makes sinners cringe here doesn't it? How much more is it going to make them cringe in hell. [David Wilkerson, sermon - Hell: What's it Like and Who's Going There, Times Square Church]

Illumination from God is Necessary

Man in his natural state is completely unable to discern any spiritual truth. Thus the lack of a moving illustration or Bible story is not what hinders a person from believing the gospel. We are our own "worst enemies" so to speak.

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. [1 Cor 2:14]

Thus the answer to my original question is obviously NO!

Neither could all the reasonable persuasive prevalent arguments of the gospel of God in Christ, prevail to make any receive it, and live. [John Bunyan, Reprobation Asserted, The Works of John Bunyan Vol 2, pg 350-351, The Banner of Truth Trust]

The Answer Illustrated

If you are still not convinced that no one will repent in hell, perhaps this example will help.

And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory. [Rev 16:8-9]

Instead of repenting and giving God the glory due his name, they blasphemed His Holy name.

Application: Don't Put off God

One cannot repent anytime he chooses, nor turn to Jesus whenever he pleases. When God makes clear to you a sin, repent immediately. God may not grant you another opportunity.
not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance [Rom 2:4]

For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation [2 Cor 7:10]

if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; [2 Tim 2:25]