“The strong among the mighty shall speak to him out of the midst of hell…” — Ezekiel 32:21
“And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments… And he cried…” — Luke 16:23-24
Both passages open a terrifying window into the reality of life after death and hell for the unprepared soul. In Ezekiel 32:21, the proud rulers of the nations are pictured as speaking from the midst of hell, a written reminder that death does not end consciousness, existence, or accountability. Their voices echo with the shame of judgment and a burning hell.
In Luke 16:23–24, Jesus gives the clearest teaching on this truth: the rich man, unrepentant and self-satisfied in life, lifted up his eyes in torment, still seeing, still feeling, still pleading, still desperately wishing for mercy—only to discover that mercy is for this side of eternity.
Both passages teach this doctrine: Hell is real, conscious, personal, and eternal. Voices are still heard there—but they are voices of regret, not repentance. It is better to hear God now than to cry from a place where cries receive no answer.
King Saul in 1 Samuel 28. On the eve of his death, Saul desperately sought guidance from Samuel. Although Samuel’s appearance was unique and exceptional, his message was clear: “Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee?” (1 Sam. 28:16). Saul wanted a word from God after the day of obedience had passed. Just as the mighty in Ezekiel 32 “speak” from the grave, Saul discovered—too late—that the voice that matters is the one you listen to while alive, not after judgment has fallen.
Judas Iscariot (Matthew 27:3–5; Acts 1:25). Judas tried to undo his own betrayal, but it was too late. Matthew records his despair; Acts describes his end as: “…that he might go to his own place.” (Acts 1:25). Judas, like the rich man in Luke 16, awakened beyond the grave to the consequences of sin and unbelief—conscious, accountable, and outside of mercy. He had walked with Jesus, heard His words, seen His miracles—but did not repent until repentance was impossible.
Hell is not a doctrine to debate but a warning to heed. Don’t wait until it is too late. Judgment is certain; mercy is available now. Today is the day of salvation. Not only will you understand your burning, not only will you feel the pain, but you remember for all eternity that you had the chance to get saved — but you didn’t. Better to cry out to Christ today for mercy than to cry out tomorrow from a place where mercy is no more.