How is an eternity in hell a just punishment for only a human lifetime of sin?

Answer  
  

The Bible says that hell is eternal (Matthew 25:46\). Many people struggle with the justice of that. They question how it is just for God to punish a person for eternity in response to *only* a human lifetime of 70, 80, 90, or even 100 years of sin. How does a sinner’s finite lifespan merit an infinitely long punishment?  
  

There are two biblical principles that clearly declare eternity in hell to be the just punishment for sin, no matter how long one’s earthly life lasted.  
  

First, the Bible declares that all sin is ultimately against God (Psalm 51:4\). The extent of the punishment depends, in part, on the target of the crime. In a human court of law, a physical assault against an individual will usually result in a fine and possibly some time in jail. In contrast, a physical assault against the president or prime minister of a country will likely result in a lifetime in prison. And this is the case despite the fact that the crime was a one\-time offense, not a continual, ongoing action. God is infinitely higher and greater than any human being. How much more are our crimes worthy of a great punishment in light of the fact that our sins are against God (Romans 6:23\)?  
  

Second, the idea that we cease sinning after death is not taught in the Bible. Are those who go to hell suddenly sinless and perfect? No. Those who go into eternity without Christ will be confirmed in their wickedness. The hard\-hearted will be eternally hard\-hearted. There will be “weeping and gnashing of teeth” in hell (Matthew 25:30\), but no repentance. Sinners in hell will be given over to their own nature; they will be sin\-infected, evil, immoral, and depraved beings for all of eternity, forever unredeemed and unregenerate. The lake of fire will be a place of eternal rebellion against God—even as that rebellion is judged (Revelation 20:14–15; cf. Revelation 16:9, 11\). Unsaved people do not *only* sin for 70, 80, 90, or 100 years. They sin for eternity.  
  

What it comes down to is this—if a person wants to be separated from God for eternity, God will grant that desire. Believers are those who say to God, “Your will be done.” Unbelievers are those to whom God says, “Your will be done.” The will of the unsaved is to reject salvation through Jesus Christ and remain in sin; God will honor that decision, and its consequences, for eternity.  
  

