Do you think Saint Paul the Apostle feared hell?

I'll let him tell you in his own words. "Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. Thus I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight as if I were shadowboxing. No, I drive my body and train it, for fear that, after having preached to others, I myself should be disqualified." Paul revealed this personal fear to the Corinthians (1 Cor 9:25-27).

What did he preach to others? Let's read his words to the Philippians (2:12-13). "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." If hell doesn't exist, why is Paul concerned about being disqualified for the kingdom of heaven and why is he insisting that we work out our salvation with fear and trembling?

Finally, listen to what Saint Paul preached to the Romans (2:4b-11). "Do you not know that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But by your hard and impenitent heart, you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed. For He will render to every man according to his works: to those who by patience in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, He will give eternal life; but for those who are factious and do not obey the truth, but obey wickedness there will be wrath and fury. There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil...but glory and honor and peace for every one who does good." If you reject God's free gift of grace and do evil, you're going to hell; whether you believe it exists or not. However, if you use God's free gift of grace to do good, you're going to God's eternal glory in heaven. It's your free choice.

I do not like to rattle off multiple Bible verses, consecutively; but few topics, if any, are in more need of understanding than the belief in eternal damnation in hell---fiery Gehenna.

In today's world, where voices on radio, television, movie screens, and in the print media sing the praises of self-indulgence, self-gratification, and a society without restrictions, God calls us to tune out the distractions, turn down the volume, and seek and find the true beauty, courage, and strength He offers us.

God created man and gave him a beautiful voice for talking, singing, praising, and comforting others. Unfortunately, man often makes the conscious decision to shout vulgarities, to argue, and to lie. If we make this conscious, evil decision, we please Satan, not God.

God created human sexuality for a husband and wife to share the beauty of human intimacy and to assist Him in bringing forth new human life. Unfortunately, man often makes the conscious decision to indulge in the pleasures of human sexuality outside of marriage. If we make this conscious, evil decision, we please Satan, not God.

God created human wisdom, intelligence, and resourcefulness to care for the beautiful creatures, plants, and things He placed in this world for our happiness and joy. Unfortunately, man often makes the conscious decision to hoard or destroy God's beautiful creatures and creations. If we make this conscious, evil decision, we please Satan, not God.

God created us in His own image, in the divine image He created us that we might share in His glory and holiness for all eternity. Unfortunately, man often makes the conscious decision to follow self-proclaimed prophets and unscrupulous preachers who espouse a health and wealth gospel and instill open heresy against the teachings of Christ and His Church. If we make this conscious, evil decision, we please Satan, not God.

Let's read a short but powerful passage from Saint Paul's letter to the Romans (6:23). "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Saint Paul heard these words directly from God. Never forget that Jesus Christ was his teacher. Paul's words are God's truth.

I started this discussion by quoting Saint Paul. Let me close by quoting him one last time. In his letter to the Ephesians (6:10-13), he gives us the antidote to Satan and his evil desires for us. "Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and from His mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground."

God gives us all the grace we need to hold our ground against Satan and all the evil in this world. Satan wants us in hell. God wants us in heaven; but He is not going to drag us kicking and screaming into His kingdom. We make the choice: hell with Satan or heaven with God.

For more insight read CCC paragraphs 1033-37. Also, pull out your "Catholic" Bible and reference Mt 5:20, 22, 29-30; 18:6-9; 25:41; Mk 9:43-48; Lk 12:4-5; Jn 5:28-29; 8:24; 1 Cor 6:9-10; Gal 5:19-21; Eph 6:10-13; Jude 5-7; Rev 14:6-10; 17:16; 18:8; 19:20; 20:9-15.