The Shocking Truth: The Majority Will Go to Hell

Let’s talk about something serious today. It's not a comfortable topic, but it's one we cannot ignore. Hell. A place of eternal separation from God—a reality so horrifying that Jesus spoke about it more than anyone else in the Bible.

Two people die every single second of every single day. Think about that for a moment. That’s 120 people every minute, over 7,000 every hour. How many of them even believed hell was real? And of those who didn’t believe, how could they escape from it?

Hell: A Topic Jesus Spoke About Often

One thing we can’t ignore is how often hell is mentioned in the Bible. If you think it’s just a scare tactic used by preachers, think again. Hell is mentioned 54 times in the Bible explicitly, and countless other times it’s alluded to as the place of eternal separation from God.

Here’s something to really let sink in: Jesus talked about hell more than anyone else in Scripture. Why? Because He loves us enough to warn us. Some examples:

Matthew 10:28 – "Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell."

Mark 9:43-44 – "If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out."

Matthew 25:41 – "Then He will say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.'"

The Bible refers to hell using terms like Gehenna, Hades, the lake of fire, and outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. These are not metaphors; they describe a real place of torment that we must avoid at all costs.

Hell Is Real, and Many Are Headed There

The Bible is clear:

“Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).

The numbers are staggering. There are billions of people in the world:

• 2.2 billion who call themselves Christians.

• 1.6–1.9 billion Muslims.

• 1 billion Hindus.

• 500 million Buddhists.

• Millions more in various other religions or no religion at all.

  
  

Now, let’s be honest: calling yourself a Christian doesn’t mean you’re saved. Jesus Himself said,

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 7:21). 

There are many who think they are on the narrow path, but they are walking down the broad road to destruction.

This World: Heaven for Some, Hell for Others

Think about this: For those who reject God, this earth is the closest thing to heaven they will ever experience. For the saved, this earth is the closest thing to hell we will ever endure.

If you’re unsaved, this life—with all its fleeting pleasures, successes, and joys—is as good as it’s going to get. After this, there’s eternal separation from God, a place of torment where

“the worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:48).

But for the saved, even in our hardest trials, this broken world is the worst we’ll ever face. Eternity with Christ, where “He will wipe every tear from our eyes” (Revelation 21:4) awaits us. That contrast should shake us to our core. Jesus Warns Us—Few Will Be Saved

Jesus was asked, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” His answer?

“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to” (Luke 13:23-24).

In the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), Jesus tells us about 10 virgins waiting for the bridegroom. Five were wise and prepared; five were foolish and left outside. This parable isn’t about pagans or atheists. It’s about church-going people. The foolish virgins thought they were ready, but they weren’t.

This should make every one of us examine our hearts. Are we truly walking with Jesus, or are we just religious? Are we playing church, or are we living as disciples of Christ?

The Days of Noah: A Sobering Reminder

The Bible compares our time to the days of Noah.

“In the days of Noah...only a few people, eight in all, were saved” (1 Peter 3:20). 

Think about that—only eight people out of the entire population of the world. Everyone else ignored the warnings, mocked Noah, and perished.

Today, the warnings are all around us. We have God’s Word, preachers proclaiming the gospel, and signs of the times everywhere. Yet, how many people shrug it off, thinking, “I’m a good person. God wouldn’t send me to hell”?

A Hypothetical but Sobering Estimate: 10% Saved, 90% Lost

We’re not given an exact percentage in Scripture, but we do know this:

“Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).

What does “few” mean? Let’s make an educated guess—what if as few as 10% of people are saved? That means 90% of humanity, including many who think they are Christians, will face eternal separation from God. That’s a devastating thought, isn’t it? But it aligns with Jesus’ warning that many will think they are on the narrow path but are not.

Think about this: There are over 2.2 billion people who identify as Christians, but how many of them truly follow God’s Word? Many follow denominational traditions or teachings that contradict Scripture. Others live as though faith is just a Sunday activity, not a daily surrender to Christ.

Salvation Requires Holiness and Obedience

Here’s a hard truth: calling yourself a Christian isn’t enough. Hebrews 12:14 says,

“Without holiness no one will see the Lord.” 

Salvation is a free gift, but it’s not cheap. Philippians 2:12 tells us to

“work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” 

This doesn’t mean we earn our salvation, but it does mean we take it seriously.

Jesus said,

“My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice” (Luke 8:21). 

Obedience is the fruit of true faith. If we claim to know Jesus but live in rebellion against Him, we’re deceiving ourselves.

Why Do So Few Find the Narrow Path?

The narrow path is hard because it requires humility, repentance, and surrender. The broad road is easy. It’s filled with people who think they can make their own rules, follow their own desires, and still end up in heaven.

False religions and even some so-called Christian teachings make the broad road seem attractive. They deny hell’s existence or downplay the need for repentance. But the Bible is clear:

“The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath” (Proverbs 15:24).

Are You Grateful for Your Salvation?

If you are saved, let me tell you this: every single breath you take should be filled with gratitude. God didn’t have to save you. He chose to. And He didn’t save you because of your good deeds or church attendance. He saved you because of His mercy and grace.

Imagine being pulled from a burning building, and then living your life as if the firefighter didn’t exist. How ridiculous would that be? Yet, that’s what we do when we take God’s grace for granted.

If you’re saved, live like it. Be grateful. Share the gospel. Strive for holiness. And never forget the price Jesus paid for your salvation.

Closing Words and Prayer

The reality is sobering. Many will go to hell. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Jesus has made a way. The narrow road is open to all who will humble themselves, repent, and trust in Him.

If you’re not sure where you stand, don’t wait another second. Call out to Jesus. He is ready to save you.

Let’s pray,

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your Word that warns us of the reality of hell and the joy of heaven. Forgive us for taking Your grace lightly. Help us to examine our hearts and walk on the narrow path. Give us the courage to share the truth with others, even when it’s uncomfortable. Lord, for those who don’t know You, I pray that You would open their eyes and draw them to Yourself. Let us all live every day in gratitude for the salvation You’ve given us through Jesus Christ. In His name, we pray. Amen.