Porn Sends You to Hell

In our digital age, pornography is more accessible than ever before, but its availability does not lessen the danger it poses to our souls. The Bible, especially the New Testament, gives clear and serious warnings about the consequences of sexual immorality, including consuming pornography. Jesus, Paul, and other New Testament writers taught that sexual purity is essential for followers of Christ, and they did not shy away from describing the eternal consequences of disregarding this teaching. Here, we’ll explore what the Bible says about pornography and why it warns that habitual engagement with it can lead to eternal separation from God.

1. Jesus’ Teaching on Lust and Hell

Jesus addresses the issue of sexual lust directly in the Gospel of Matthew. He warns that harboring lustful thoughts is equivalent to committing adultery in one’s heart:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28, NIV)

By linking lustful thoughts to adultery, Jesus elevates the seriousness of “harmless” fantasies, including pornography, to the level of sin. He continues this teaching with one of His most vivid warnings:

“If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.” (Matthew 5:29, NIV)

Jesus emphasizes here the radical approach one must take to rid themselves of sin. The drastic imagery of removing one’s eye or hand underscores that tolerating lust is not worth the eternal consequences. Jesus’ message is clear: any source of sin, no matter how “small,” should be eradicated, for the risk of hell is very real for those who indulge in it.

2. Paul’s Warning: The Sexually Immoral Will Not Inherit the Kingdom of God

The Apostle Paul speaks repeatedly about the danger of sexual immorality. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, he lists types of sinners who will not inherit the kingdom of God, and sexual immorality is included:

“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10, NIV)

Pornography, though seemingly a private and “victimless” sin, falls under the category of sexual immorality. The Greek word used here, porneia, refers to all types of illicit sexual behavior, including viewing obscene images or engaging in impure thoughts. Paul’s warning is that those who persist in these sins risk losing their inheritance in God’s kingdom. This isn’t a vague threat; it’s a serious message that Christians should heed. As followers of Christ, we are called to pursue purity, not only in our actions but in our thoughts and desires as well.

3. The Lake of Fire in Revelation: The Fate of the Sexually Immoral

The Book of Revelation offers a glimpse into the eternal consequences for those who live in unrepentant sin. Revelation 21:8 lists the kinds of people who will face the “second death,” which is the lake of fire:

“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8, NIV)

Here, we see the fate awaiting the sexually immoral: eternal separation from God in the lake of fire. Revelation 22:15 echoes this warning:

“Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” (Revelation 22:15, NIV)

This passage emphasizes the exclusion of the sexually immoral from the holy city, the New Jerusalem, which represents God’s eternal kingdom. The fate of those who remain in sexual sin without repentance is not one of salvation but of exclusion from God’s presence.

4. Peter’s Warning Against Lustful Living

The Apostle Peter also addresses the dangers of lustful living. In 2 Peter 2:10, he describes those who “follow the corrupt desire of the flesh” and warns of their destructive end:

“This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority.” (2 Peter 2:10, NIV)

Peter goes on to describe the sad end of those ensnared by sin, stating that they are “slaves of depravity” (2 Peter 2:19, NIV). Pornography enslaves its viewers, capturing their minds and hearts, and leads them down a path of spiritual corruption. Peter warns that the corruption caused by sexual sin ultimately leads to destruction.

5. Jude’s Warning Against Immorality

The book of Jude also addresses the consequences of sexual immorality. Jude 1:7 gives a stern reminder of what happens to those who indulge in sexual sin:

“In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.” (Jude 1:7, NIV)

Jude’s reference to the eternal fire speaks to the fate of those who engage in sexual sin without repentance. The story of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a historical reminder that God’s judgment is severe against those who reject His command for purity.

6. The Call to Holiness in Hebrews

The book of Hebrews also speaks of the need for holiness and the consequences of disregarding God’s call to purity. Hebrews 12:14 warns believers:

“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14, NIV)

Consuming pornography defiles our minds and distances us from holiness, which is a requirement to see the Lord. If we harbor sin in our hearts, we cannot stand in God’s presence. Hebrews reminds us that God’s call to holiness is non-negotiable.

Conclusion: Flee from Sexual Immorality

The Bible is unambiguous about the eternal consequences of sexual immorality, which includes consuming pornography. Jesus, Paul, Peter, Jude, and the writer of Hebrews all affirm that the sexually immoral will not inherit the kingdom of God. These warnings are not meant to be ignored; they are calls to action for those struggling with impurity.

What should someone do if they are struggling with pornography? Jesus’ words about gouging out an eye or cutting off a hand might seem extreme, but they illustrate the radical commitment required to overcome sin. True repentance involves a total commitment to turning away from sinful behaviors and seeking God’s help. Through prayer, accountability, and a desire to honor God, freedom from pornography is possible. We are called to “flee from sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18, NIV) and pursue righteousness, for the reward of holiness is eternal life with Christ.

Ultimately, the Bible’s warnings about sexual sin are not meant to condemn but to save. Jesus offers forgiveness to all who repent, but He also calls us to “go and sin no more” (John 8:11, NIV). The eternal consequences are severe, but God’s mercy is always available to those who seek Him earnestly.

Let us, therefore, pursue purity with all our hearts, casting aside every sin that entangles, so that we might see the Lord and dwell with Him forever.