After Life (21) - Darkness

Darkness is an interesting image, because it does not fit neatly with the image of fire. Fire produces light, so fire removes darkness. Jesus is not using these expressions literally, but to bring out different aspects of what these people will experience.

And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness (Matt 25:30).

Darkness is the absence of light. This image reminds us that nothing can exist apart from God. Those who are shut out from God’s presence will be shut out of existence. Darkness is an image of nothingness. Those who reject Jesus will have no choice but to depart from his presence and go into nothingness.

Jesus used stark images lide fire and darkness to describe the seriousness of the situation, not to give a literal description of what hell would be like.