Let’s be clear from the start—hell isn’t a metaphor. It’s not some vague, philosophical “absence of existence” or a mere state of mind. The Bible describes it as a literal, eternal place of torment, where those who reject God are separated from Him forever (Matthew 25:46, Revelation 20:10). It’s a reality far worse than anything we can fully comprehend.
And here’s the truth: no one in their right mind would willingly choose hell if they fully understood it. But Satan knows that, so he decorates the roads that lead there. He doesn’t advertise hell as a destination; he camouflages it with pleasure, freedom, and worldly success to make it seem irresistible.
The Enemy knows you wouldn’t choose destruction if you saw the flames—so he covers the path in glitter.
The Danger of the Decorated Road
If hell is a literal, eternal place of conscious suffering, then why do so many people march toward it? Because Satan makes sin look beautiful.
He’s a master marketer who sells destruction as freedom, selfish ambition as fulfillment, and rebellion as empowerment. Paul warns us in 2 Corinthians 11:14 that “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” That means he doesn’t come dressed in darkness—he comes looking like everything you think you want.
Consider these examples:
- Lust: It promises momentary pleasure but hides the relational wreckage, addiction, and spiritual decay that follow.
- Greed: It looks like the hustle and financial success, but Satan won’t show you how it will harden your heart and lead you to worship money instead of God.
- Pride: It feels like confidence and independence, but it isolates you, blinds you to truth, and ultimately separates you from God.
The decorated road may feel exciting, but it ends in destruction. That’s not just a poetic warning—it’s a literal reality. Hell is described as a place of eternal fire (Mark 9:43), darkness (Matthew 8:12), and unending regret (Luke 13:28). Satan’s lie is that you’ll never end up there—just keep enjoying the scenery.
The Subtle Drift
One of Satan’s most dangerous tactics is to make hell seem improbable. After all, if you believe it’s not real, you won’t be concerned about where your life is headed. But the truth is that sin doesn’t have to feel dramatic to be deadly. It’s often a slow drift—small compromises, little justifications, and seemingly harmless distractions.
Jesus warns us in Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter through the narrow gate. For 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.”
The broad road is packed with people who think they’re fine because the scenery looks good. But their path leads to a literal place of eternal separation from God—a place that is not just unpleasant but unbearable.
The Road to Life
Here’s the good news: You don’t have to stay on the decorated road. Jesus offers a better way. He doesn’t sugarcoat it—the narrow road isn’t always glamorous, but it leads to eternal life in God’s presence.
When Jesus spoke about hell, it wasn’t to scare people into obedience but to lovingly warn them and point them to the path of life. In John 14:6, He says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Running toward Jesus means stepping off the decorated road and choosing the path of truth, even when it’s hard.
How to Get on the Right Road
If you’ve been following the glittering path that leads to destruction, it’s not too late to change course. Here’s how:
- Acknowledge the Reality of Hell: Take Jesus at His word when He warns about hell. It’s real, and it’s eternal.
- Repent: Turn away from sin. Not just because you fear punishment, but because you love God and want to be with Him.
- Trust in Jesus: He paid the penalty for your sin on the cross so that you could have eternal life. Believe in Him and receive His grace.
- Walk in Obedience: Follow His commands, not out of legalism, but because His way is truly better.
Don’t Be Fooled
Hell isn’t appealing—so Satan decorates the roads that lead to it. Don’t be fooled by the glitz and glamor. Recognize the lies for what they are and choose the road that leads to life. That road has a name, and His name is Jesus. Run to Him, and you’ll find everything your soul has been searching for—peace, joy, purpose, and the promise of eternal life in God’s presence.
Lucas Leibforth 
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