The word hallelujah appears only four times in the New Testament. That might seem surprising to churches and individuals that use the word often. But perhaps most surprising of all is the occasion of those six verses. In fact, one is especially challenging, if not repulsive, to our modern sentiments.
In Revelation 19:1–6, hallelujah is the refrain of the saints in heaven. Why are they saying “hallelujah”? because they’re rejoicing over the destruction of the wicked.
NOW WE SEE DIMLY
How many of us today can barely stomach the thought of divine judgment—particularly final judgment? Among those who claim the name of Christ, we may genuinely believe the Bible and acknowledge the reality and justice of God’s wrath and an eternal hell. But, if we’re honest, we often try to avoid the subject. We may, in a way, tolerate God’s judgment, but our instinct is to turn away. We don’t like it. We may be a touch embarrassed by it. We plainly don’t think of hell as a reason for God’s people to rejoice.
Elements of this impulse are right and good. God doesn’t mean for the idea of hell to be pleasant. Hell is horrible beyond description. It bears witness to the infinite value of the God who has been
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