The penalty for sin is death (see Rom. 6:23), and God demands that the penalty be paid. Those who reject Christ’s sacrifice on the cross have nothing to look forward to “but a terrifying expectation of judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES” (Heb. 10:27).

The one true, holy and righteous God demands justice. This leaves only two possibilities for mankind—salvation in the finished work of Jesus Christ for those who believe in Him, or terrifying judgment for those who do not believe in Him. The penalty will be paid, either by Christ’s death being credited to sinners or by sinners who reject Him suffering eternity in hell. If men reject Christ’s acceptable sacrifice, they are left bare and naked before the wrath of Almighty God.

The word which is translated “fury” in Hebrews 10 is related to jealousy and anger. The fire will be a result of the jealous anger of God because of the unbeliever’s sinfulness and unwillingness to receive His Son as Savior.

The destiny of those who are under the judgment of God is fire, destruction and ruin. “Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to deliver them on the day of the Lord’s wrath” (Zeph. 1:18).

No one will be able to buy forgiveness with silver or gold. Zephaniah went on to describe God’s judgment on those who reject His provision of forgiveness: “And all the earth will be devoured in the fire of His jealousy, for He will make a complete end, indeed a terrifying one, of all the inhabitants of the earth” (Zeph. 1:18).

The only alternative to eternal destruction is to accept the salvation provided by God through faith in Jesus Christ.