Why do some people end up in hell according to the Bible?

The reality of hell serves as a sobering aspect of God's justice in the biblical narrative. Romans 3:23 declares that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, meaning every individual is justified in their condemnation due to sin. John 3:18 further clarifies that those who do not believe in Christ stand condemned already, highlighting unbelief as the primary reason for eternal separation from God. The call for repentance and faith in Christ is central to the Gospel, as belief ushers individuals into the grace of God while rejection leads to judgment. Thus, hell is not an arbitrary punishment but rather the just consequence for not accepting the mercy God offers in Christ.