Todd Bentley: Souls of Suicide Victims Are Most Tormented in Hell
Todd Bentley, leader of Fresh Fire USA, recently recounted a striking near-death experience, claiming he spiritually visited the gates of Hell. This revelation, shared during a New Year’s Eve service at Rick Joyner’s Morningstar Fellowship Church, has stirred widespread reactions. Bentley claims that during a 10-hour period of unconsciousness, he witnessed the souls of individuals who died prematurely, particularly those who died by suicide, enduring the most severe torment in Hell.
Bentley described the gate of Hell as a realm of profound suffering. “I could hear groans, prisoners groaning,” he narrated. “I could hear the shrieks and the screams of people that were in the worst, deepest, darkest [place]. And there was a prison on the other side of [the gate of Hell].” Although he was not permitted to enter, Bentley claimed God provided him with Psalms 102:19-20: “The Lord looks down from the sanctuary in Heaven to hear the groaning of the prisoner, to release those appointed for death.”
Bentley asserted that God handed him a symbolic “blood-red crayon,” representing Jesus’ blood, instructing him to cross off names from a “book of death.” This act, according to Bentley, signifies his divine authority to cancel premature deaths and confront the spirit of death.
Bentley believes his experience carries a hopeful message for those grappling with suicidal thoughts, mental illness, or terminal conditions. He declared 2025 as a “year of resurrection,” emphasizing God’s power to restore lives and intervene in seemingly hopeless situations.
“Take that blood-red crayon and X off the names of the people appointed for death because the spirit of death wants to take them prematurely,” Bentley recounted. “Many thought the only way out of their torment was suicide, but they were the most tormented in Hell.”
Bentley’s claims bring attention to the global crisis of mental illness and suicide. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in the United States in 2022, with 49,476 Americans dying by suicide and 1.6 million attempting it. While Bentley’s perspective aligns with traditional theological views, his statements risk perpetuating stigma if not approached with care.
Bentley’s assertions have drawn mixed reactions. Supporters view his message as inspiring and hopeful, while critics question his credibility, given his history of misconduct allegations. His appearance at Morningstar Ministries—itself embroiled in lawsuits alleging negligence in handling sexual abuse cases—further complicates the reception of his narrative.
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Despite the controversies, Bentley’s message focuses on redemption and spiritual intervention for individuals facing despair. His emphasis on God’s authority to cancel death resonates with those seeking hope in dire circumstances. However, it also raises concerns about balancing faith-based approaches with modern mental health practices.
Bentley’s story underscores the importance of addressing mental health within spiritual communities with sensitivity and compassion. Faith leaders bear a responsibility to encourage professional support for mental health issues while providing spiritual guidance. Bridging the gap between faith and mental health is essential to fostering healing without stigmatisation.
Todd Bentley’s claims about a near-death experience at the gates of Hell offer a compelling yet controversial perspective on faith, death, and redemption. Whether seen as a profound spiritual revelation or a polarising account, his message invites reflection on the intersection of spirituality, mental health, and the human desire for hope and healing.
Content Credit| Igbakuma Rita Doom
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