The PCA affirms the traditional doctrine of hell as taught in Westminster Confession of Faith XXXIII: hell is the eternal, conscious torment and separation from the presence of God reserved for the reprobate. Hell is not annihilationist (the soul ceases to exist) nor universalist (all are ultimately saved), but eternal and conscious.

Hell is a place of outer darkness, weeping and gnashing of teeth, where the worm does not die and the fire is not quenched. It is the just reward for sin and the vindication of God's righteousness and justice. The PCA rejects attempts to soften the doctrine or argue for a temporary state.

The doctrine is sobering rather than vindictive and is intended to motivate believers toward evangelism and holy living. God does not delight in the death of the wicked but earnestly invites all to repent; those who reject Christ choose separation from Him.