The RCA affirms the traditional Christian doctrine of hell as eternal punishment for those who die in their sins outside of Christ. Hell is presented in Scripture as a place of outer darkness, weeping and gnashing of teeth, and conscious separation from God's presence.

Hell is not presented as vengeful but as the just consequence of rebellion against God and rejection of Christ. God's wrath is directed against sin and is entirely consistent with his justice and holiness. The doctrine is sobering but is meant to motivate believers toward evangelism and holy living rather to inspire fear for those in covenant relationship with God.

The RCA rejects universalism (the belief that all will ultimately be saved) as contrary to Scripture. However, the denomination also resists excessive speculation about the precise nature of hell's torments or attempts to minimize the doctrine's significance. The reality of hell underscores the costliness of salvation and the importance of faith in Christ.