For sin begets death, and hell is its home. We need not ask ourselves: Does hell exist? We need only ask: Where does sin have its home?, and we will see and taste hell. The one who is in sin is already in hell. Your hell is conditional as long as you can drag yourself out of it; it is permanent when you are helpless to emerge. Come out, while you are still able! But be afraid indeed of the awful possibility that lurks for us of “not being able any longer to come forth.” The prodigal son dragged himself out in time; the rich man at his feast was no longer able.

–Carlo Carretto, The God Who Comes