Heaven and hell in eternity
HELL
When someone dies we tend to get Feel-Good Theology
Luke 16
WHY DOES HELL EXIST? ~ 2 Reasons
1) HELL EXISTS FOR GOD TO DEAL RIGHTEOUSLY WITH SATAN.
…Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. Matthew 25:41
2) HELL EXISTS FOR GOD TO DEAL RIGHTEOUSLY WITH THE
UNBELIEVERS.
He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power… 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9
THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS
"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
Luke 16:19-21
"The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.' Luke 16:22-24
· HELL IS
Gehnna (gheh'-en-nah);
If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. Matthew 5:29
…will drink of the wine of God's fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name." Revelation 14:10-11
…'Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father's house, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' Luke 16:27-28
LESSONS FROM THE OTHER SIDE
· THE RICH MAN WAS FULLY CONSCIOUS.
· HIS ETERNAL DESTINY WAS IRROVACABLY FIXED.
· HE KNEW WHAT HE WAS EXPERIENCING WAS JUST.
· HE PLEADED FOR SOMEONE TO HELP HIS LOVED ONES KNOW JESUS.
- GOD DOESN’T WANT ANYONE TO GO TO HELL.
… (The Lord) is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
Conclusions
1) If an unbeliever doesn’t believe in hell, he is likely to reject Christ without any fear of God.
2) If a believer doesn’t believe in hell, he won’t be motivated to share Christ. How have you observed this to be true?
HEAVEN
Turn to Revelation 21
…"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" 1 Corinthians 2:9
Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere. Psalms 84:10
…you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalms 16:11
A GLIMPSE INTO HEAVEN
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the
Revelation 21:1-4
CONCLUSIONS
1) GOD WILL ESTABLISH A NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH.
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away… Revelation 21:1
Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. Isaiah 65:17
But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. 2 Peter 3:13
2) GOD WILL DO AWAY WITH DEATH, MOURNING AND PAIN.
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making all things new!" Revelation 21:4-5
…"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" 1 Corinthians 2:9
3) GOD WILL DWELL WITH US.
Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. Revelation 21:3
No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face… Revelation 22:3