THE REALITY OF HELL

And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever. —Revelations 20:10

Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. —Revelation 20:15

In the latest Billy Graham gospel movie presentation there is a story thread about a firefighter who fell into a burning building when the roof collapsed. It was said at the time that nobody could survive that experience since it was probably about 2,000 degrees in the area he fell into. But, he did survive and made a full recovery.

Of all the things I do not understand, this is one of them. I can understand some about eternal life and heaven, but the 2nd death— hell… forever… is hard to grasp. I am so glad that Jesus was willing to take my sin penalty and punishment so I could serve Him now and then be with Him in heaven forever and not in hell!

This is a topic we take way too lightly. Hell is forever and ever… All who do not trust the Lord Jesus Christ go there. There are no second chances after death (Hebrews 9:27). Your neighbors, your friends, your relatives, your workmates, your classmates… anyone who does not know Jesus will be in hell… forever. But, we have the great news of the gospel… are we sharing it? Oh, may we encourage people to come into the wonderful relationship with Jesus to be with Him forever and yes, to escape the judgment to come (Acts 24:25).

Read Luke 16:19-31 for a stark reminder of what will happen to those who do not have a relationship with God through the Lord Jesus Christ. May we not be apathetic in the command to be witnesses (Acts 1:8) and to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).

Dear Father, please stir my heart to be zealous in these areas and not lukewarm. Oh, that I would encourage many to trust the Lord Jesus. May it be so.