Author’s note: If you are new to my blog and are interested in reading the 23.xx series, please first read the 23.01 through 23.09 in order to best get the idea of what I am attempting to communicate. They are built like chapters in a book, one building on the previous one. Consider the points made in each article to help you understand where I am coming from in hopes I can make a connection with you on your spiritual journey.
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We often use the term “hell” to represent a place where you do not want to be as the expression “Avoid it like all hell” implies in its exhortation.
What if there is an actual hell and not just the ones we commonly attribute periods of deep suffering through in this life?
Why am I writing this to you, whom I might call a friend, brother, sister, or a stranger? Have you ever wished someone took the time to explain something important before the time was due? My only desire is that you consider this message.
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What is eternal hell like?
Contrary to popular fantasy, hell is not some private never ending party for sinners. If there was any pleasant value to being in “hell”, then let’s face it, it wouldn’t be hell. There has been too much credence to hopeful and creative possibilities that only isolate people from the truth.
Jesus’ ministry was filled with compassion and healing to the lowly and poor in spirit. The amount of miraculous healings He performed were hugely numerous and as His reputation spread “the multitudes” would often be desperately seeking His help.
The primary focus of this teachings were to prepare the people with knowledge of what the kingdom of God is like. He often taught in parables which were very simple and down-to-earth stories that represent profound truths about the Kingdom.
Among His teachings, Jesus had warned about the existence of hell. He had repeated for emphasis in some instances using this description “…where the fire is never quenched and the “worm” never dies, where there is grieving and gnashing of teeth…” denoting a place where there is no joy or peace and separation from the presence of God (the source of joy and peace).
Illustrations of Hell
Read Mark 9:42-50. Here is an excerpt:
“And whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble, it would be better for him if, with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea.
“And if your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life crippled, than having two hands, to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire, where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched…”
The reference to a millstone is related to a Roman form of execution which by comparison is better than the punishment reserved for those whose intent is to cause new believers to lose faith.
Jesus quotes Isaiah 66:24 regarding unquenchable fire where their worm does not die. According to Bible teacher John MacArthur, “The corpses of those enduring everlasting torment will serve as a vivid reminder to all of the grievous nature and terrible consequences of rebellion against God. In referring to this verse, Jesus referred to the Valley of Hinnom – i.e. Gehenna – where a continually burning trash heap pictured the never-ending pain of the lost” (The MacArthur Study Bible, p. 948).
In hell, people will be fully aware of their wrongs and live in that state of a conviction – forever.
Read Luke 16:19-31, a horrifying story.
A synopsis: It presents two opposite characters going to the afterlife: one is rich and affluent, the other is a diseased untouchable of the lowest social order. One person goes to heaven and the other person is caught in hell. Stunned by the grave consequences of his errors made before his death, the man in hell pleads with those in heaven for a drop of sympathy and to get help to warn his still living family of the reality of hell. Then he hears the response.
Each person must make his or her own decisions before death occurs.
Many people do not grasp the cure for the fatal disease that separates us from a peaceful and glorious existence with God. Romans 6:23 states, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus.”
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THE GOOD NEWS: You CAN avoid Hell
Jesus Christ paid the price for all of your sins through His substitutionary death on the Cross, after 3 days was raised from the dead, defeated death, was bodily resurrected, and is now reigning from heaven.
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THE TWO-STEP ANTIDOTE
STEP #1: REPENT: In prayer to God who is Holy and Righteous, who is the source of life, mercy, and forgiveness, admit that you are a sinner, having broken God’s Laws. Acknowledge you are unable to save yourself from God’s Righteous Judgment.
Be sincerely committed to turning away from sinful attitudes and behaviors. Flee hypocrisy.
The next step is also absolutely necessary because there’s no amount of turning away, admitting guilt, confessing sins or good works you can do to erase your own record of breaking the Law set forth by God. To erase your sin from God’s sight as you earnestly strive to live a life of repentance, you need to:
STEP #2: TRUST JESUS CHRIST as your LORD and SAVIOR. Accept God’s work for your Salvation and trust the risen and living Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Through the Holy Spirit, you will receive a new heart and new desires. The Holy Spirit is a dimension of God’s unique being and a common bond amongst all believers, an eternal bond.
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WHAT TO EXPECT and SOME TIPS
Embark on your new Life as a Christian:
Live with the security of God’s promise of eternal life in God’s loving acceptance and presence.
God’s spiritual gifts mature you as your relationship strengthens with Him and you seek Godly righteousness.
Read the Bible daily to receive knowledge, instruction, and wisdom.
Get involved with a group of supportive Christians, even if your journey only begins with only one other. You have become part of the body of believers known as the Church.
Accountability and support do wonders.
You’ll have questions and find answers.
The good you do in this life going forward will be done in joyful gratitude for all that was made possible by God through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
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CKY
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