|
|
A Trip to Hell Introduction: Where would you want to go on your next vacation? Fall break is quickly approaching and I was asking the children where they wanted to go. There are all sorts of places for people to go; dude ranches, places where you can learn to drive a stock car, rock climbing, spend a week or two playing baseball, etc. How about a trip to hell? You may at first think; that is impossible. I will admit that we cannot go there on vacation but the Bible acts as a brochure on the comforts and conveniences of hell. It really does exist so just sit back and let us take this trip. I) Hell and Jesus’ Teachings A) Definitions 1. Hades‐ the unseen realm of the dead, Matthew 11.232. In the Old Testament the word "sheol" used referring to the grave. Acts 2.27 is translated as Hades in NKJV;hell in KJV, grave in NIV 3. Paradise in Luke 23.43 referring to the place of the righteous go after physical death, otherwise called Abraham’s bosom.4. Tartarus or torments also in Luke 16.23. This is the place of punishment the unrighteous after their physicaldeath and before the eternal punishment of the unrighteous. 5. Gehenna – place of abomination, 2 Chronicles 28.3
b. The eternal abode of the condemned, Matthew 18.8‐9 B) Jesus used terms to describe this place of condemnation 1. A place of fire and brimstone, this to stress the intensity of the fire, Revelation 20.10a. Brimstone is highly flammable. Probably sulfur in rock formations that would catch fire. 2. A place where the worm does not die, Mark 9.44, 46,48 a way to describe eternal punishment3. A place of anguish and torment, destruction, Matthew 10.284. A place of total darkness, Matthew 8.12
5. It is the place of the second death, Revelation 21.8James 2.26 b. The second death is spiritual death, where the person is separated from God 6. It is a place without hope, love, comfort, relief, never ending, a place to pay the debt of sin, Romans 6.23aC) Who will be in hell? 1. If you ask most people they will think they will not be there. 2. Jesus says most people, the majority will be there, Matthew 7.13‐14II) On Our Trip to Hell, Who Will We See There? A) The devil and his angels (servants, demons). Matthew 25.411. The Bible affirms the existence of satan and his servants. 2. Jesus cast demons from individuals a. Acts 19 the 7 sons of Sceva were overcome by a demon.A Trip to Hell D.T @ Westside church of Christ 09.30.07 Page 2 b. Beelzubub means the prince of demons, Matthew 12.24 B) The really wicked people; Hitler, murders, etc. Revelation 21.8 1. We tend to think of hell for those that "really deserve it" 2. We understand the justice and judgment of God when it comes to most of the wicked people C) Those who do not know God, 2 Thess. 1.8a 1. This may seem harsh for these folks may have not heard the Gospel. 2. They are still guilty of sin D) Those that have not obeyed the Gospel, 2 Thess. 1.8b 1. There are people that know they are in sin and are without excuse 2.Many may be procrastinating until later on and die in sin; others may think be enjoying the passing pleasures of sin and think it will be worth it.
E) Those that are sincerely in error,1 Corinthians 6.9ff 1. Idolaters may be sincere but they will be lost 2. Homosexuals may be sincere but they will be lost, etc F) A lot of good people will be in hell 1. Mothers and fathers; sons and daughters; brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles; to name a few 2. Jesus did not say "wide is the gate and broad is the way" except for those that are married or have children or is someone’s brother, etc. III) Some People That Need to Experience Hell A) Those that do not fear God 1. They ridicule His name 2. They demean the Bible 3. They have no reverence for Him, Romans 3.18 B) Those that do not love God, John 14.15 1. They may fear Him but that is not enough 2. Fear is not the same as love; fear may prevent us from doing certain things but not motivate us to do what God says. C) Christians that have gone back into the world, 2 Peter 2.20‐22 1. They know what the Bible says and the sacrifice God made for them 2. They purposely decided to forsake God and trample underfoot the death of Jesus on the cross. D) Christians that are lukewarm, Revelation 3.15‐19 1. They lack conviction and fortitude 2. May be hypocrites and actually hinder the obedience of others E) Bible class teachers, preachers, elders, deacons, parents 1. So they will understand the importance of what they are doing 2. So they will not compromise and sell out the gospel Conclusion: Of course we cannot really just visit hell. Those that go there will be there for eternity. Are you on the road to hell? If so, wake up and change your pathway. Believe, repent, confess, be baptized, and live a righteous life before God. Matthew 25.46 story of the carpenter. --Dennis Tucker
|