Is there a hell?

Luke 16:19-31 Lately I have been seeing a huge crop of so-called ministers of Gods word speak against the existence of hell by saying that it either does not exist, it is not what we think it is, or that everybody will go to heaven. Now I say so-called ministers because they say things that go against what the bible teaches about the place set aside for the devil and his followers. There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. [Is there a hell?] Unbelievers deny its existence, and uninformed believers doubt it. It has been called cruel, inhumane, and barbarous, and it seems too harsh a punishment for failing to believe in Christ. Must we believe in hell? Yes! In this day and age when many people are changing basic beliefs and falling for doctrines that allow them to live the way they want, doing anything they want believing that there will not be any consequences for their actions. But we as Christians should believe in a real, literal hell for the following reasons: 1. The Bible teaches it

a. In the story we just read Jesus teaches this fact. Now I say this is a story and not a parable because of the specific names and locations used. b. In Matthew 10:28 Jesus again speaks of hell: i. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. ii. Here He speaks of not fearing man, but fearing God because God is the only one that can cast you into hell. c. In Matthew 25:41 Jesus speaks of His return and how He will separate the sheep from the goats, placing the sheep, those that obeyed the word of God on His right-hand side; and the goats, those that disobeyed God on His left. And after the separation placing the goats into hell, the place prepared for the devil and his angels. d. In Mark 9:43-48 Jesus speaks of how it is better to lose a part of your body in your quest to be obedient to God than it is for you to go to hell. And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. e. In Revelation 20:13-15 the bible teaches that during the white throne judgment that all of the dead and hell was thrown into the lake of fire. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is

the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. 2. Gods Love demands it a. The love of God is often used as argument against the existence of hell, but it is actually an argument for its existence. i. Gods love does not work to coerce us to love Him, but it works to woo us to love Him. ii. Gods love is such that those who do not love Him will not be forced to love Him. It is Gods desire that all mankind would be saved, but He will not force you to be saved if you do not want what He offers for salvation. iii. And those who do not wish to be with Him must be allowed to be separated from Him. 3. Human Dignity Requires It a. Forcing people to do something against their will insults their dignity. For there are two kinds of people: those who say to God, Thy will be done and those whom God says Thy will be done. b. Forcing people to go to heaven against their will would turn heaven into hell for them c. The very people who fight against hell are those who insist on freedom of the human will apart from Gods will for us. And the Bible teaches us that you can not have it both ways. The Bible teaches us that Gods commands are not grievous. 4. Gods Justice Insists On It a. Justice demands a reward for good and punishment for evil. b. God has chosen not to finalize judgment in this life, but is allowing us to get ourselves right before Him. For those who wish to continue going against the will of God will receive their reward for their acts. c. There must be a place of reward for goodness and punishment for evil in the future, otherwise life makes no sense. 5. Gods sovereignty Determines it a. The Bible speaks of Gods sovereignty as one day being absolute. b. Sovereignty is not finally absolute unless good triumph over evil. c. The triumph of good over evil is not meaningful without separation.

6. The cross assumes it in advance a. The Cross is at the center of Christianity i. All other religions were founded by human beings and are based on man-made philosophies, rules and norms for behavior. Take the founders of these religions out of both their disciplines and practices of worship and little would change. But take Jesus Christ out of Christianity, and there would be nothing left. Biblical Christianity is not just a philosophy of life, nor an ethical standard or obedience to religious ritual. True Christianity is based on a vital, personal relationship with a risen, living Savior and Lord. b. The Cross is the means of salvation i. Through His sacrifice do we find a way into heaven. ii. By accepting His atonement for our sins do we turn away the wrath of God that is due us, and in doing so find our new home with the Father. c. Jesus endured great suffering on the cross d. Why the Cross if there is no hell? i. If there is no hell to avoid then the Cross is a sham. ii. There is no significance to the Cross if there is no eternal separation from God. So, all of this leaves us with two huge questions: Do you believe in hell? If you do, have you done anything about it? It is better to prepare to avoid hell and find that it doesnt exist than to find that it does exist when you are not prepared to avoid it.