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align="center">Bulletin Article Archives
The Judgment
Click on the title to move to the selected article and then on my name at the conclusion of the article to return to this directory.
Death, to many, is a grim subject most likely to be avoided. Even the terminology that creeps into our vocabulary seeks to neutralize the topic, or at least make it seem less unpleasant. We speak of expiring, passing away, sleeping or being at rest. Most troubling is not this refusal to discuss or even acknowledge the reality of death but the unwillingness to prepare for the unavoidable, as if somehow man could escape this inevitable appointment (Hebrews 9:27). Although the Bible is not silent on the subject of death, it does not supply all the answers our naturally curious minds ask. This may be because faith undergirds the transaction of death, and faith does not demand explanation. Or it could be that mortal minds could not understand and appreciate the spiritual details of death. The biblical silence may spring from the reality that man is simply not permitted to glimpse beyond the grave. Only a handful has made the journey, but none were permitted to share their experience with the living. Whatever the reason it remains that only in God's Word can one find reliable information to answer those questions that can be answered. Only in the Bible can one find assurance to trust God for the answers beyond our sight. This being true death is, above everything else, a biblical subject. August 8, 1993 William Beedle was born into a wealthy family on April 17, 1918 in O'Fallon, Illinois. Pursuing one of his great loves, William, after changing his last name, became an actor. Over his life he starred in seventy-one films and won an Academy Award for his role in Stalag 17. Leonard Maltin wrote of him, "There are very few "over night" stars in Hollywood history ... but William Holden beat the odds by achieving instant stardom with his first leading role." A very popular leading man, best man in his friend Ronald Reagan's wedding, William Holden's own marriage did not last. He had a public reputation of being infatuated with his current leading actress. Maltin, referring to Bob Thomas' biography on Holden, stated, "The handsome, self-assured actor so admired by men and women alike on screen was in fact a man fraught with insecurity who essentially drank himself to an early grave." In 1981 the 63-year-old actor, accompanied by his current lady friend, rode a motorcycle to a scenic southern California mountain. It was here that he remarked to her as he reflected on his life and career, "As I see it I have about fifteen more good years, and I'd like to spend them with you." However, just a few days later the actor fell in his apartment severely cutting his forehead. The injury could have easily been treated at the nearest hospital emergency room but the drunken actor did not think it to be that serious. It was five days before he was discovered. Alone with his alcohol, William Holden had bled to death. His "fifteen good years" had evaporated into a handful of lonely days. His plans and dreams for the next 5,475 days were forever abandoned. The life of privilege and popularity of this successful actor is today a startling reminder of the brevity of life and the importance of each and every day (James 4:13-17). April 8, 2001 Life is funny, but man still seeks to bring levity to the serious subject of dying. Erma Bombeck suggested these words for her grave marker, “Big deal! I’m used to dust.” “I’m not afraid to die,” said Woody Allen, “I just don’t want to be there when it happens.” “If you live to the age of a hundred you have it made because very few people die past the age of a hundred.” That was the late George Burns’ take on life and death. Dustin Hoffman once said he wanted the epitaph, “I knew this would happen!”* Death can be many things but in the end no man can honestly say that it was unexpected. Life is plastered with warnings. We are reminded of death in the changing of the seasons, the observation of nature, and the passing of generations. Our bodies send out warnings when something is not right. Death is personally experienced through the loss of friends and loved ones. God reminds all that “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Baseball great Leo Durocher once said, “I don’t want to achieve immortality by being inducted into baseball’s Hall of Fame. I want to achieve immortality by not dying.” What seems impossible, Jesus has made possible. The weeping of death shall give way to the joys of life eternal. Death is no laughing matter. Come to Jesus. Be prepared. December 9, 2001 * Sources: R. Byrne, The 2,548 Best Things Anybody Ever Said and M. Hodgin, 1001 More Humorous Illustrations. Paul had often stood at death's door. About four years ago he wrote to his faithful friends at Philippi. "For to me living is Christ and dying is gain" (Phil. 1:21). Before that he recounted to the Corinthians his many hardships bringing him to the brink of death (2 Cor. 11). At Lystra, two decades before, he was stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:19-20). Now as he wrote to Timothy things were different. Instead of Paul standing at death's door, death anxiously stood at Paul's. These were among Paul's last written words. The thoughts coming to one, as they stared into death's face, provide great insight into the life they lived. Paul thought of Timothy's labors as he carried on the work of Christ (2 Tim. 4:2). He thought of his life, a ministry faithfully discharged (4:7). He thought of a victory so certain he could already taste it (4:8). He thought of the work still to be done (4:10-15). He thought of the many ways his God proved Himself glorious (4:16-18). It was obvious that as turmoil swirled about him, Paul was at peace. The day soon came for the blood of yet another apostle to be spilled on the ground. As Paul joined the ranks of James (Acts 11) he joined the ranks of the victorious. Even as the world rejoiced in the momentary victory over a faith they refused to understand, Paul reveled in the victory within, the eternal victory. October 29, 1995 David, the sweet Psalm-writer of Israel, did not just write about "the valley of the shadow of death," he made his residence there. Especially in those early years as his relentless pursuer, Saul, dogged his every step. The future king was very much aware of his own mortality (1 Samuel 20:3). A deep friendship with Jonathan, Saul's son and heir to Israel's throne, provided much solace to David's troubled soul. Still, his strength was undeniably grounded in God. David realized that God owns eternity. Therefore death had no real power over God's faithful servant. The same is true today. Life is very fragile and filled with uncertainties. It can end without warning or at only a moments notice. The Gospel bridges the threshold between time and eternity. God still owns eternity. Christians, realizing through Jesus that He also owns time, must devote themselves to faithful and consistent service. For David, and you, the longest journey still begins with a single step. If you have obeyed the Gospel you have been permitted to take a step closer to God. If you are living faithfully in Christ you are ready to step from here to eternity with confidence. June 30, 1996 Asia Minor was a dangerous place to wear the name "Christian." In Ephesus they compensated with a watered down version of Christianity. At Sardis they hedged by overlooking the wickedness of the world around them. Over in Laodicea they ignored both, and were happy in their blindness. Hardly anyone was left untouched by the senseless wrath of the unbelieving world. Some had made the supreme sacrifice, such as Anitpas (Revelation 2:13), but all were familiar with the ever present possibility of death. It makes man rather uncomfortable for death to intrude upon one's thoughts in spite of the fact that it is appointed unto man to die and after this to face the judgment (Hebrews 9:27). It was this point that our Lord, through John, addressed when he said, "Be faithful until death" (Revelation 2:10). In another context John wrote that the believer should "walk in the light" and taste the blessing of forgiveness (1 John 1:7). It is in that light where one finds grace, forgiveness, truth and mercy, the very traits that are required to overcome God's judgment. A healthy appreciation of these characteristics will keep one walking in the light and faithful until death. The one walking in darkness, no matter for how long, spurns each and every one of those traits. How would Jesus answer the modern Christians' question regarding the future judgment? I think he would stress the importance of the totality of one's life agreeing with the state of one's death (Mark 13:13). Live in and leave this world knowing the forgiveness of Jesus' blood and you can look forward to a victorious entrance into eternal life. February 2, 1992 Moses, long ago, recorded the stories of the patriarchs trusting in the unseen God. Israelite children were exposed to these tales from the cradle up. Somehow the stories gradually lost their suspense as childhood faded, their attraction was replaced with the glitter and romance of "the real world" as adulthood dawned. Six brothers pursued the glitter and romance, leaving behind the old worn out fables of childhood. Riches and a life of leisure awaited them, a handsome reward for years of toil. They enjoyed their wealth, feasting and indulging to their heart's content until death entered the family. Five brothers mourned as they buried the deceased, then they divided the wealth left behind. In "the real world" the feasting, frolicking and indulging would soon resume. However, in a land vastly different than that one familiar to us the one brother stood face to face with a world long since forgotten, buried beneath a deluge of wealth, nearly suffocated under mountains of worldly cares. There he would plead for one to return to warn his brothers, lest they experience his same fate. "They have Moses and the prophets," he is told, "let them hear them" (Luke 16:29). "But they will not believe, perhaps if one could return from the dead ..." he continued. Long ago the stories had been handed down. Long ago they had been forgotten. Now they took on a terrifying reality and urgency as strong as the flames about him. God had spoken and it was, for him, too late to heed. As he gazed across the mighty gulf he saw Lazarus comforted in Abraham's bosom and realized that that was the real world. March 22, 1992 Secure in the heart of a mansion fortress his head sank into the soft, expensive pillow and dreams filled his slumbering mind. They were not visions of the poor and hungry outside his gates awaiting work, for these he had no concern. The orphaned and helpless widows in their various shelters were far from his thoughts. His only compassion was towards the images of gold and silver trimmed with all the luxuries of life parading across his subconscious mind. He dreamed of the amazing harvest over the seasons past, of massive houses and vast farmlands producing more grain than could ever be used. Such were the dream of a farmer just returned from supervising the construction of his new barns. Bigger and better buildings were needed to house the harvest he could never use in a lifetime. Now, in his rest, his own proud words echoing in his mind painted a comfortable future of ease and leisure: "eat, drink and be merry" (Luke 12:19). He slept like a babe, wrapped in the comforter of his own pleasure, oblivious to the needy about him and God above him. The dreams were not to be. That very night a fool who sought only to please himself met the Maker he had forgotten. The pleasure he had known was all his. July 12, 1992 The seventy were beside themselves. Alone they were powerless, and even together they remain anonymous. From everyday jobs, average homes, mediocre lives and ordinary towns they took the extraordinary power of Jesus to an astonished world. Normal people were empowered to perform wonders (Luke 10:9) as miracles accompanied their message of the approach of God's Son and the dawning of God's kingdom. Two by two they set out, armed with detailed instructions of their mission. Any lingering apprehension would be quickly overcome, as the strength of God was manifest among them. Jesus gave them power to trample Satan with the assurance they would escape unharmed. When their work was done, they gathered together once again. Amazing tales circulated among them of the experiences on the road. They seemed especially impressed with the ability to cast our demons. All their lives they had known the torment of those unfortunate to be possessed, and perhaps feared sharing their fate. Now they celebrated their personal victory over the Devil. The perspective of Jesus is always amazing. Faced with the unbridled excitement of the seventy he pointed out their misplaced zeal. The cause to celebrate was not based on what they had done but rather on what God had done (Luke 10:20). Life is filled with celebrations, and rightly so. First on the list of the joyous milestone of living should be that God has accepted us as His own. November 20, 1994 The greatest joy of this life lies in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Nothing can compare to the knowledge that this earthly existence will yield eternal life to those taking refuge in the death and resurrection of Christ. To know the joy is wonderful. To share it is magnificent! Imagine what it will be like to stand in a sea of souls before the Judgment Seat. Between the Throne and the huddled masses are the Books and the Lamb's Book of Life (Rev. 20:12). One by one the names are called. One by one the saved step forward. One by one the condemned cover their heads in shame. Like great waves the souls are parted one from another (Matt. 25:31-32). The shouts of joy mingle with the cries of agony until neither can be easily distinguished from the other. Swiftly the crowds melt until soon you stand on the verge of judgment with friend and foe at your side. You listen for your name but it is not called. Every nerve is strained in anticipation. Then you hear it. You step forward. "Well done: sweeps you into Heaven's Gate (Matt. 25:21). But something distracts your attention and you look back. What is it you hear? The name of another you helped teach. He too steps forward and follows you into glory. But not before giving you the greatest gift man can give to man: a glance and smile of gratitude for taking the time to show him the way. September 24, 1995 The philosopher Kierkegaard said, "Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards." In the case of two particular men this approach appears instructive (Luke 16). A rich man, no other identification is given, lived a life free from care and agitation up to the point of death. Suddenly he was thrust into a world of torment. Forced now to look back over his life, he found himself grappling with a multitude of questions for which he had neglected answers. Lazarus, a poor beggar, escaped the horrors of his poverty through death to enter a comfort beyond his dreams. Cradled in Abraham's bosom he felt, perhaps for the first time, secure. In the world beyond this life they began to understand what before was a mere concept. One was trapped, the other freed, all because of choices made long before. Was life as difficult as Kierkegaard portrayed it? Not really. The rich man, in life, simply avoided the answers before him. Opportunities passed undisturbed. He took no time to pursue truth, only pleasure. His life was lived avoiding God. Lazarus apparently did the best he could with the nothing he had. Seeking God and finding truth, he was welcomed at death to this oasis on the edge of eternity. Jesus proved Kierkegaard wrong. Life can be understood. Life must be understood. We must confront God, if not in this life then in the next. February 18, 1996 The world's attention has been fixed recently on the escalating violence in the Middle East. Nations scuffle as families suffer over the persistent loss of life. Some of this fighting takes place within a "stones throw" of where the greatest tragedy was played out over 1,970 years ago. Many were convinced them that peace was within reach. With eyes firmly fixed on the great prophecies of the past and with anticipation of a bright future, all hopes were pinned on the coming Messiah. He would bring peace. Imposters would NOT be tolerated. Oh how quickly a throng of admirers is turned to a howling mob controlled by the envious elite. "Crucify him! Crucify him!" It was the blood of the Prince of Peace that was spilled that day in despised Golgotha. Three days later Hope was born. The day will come when they will no longer fight in the Middle East. All carnal warfare will end when the crucified Prince returns to escort all humanity to the Divine Bar of Justice. Blessed are they who can long for that day with sincere joy knowing that this Prince brings peace forever. March 31, 2002 One of the joys of returning home from a long trip is wading through the stacks of mail accumulating during your absence. While enjoying this ritual last week, I realized that I was much wealthier than I previously thought. At least eight different credit card companies have drawn that conclusion. If each of these offers were accepted and the cards "maxed out" I could surround myself with all the luxury that $500,000 could buy. Such a state could not last for long since it would take me over twelve years, at my present level of income, just to make that amount of money (not to mention paying off the ever mounting interest). I would be hopelessly in debt. In one fail swoop of obedience to Jesus the believer receives real wealth that cannot be taken away. The promise is not for worldly fame or a physical mansion. His promise is better: a home with God and eternal life in heaven. No wonder Paul exclaimed, "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15). June 27, 1999 Hershel Dyer tells the story of a boy from a family of seven who lived in poverty. For them hunger was a daily reality. "Even a glass of milk, when such could be afforded, had to be shared by at least two or more. A finger would be placed on a certain spot and the child who was about to drink would be cautioned, "Only to here!"" When he suffered a broken leg he was taken to the nearest hospital emergency room. An attentive nurse brought the waiting child a large glass of milk. As the glass was handed to the child he asked, "How deep can I drink? Brother Dyer concludes, "With tears welling up in her eyes, the nurse replied, "As deeply as you desire!"" Jesus, who offered to the woman at the well "living water" (John 4:14), died thirsty (John 19:28). Because of what He did, the redeemed can drink deeply into the manifold wisdom of God (Eph. 3:10). Because Jesus makes His disciple "citizens" (Eph. 3:19), they can plumb the bottomless wells of God's love (Eph. 3:19). Our Lord died thirsty so that His faithful followers would never again thirst (Rev. 22:17). April 21, 2002 It is easy to get caught up in the mad rush of life. Why is it that the more time passes the faster it seems to go? From his exile on desolate Patmos, nearly 1900 years ago, John's message bursts through the hectic demands of modern living, offering hope to a harried world (Rev. 14:13). BLESSED ... Painted against a backdrop of persecution, where one had made the ultimate sacrifice (2:13), others would join him under Heaven's altar of martyrs (6:9), and all would feel the heat of Caesar's wrath (12:17), John calmly wrote about happiness. ARE THE DEAD ... Whether the bonds of life are severed by persecution's sword or reluctantly yielded after the physical body wears out with age, the earthly life we know always leads to life of another kind. The "dead" are actually living (Mat. 22:31-32). WHO DIE IN THE LORD ... The aggregate population of the human race, in the life that follows this life, will be grouped into one of only two classes: the "faithful" who are in Christ, and those who are not (2 Thes. 1:7-9). FROM NOW ON ... Death is a great blessing to the faithful Christian, signaling the end of all trials. From the last breath onward the saint moves forever out of Satan's grasp. YES, SAYS THE SPIRIT ... Can we trust John's promise? Yes, it is really the promise of God, given through the Holy Spirit. THAT THEY MAY REST FROM THEIR LABORS ... The toils of life are forever left behind at the grave. No earthly possessions could ever survive the inferno of this world's end, but not everything perishes in those flames. AND THEIR WORKS FOLLOW THEM ... An entourage follows every individual soul as it leaves this life. These are the things cherished most in life. Their voices will echo before God in support or condemnation of each helpless soul standing before His throne (Rev. 20:11; Jas. 5:3-6). This is Heaven's rest. November 10, 2002 Let's suppose that you have been selected to make a speech on "American Life in 2003." Let's suppose further that Jules Vern's novel idea of time travel were possible, and that your audience is a group of settlers gathering near a trading post on the banks of the Mississippi in the early 1800's. As your listeners arrive, either by foot or via the original "horsepower," you are looking into the eyes of people accustomed to hard living with few "conveniences." How will you make them understand our modern life? What words will help them accurately visualize cars, airplanes, or even the four-lane bridge that is to be built right behind you in a mere 200 years? How would you explain remote controls, the Internet, palm pilots, cellphones, DVD's, microwave popcorn, etc. Perhaps this is not altogether unlike the experience of the Apostle John who, at the very end of the final vision of the New Testament was permitted to describe his vision of Heaven for his readers. The result is our most detailed information available about heaven (Rev. 21-22). Despite the wonderful images ignited by John's powerful symbols and colorful description, words cannot fully convey the majesty of what he saw. But they are sufficient to stir hope within the heart of the faithful. Even today these beautiful words inspire even greater anticipation for our eternal home. May God help us see just how vital it is to tell everyone that this hope can be their home too. June 8, 2003 In August we arrived in Plymouth, MA in a comfortable, air-conditioned van, with three specific goals: Cape Cod fish and chips, a voyage to watch for whales, and seeing the Plymouth Rock. It was an unexpected surprise to see the Mayflower anchored in the bay. When the pilgrims arrived there on November 21, 1620, it was in not so comfortable accommodations. Their Mayflower (the replica we saw, Mayflower II, was built in England and sailed to America in 1957) was only about 90 feet long, and the living quarters, where the 102 passengers spend their 66-day voyage, was about the size of a volleyball court. 102 pilgrims finally pilgrims finally disembarked on December 21st (the two births on board were offset by two deaths). In those first harsh winter months half of the pilgrim population also died. Fleeing persecution, the pilgrim's yearning for religious freedom led them to risk everything for a new life in the new world. That hope finds its ultimate fulfillment in the inspired promises of "a new heaven and a new earth" (Isaiah 65:17; 2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21:1). Jesus Himself promised to prepare such an eternal home, one that defies all human imagination (John 14:1-3). The hardships along the way will seem as nothing once the weary spiritual pilgrim catches sight of the shores of that magnificent home (1 Cor. 2:9). November 30, 2003 "Let there be light!" Struggle as we may man will forever be forbidden to understand the full power of those words. Immediately light burst forth illuminating the world of darkness as the first day of creation was well underway. Step by step the Lord formed and crafted his great universe, crowning his creation with a being that, in some ways, was just like himself. It was all good, in fact, he said it was very good. They loved the light of beautiful Eden. But one day they encountered the mysterious darkness of the serpent's eyes. His words pulled them to the brink of darkness, their feet wandered towards the alluring reward of the forbidden shadows. Then darkness once again fell across the world. Struggle as we may man will never understand the pain God found in that darkness. Then and there he decided what he must do. At all cost God was determined to break the darkness. It cost him his Son who would become the Light of the world. Still today the darkness remains as people refuse to stand in the light of God's way. Someone must walk in that light, someone must let their light shatter the darkness. It is then we hear the Father, through his beloved Son, say, "That someone is you!" August 2, 1992 The stench of sulfur was thick in the crowded chambers of moaning and wailing souls, tormented by the unbearable heat and maddened by the unrelenting darkness that had become their dwelling. Time had long since ceased to exist and thoughts of enduring were measured not in days but in thirst and agony. Never was anyone alone as the massive quarters were filled to capacity long before individuals ceased to be ushered into this horrifying realm. Yet, from the eerie expression upon each face, it was obvious that each bore an overwhelming burden of loneliness. In methodical shifts they moved like clockwork, allowing each pitiful creature to stand at the edge of the mighty gulf where they could gaze into a land they could never enter. If you listen carefully to those being forced away from the gulf towards the center of the darkness, before the shrieks become so thunderous that nothing else is audible, you may hear one of the shackled prisoners cry, “I could have been in Heaven if only I had decided to follow Jesus. Instead I put my trust in my own goodness, convincing myself that I had kept the Law and that I simply needed something good that I could do in addition. Jesus told me to sell my possessions so that nothing would stand between us. I couldn’t see it then, now I can’t help but se it. He asked me to follow him. I wouldn’t then, I can’t now.” In hell the cries of those who chose to be there shall be mingled with the indecisive (Rev. 21:8). As the rich young ruler’s sorrow is buried in the flames of darkness, his heartfelt refrain is shared by many in the endless line of the condemned following him into eternity, “I could have …” September 15, 1991 Rising to their feet thunderous applause filled the room as Felix the Roman governor received King Agrippa and Queen Bernice. No cost was spared to project the image of wealth and importance for the dignitaries present or to produce their comfort. The formalities continued with great decorum as the politically powerful took their place for the day’s festivities. Before the important business was to commence a slight interruption was to be tolerated. Almost escaping the notice of observers a man in chains was brought in to address Agrippa who that day was confronted with Jesus Christ as Paul Proclaimed the Word of God. The King of Galilee met the King of Kings. Paul was confident of Agrippa’s belief in the prophets just as he was adamant in his desire for the earthly ruler to submit to the Heavenly. But all that could be elicited was an “almost!” The only pronouncement that day was the innocence of the Apostle Paul, Agrippa being the only political leader on record as such (Acts 26:31-32). Here is perhaps the greatest tragedy, being touched by the Truth but not being moved. From all indications it Luke’s record of Acts as well as from historical accounts, Agrippa was left the same as before. I know o f no instance when people drew near Jesus to be healed not to obtain their desire. Peter said He healed all (Acts 10:38). Yet here is one who has drawn near the fount of life springing fourth from the Word of God and apparently walks away untouched. Can we, as the people of God, hold in our hands His glory and walk way without reflecting its brilliance? If anyone can accomplish that he has experienced the ultimate tragedy. October 6, 1991 The message that he would preach in Rome came to the imprisoned Apostle in an unlikely place. From the solitude of his cell in Jerusalem Paul was assured that the day would arrive when he could stand before the king of the earth and proclaim the King of Heaven. He had been through many trials since that night yet the compass of God’s promise navigated each turn and in this assurance the treacherous voyage to Rome was completed. Years passed yet Paul was convinced that the door would open and he would be allowed to bear the good news to Caesar’s throne. But perhaps the greatest trial of all was to realize that he would stand alone. Some of his companions were encouraged to a take the same message of hope to others in the world; Crescens was in Galatia and Titus in Dalmatia. Demas was hiding in Thessalonica. Here was a man with potential, trusted by Paul who referred to him as a fellow worker (Philemon 24). But now Demas had forsaken his friend and the Lord, running to the world for comfort. The contrast is inescapable. Paul breathes a prayer for Demas (2 Timothy 4:16) and before God’s throne finds not only comfort but deliverance (verse 17). Demas, secure in his Thessalonican hide-out, comforted by the things of the world he has grown to love and trust, was not aware of the anguish and grief he had brought upon his trusted friend. He did not know the trial his absences caused to the heart of one so in need. And he did not know of the torment poured before God’s throne on his behalf. As far as the modern reader knows the prayer of Demas on the behalf of his brother Paul was never uttered. When the church gathers, are they praying for you? When things of the world are allowed to crowd out more important spiritual matters, do you find yourself praying for those who have gathered in the name of Christ? November 24, 1991 It has found a seemingly permanent place in the vocabulary of America as a byword to express anger, amazement or simply fill in the blanks. Divesting itself of its biblical roots, it is freely used in conversation and entertainment. "Scholars" tell us that it is merely the product of the evolution of religion and is not to be taken seriously. Hell, like the Devil, is not to be feared by intelligent people. Such conclusions only betray a total rejection of God. The clear teachings that rest in His Word insist on the reality of hell. If, in fact, hell is not real God is found a liar and His Word unreliable at best. Jesus believed in a literal hell and described it in graphic terms (Mark 9:42-48). If hell is an imaginary place concocted for religious leaders to keep their ignorant followers in line, Jesus must be included in such a group of untrustworthy and calloused tyrants. Time and time again in your life God has proven reliable. Jesus has been found completely honest in countless situations. The Bible's teaching has been proven true on many occasions. What then is the source of the trend of questioning the existence of hell? To ask the question is to answer it. There is but one who could so powerfully insist that only the ignorant believe in a literal hell. Amazingly enough he lives there (1 Peter 5:8). February 12, 1995 When it comes to one’s eternal destiny there are many views. Surveys among those who acknowledge an afterlife and who believe in a literal hell reveal that most do not believe they will ever go there, but they are so sure about their friends. For the most part it seems the concept of hell has fallen on hard times. Few seem to believe it really exists and fewer still seem to care. Hell is taken lightly, used flippantly in everyday conversation as an expression of contempt, anger, amazement or simply because no other words come easily to mind. Who rejoices the most at the current disregard of hell? The one most responsible for painting such a harmless picture of it in the mind of the human race is the Devil himself. March 15, 1998 It has found a seemingly permanent place in the vocabulary of America as a byword to express anger, amazement, or simply fill in the blanks. Divesting itself of its biblical roots it is freely used in conversation and entertainment. "Scholars" tell us that it is merely the product of the evolution of religion and is not to be taken seriously. Hell, like the Devil, is not to be feared by intelligent people. Unless one rejects God, such a conclusion cannot be drawn. The clear teachings that rest in His Word insist on the reality of Hell. If, in fact, Hell is not real God is found a liar and His Word unreliable at best. Jesus believed in a literal hell, and described it in graphic terms (Mark 9:42-48). If Hell is an imaginary place concocted for religious leaders to keep their ignorant followers in line, Jesus must be included in such a group of untrustworthy and calloused tyrants. Time and time again in your life God has been proven reliable. Jesus has been found completely honest in countless situations. The Bible's teaching has been proven true on many occasions. What then is the source of the trend of questioning the existence of Hell? To ask the question is to answer it. There is but one who could so powerfully insist that only the ignorant believe in a literal Hell. Amazingly enough he lives there (1 Peter 5:8). July 15, 2001 The King James Version of the New Testament does not make a distinction in translating the Greek words "hades" and "gehenna." Both are translated as "hell." Modern translations bring out the distinctive characteristics of each. Hades, "the abode of the dead" (literally the "unseen" realm), is the destination of every human spirit upon departing the body at death (Luke 16:22-23). This "realm beyond the grave" is subdivided into two sections. Those "in torments," like the rich man, have no hope of escaping eternal punishment in "gehenna" (the hell inhabited by the devil; Mat. 25:41). Those who inhabit the peaceful realm of hades, described as Abraham's bosom (v. 23) and as paradise (Luke 23:43), anticipate a future entrance into an eternal Heaven. Many people wrestle with the question, "What happens to us after death?" Only the Bible contains the answer. Prior to Christ's promised return, death is an appointment no man can escape (Heb. 9:27). The faithful who die during the time before Christ's return are not without hope (1 Thes. 4:15-18). They await His return just as we do, only they await in the blessed state of paradise until the final judgment, when all who reside with them are welcomed Home (Rev. 20:11-15; John 14:1-4). Meanwhile those whom death found unfaithful and unprepared must pass their time in suffering with this rich man as they await the second coming of their Judge, and their entrance into an eternal and inescapable Hell. May 19, 2002 |
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