Let's Go Back to the Bible

A Message from Hell

Jesus spoke of hell. Luke writes about a rich man and Lazarus (16:19-31). In this narrative, the rich man lived a very different life than the beggar Lazarus. As all things go, they both die. The rich man goes into torment and Lazarus to the “bosom of Abraham.” The rich man wanted reprieve, but he wouldn’t find any. “And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony’” (Luke 16:24-25). The rich man asked for Lazarus to return and speak to his family “so that they will not also come to this place of torment” (Luke 16:28). “But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them’” (Luke 16:29). There is a place called “hell.”  People are there, and others are on their way to a place of endless torment. This subject should be taught to save souls.

We must all understand that there is a hell. Not believing in a thing does not mean it doesn’t exist. If it were true, then everyone should stop believing in death, famine, sickness, and poverty. The fact that many do not believe in hell is a good reason to talk about it. The fool that has said in his heart, “There is no God” is a cousin to him that says, “There is no hell” (Psa. 14:1).

We must understand that hell is a place. In talking about the death of Judas, this was the Biblical commentary, “Judas turned aside to go to his own place” (Acts 1:25). Jesus said this concerning heaven. “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:2-3). If heaven is a place, hell must also be a place.

We must understand that hell is a place of eternal torment. “And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name” (Rev. 14:11; 2 Thess. 1:9). This should be a motivator toward heaven.

Finally, we must understand that many will go to hell. “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it” (Matt. 7:13). Our obedience is paramount to keep us on the straight and narrow. This is not a popular theme especially as we are again in a time when everyone does what is right in their own eyes. But, Jesus spoke of hell.