MEMORY VERSE: “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Psalm 9:17
BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 16:19-24
INTRODUCTION
Hell is a reality, an awful fact that would be realised by those who reject the rule of the true God or chose not to obey His commandments fully. The Bible makes it clear that those who reject Christ are condemned already and the wicked will have their portion in hell John 3:18.
OUTLINE
- WHAT IS HELL LIKE?
- HOW TO AVOID HELL
- WHAT IS HELL LIKE?
Hell is banishment from the presence of God 2 Thessalonians 1: 8-9. It is a place of torment and punishment, a sort of prison where the wicked are punished forever Matthew 25:46; Luke 16:23. Some people ask,“Where is the hell “ located? The Bible says it is *down “ Isaiah 14:9, 15; Proverbs 15:24. Hell was originally prepared for the devil and his wicked angels Matthew 25:41. Hell is that place prepared for the condemned i.e. those who reject the Saviour, Jesus Christ John 3:18. The original size of hell is not known but scriptures confirm that it had enlarged itself Isaiah 5:14. It is a place of unquenchable thirst, of suffering and agony at its worst Luke 16:23-24. Hell is a place of supernatural worms that never die and unquenchable fire Mark 9:44; Revelation 20:15. Those in hell will recognise other people whether in heaven or hell Luke 16:23. They will even be able to pray but their prayers will never be answered Luke 16:27 The Bible repeatedly says both Heaven and hell are doorways to eternity Matthew 25:46.
2. HOW TO AVOID HELL
- The first requirement is to turn from your wicked ways and accept the saving grace in Jesus Isaiah 55:7; John 3:16.
- Have a personal relationship with God Jude 20-21
- Live a holy and righteous life Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16.
- Seek first the kingdom of God Matthew 6:33.
- Be watchful and prayerful Matthew 26:41; Mark 13:33.
- Guard your salvation jealously Philippians 2:12.
- Live daily with the consciousness of the reality of heaven and hell Hebrews 9:27; Matthew 25:46.
CONCLUSION
Rejecting the salvation purchased by the Blood of Jesus makes one a candidate of hell John 3:18. To avoid hell, believe and receive Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour and grow in Him John 3:16, Matthew 24:13.
FURTHER READINGS:
SUN: Matthew 5:29.
MON: Matthew 8:12.
TUES: 2 Thessalonians 1:9.
WED: Psalms 9:17.
THURS: Psalms 86:13.
FRI: Proverbs 15:24.
SAT: Isaiah 28:15.