Is Hell Permanent?
Wednesday, August 6
Luke 16:22-26 (ESV)
“The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’”
Devotion
Jesus knew more about heaven and hell than anyone. In this description, Jesus let us know that hell is permanent and without relief. Jokes you may hear about partying in hell are dreadfully ignorant at best. Hell was prepared for Satan and the demons with him. To say, “To hell with …” anyone else is to show a lack of understanding of how horrible it is. Jesus told the truth. You do not want to go there!
We may see and experience hellish things because we live in a sinful world, and, for a time, Satan does prowl about seeking whom he may devour. How can we be rescued in this life and, more importantly, for eternity?
The man in today’s passage thought that if Lazarus was sent back to warn his living brothers, they would not end up in hell too. Jesus made clear that in the Scriptures of Moses and the Prophets, the living had enough to know. They could know about heaven and hell. They could know that Messiah would come to bring redemption from the guilt of sin for those who believe. On another occasion, Jesus told a group of religious Jews, “If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote of me.” (John 5:46) Those who do not believe are condemned already (John 3:18). Rich and poor alike are lost and destined for hell unless and until they trust and surrender to Jesus, and the redemption for sin is applied that Jesus paid for with his innocent blood.
Now, we have not only the writings of Moses and the Prophets, but we also have the testimony of Jesus the Messiah and of the Holy Spirit. The prophets of old longed to see these things. We have the Bible freely available. We have the testimony of many witnesses who have gone before and who are still alive. We who are alive today are so blessed to be living in such a time. But to whom much is given, much is expected. We are all the more accountable to seek Jesus while He may be found, before our time on earth is done.
You do want to go to heaven! If you have experienced the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, praise God! Use time while you still have it to share Jesus with your family and those around you.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
You said in the Scriptures that it is not Your desire that any should perish, and also that without holiness, no one will see You. I believe You. I believe what Jesus said about heaven and hell. I believe that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. I believe that only Jesus can save us from hell. Lord save me, keep saving me, and bring me into heaven when my time comes. I am so glad that You will be there, and there will be no more evil or sorrow. In the meantime, let me be a good witness for Jesus to my family and others with my life and words. I want my family and others to be saved. I do not want to be like one escaping alone through the flames. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
In American conversation, the word “hell” is used too easily for emphasis regarding something that is twisted, wrong, tormenting, or despicable. Look for opportunities to point out that it is a strange thing for someone to say unless they are aware of hell, and of good and evil. Start a conversation about whether that person believes in hell. What is hell like? Who is hell for? How do they know? How will they escape it? Let them know that peace in this life and the way to heaven are found in Jesus alone.
Resources
- Watch this short clip, “How To Confuse The Strategy Of Hell”, and be inspired to become a minister of reconciliation, depopulating hell for God’s Kingdom.
- While we are on this side of life, it’s never too late to give your life to the Lord or to rededicate it to Him. Pray this Prayer of Salvation or use it to lead others to Christ.