Power Point Show

Scripture Reading: Mark 9:42-48

Inescapable Facts about Hell

Intro.

1. “All that we know or can know on [the subject of Hell) must be learned from God. The doctrine of the state of the dead and of eternal punishment is pre-eminently a New Testament doctrine. It is a matter of revelation of by Jesus Christ, hence, to reject the New Testament concept of hell and eternal punishment is to reject the integrity and godhood of Jesus. This no man dare do.” (Homer Hailey, Vanguard, Nov. 1982, p. 1)

2. Yet, in God’s Judgments and Punishments: Nations and Individuals, Hailey advocated the ending of existence in hell. Regarding Rev. 20:14, Hailey wrote:
“The first death pertained to the physical life and death; the second pertained to the end of each. Death and Hades and the wicked, those whose names were not written in the book of life, existence came to an end in the lake of fire” (178).

3. Jesus and His New Testament are clear on hell and how to avoid it.

I. JESUS WARNS US OF THE DANGER OF HELL (Matt. 23:33) . . .

A. If We Fear Men Instead of God, Matt. 10:28 [phobeo: frightened, terrified, afraid].

-Solution: Fear God, Isa. 8:12-13; Heb. 12:28-29.

B. If We Hinder Others from Following Christ, Mark 9:42-44.

-Solution: Remove the offense (sin), Mark 9:43, 45, 47.

C. If We Fail to Love Others, Matt. 25:41-46; cf. 5:21-22.

-Solution: Value others first, Matt. 25:34-40; Phil. 2:3-4.

D. If We Fail to be His Faithful Servants, Matt. 25:24-26, 30.

-Solution: Use abilities/opportunities to serve, 25:15; Rom. 12:4-8.

II. FOUR INESCAPABLE FACTS ABOUT HELL.

A. Hell is a Place of Punishment and Torment, 2 Thess. 1:9; Mark 9:43-44.

1. Agony and corruption without relief (cf. torment of Hades, Luke 16:23-24).

2. Away from God’s presence, 2 Thess. 1:9.

3. With the devil and his messengers, Matt. 25:41 (8:29); Rev. 21:8.

4. With whom do you want to spend eternity?

B. Hell Lasts Forever, Rev. 14:11; 20:10.

1. Endless: Fire is not quenched, torment is not eased.

2. Not annihilation (extinction):

a. Torment continues without end, Rev. 14:13-14; Matt. 25:46.

b. Suffering . . . eternal fire, Jude 7. (Present participle, “indicating they are suffering to this day the punishment which came upon them in Lot’s time” (Vincent, I:715). The inhabitants are suffering, not the physical cities.

C. Hell is Inescapable, Matt. 25:46.

-No redemption, no escape; Second death, Rev. 20:14-15; 21:8.

D. You Do Not Have to Go to Hell, 2 Pet. 3:9.

1. Hell is a place of choice, not fate/destiny, Rom. 2:1-9.

2. Repent to escape perishing (being lost).

III. GOD’S GIFT OF SALVATION IN CHRIST DELIVERS US FROM ETERNAL DEATH.

A. The Gospel is God’s Power to Save, Rom. 1:16-17 (6:21-23).

-The gospel is God’s persuasion to escape the judgment of hell, 2 Cor. 5:11 (10).

B. The Gospel Reveals Salvation from Sin and Death.

-“By grace, through faith,” Eph. 2:8-9.

1. Grace (God’s part): Offering of His Son, John 3:15-16.

2. Faith (Man’s part): Believe/Obey His Son, John 3:36. “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him” (ESV; cf. NASB). (apeitheo, cf. Luke 1:17).

Conclusion

1. What do you choose: Heaven or hell? 2 Thess. 1:6-10

2. Hell is real (torment, forever, inescapable, but not inevitable).

3. Heaven is real and reserved for the righteous, 1 Pet. 1:3-4.

By: Joe R. Price

Posted March 28, 2024