Eternal Choices: Heaven, Hell, and God's Justice

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound realities of heaven and hell, as described in the Bible. We began by acknowledging the eternal destinies that await every person: an eternity with Christ in heaven or eternal separation from God in hell. Jesus, in His compassion, spoke more about hell than anyone else, emphasizing the importance of understanding its reality. Heaven is depicted as a place of unimaginable splendor, where God's presence is fully realized. It is a place of rewards and responsibilities, where our actions on earth have eternal significance. Heaven is not just a place of rest but a realm of active participation in God's eternal purpose.

We delved into the nature of heaven, highlighting its beauty and the joy of being in God's presence. Heaven is where we will experience the fullness of God's glory, with all earthly limitations removed. It is a place of revelation, where we will see God as He truly is and be transformed into His likeness. The angels around God's throne continually declare His holiness, reflecting the ever-unfolding glories of God that we will witness.

Conversely, hell is described as a place of eternal separation from God, where all that is good and beautiful is absent. It is a place of regret and missed opportunities, where the absence of God's presence results in darkness and despair. The Bible uses vivid imagery to convey the seriousness of hell, emphasizing that it is a place of eternal punishment.

We also addressed the question of why a loving God would allow hell to exist. Hell was created for the devil and his angels, and it serves as a place of justice and the final defeat of evil. God's holiness and justice demand that sin be dealt with, and hell is the ultimate expression of that justice. However, God's desire is for no one to perish, which is why He sent Jesus to offer salvation to all who believe.

In conclusion, the decision to follow Christ is made in this life, and it is a decision of faith. Today is the day of salvation, the day to say yes to Jesus and begin an eternal relationship with Him. Heaven is not just a future hope but a present reality for those who have accepted Christ. Let us live with the urgency of sharing this hope with others, inviting them to experience the love and grace of God.

Key Takeaways:

- Eternal Destinies: Every person faces an eternal destiny, either in the presence of God in heaven or separated from Him in hell. This reality underscores the importance of our choices and the urgency of sharing the gospel with others. [45:19]

- Heaven's Splendor: Heaven is a place of unimaginable beauty and joy, where God's presence is fully realized. It is a realm of active participation in God's eternal purpose, where we will experience the fullness of His glory. [48:36]

- The Nature of Hell: Hell is a place of eternal separation from God, characterized by darkness and regret. It is a place where the absence of God's presence results in despair, emphasizing the seriousness of our choices in this life. [56:48]

- God's Justice and Love: Hell exists as a place of justice and the final defeat of evil. God's holiness demands that sin be dealt with, but His love is demonstrated in the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. [01:02:28]

- The Urgency of Salvation: The decision to follow Christ is made in this life, and it is a decision of faith. Today is the day of salvation, the day to say yes to Jesus and begin an eternal relationship with Him. [01:13:50]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:15] - Introduction to Eternity
- [05:30] - The Reality of Heaven and Hell
- [12:00] - Jesus' Teachings on Hell
- [20:45] - The Splendor of Heaven
- [28:10] - Heaven's Rewards and Responsibilities
- [35:25] - Revelation in Heaven
- [42:00] - The Nature of Hell
- [49:15] - God's Justice and Love
- [56:30] - The Urgency of Salvation
- [01:03:45] - Invitation to Accept Christ
- [01:10:00] - Prayer of Salvation
- [01:15:00] - Closing Remarks

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 25:31-46
2. 1 Corinthians 2:9
3. 2 Thessalonians 1:9

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Matthew 25:31-46, what criteria does Jesus use to separate the sheep from the goats? How does this passage illustrate the eternal destinies discussed in the sermon? [45:19]

2. In 1 Corinthians 2:9, what does Paul say about the things God has prepared for those who love Him? How does this relate to the description of heaven in the sermon? [48:36]

3. How does the sermon describe the nature of hell, and what biblical imagery is used to convey its seriousness? [56:48]

4. What reasons are given in the sermon for the existence of hell, and how does this align with the concept of God's justice and love? [01:02:28]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25:31-46 challenge our understanding of faith and works in the context of eternal life? [45:19]

2. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of heaven as a place of rewards and responsibilities? How does this perspective influence our actions on earth? [50:26]

3. The sermon mentions that hell is a place of eternal separation from God. How does this understanding affect the urgency of sharing the gospel with others? [56:48]

4. How does the sermon address the question of why a loving God would allow hell to exist, and what implications does this have for our understanding of divine justice? [01:02:28]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the choices you make daily. How do they align with the eternal destinies discussed in the sermon? What changes might you need to make to ensure your actions reflect your faith? [45:19]

2. The sermon describes heaven as a place of unimaginable beauty and joy. How can you cultivate a sense of heaven's reality in your daily life, even amidst earthly challenges? [48:36]

3. Consider the people in your life who may not know Christ. What practical steps can you take this week to share the hope of salvation with them? [56:16]

4. The sermon emphasizes the urgency of salvation. How can you live with a sense of urgency in your spiritual life, and what specific actions can you take to deepen your relationship with Christ? [01:13:50]

5. Reflect on the concept of hell as a place of regret and missed opportunities. Are there areas in your life where you feel regret? How can you seek God's guidance to make different choices moving forward? [58:36]

6. How does understanding God's justice and love as described in the sermon influence your view of forgiveness and grace? How can you extend these qualities to others in your life? [01:02:28]

7. The sermon mentions that heaven is a place of active participation in God's eternal purpose. What specific talents or resources do you have that you can use to serve God's purpose here and now? [50:26]

Devotional

Day 1: The Weight of Eternal Choices
Every person faces an eternal destiny, either in the presence of God in heaven or separated from Him in hell. This reality underscores the importance of our choices and the urgency of sharing the gospel with others. The Bible presents heaven and hell as real destinations, each with profound implications for our lives. Heaven is a place of eternal communion with God, filled with joy and purpose, while hell is a place of separation, regret, and despair. Understanding these eternal realities should inspire a sense of urgency in our lives, motivating us to live in a way that reflects our eternal hope and to share this hope with others. The decision to follow Christ is not just a future consideration but a present necessity, as it determines our eternal destiny. [45:19]

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil." (2 Corinthians 5:10, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear about the hope of Christ today, and how can you share it with them in a loving and urgent way?

Day 2: The Active Splendor of Heaven
Heaven is a place of unimaginable beauty and joy, where God's presence is fully realized. It is a realm of active participation in God's eternal purpose, where we will experience the fullness of His glory. In heaven, all earthly limitations are removed, and we will see God as He truly is, being transformed into His likeness. This transformation is not passive; it involves active engagement in God's eternal plans, where we will have responsibilities and rewards. The angels around God's throne continually declare His holiness, and we will join in this eternal worship, witnessing the ever-unfolding glories of God. Heaven is not just a place of rest but a dynamic realm where we will fully realize our purpose in God's kingdom. [48:36]

"But, as it is written, 'What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.'" (1 Corinthians 2:9, ESV)

Reflection: How does the promise of active participation in heaven inspire you to live purposefully today?

Day 3: The Seriousness of Hell's Reality
Hell is a place of eternal separation from God, characterized by darkness and regret. It is a place where the absence of God's presence results in despair, emphasizing the seriousness of our choices in this life. The Bible uses vivid imagery to convey the gravity of hell, describing it as a place of eternal punishment and missed opportunities. Understanding the reality of hell should not only sober us but also compel us to live with a sense of urgency in our spiritual lives. It is a reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of choosing a life aligned with God's will. The reality of hell underscores the need for repentance and the acceptance of God's offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. [56:48]

"And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." (Matthew 25:46, ESV)

Reflection: What areas of your life need realignment with God's will to avoid the regret of missed opportunities?

Day 4: The Balance of God's Justice and Love
Hell exists as a place of justice and the final defeat of evil. God's holiness demands that sin be dealt with, but His love is demonstrated in the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. The existence of hell is not contrary to God's love but a testament to His justice. It was created for the devil and his angels, serving as a place where evil is ultimately defeated. However, God's desire is for no one to perish, which is why He sent Jesus to offer salvation to all who believe. This balance of justice and love is central to understanding God's character and His plan for humanity. It calls us to respond to His love by accepting the gift of salvation and living in a way that reflects His justice and mercy. [01:02:28]

"For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him." (Isaiah 30:18, ESV)

Reflection: How can you reflect God's justice and love in your interactions with others today?

Day 5: The Urgency of Today's Decision
The decision to follow Christ is made in this life, and it is a decision of faith. Today is the day of salvation, the day to say yes to Jesus and begin an eternal relationship with Him. This decision is not just about securing a future in heaven but about experiencing the reality of God's kingdom here and now. Accepting Christ transforms our present lives, giving us purpose, hope, and a new identity in Him. It is a call to live with urgency, recognizing that each day is an opportunity to deepen our relationship with God and to share His love with others. The urgency of salvation is a reminder that our time on earth is limited, and the choices we make today have eternal significance. [01:13:50]

"Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2, ESV)

Reflection: What step of faith can you take today to deepen your relationship with Christ and share His love with others?

Quotes

1. "Heaven is a place of incredible, inexpressible splendor because God is there. So where's heaven? Heaven is wherever God is, wherever God chooses it to be, because God is omnipresent. That means that God is everywhere so that God is everywhere, but yet God, there's a place of the special presence of God. First Corinthians 2, 9, describes that. We would call that present heaven because in the future, where's, you know, where heaven's going to be? Heaven's going to be on earth. The new heaven and the new earth come down out of heaven, heaven to God's going to recreate heaven and earth. And there will be a new Eden, a new Jerusalem that's going to come down out of heaven and heaven will be on earth." [00:45:40] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "As a matter of fact, he knew we would blew it, but we blew it. He knew we would mess up. So he had, he had a real plan, which was Christ who was slain before the foundation of the world. So he had, it was, he didn't, when Adam and Eve sinned, he didn't go, what am I going to do now? He knew. And so he redeemed us. That was the plan. So what makes heaven, heaven is this glorious thing is that this new Jerusalem is going to come out of heaven and we're going to rule and reign with him forever and ever." [00:46:43] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Heaven's a place of rewards and responsibility. Uh, you're going to have rewards in heaven, what we do now makes a difference in eternity. St. Corinthians 5, 10, we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. This is judgment seat of Christ. This is not the great white throne judgment. This is not a heaven and hell judgment. This is a judgment based on rewards. What rewards are you going to get in heaven?" [00:49:04] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "So it's, but it's going to be this wonderful, glorious joining with God in his eternal purpose. Do you think that God just had a plan for right till now? It doesn't have a plan for eternity that is going to be splendiferous or something. It's going to be incredible. I'm looking forward to that. It's a place of rewards and responsibilities." [00:50:07] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Heaven's a place of revelation. Beloved, now we're the children of God. It's not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that when he appears, we'll be like him. Just let that blow your mind a little bit, right? We're going to be like him because we shall see him just as he is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on him purifies himself just as he is pure." [00:50:34] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "So the angels around the throne are saying, holy, holy, holy. What are they saying? Well, to bring it to our common language, they're saying, wow, wow. Wow. They're like nudging each other. Did you see that? Because for eternity, which is not a long time, but the absence of time, I don't know how that works, okay? But so for eternity, they're continually seeing attributes and character and the depth and nature of God that they didn't see. They didn't see God. They didn't see God. They didn't see God. They didn't see before. And that's going to be part of heaven for us too, is that we're going to be seeing the ever unfolding glories of God. And we're just going to be continually blown away. Can you imagine?" [00:52:40] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "So what makes heaven, heaven is the presence of God. But what makes hell, hell is the absence of the presence of God. That's what the Bible says. The only thing that could compare is, is this, which we use the term burning, torment, agony, flames, so why is hell, hell? Hell is hell because God's not there. Second Thessalonians 1, 9. These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power. When you remove God, you remove light and beauty and joy and love and peace and kindness and relationship. Everything that's beautiful is God." [00:56:48] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Hell is not going to be a party with your friends. Think of hell as solitary confinement for the rest of your life. It's dark and alone. There's no good old boys. There's no Dos Equis. There's no Coors Light. I don't know good beer names. I'm sorry. I don't drink beer. Just alone, away from the presence of God. There's nothing good away from the presence of God. It's just, nothingness." [00:58:05] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Hell is eternal. Having no end, the Bible seems to imply. Daniel 12, 2, God promises that the day is coming when men, many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting contempt. So everybody lives forever. Some are going to live forever in heaven. Some are going to live forever in hell." [01:01:29] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Universalism is a belief system that says God wants everybody to go to heaven, so everybody's going to go to heaven eventually. So some may go to hell for a while, and then after you've paid, you've been in punishment long enough, then you'll get to get out of hell. You get out. It's like playing Monopoly. You get to get out of hell, and you get to go to heaven. Now, there's not really any scripture to support that, and Jesus is like pretty strongly saying, scripturally, multiple times, it doesn't work that way. It's appointed unto man once to die, and after that, the judgment. The decision to follow Christ is not made in heaven. The decision to follow Christ is made by faith, on earth." [01:04:39] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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