Eternal Choices: Understanding Hell and Salvation
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. It's wonderful to see you all here today. I want to start by expressing my gratitude for our worship team; they did an incredible job. Before we dive into today's teaching, I want to remind you of some upcoming events. We have a couples retreat in Gatlinburg from September 2nd to the 5th, and our next mission trip to the Yucatan is coming up. If you're interested in either, please see Chris or Mike after the service.
Today, we continue our series "After This," based on Hebrews 9:27, which says, "It is appointed for men to die once, and after this, the judgment." This series aims to prepare us for what comes after this life. Today, we tackle a difficult but crucial topic: hell. I know it's not a popular subject, but it's essential for us to understand it.
We often hear the word "hell" used casually in everyday language, but its biblical meaning is far more serious. I considered various titles for today's message, but I settled on "Eternal Ecstasy or Eternal Misery: It's Your Choice." Ecstasy means overwhelming joy, while misery means great suffering. What you believe about the afterlife profoundly impacts how you live today.
Jesus spoke about hell more than anyone else in the Bible. He used the term "Gehenna," a cursed valley outside Jerusalem where refuse and even child sacrifices were burned. This valley was a constant reminder of perpetual fire and punishment. Jesus mentioned hell 33 times in the Gospels, emphasizing its reality and the importance of avoiding it.
Hell is described as a place of regret, sorrow, and eternal punishment. In Matthew 13, Jesus talks about the end of the age when angels will separate the righteous from the wicked. The wicked will be cast into a furnace of fire, where there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. This is not a place anyone would want to end up.
Jesus also taught that hell is a place of conscious awareness. In Luke 16, He tells the story of a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus. The rich man, in torment, could see Lazarus in comfort and realized the better life he could have had. This conscious awareness of missed opportunities adds to the torment of hell.
Moreover, hell is a place of darkness and isolation. Matthew 22 describes it as a place of outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. Imagine being in perpetual darkness, separated from everyone and everything you love.
The cross of Jesus teaches us that hell is real and that God's wrath against sin is severe. Jesus took on this wrath so that we wouldn't have to. His sacrifice offers us a way out, but we must choose to accept it. There is no "back door" to heaven; Jesus is the only way.
As we conclude, I want to emphasize that this message is not to scare you but to make you aware of the reality of hell and the lengths Jesus went to save us from it. If you're not 100% sure of your salvation, now is the time to make that decision. Jesus offers forgiveness, purpose, and hope for eternity. Don't leave here today without being sure of your eternal destiny.
Let's pray. Father, thank you for warning us about hell and for providing a way out through Jesus. Help us to be more purposeful in reaching our friends and family who don't know you. For those here today who need to make a decision, give them the courage to do so. In Jesus' name, Amen.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Reality of Hell: Jesus spoke about hell more than anyone else in the Bible, emphasizing its reality and the importance of avoiding it. He used the term "Gehenna," a cursed valley outside Jerusalem, as a metaphor for hell's perpetual fire and punishment. Understanding the seriousness of hell should motivate us to live righteously and share the gospel with others. [49:10]
2. Conscious Awareness in Hell: In Luke 16, Jesus tells the story of a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus. The rich man, in torment, could see Lazarus in comfort and realized the better life he could have had. This conscious awareness of missed opportunities adds to the torment of hell, making it a place of eternal regret and sorrow. [56:18]
3. Eternal Punishment and Isolation: Hell is described as a place of darkness, weeping, and gnashing of teeth. Imagine being in perpetual darkness, separated from everyone and everything you love. This isolation and eternal punishment are meant to be a sobering reminder of the consequences of rejecting Jesus. [58:22]
4. The Wrath of God: The cross of Jesus teaches us that hell is real and that God's wrath against sin is severe. Jesus took on this wrath so that we wouldn't have to. His sacrifice offers us a way out, but we must choose to accept it. There is no "back door" to heaven; Jesus is the only way. [01:00:56]
5. The Urgency of Decision: This message is not to scare you but to make you aware of the reality of hell and the lengths Jesus went to save us from it. If you're not 100% sure of your salvation, now is the time to make that decision. Jesus offers forgiveness, purpose, and hope for eternity. Don't leave here today without being sure of your eternal destiny. [01:12:42]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[39:05] - Upcoming Events
[40:28] - Series Introduction: After This
[41:02] - The Unpopular Topics
[41:43] - The Rope Illustration
[43:26] - Prayer for Guidance
[43:57] - Introduction to Hell
[44:56] - Titles Considered
[45:37] - Eternal Ecstasy or Misery
[46:08] - What You Believe Determines How You Live
[47:09] - Survey on Belief in Hell
[48:10] - Gehenna: The Cursed Valley
[49:10] - Jesus' Teachings on Hell
[50:11] - Regret and Sorrow in Hell
[51:11] - Separation and Isolation
[52:11] - Eternal Punishment
[53:42] - Everlasting Fire
[55:44] - Cut Off Sinful Habits
[56:18] - Conscious Awareness in Hell
[57:49] - Darkness and Weeping
[58:22] - Perpetual Fire
[59:23] - Jesus' Perspective on Hell
[01:00:56] - The Wrath of God
[01:02:09] - Jesus' Sacrifice
[01:05:51] - Saved from God's Wrath
[01:10:33] - Prayer for Believers
[01:12:42] - Urgency of Decision
[01:13:12] - Call to Stand
[01:15:14] - First Step
[01:15:48] - Worship in Giving
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 9:27 - "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment."
2. Luke 16:22-23 - "So it was that the beggar died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom."
3. Matthew 13:41-42 - "The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 9:27, what happens after death? How does this verse set the stage for the sermon’s message? [40:28]
2. In Luke 16:22-23, what is the rich man’s experience in Hades, and how does it contrast with Lazarus’s experience? [56:18]
3. What does Matthew 13:41-42 describe about the fate of the wicked at the end of the age? How does this passage contribute to the understanding of hell as a place of eternal punishment? [50:11]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of conscious awareness in hell, as illustrated in Luke 16:22-23, affect our understanding of eternal regret and sorrow? [56:18]
2. What does the imagery of "wailing and gnashing of teeth" in Matthew 13:41-42 suggest about the nature of hell? How does this imagery impact our perception of eternal punishment? [50:11]
3. How does the sermon explain the significance of Jesus using the term "Gehenna" to describe hell? What historical and cultural context does this term provide? [47:39]
4. The sermon mentions that Jesus spoke about hell more than anyone else in the Bible. Why do you think Jesus emphasized this topic so much? [49:10]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the reality of hell as described in the sermon. How does this understanding influence your daily life and decisions? [49:10]
2. The sermon emphasizes the urgency of making a decision about salvation. Are you 100% sure of your eternal destiny? If not, what steps can you take to be sure? [01:12:42]
3. How can the awareness of hell motivate you to share the gospel with friends and family who do not know Jesus? What specific actions can you take this week to reach out to them? [49:10]
4. The sermon describes hell as a place of darkness and isolation. How does this description affect your view of the consequences of rejecting Jesus? [52:11]
5. Jesus took on the wrath of God so that we wouldn’t have to. How does this sacrifice impact your relationship with Him? What can you do to deepen your gratitude and commitment to Jesus? [01:00:56]
6. The sermon mentions that hell is a place of eternal punishment and conscious awareness of missed opportunities. How can this understanding help you live a more purposeful and intentional life? [56:18]
7. Reflect on the prayer at the end of the sermon. How can you be more purposeful in reaching out to those who are lost? What specific steps can you take to be more influential in your community? [01:10:33]
Devotional
### Day 1: The Reality of Hell
Hell is a real and serious place that Jesus emphasized.
Hell is not just a casual term used in everyday language; it is a real and serious place that Jesus spoke about more than anyone else in the Bible. He used the term "Gehenna," referring to a cursed valley outside Jerusalem where refuse and even child sacrifices were burned. This valley was a constant reminder of perpetual fire and punishment. Jesus mentioned hell 33 times in the Gospels, emphasizing its reality and the importance of avoiding it. Understanding the seriousness of hell should motivate us to live righteously and share the gospel with others. [49:10]
Matthew 13:49-50 (ESV): "So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
Reflection: How does understanding the reality of hell change the way you view your daily actions and interactions with others? Can you think of someone you need to share the gospel with today?
### Day 2: Conscious Awareness in Hell
Hell is a place of conscious awareness and eternal regret.
In Luke 16, Jesus tells the story of a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus. The rich man, in torment, could see Lazarus in comfort and realized the better life he could have had. This conscious awareness of missed opportunities adds to the torment of hell, making it a place of eternal regret and sorrow. The rich man's awareness of his past life and the opportunities he missed to live righteously and help others only intensified his suffering. This story serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of living a life aligned with God's will. [56:18]
Luke 16:23-24 (ESV): "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.'"
Reflection: Reflect on your life and consider if there are any missed opportunities to live righteously or help others. How can you make changes today to avoid future regret?
### Day 3: Eternal Punishment and Isolation
Hell is a place of darkness, weeping, and gnashing of teeth.
Hell is described as a place of darkness, weeping, and gnashing of teeth. Imagine being in perpetual darkness, separated from everyone and everything you love. This isolation and eternal punishment are meant to be a sobering reminder of the consequences of rejecting Jesus. The Bible paints a vivid picture of hell as a place of utter desolation and despair, where the absence of God's presence is profoundly felt. This description should serve as a powerful motivator to seek a relationship with Jesus and to share His love with others. [58:22]
Matthew 22:13 (ESV): "Then the king said to the attendants, 'Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'"
Reflection: Think about the areas in your life where you feel isolated or in darkness. How can you invite Jesus into those areas to bring His light and presence?
### Day 4: The Wrath of God
Jesus took on God's wrath so we wouldn't have to.
The cross of Jesus teaches us that hell is real and that God's wrath against sin is severe. Jesus took on this wrath so that we wouldn't have to. His sacrifice offers us a way out, but we must choose to accept it. There is no "back door" to heaven; Jesus is the only way. The severity of God's wrath against sin is a testament to His holiness and justice. However, His love and mercy are equally profound, as demonstrated by Jesus' willingness to endure the punishment we deserve. This understanding should deepen our gratitude and commitment to living for Him. [01:00:56]
1 Thessalonians 1:10 (ESV): "And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come."
Reflection: Reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made for you. How does this understanding of His sacrifice influence your daily life and decisions? What steps can you take to live more fully for Him?
### Day 5: The Urgency of Decision
Now is the time to make a decision about your eternal destiny.
This message is not to scare you but to make you aware of the reality of hell and the lengths Jesus went to save us from it. If you're not 100% sure of your salvation, now is the time to make that decision. Jesus offers forgiveness, purpose, and hope for eternity. Don't leave here today without being sure of your eternal destiny. The urgency of this decision cannot be overstated. Eternity is at stake, and Jesus' invitation is open to all who are willing to accept it. This is a call to examine your heart and make a conscious choice to follow Him. [01:12:42]
2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV): "For he says, 'In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation."
Reflection: Are you certain of your salvation? If not, what is holding you back from making that decision today? How can you take a step toward accepting Jesus' offer of forgiveness and eternal life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "This is not a message of fear to try to scare you out of hell, but it's a message to help you understand what Jesus did and the lengths that he's gone to to say to you I've got a better way. He forgives you of your sin, he gives you a purpose for living and a hope for eternity." [01:12:11]
2. "Eternal ecstasy. Or eternal misery. It's your choice. Ecstasy. Let me tell you what that means. It's a state of overwhelming emotion. And joy. Misery is a state of great suffering. And unhappiness. And emotional distress. So why are we talking about death? Because what you believe. It's there in your notes. What you believe determines how you live." [45:37]
3. "It's on the screen. Let's say it together. What you believe determines how you live. Look at your neighbor and say that to him. To them. What you believe determines how you live. I'm afraid a lot of us. Never think much about hell. And that's okay. I mean as a believer. I don't think we should think about that. But I think we should think about that. In reference to the people that are our friends. And that are lost." [46:39]
4. "You say Terry I understand I understand hell for murderers I understand hell for Stalin for Hitler for human traffickers who steal young girls and rape them and impregnate them and lock them up and then they give them steroids to themselves and the fetus so the baby will be born quicker so they can sell that baby to pedophiles I believe hell should be a place for them and I believe there's levels of punishment in hell but I'm here to tell you today you can't forget the words that I've taught today you have no excuse today you can leave today and say I don't believe that preacher I don't believe look I haven't given you my words I've given you what Jesus said about that so you have no excuse today for eternity of how that you've made a decision here and where you spend eternity with him." [01:09:02]
5. "You ever wake up in the middle of the night and everything is pitch dark and that feeling of panic I mean I'm a grown man and there are times that that's disoriented in the darkness and what will I do? I'll reach over to my phone that's beside me turn the light off make sure can you imagine for eternity in darkness gnashing of teeth wailing hearing people eternal fire but you're never burned up you're never burned up people say do you believe that hell is literally a place of fire well I'm not gonna add or take away from the scripture I'm just gonna say that's what Jesus said and I'm gonna take what Jesus said I just don't regardless of that I don't wanna go how about you and I don't want my friends to go how about you." [58:53]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Most people quit there but you can't miss verse 9 and 10 and since we've been made right or we've been justified in God's sight by the blood of Christ we'll certainly be saved from God's condemnation or God's wrath I want you to see this picture God's wrath is poured out on sin but because of Jesus because of his blood because of that shredding of his body and he said it is finished now I stand under the spread of his wings and the wrath of God does not touch me does not come upon me because I have believed in him now look at the rest of this verse in God's sight by the blood of Christ to save us from that wrath for since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his son while we were still enemies we will certainly be saved through the life of his son the cross also teaches us that no one can make it in your own merit." [01:05:51]
2. "And you keep them coming back to church. You don't ever mention politics. You don't ever mention money. And of all things. You never mention hell. Well, today. The good news is. I'm not teaching on politics. I'm not going to preach on money. But I am going to let the word. Talk to us today about H-E-double-L. Some of you, I know you brought a guest with you today. Or this is your first time at the Father's house. Just come back next week. Next week, we go to heaven. But I think that we all need to be aware of. The alternative that happens. You know, we talked last week. About this rope. This rope represents. First of all, this side. Represents the eternal past. You know, it's like God has always been. He never was created. He never was formed. God has always been. So just as far back as you can think. That's eternity past. This side reminds us of eternity future. That forever and ever and ever. We're going to spend somewhere in eternity. It's given unto man once to die. And after that the judgment. That will decipher which way you go. So last week we said. This red represents the history of mankind. Eternity past. Eternity future. History of mankind. From Adam and Eve and all the way through. And over here at the end. It really would be much smaller than this. But so you can see it. Right here is where we are. Right here is our life. Somewhere around 1950. I can start there. Some of you are halfway through. Some of you are way over here. So you have less. All right. But the decisions. That we make here. In this blue. Affects where we'll spend eternity. And that's the thing that's on my heart today." [41:02]
3. "And his wrath has covered my sin and I know now that in the future there's no chance in hell for sin to come again because of the wrath of God if that's so then the wrath of God is meaningless a few weeks ago Anita and I and Kevin and Melissa were privileged to go to Costa Rica one of the places on my bucket list and it's lush beautiful stuff but I want you to see in the background it's a real volcano and so when we were there it erupted in 1968 and I know you've seen how the pictures of volcanoes erupting let's look at that next picture there's a picture of a volcano erupting coming up out and so what happens is all of that all of that heat all of that fire comes down now I want you to picture this this is a picture of God's wrath over sin now look at the picture now of this area this is after the volcano erupted in 1968 when we were there there's still some smoke from the volcano it completely destroyed a town Tabacon that was there cleared it out destroyed everything when the wrath of God was poured out on Jesus Jesus took all the sins so that they could be cleansing and so in hell if you choose if you choose not to take the way of Jesus in hell the wrath of God is going to be poured on your sin you have a choice this morning you can say yeah in fact let's look at this Romans chapter chapter 5 it's sort of like the hinge of all the New Testament it's there in your notes too it says when we were utterly helpless you ever been utterly helpless when we were utterly helpless Christ came at just the right time and he died for us sinners now most people would not be willing to die for an upright person though some perhaps would be willing to die for a person who's especially good but God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." [01:03:15]
4. "You say is Jesus talking about literally I need to go cut off my hand or punch out my eye? I mean like you know you lusted this week and so you punch out your eye and you go to your next life group wearing a patch and several other men are wearing a patch too in the same way. That's not what he's talking about here. But what he's saying is the things in your life you know that are not right that are sin, that are separating you from a relationship with God." [55:14]
5. "And there was a perpetual fire that was burning up everything. That perpetual fire then put a smoke or a stench out of that valley and every time people looked at it they remembered that the smoke never quits because there's a constant fire and it's burning up the trash. It's burning up the refuse. And so Jesus uses that word Gehenna and it means a place of everlasting punishment. So today I want to look at what does Jesus say about hell. I don't have any cute stories. I don't have any stories about what Uncle Billy Bob thinks about hell. I want to look, find in the head and find what Jesus says. So listen, over 33 times in the gospels, 33 times Jesus taught about hell. In other words, he had 33 sermons that he talked about hell. Now his ministry was only less than 36 months. So he figured that out. That means about once a month he taught on hell. And you wonder why did he talk about it so much? I believe because he didn't want you to go there. He knew that it was a place for Satan and his demons. He knew it was a place and he didn't want you to go there. So let's look and see what Jesus said. I'm going to look at a lot of scripture today. Is that okay? So if you get bored doodling, just look at the screen, alright? Look at your bible. We're going to look at a lot of scripture today. Because I don't want to just give you. I want to give you what Jesus says about hell. First of all, he says it's a place of regret and sorrow." [48:40]
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