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Heaven And Hell
John R. Gentry
The writer of Hebrews said, “it is appointed for man to die…” (Hebrews 9.27). The Psalmist asked, “What man can live and never see death? Who can deliver his soul from the power of Sheol (place of the dead—JRG)?” Some day we will all die. But what will happen to us after we die? The Bible teaches us that we will either spend an eternity in Heaven or in Hell. Where do you want to go?
“Eternal Fire Prepared For The Devil And His Angels”
It has been said that Jesus spoke more concerning the subject of Hell than any other person in the Bible. The picture of Hell that Jesus painted is terrible to behold. Why then would he talk about such a terrible and negative thing? Because he knew people needed to understand the terrible consequences awaiting those who do not obey the Lord’s plan for man’s salvation. Listen to what Jesus had to say about Hell.
Then he will say to those on his left, “Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels”...And these will go away into eternal punishment (Matthew 25.41, 46).
And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to Hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into Hell. And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into Hell, “where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9.43-48).
Without using the word “Hell,” Jesus also warned that those who did not do the will of the Father would not go to Heaven in Matthew 7.21-28; which meant, of course, that they would go to Hell. He also spoke of those who would be damned if they failed to accept God’s salvation by believing and obeying in Mark 16.16. My friend, Jesus spoke often of the reality of Hell because he doesn’t want you to go there!
Not only did Jesus deem it necessary to warn people of the horrible consequences awaiting in Hell, but his disciples also worked to make sure everyone understood that if they failed to obey God’s plan for man’s salvation then they would suffer these terrible consequences. Consider the following.
This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God…when the Lord Jesus is revealed from Heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed (2 Thessalonians 1.5-10).
Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20.14-15; cf. 21.8).
“Great Is Your Reward In Heaven”
While we certainly need to understand and appreciate the reality and terribleness of eternal Hell fire, we equally need to come to understand the bliss and blessedness of an eternal home in Heaven. Jesus spoke of Heaven for this very reason. Listen to what he had to say.
Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world…into eternal life” (Matthew 25.34, 46).
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in Heaven…(Matt. 5.12).
In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also (John 14.2-3).
The hope and blessed assurance of an eternal home in Heaven was something that the disciples of Jesus were very familiar with. The apostle Paul spoke of his home in Heaven with confidence.
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing (2 Timothy 4.6-8).
You can have the same confidence if you will do what the apostle Paul did and faithfully obey the Lord’s commands.
We would be remiss if we failed to mention how beautiful Heaven must be. John describes Heaven’s beauty for us in Revelation 21-22. I want to go to Heaven, do you?
Conclusion
Paul told the Corinthians that “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). Those that obey God and do good will spend an eternity with him in Heaven. Those who do not obey God and do evil will spend an eternity with the devil and his angels in the Hell prepared for them.
Where do you want to spend eternity, in Heaven or Hell?
Galena Guardian
Vol. IX, No. 2, February 2007