Do You Believe In Hell?
Luke 16:20-23
[20] And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, [21] And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. [22] And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; [23] And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
After reading that portion of scripture what is the first thought that usually comes into your mind? I don’t believe there is a right or wrong answer to that question. How you feel is how you feel. However, I do know what this lead the rich man to feel. We see a few verses later how he did not want to see his brothers to end up in this same awful place.
Luke 16:28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
I do not know for certainty the life that this rich man led. I do not know the opportunities he may have had to believe in Jesus and not end up in hell. However, I do know now he is a believer, but unfortunately it came to late.
Every day it comes to late for some. All to often we have the ability to change that, but we stand by and say nothing. Do we believe that the dire situation that this rich man faced is something that happens today? Does it not bother us that people all around us, who don’t believe, will one day wake up in these same torments if we aren’t willing to share the Gospel with them? I have a feeling that those in hell would not be too afraid to share the gospel with others, and probably even desire the ability to share the gospel with their loved ones left here on earth today.
Our pastor made mention yesterday about how it seems as if everyone now dies and goes to heaven. All you seem to hear is how they are in a better place, or how they are watching down over us. In some cases that may be true, but assuredly not all.
Do we believe that to be true? Do we believe that hell exists today with the same torments this rich ruler faced? If so, why then do we stand around, saying nothing, while a lost world that includes our family and friends die and face the reality of hell? We wouldn’t dare tell someone whose loved one has passed away that they are wrong and that they are suffering in hell today. Then be willing to tell them today about their need for salvation before it is to late!!
God bless you today!
Bro. Josh Richardson