The Horrors of Hell Part 2

by John Lowe
(Laurens SC, USA)

Consider how the rich man Desired Mercy (v.24).
“Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.” He wanted Lazarus to come and put a drop of water on his tongue in order to cool it. He had refused to show Lazarus mercy; not even allowing him to have the crumbs that fell from his table. But he thinks that Lazarus may be more compassionate and willing to do him this favor.

Consider the rich man’s Disturbing Memories (v.25).
“Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented.” The rich man was challenged to remember that in his lifetime he had lived luxuriously. One of the horrors of hell will be remembering what we might have been if we had responded to the call of God.

What was it that the rich man remembered? Could he remember the many warnings not to come to this terrible place of torment? And could he remember the offers of eternal life in heaven, that he would not accept? Could he remember the good things he had? Could he remember how good God was to him, so now God doesn’t owe him anything; not even a drop of water. Sinners will have good things only in this life, but after they die they will be separated from anything good. Now, Abraham asks him to remember how he had treated Lazarus when he was living in luxury and Lazarus was suffering from his evil things. He cannot forget that he would not help Lazarus, therefore, how could he expect that Lazarus would help him now?

Consider the rich man’s Deadly Mistake (v.30).
He wanted to warn his brothers, therefore he said to Abraham, “But if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.” He thought, “This would be something new, so they may believe and repent of their sins.” It is foolish to believe any method of salvation that we choose is better than that which God has chosen and predestined. He disbelieved, disregarded, despised, and disobeyed the writings of Moses. His brothers were in the same boat. God has given us sufficient warning to prepare for death. He has sent His Word, His prophets, His Son and He warns us by His Spirit and by the pleas of friends. If he would only have listened to them, he could have avoided hell.

Consider the Divine Message to the rich man.
When he requested that someone be sent to warn his brothers, he was reminded that his brothers had the writings from Moses and the prophets. If they would not believe them, they would not believe even if someone returned from the dead. A famous preacher once said, “God will give us nothing further to warn us. No dead man will come to life to tell us of what he has seen. If he did, we would not believe him.”

Friends, many people believe that multitudes would repent if someone returned from the dead to tell them what it was like. Well, someone has come back from the dead. His name is Jesus Christ. They did not believe Him any more than they believed Moses and the prophets. I hope none of you will delay making your choice. There will be no opportunity after death.

Consider The Population.
The Bible gives a comprehensive list of those who will populate hell in 1 Corinthians 6:9 –12, Galatians 5:19 –21 and Revelation 21:8. I won’t read these passages, but allow me to give you the list:
• The unrighteous. Those who continually do wrong.
• Fornicators. Those who engage in any type of sinful sexual activity, such as prostitutes.
• Idolaters. Those who worship anyone or anything other than the one true God.
• Adulterers.
• Homosexuals.
• Thieves.
• Those who covet. They crave what others have.
• Drunkards.
• Revelers. Today we would say Carousing.
• Extortionists. Those who get what they want by trickery and deceit.
• Those who practice Sorcery. Witch craft, astrology, palm reading, crystal balls, etc.
• Those that hate.
• Those that cause strife.
• The jealous.
• Those who are given to outbursts of anger.
• Those with selfish ambitions.
• Those who teach or preach heresies or wrong doctrine.
• Those who envy.
• Murders.
• Liars.

I want to be honest with you. At one time, I could have placed my name in many of those categories.
It is only by the grace of God that I have not committed every sinful act that is listed. But today, I can stand before you and claim that the blood of Jesus Christ has cleansed me from all unrighteousness. What about you? Are you a believer? Have you placed your faith in the finished work of Christ for salvation? God has given His Son, the Scriptures, and His Spirit to bring us to Christ. Are you willing to come today?

Amen.