As Christians, sometimes we need to discuss uncomfortable subjects… controversial subjects, subjects we would rather avoid at all costs. In our modern, progressive, church (which is a terrible church), one subject that has come under the microscope is hell. My pastor recently concluded a series called “Controversial Jesus” by discussing hard things, things that a lot Christians want to avoid. This subject of hell has seared my heart, so I thought it is worth our time today. Let’s look at the topic of hell through the lens of Scripture.
As we examine our world, the corruption, deception, hatred, and evil, we have been known to say, “Come, Lord Jesus!” In other words, we want Jesus to come into the clouds, with the sound of the trumpet, and the voice of the archangel. We want to be raptured. We want to be rescued from this place. Well, I’m fairly certain Jesus wants the same thing. He longs for His church to be reunited with Him forever. But our verse today says that He’s okay with waiting. Why is that? Because He does not want anyone to suffer eternal condemnation. His waiting allows more people to be saved and thus, given a place in heaven.
So, the question becomes: What does the Bible say about hell? Is it a real place? Or is it a metaphor? Or is it a word used to describe the bad things on this earth (hell on earth)? Jesus talked about hell often. In fact, in Luke 16, He tells of two men – a rich man and a poor man. The poor man died and went to heaven. The rich man died and went to hell. The rich man was in agony and pleaded with God to send someone to warn his family about this place. So, yes, hell is a REAL place. It’s not just a metaphor. Many people believe that when we die, we simply cease to exist. This is not supported by the Bible. The Bible is clear: when we die, we go somewhere. Those who have bowed to the Lordship of Christ will spend eternity in heaven. But those who do not will spend eternity in hell, a place of utter torment. Heaven is amazing, beautiful, peaceful, and glorious. Hell is the complete opposite.
Many pastors and churches today ignore this subject. Some go so far to say that hell is not real. If this is a church you go to, then let me encourage you to find another church. Hell is a vital piece of the divine puzzle… a necessary topic we should never negate. So, why should we think about this uncomfortable subject? Because it brings to us an urgency… an urgency for our loved ones. The reality of hell should bring us to the cross, pleading for the salvation of our families… children, grandchildren, siblings, cousins. Pleading for the salvation of our neighbors. We need to keep speaking truth. And if our loved ones won’t listen to us, then pray that God would send someone into their life they will listen to. Let this uncomfortable subject spur you on. Now is not the time to be pew warmers or apathetic. Now is the time to be believers fueled by the power of the cross.