I wonder if one reason some people don’t like to hear about hell is that it has been used as a tool to manipulate people into making decisions they may not understand. However, one must ask this question, why did Jesus go into such details describing and warning people? Look at the prophets and the words they use about coming judgment. Look at the descriptions of terror.
In fact, what I see in the Bible over and over again, is God warns so that people may have a chance to repent. You have a means of deliverance and can know today where you are going to spend eternity.
Jesus taught it for one reason. He loves you so much He doesn’t want you to suffer eternity apart from Him. He gladly laid down His life for you so you will never have to experience it.
That is the wonderful invitation the Lord gives to each person reading this today. It is out of concern He warns as strongly as He can in terms that mankind might understand so we will not take sin lightly, we will not take eternity lightly, so we will not take Jesus lightly. It is a most serious matter. Hell and hades are mentioned 23 times in the New Testament. Two-thirds of the uses come from Christ. It is a core of Jesus’ teaching.
It was because of the doctrine of hell that Paul wept for his people, the Israelites. It was the motivation of eternity without Christ that moves the missionaries to go to other countries and live in sickness, disease, danger, and death. There is a place for the doctrine of hell to move in the hearts of believers that we might pray for salvation of neighbors and friends.
Dear people, do not trust the skeptic, or the scoffer, the emotions, or the human judgment against God. Trust the words of Scripture that says “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,” Acts 3:19.
Why does God wait to send Jesus back? 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Application: Repentance means turn from your ways and trust Christ to save you. You have heard of the way of deliverance. You are invited to come to Christ today. Will you come?
Prayer: Dear Lord, I rejoice in my salvation and want others to know You, Jesus, in a personal saving way, but I grieve knowing the truth of hell and how I wish I could convince others of their need to submit to Christ. I was destined to hell until You saved me. God’s wrath was my sentence, but You placed it on Jesus. By His stripes we are healed. Now I understand better the extent of the love of Christ when He took hell for me and offered me heaven. Praise be to the God and Father of Jesus Christ.
By Dale Cope - If you wish to get the fuller version of this daily devotion, send a request via email to pastordale@outlook.com
