We have been continuing our study of eternity over the last few days, specifically exploring the topic of Hell. What do the Scriptures say about those who are consigned to Hell—who will go there? The Book of Revelation states:
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But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Revelation 21:8).
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The verse above teaches that at the second resurrection, people who are cowards, liars, and unbelievers in Christ will be cast into a lake that burns with fire and brimstone. I am uncertain whether the lake is a literal lake of fire or if it serves as a symbolic representation of a state of being. Regardless, what we do know about the Lake of Fire is that it will be a place filled with torment and destruction. The Bible also describes Hell as a realm of eternal darkness (Jude 1:13). We have the choice to be consumed by the Light or the Darkness. We will embrace one or the other for eternity.
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Think about the nature of light and darkness. Light promotes health and well-being. Plants need light to survive. Light exposes and nourishes. It supports life. It illuminates. Darkness covers and hides. It is an absence of light. Psychologists tell us that prolonged darkness can cause depression and other disorders. It is not healthy for people to live without light. The lake of fire will be a place of darkness.
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Today, discussing such a place of darkness is unpopular. Who would deserve to go there? Let me ask you this: How many murders does it take to be a murderer? One! How many lies does it take to be a liar? One! How many sins does it take to be a sinner? One! We all need a Savior, and there is no one but Jesus who can save you from your sin and its consequences.
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Recognizing our need for a Savior is the first step to God. Paul the Apostle expressed it this way: "There is no one righteous, not even one… there is no one who does good, not even one" (Romans 3:10-12). He states that no one will be declared righteous by adhering to a system of works (The Law, Romans 3:20). He states that righteousness apart from the law has been revealed, namely, the substitutionary death of Christ on your behalf. This righteousness is imparted to you when you repent—turning away from sin and turning toward Christ—and accept the person of Jesus Christ to sit on the throne of your life. This trust in Christ is the only way to avoid a place of torment (Acts 4:12). When you place your faith in Christ, your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life (Revelation 21:27), a record of all who have surrendered their lives to the Lord and received Him into their hearts. Those whose names are not found in the book are cast into the lake of fire:
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And 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).
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He also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger, and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name (Revelation 14:10-11, Emphasis added).
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My prayer is that you may never go to such a place. Believe and place your trust in the Lord Jesus—do it today! Keith Thomas
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Taken from the series Insights into Eternity. Click on study 4 or this link: The Truth About Hell.
YouTube video teachings at: https://www.youtube.com/@keiththomas7/videos