Hell is No Laughing Matter

Hell is No Laughing Matter

Revelation 20:11-15; Luke 16:19-31; John 3:36; Psalm 145:17-20; Romans 1:24; Acts 4:12; John 14:6

Summary

Revelation 20:11-15 shows every person who has ever lived, great and small, standing before the great white throne of Jesus Christ to be judged, and it makes clear that anyone whose name is not written in the book of life faces the second death, the lake of fire. These are some of the most despised verses in the Bible today, yet Jesus spoke of Hell more than anyone, and he did so as the One who rose from the dead. This message addresses three false ideas about Hell common in our culture - that a loving God isn't a judging God, isn't a wrathful God, and wouldn't allow Hell to exist - and shows from Scripture that God's love and justice belong together. Hell is the conscious, eternal continuation of a life chosen apart from God, and the only rescue is Jesus, who took our place on the cross so that all who believe in him receive eternal life.

Takeaways

• Jesus Christ is the issue; Heaven and Hell are the implications.
• God's love and God's justice are never in competition - a God who would not judge evil would not be worthy of worship.
• Hell is God giving people what they have chosen: life apart from him, forever.
• Salvation is in Christ alone, and that truth should move us to urgent, loving witness.

Application for This Week

As a group this week, let this sobering passage drive you to gratitude and to mission. Thank God together that Jesus bore the judgment we deserved. Encourage one another to deal honestly with sin before it takes root and grows. And commit to pray by name for the people in your lives who do not yet know Jesus, asking God for opportunities and courage to share the good news that salvation is found in Christ alone.

Devotion 1: Standing Before the Throne

Revelation 20:12 ESV

"And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done."

Reflection Question

When you picture yourself standing before the great white throne, where does your confidence rest - in your own record, or in the name of Jesus?

Prayer Prompt

Lord Jesus, you are the righteous Judge and the only One who has conquered death. Thank you that the names of your people are written in the book of life by grace and not by works. Fix my hope on you alone.

Devotion 2: Righteous in All His Ways

Psalm 145:17-20 ESV

"The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them. The LORD preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy."

Reflection Question

Where have you been tempted to elevate God's love above his holiness and justice, and how does seeing them together deepen your trust in him?

Prayer Prompt

Lord, you are righteous in all your ways and kind in all your works. Forgive me for reshaping you to fit my preferences. Teach me to rest in your perfect justice and leave vengeance in your hands.

Devotion 3: Given Up to Our Desires

Romans 1:24 ESV

"Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves,"

Reflection Question

What desire in your life, if left to grow unchecked, would pull you further from God's presence?

Prayer Prompt

God, search my heart and expose anything growing there that is not of you. Turn my desires toward you, the source of all joy and love, and keep me from drifting into a life centered on myself.

Devotion 4: No Other Name

Acts 4:12 ESV

"And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

Reflection Question

Who in your life needs to hear that salvation is found in Jesus alone, and what step will you take this week to tell them?

Prayer Prompt

Jesus, there is no other name by which we must be saved. Give me courage and compassion to speak of you plainly and lovingly. Open the hearts of those I love who do not yet know you.