You know, I’ve said before that I do not want this blog to be authoritarian and one that constantly preaches damnation. My goal is to get you to come to Christ because you want to know Him, not because you fear what will happen if you don’t. One of the main things that I say and relay is: let anyone come freely and take of the waters of life that Jesus has to offer. And truly, if you come sincerely wanting to know Him, in time you will love Him, and that love will cast out all fear.
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. — 1 John 4:18
However, it would be a disservice, and most of all it would not be the full gospel if I did not tell you about what happens to those who reject Him and/or continue in sin: it is just as much a part of the gospel as those who accept Christ, in fact it is the reason for Christ.
People constantly try to ignore and deny that hell in the afterlife is real. They will twist, choose to ignore scripture, and justify their lives all to sweep it under the rug, so that it’s out of sight. Have you ever watched a cartoon where the character sweeps everything into a dirt pile, looks around and then sweeps it under a rug? I always thought it was the craziest and stupidest thing to do. That dirt is still there, it’s filthy, and it hasn’t been dealt with properly. Further, how can you just ignore that big lump sticking up from under the carpet? That’s just how it is spiritually when you ignore the things of God. And, when He comes to visit, like a thief in the night, He’s going to pull back that rug and expose that dirt.
On the flip side, despite not believing in hell, people will gladly believe in and accept heaven. And, they will place anyone there who they think was a good person, but unless that person gave their life to Jesus and followed His commandments, they are not in heaven with Him. Hell is too hot and eternity is too long for you to make the biggest mistake of your life/existence. You only get one chance at this, so if anything, then at the very least error on the side of caution.
And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. — Revelation 21:5
This is not me making something up or my opinion, this is from the Word of God, learn it and read it for yourself so that you know the truth.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
— Revelation 21
Right after God proclaims Himself, promises salvation and good things, look at what He says following it: about those in sin. There is more to these passages, read them all in context and don’t just cherry pick and/or make a doctrine out of what makes you feel good!
Now, not only was it clear and direct in Revelation chapter 21, this is all repeated again by Jesus in the next chapter!
12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
— Revelation 22
Yes, God is love, but do not forget He is still God! That means He must have obedience, judge, and have justice; understand that, that is what makes His love possible. The lists of things in these two passages do not comprise all sin. They are a short list, where the point is to note that all sin is without the gates, and cannot come into the presence of God (heaven). For the next few weeks, we are going to do a series on the list found in Revelation 21:8 and talk directly about sin. We will use both the KJV and the NIV translations, as well as the direct Greek translation: some words need modern clarity. Please take the time and read both chapters 21 and 22 ahead of time before we dive into the list.
If you are not saved/redeemed please do so today.
Come to God open, empty and without statements.
Ask him to be real to you and believe in Him.
Humble yourself before Him, confess who you are, and tell Him that you are sorry for your sins.
Ask Him to forgive you and to come into your life and start a personal relationship.
Believe this and be born again!
May God bless and keep all who read this.
May God bless and keep all brothers and sisters, new and old in the faith, in his name.
With his love and mine,
Chrom