Tag Archives: Eternal Torment

Daniel and Revelation, What is God Like?

Revelation 14: 10-11 Question

Leave a comment

A Question From Hasin

I was asking this same question for a moment as I studied the bible. But I was looking for a specific verse I wish you would address.

Revelation 14:10-11

“…they, too, will drink the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. They will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment will rise for ever and ever. There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.”


I can understand all the verses but this one. If truly it’s destruction, how do you see this one as an eternal torment with no rest day and night?

Response:

Hasin, Thank you for your question. If Revelation 14: 10-11 were the only verses we had in scripture on the fate of the lost, I would still see a conflict in its words with the remainder of the Bible, which describes our Creator’s character of love, mercy, justice, and fairness. There are so many verses that describe something different from what we think we are seeing in this one verse. Very clear verses without symbols or metaphors tell us clearly that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23, not life in non-ending flames. God’s love for the world was so great that He allowed His Son to perish on the cross for our sins so we don’t have to perish as He did.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him SHOULD NOT PERISH but have everlasting life. John 3:16

The lost do not live forever (even in flames). Only those “who has the Son has life” not those who do not have the Son:

And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

1 John 5:11-12

When we think it through, those who maintain that God burns people alive in a place called hell for eternity want us to believe that a loving, merciful Creator exchanges a lost person’s short time on earth for trillions of years of punishment in stinging hot flames without any mercy at all.

They want us to believe that God’s wrath is so great that it can never be quenched. His anger will never be satisfied.

So, what is John describing in the book of Revelation that we may be missing? He is describing through symbols the end of those who choose to worship the beast over Himself. It is a specific group at the end of time. First, let’s look at this verse and see what is literal and what is symbolic, and always careful to remember context with God’s character of love.

“…he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall 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 ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”

Revelation 14: 10-11

Here are the metaphors and symbols lifted out of the verses:

1.) Drinking the wine of the wrath of God.

2.) God pouring out this wrath

3.) Smoke of torment.

If we take this passage literally, we see people burning in flames right in front of Jesus and the lamb forever…every day…without end…The redeemed can actually see the smoke off their suffering bodies! So how can that be heaven for them and us who “follow the lamb wheresoever he goes?” (verse 4). Logically, and knowing what we know about Jesus, we suspect we may be missing the symbolism of a one-time fire of everlasting “destruction.”

Also, if we take it literally, those who worship the beast and its image continue to do so in the flames. So something about taking this literally doesn’t add up with the nature of God, Jesus, and heaven.

The problem with the Western mind is the understanding of the word “forever.” We use it one way, i.e., “without end.” The same with the word “everlasting.” We look at it as it without end. But the Greek word aiōn, translated into English forever, can mean until its purpose is completed. Here is an example to consider.

The Bible uses Sodom and Gomorrah as an example of suffering the “vengeance of eternal fire” Jude 1:7 Yet the flames have gone out and turned into ashes,

“turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly;” 2 Peter 2: 6

So very clearly, we see that there is an example of the fate of the lost. Their fire will have eternal effects…not eternal duration. They will be turned to ashes.

Malachi and other passages confirm that the fate of the lost is being burned to ashes, and there is nothing left of them…no root or branch.

“For behold, the day is coming,
Burning like an oven,
And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble.
And the day which is coming shall burn them up,”
Says the Lord of hosts,
“That will leave them neither root nor branch. Malachi 4:1

Even Satan, himself, will be turned to ashes

“You defiled your sanctuaries By the multitude of your iniquities, By the iniquity of your trading; Therefore I brought fire from your midst; It devoured you, And I turned you to ashes upon the earth In the sight of all who saw you. Ezekiel 28:18

Ask a fireman about an unquenchable file. When they arrive on the scene of a house engulfed in flames, they can’t put it out …it is unquenchable…Consequently, they wait for the flames to die down after doing its work of destruction. An unquenchable fire can’t be put out, but it will eventually die out.

Those who know God personally like they would a loving earthly father feel uncomfortable with the ancient Pagan belief in a vengeful God who tortures unbelievers in flames without end. It doesn’t fit the remainder of the Bible’s description of the love and mercy of a benevolent Father and Son. Many preachers are turning away from the scare tactics of hell to the love expressed in the cross. It is the love, kindness, and mercy that leads people to Christ.


And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.”

John 12: 22


And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” Jeremiah 31:3

Pastors, draw people to Jesus this way without the scare tactics and you will see revival in your church. Show His mercy, and eagerness to forgive. Lift Him up! Be like Paul when he said to unruly church at Corinth:

For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 1

Corinthians 2:2


Sorry for the long answer. Please read part 3 of this series which explains some of the difficult verses…https://www.answersfromscriptureonline.com/2019/02/01/the-fate-of-the-lost-part-3-difficult-verses/

Reasons to Believe

CONTEXT-PART 6-LUKE’S PARABLES SUMMARIZED

Leave a comment

Luke recorded the most parables (25). Eighteen of them are unique among the gospel writers. One of those is the Rich Man and Lazarus…the most misunderstood of all the parables. This will be reviewed next time.

As I studied each parable I put them in a chart. By doing so, I noticed a pattern. This pattern consisted of these three points:

1.) There was an instance or question that prompted Jesus to respond. The context for His response is critical in understanding the point of the parable.

2.) The parable was not an actual event nor actual people. They were not the focus of the parable. The story is used like an example to illustrate a truth about the kingdom of God.

3.) The point of the story most often comes at the end, where Jesus usually speaks it plainly. However, in a few instances, it is not explained especially when it is against the religious leaders and even Israel itself.

As human beings, we learn best by seeing or hearing examples. These parables fall into that category of learning. But, as I soon discovered, there are different types of hearers! Some listeners would hear and respond and become followers. Some would hear and not give it another thought. They would go on their merry way. While others didn’t understand the parable at all.

Below are my notes from each parable in Luke. For maximum benefit, please prayerfully read the parable then compare with my short notes. My emphasis is on the context and the message. These parables are of no use unless we hear (understand) and apply them personally.

The series of parable recorded by Luke ends with the parable of the fig tree and the need to watch for signs of His second coming. Deception will be involved so we need to test every claim against God’s word.

Beware of relying on headings in your Bible to locate parables. A parable of Jesus It is always found in the context and structure of Jesus teaching. Headings were not part of the oldest manuscripts. In fact, there was no paragraphs or punctuation in those ancient writings. They are for organizational purposes only. Just because a section is not marked as a parable, does not mean it is not.

Probably one of the most interesting and debated parables is the one about the Rich Man and Lazarus. Only Luke records this parable. I have heard well-known pastors assert that this is not a parable, but an actual event. I will discuss this more in the next (and last) blog on this topic of Context. But, for now, let’s contemplate the power of context by understanding Jesus’ parables and the application of His teaching about the kingdom of God.

Following is a summary of each one of the parables in this useful chart. Next time we will discuss the most misunderstood parable of all these parables.

TitleTrigger
(Context)		Message
Sower
8:4-7		Large crowd. Universal messageExplained to the disciples in 8: 11-17. Good soil…good hearers who produce fruit. Danger to those who give up due to trials and allowing Satan to take it away.
Covering up the lamp
8: 16-18		Likely a continuation from the previous parable. Spoken only to His disciples.“nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light.”
Good Samaritan 10: 25-28A lawyer asks about what could he do to inherit eternal life. Jesus responded by asking a question. The lawyer answers by quoting the Tora. Jesus explains in detail who is a neighbor.Everyone is a neighbor. When someone who is in need, regardless of who they are, they should be extended mercy and help. Don’t discriminate!
A Midnight Friend
11: 5-8		Disciples wanted Jesus to teach them how to prayPersistence in prayer to God (our friend) will produce results. “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”
Unclean Spirit Goes Away. Seven return
11: 24-26		Jesus accused of casting out demons by Beelzebub (Satan).“the last state of that man is worse than the first.” A clean house (life) unoccupied by God’s Spirit can be dangerous to the person initially made clean.
Lamp of the Body
11: 33-36		Crowd was seeking a sign. Jesus gave them the sign of Jonah, queen of the south and Solomon.Be careful that the light in you is not darkness. What you think is truth is really error. If you have light with no darkness, it will be made known to others and yourself.
Sparrows Worth VS the worth of humans
12: 4-7		A very large crowd gathers and Jesus starts by telling his disciples to beware of the “leaven of the Pharisees.”Don’t fear what man can do you, even up to killing your body. They can kill the body but can’t kill soul, but God can. It is more important to fear God. Notice that the soul is not immortal. It can be killed by the Lord. You are more important than a sparrow.
Rich Fool
12: 13-21		“Then one from the crowd said to Him, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.’” ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you (for thinking only of yourself);…“So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Do not worry about your life, what you shall eat… “Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.”
Faithful and Unfaithful Servant
12: 35-48		After the parable above (Rich Fool), Jesus turns to the disciples. It appears to be for them only (see v. 41) “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.… For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.“
Barren Fig Tree
13: 6-9		Some present told Jesus about the recent slaughter of the Galileans by Pilate and the accident of the tower at Siloam. By Jesus answer, they seem to think these were judgements of God, which He denies. His answer clarifies what is necessary in each person’s life (ie repent or perish.)The fig tree Israel) bore no fruit for three years. The owner wanted to cut it down, but the keeper of the vineyard wanted a little more time (God’s patience and grace toward Israel). This time indicates that Israel would bear no fruit and would be cut down. Just as God was patient with Israel for 3 1/2 years of His physical visitation, God is patient with us to bear fruit. If not, we will be cut down (perish)
Mustard Seed
13: 18-19		The ruler of the Synagogue was indignant because Jesus healed a woman on the Sabbath of an infirmity she had for eighteen years Kingdom of God is compared to a small seed that grows into a large tree where all of creation is benefited by it. A place to rest (nest). Israel had become exclusive and isolated itself from the rest of the world. They were hypocrites. For the individual, we should become like the tree where people can come and be at rest.
Leaven
13: 20-21		Same context as above. Jesus continuesThe leaven represents what happens with the kingdom of God it (yeast) begins to permeate after being introduced into society (dough).
Man invited to a party chooses best seat 14: 7-14Jesus had healed on the Sabbath. He noticed how people chose the best seats when they came to the Sabbath dinner held by one of the rulers of the Pharisees. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”
Great Supper
14: 15-24		At the same dinner as explained above, a guest responds to Jesus parables by saying, “Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!” Various people make excuses because they are so busy and obviously uninterested in the supper (God’s kingdom). Those making excuses are the people of God who have been blessed by Him. So the invitation goes out to the lower rung of society, those who appear to be unblessed. (the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind.). “I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.’ ”
Salt
14: 34-35		Great multitude following after Jesus. Jesus explains how they can become His disciple. They must leave all to follow Him and to “bear His cross.”Discipleship without devotion is like worthless salt that has lost its taste. It is worthless. “ It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill (rubbish heap), but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
Lost Sheep
15: 1-7		Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.”I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.
Who are the real sinners? Those who feel they don’t need to repent.
Lost Coin 15 8-10Continuation of the above“…there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Lost Son
15: 11-32
Continuation of the above “your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’ ”
Unjust Steward
15: 1-13 		Still in the context above, but He
turns to His disciples 		 “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”
Rich Man and Lazarus
15: 19-31		Pharisees (who loved money) heard the parables above and turn their noses up at Jesus.If they did not understand Scriptures (Moses and Prophets)They would not believe in Jesus even if He rose from the dead.  ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’ ”
Persistent Widow
18: 1-8		Jesus had just told His disciples about the nature of His second coming“men always ought to pray and not lose heart, … when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
Pharisee and the Tax Collector
18: 9:14		Same as above “…everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
 Minas
19: 11-27		He spoke another parable, because He was near Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately.For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.  But bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and slay them before me.’ ”
Wicked Vinedressers and the Cornerstone 20: 9-19chief priests and the scribes, together with the elders, confronted Him “He will come and destroy those vinedressers and give the vineyard to others.”…Whoever falls on that stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.”
Fig Tree
21: 29-33		Disciples were showing (bragging) about the temple in Jerusalem. Jesus responds by telling them it would be destroyed. Then He talked about the signs and the nature of His second coming. He told them to beware of deception about His return.Watch for the signs!
 “When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near.“

Hell, What is God Like?

The Bible’s teaching on the Fate of the lost (Part 1)

2 Comments

The Rich Man and Lazarus

Luke 16: 19-31 (NIV)

 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.  At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores  and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.

 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.  In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.  So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’

 “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.  And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’

 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them,so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’

 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’

 “ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’

 “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ”

Much argument has taken place over whether the words of Jesus in Luke 16:19-31 were intended to be understood literally or as a parable. Some Christians feel that in this story, Jesus was offering His hearers a glimpse of what existence in the afterlife is like.

Others, citing numerous passages of Scripture that seem to contradict the portrayal of heaven and hell contained in this passage, feel that Jesus was teaching an altogether different kind of lesson. Unfortunately, many modern religious teachers have isolated the story from its original context and used it as a device for scaring people. Religious “conversions” resulting from a fear of hell as it is depicted in this passage have indeed occurred, but are based on a foundation sorely in need of the strength that comes only from a genuine appreciation of God’s character and a proper understanding of Scripture. To begin this study, we’ll take a closer look at just what a parable really is, and then examine the setting in which Jesus told this story. Perhaps then we will better understand what lessons there are for us in the story of the rich man and Lazarus.

The Random House College Dictionary describes a parable as “a short, allegorical story designed to convey a truth or moral lesson.” Cruden’s Complete Concordance further expands this concept, saying that parables in the Bible were used “more generally than elsewhere.” We know that the Bible writers used situations both imaginary—as in the trees asking the bramble to be king over them (Judges 9:8-15)—and realistic in parables. Whatever form the parable took, it was only a vehicle for the moral lesson being taught.

Jesus recognized the value of parables in teaching the people. He desired to stimulate their deepest thought and contemplation, and He knew that if He spoke too literally, certain of His hearers would quickly forget His words. Not only that, but others, for whom certain of His parables contained stern rebuke, would be so angered by straight speaking that they would attempt to silence Him by violence. Wise as a serpent but harmless as a dove, Jesus recalled the words of Isaiah 6:9 and told His disciples,

“Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.”

Luke 8:10.

Cruden’s Concordance explains: “Our Saviour in the gospels often speaks to the people in parables. He made use of them to veil the truth from those who were not willing to see it. Those who really desired to know would not rest till they had found out the meaning.”

It was Jesus custom to talk to the people with parables.

It is appropriate here to ask to whom Jesus was speaking in Luke 16:19-31. Which category of people was He dealing with? The last verse before Jesus’ voice begins in this passage tells us.

  “And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.” 

Luke 16: 14

Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees, a class of men who were notorious all through the Gospels for their refusal to deal honestly with Him and the truths He taught.

We can be sure that of all the people Jesus taught, none were handled more guardedly than the wily Pharisees. They dealt in deception and subterfuge, but Jesus dealt with them wisely and truthfully. The safest way for Him to do this was by parable and allegory. Evidence that they did not understand many of His teachings can be found in Jesus’ prayer:

“I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hath revealed them unto babes.”

Luke 10:21,

Mark 4:33, 34 clearly shows that Jesus’ lessons were almost invariably couched in parables:

“And with many such parables spake he the word unto them: as they were able to hear it. But without a parable spake he not unto them; and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.”

Mark 4: 33, 34

The rich man and Lazarus is at the end of a long list of parables that start in Luke chapter 14:7 before he turns to the disciples and begins to speak to them plainly.

Now we are ready to examine the story of the rich man and Lazarus itself, and try to ascertain the real message Jesus was seeking to convey through it.

“There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.”

Luke 16:19-21.

Who was the symbolic rich man? The Jews had been blessed above measure by a knowledge of God and his plan of salvation for all mankind. They had received

“the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises.”

Romans 9:4.

Only a Jew would pray to “Father Abraham,” as we find the rich man doing later in the story. The Jewish nation was clearly represented by this character.

By contrast, Lazarus symbolized all those people in spiritual poverty—the Gentiles—with whom the Israelites were to share their heritage. The words of Isaiah were well known to the Jews.

“I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.”

Isaiah 49:6.

Unfortunately, the Jews had not shared their spiritual wealth with the Gentiles at all. Instead, they considered them as “dogs” that would have to be satisfied with the spiritual crumbs falling from their masters’ tables. The metaphor was known. Jesus had used it before in testing the faith of the Canaanite woman.

“It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs.” She responded accordingly: “Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ tables.”

Matthew 15:26, 27.

The rich Jews had hoarded the truth, and in so doing, they had corrupted themselves. Only moments before relating this parable, Jesus had rebuked the Pharisees for their spiritual conceit.

“Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.”

Luke 16:15.

What was to be the result of this terrible conceit?

“And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.”

Luke 16:22-26.

The Jews had enjoyed “the good life” while on earth but had done nothing to bless or enrich their neighbors. No further reward was due.

“Woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger.”

Luke 6:24, 25.

Conversely, the poor in spirit, symbolized by Lazarus, would inherit the kingdom of heaven. The Gentiles who hungered and thirsted after righteousness would be filled. The “dogs” and sinners, so despised by the self-righteous Pharisees, would enter heaven before they would.

“Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.”

Matthew 21:31.

The parable concludes with the rich man begging for his brethren to be warned against sharing his fate. Asking Abraham to send Lazarus on this mission, he alleges

“if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.” Abraham replies,

Luke 16:30.

“If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.”

Verse 31.

Jesus thus rebuked the Pharisees for their disregard of the Scriptures, foreseeing that even a supernatural event would not change the hearts of those who persistently rejected the teachings of “Moses and the prophets.”

The miracle of raising the real-life Lazarus from the dead soon afterward confirmed the accuracy of Jesus’ conclusion. One did rise from the dead, yet the brothers of the “rich man” did not repent. In fact, the Pharisees even plotted to kill Lazarus after his resurrection. His very life was a reminder to them of their own hypocrisy.

Today many Christians believe that the story of the rich man and Lazarus is a historical account of two individuals’ literal experiences in the afterlife. Based on this belief, some people teach that those who are consigned to the fiery torments of hell will never stop burning throughout all eternity. As with the parable of the trees and the bramble (Judges 9:8-15), however, serious problems arise with a literal interpretation of the story elements.

Can we believe that all the saints are even now gathered in Abraham’s bosom? If they are, in whose bosom does Abraham rest? And if there is really a great gulf fixed between heaven and hell, how could the rich man possibly have been heard by Abraham? Perhaps more disturbing, how could the saints enjoy the comforts of heaven while enduring the cries of the wicked being tormented?

Another dilemma that arises with a literal interpretation of this story could be called “the mystery of the empty graves.” If this is taken literally, apparently neither of the two leading characters spent very long in the grave—both being whisked away rather quickly to their respective places of reward. Their bodies obviously came along, for we find the rich man lifting up his eyes, and desiring to have his tongue cooled by a drop of water from the finger of Lazarus who was resting, as we have seen, in Abraham’s bosom. Enough graves have been exhumed in recent years to know that the bodies of the deceased are carried neither to heaven or hell after burial. They finally turn to dust and await the resurrection.

From these few examples, we begin to see that in this parable, Jesus was not trying to explain the physical realities of the afterlife. Instead, He was referring to the unfaithfulness of the Jews regarding their assigned responsibility. As stewards of the special message of truth, they utterly failed to share it with the Gentiles, who were eager to hear it. In fact, the entire chapter of Luke 16 is devoted to the subject of stewardship.

Beginning in verse one, Christ gave another parable about stewardship of money or property. “There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.” After dealing with the principle of being entrusted with material goods, Jesus opened up the issue of being entrusted with the truth. By the parable of another rich man, He graphically illustrated how they had proven just as unfaithful with spiritual riches as the steward had been unfaithful with physical wealth.

To attempt to stretch the parable of the rich man and Lazarus to cover the doctrine of hellfire is to miss the point Jesus intended to convey. The Bible speaks with unmistakable clarity on the subject of hell in many other places. Nowhere do the Scriptures teach that the wicked will continue to suffer in the fires of hell through the ceaseless ages of eternity. Rather, they will be utterly destroyed. Jesus never would have compromised the integrity of the Holy Scriptures by teaching a doctrine contrary to its own overwhelming testimony on the subject.

The truth about hell may be ascertained by examining even a few of the many Bible texts that speak directly on the subject. Before examining these, however, we must remember that

“the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life.”

Romans 6:23.

There are only two alternatives for every soul. Those who accept Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice will live forever; those who do not accept Jesus will die. If the wicked suffered without end, eternal life—however painful—would be theirs. But we know that eternal life is available only to those who accept Jesus.

Consider these clear texts of Scripture that speak of the reward of the wicked:

“But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.”

Psalm 37:20.

“For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.”

Malachi 4:1.

“And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts.” Malachi 4:3.

“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Matthew 10:28.

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.”

2 Peter 3:10.

“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 21:8.

Many other texts could be cited, but these clearly illustrate that the ultimate fate of the wicked is death. Notice that the Scriptures choose the strongest possible words to describe the complete annihilation of the wicked. In no way should these clear words be misunderstood by one who honestly desires to know truth. There is a fire reserved for the wicked, but a fire so hot it will utterly destroy all who are engulfed by it. When the fire has done its work, it will go out. Eternally burning fire is not taught anywhere in the Bible—not even in the story of the rich man and Lazarus. (Some people have wondered what the expression “for ever” means in the usage of Revelation 20:10. Other similar passages demonstrate this merely to mean as long as a person lives. See Exodus 21:6; 1 Samuel 1:22; Jonah 2:6, etc. Also, the expression “eternal fire” may be understood in terms of consequences rather than duration, as in the example of Sodom and Gomorrha in Jude 7).

(We will talk more about this next time.)

It would be tragic to miss the actual point of the parable by removing it from the setting in which Jesus gave it. Let’s accept the lesson He was trying to teach and apply it to our own lives. Are we doing all we can to spread the message of salvation to others? Do we have a genuine love for those around us, and have we invited them to share our spiritual inheritance? If we hoard our riches, like the Jews of old, we will become self-righteous and corrupt. In contrast, by active, loving service, our relationship with Christ as well as with others will become stronger and more meaningful.

Let us not make scary stories the basis of our Christian experience. Instead, let us understand that

“God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

John 3:16.

_________________________________________________

After all of this, the pivotal question must be asked,

Do you know God enough to know that He is a God of mercy and not a God who tortures his creation for rejecting Jesus? …even though He  gave man the freedom to choose.

Choose this day whom you will follow.

Joshua 24:15

Sin comes with its own penalty….eternal and non-ending death. This is in itself mercy. The sinner gives in to the carnal nature and chooses a life of pleasurable sin and its ultimate penalty of death rather than a born-again life of service in Christ that brings satisfaction and real joy.  The rebel to God’s Spirit will one day cease to exist in the lake of fire.  They choose this world and its temporary pleasures rather than Jesus and His eternal riches of life and discovery.

It is not what your choose, but rather who.  If you choose Jesus, then eternal life is yours.  Will you choose Him today?

I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;

Deuteronomy 30:19

Much thanks to Doug Batchelor with Amazing Facts