Who's Your One?: A Story of Hell
Who’s Your One? (Part IV)
THE STORY OF HELL
Luke 16:19-26 (ESV) 19 “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. 24 And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’
Have you ever wondered how many more years do you still have on earth before death comes and delivers you to your final destination? Once I read a story of a teacher who wanted to compel her students to think about the shortness of life. So, she decided to write on the board the number 25, 550 for her students to see when they arrived for class. Soon one of the students asked the teacher why that number was there. She explained that the number represented the number of days in the life of a person who lives to be 70, according to Psalm 90:10. And, since most of you in this room have lived 16 years, 5,840 days are gone; and only God knows how many more days are left in your brief journey on earth.
Time and again, we need to face this unavoidable reality that none of us have any control over death taking over our lives and ushering us into our eternal destiny. Hebrews 9:27 clearly talks about this:
27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,
The words “appointed” and “judgment” here are the keywords we should highlight. For “appointed,” it simply means that the God who lent us our lives has determined the length of our years here on earth. It is not for us to decide how long we want to live here. While the word “judgment” carries the certainty that after life on earth is over, we will all stand before God, who is the ultimate judge to determine whether we will inherit heaven or will be condemned to go to hell.
Often, my fear is that we don’t talk about this reality enough. We don’t put up the red flag before our loved ones and friends regarding the great risk of ignoring the reality of heaven and hell. Don’t get me wrong; I am not saying that this becomes our primary way of pointing people to Jesus Christ. But we should not also move away from dealing with these topics. Of course, I know for a fact that many people don’t enjoy talking about death and the possible destination of either heaven or hell. However, there’s a time for people to confront these truths and adequately prepare for them.
Just like Jesus Christ, He dealt with these topics with great clarity. For example, the passage we will be studying this morning is one of the direct references for these topics. And if you notice, I will particularly use this text to talk about hell. I know I will probably make some of you uncomfortable because nowadays more and more people are denying its existence. The most prominent argument against the belief of it is often stated as a question: “Can a loving God really send people to suffer in hell for eternity?” Well, my answer to this question is two-fold:
The Bible taught about “hell.” – In the New Testament alone, there are about 162 direct references to hell, and 70 of them came from Jesus. It is still safer to believe the Bible than any interpreter of it.
God is not sending people to hell; it is the people who are choosing to go to hell – The Bible is quite clear that it was the decision of Adam and Eve to disobey the Lord (Genesis 3), and the rest of the human race joined in their rebellion.
Romans 1:18,21,25 (ESV) 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 25 [B]ecause they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
It will not help us in any way to deny hell’s existence. It will only put so many people at greater risk, especially those who are still without Jesus Christ in their lives. This is the main reason why we would like to conclude our sermon series “Who’s Your One?” by emphasizing “The Story of Hell.” Here is the truth for us – one of the most compelling reasons why we should share Jesus Christ is because we care about our loved ones and friends. We don’t want them to end up suffering in hell for eternity. Now, in order to expound this theme, I would like to tackle three important principles from the text:
I OUR DECISION TODAY WILL DETERMINE OUR DESTINY (vv. 19-21)
This story about the rich man and Lazarus is quite familiar. If you consider the context of this story, the Lord had been talking about financial stewardship in Luke chapter 16; and He was exposing the greediness of the Pharisees that was often hidden beneath the guise of serving God. Notice verses 13-14:
Luke 16:13-14 (ESV) 13 No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” 14 The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him.
In other words, no one can be so in love of money and love God at the same time. It is because both require absolute loyalty. And the Pharisees did not like that conclusion.
Well, going to our text, we have the story of a rich man and Lazarus. Jesus Christ did not intentionally name the rich man. Instead, He talked about how rich he was:
How extravagantly he dressed himself (“who was clothed in purple and fine linen”). By the way, the color and quality of his clothing represent royal living—he wore expensive clothes only.
How luxuriously he ate (“who feasted sumptuously every day”).
On the other hand, we have the poor man, Lazarus. Besides the fact that the only way he could eat was to beg for the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table, he was also full of wounds that the dogs loved licking.
With these two characters, why is it that Jesus Christ named only Lazarus? It is because the name “Lazarus” has some significance with regard to his destiny. You see, the name Lazarus specifically means, “God is my helper” or “In God I trust.” Evidently, Lazarus was a man who acknowledged that he needed to trust God in order for him to survive all the difficulties of life. His faith in God, without a doubt, carried him into his eternal destiny.
In contrast, we have the rich man. It is important that we all understand that he was not condemned to hell because he was rich. Obviously, he went to hell because during his time on earth, he ignored God and lived his life, focusing only on enjoying his riches. How do we know this? Well, it is clearly demonstrated by his careless disregard for the well-being of Lazarus. You see, if the rich man acknowledged God and loved Him, he could not live in luxury and comfort, while Lazarus, another human being was outside his front door, depending only on his crumbs to eat. No one can be so greedy and profess to love God. Remember the words of James:
James 1:27 (ESV) 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
Notice, according to this verse, pure and true religion is demonstrated in caring for the orphans and widows who represent the most vulnerable people during those times.
So, let me emphasize our principle again – Our decision today will determine our destiny. Lazarus decided to live believing in God; while the rich man decided to live for himself. So, when they died, Lazarus went to heaven, and the rich man went to hell. Without a doubt, there are only two designated places for our eternal existence – either heaven or hell. Jesus reinforces this truth by saying:
John 3:36 (NKJV) 36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."
II OUR DEATH WILL COME WHETHER WE ARE RICH OR POOR (v. 22)
I won’t spend a lot of time here, but I just want to emphasize the fact that death is no respecter of anyone. Both the poor man and the rich man ended up dying.
Now, we probably would not have a problem with the poor man dying. With his lack of food and inadequate medical attention, he was so susceptible to death. But for the rich man, who had everything, perhaps having the best medical care at that time, we probably won’t expect it to happen. But he also died despite his riches.
I hope we get the message loud and clear: there is no way we will be able to escape death. Sooner or later, it would come and deliver us to the next life. Looking at the death of Lazarus and the rich man, we can also highlight the differences:
First, when Lazarus died, he didn’t even have a decent burial. During those times, since poor people can’t afford a gravesite, their bodies will be brought outside the city walls where the common garbage was dumped and they were burned there. But I hope you won’t miss this statement in verse 22, Lazarus “was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side.” In other words, as soon as Lazarus breathed his last breath, angels came, ministered to him, and brought him to heaven. The reference to “Abraham’s side” simply speaks of a place of honor because Abraham is recognized as the father of the Hebrew race. This is one of the clearest verses that talk about what happens to believers when they die. Angels would come to pick them up and accompany them to heaven into the glorious presence of God.
Then, the rich man also died – “The rich man also died and was buried.” Obviously, since he can afford a proper burial, he had the privilege of having one. His friends and loved ones probably spent enough time to eulogize him and talked about how they enjoyed his company while he was with them. However, all the earthly accolades will never change the fact that he ended up in hell in the next life.
Honestly, for people who don’t have Jesus Christ in their life, death is absolutely a dreadful experience. The only way that fear can be removed from the encounter of death is through faith in Jesus Christ. The author of Hebrews talked about this truth:
Hebrews 2:14-15 (ESV) 14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.
III OUR DESTINY WILL BE FINAL (vv. 23-31)
After Lazarus and the rich man found themselves in their eternal destiny, the story went on to teach us some important truths about hell. Although heaven was referred here, it is evident that the main discussion was about hell and the severe suffering of the rich man.
Today, in America, this topic on hell is not popular because fewer people believe it exists. A poll was taken in America asking if they believe in hell. In 2001, 71 percent of Americans said, “We believe in hell.” In 2008, seven short years, it’s changed from 71 percent. Now only 59 percent of Americans believe in hell.
However, Jesus tells a story that gives us at least four facts about hell:
Hell is a place of consciousness.
Contrary to the teachings that once you die, you simply cease to exist (annihilated), or you enter a state of unconsciousness (soul sleep), the rich man in hell was totally conscious. He felt the torment in hell, he saw Lazarus being comforted in heaven, and he requested Abraham to send Lazarus to relieve him of his suffering. In fact, Abraham even reminded him of how he lived his life on earth. Imagine, added to the torment that comes from the lake of fire in hell, there is also the mental torture wherein you can remember how comfortable your life was while you were on earth. Perhaps, you can also remember all the missed opportunities you had to believe in God and be saved. Tragic, right? This is the reason why Jesus said:
Mark 8:36 (ESV) 36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?
Hell is a place of torment.
In verses 23-24, the story tells us that the rich man suffered torment because of the flame in hell. Do you know that there are people today who are asking if this flame is coming from a literal fire in hell? Well, both Old and New Testament testify about it:
Isaiah 33:14 (ESV) 14 The sinners in Zion are afraid; trembling has seized the godless: “Who among us can dwell with the consuming fire? Who among us can dwell with everlasting burnings?”
Matthew 25:41 (ESV) 41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
Notice, in the book of Isaiah you find words like “consuming fire” and “everlasting burnings.” Then, from the teachings of Jesus Himself, he talked about “eternal fire.” These references ought to be enough to indicate the torment in hell. But I still have one more verse for you:
Mark 9:47-48 (ESV) 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, 48 ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’
Clearly, hell will also be a place where worms will never die, and these will be crawling all over those are being tormented in hell.
Hell is a place where transfer is not allowed.
In the passage, specifically verse 24, the rich man begged Abraham if it was possible for Lazarus to dip his finger in water and be allowed to go to him, so he can help relieve him of his suffering. However, in verse 26, Abraham said it was not possible because of a “great chasm” that is fixed, so that transferring is not possible. If one is in heaven, he cannot go and visit hell. Or if one is in hell, he cannot move to heaven.
We need to remember this teaching because it totally argues against the possibility of hope after death. Unfortunately, there are those who were made to believe that if they will offer enough prayers for their loved ones who have gone before them, the possibility of transfer could happen. Also, there are other Christian denominations that offer baptism for the dead—meaning, if you want your loved one who died to transfer to heaven, you can be baptized on his or her behalf. Again, this is not true.
What you find in the passage is so clear that once you get to heaven or hell, this will be your final and eternal destiny. Transfer will no longer be permitted.
Hell is a place where deep concern for the lost is expressed.
The last truth will come from the words in verses 27-31:
Luke 16:27-31 (ESV) 27 And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house— 28 for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ 29 But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’”
You see, while the rich man was in hell, he suddenly remembered that he still has five brothers who can end up in hell if they don’t get saved while living on earth. So he requested Abraham to send Lazarus to them.
The rich man who understood the severe torment in hell has expressed deep concern for his loved ones. Unfortunately, this is exactly what most believers often take for granted. We forget the terrible reality of hell and the urgency of winning our loved ones and friends who can end up there because they don’t know Jesus Christ. Listen, those who are in hell believe in evangelism because they know exactly how serious they are suffering there.
What was Abraham’s response? It was not possible for Lazarus to go to the rich man’s house. But he reminded him that they have “Moses and the Prophets” there to witness to them. Now, you might be asking, “How about today? Do we have Moses and the Prophets to warn people about hell? Yes, we have them. Listen to these words:
Luke 24:44-48 (ESV) 44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.
The truth is that Moses and the Prophets wrote about Jesus Christ. He has already accomplished His work of salvation. So, every one of us who know Him must be faithful witnesses of Him in order to help people escape hell. If people reject Christ, then, there is no hope for them because Jesus is the only way, the truth and the life. No one will go to the Father except through Him (John 14:6).
As we conclude our theme: Who’s Your One? Our task to be His witnesses is so critical because people’s souls are at stake. I’m sure we don’t want to see any one of the people we care about to miss heaven and go to hell. I pray that we can win them one by one while we still have time.