By David J. Stewart | February 2009
Luke 12:5, “But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.”
Many
people foolishly think that “hell” is this earthly life with all it's
burdens and problems. That is not so. Others think that “hell” merely means
grave and that there is no life beyond physical death. Again, that is not
so. The Bible teaches something entirely different and frightening.
Jesus said in Luke 12:5 that men ought to FEAR GOD, because “after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell.” The Word of God plainly differentiates between physical death and Hell in Luke 12:5. Jesus said that after God the Father hath killed the BODY, He also HATH POWER TO CAST INTO HELL. This is clear Biblical evidence of eternal punishment.
Oh, that men would fear the Lord and obey the Gospel . . . “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.”
Again we read in Matthew 10:28 . . .
“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.”
Men are able to destroy our body; but Jesus said they cannot destroy our soul. God however is fully able to DESTROY BOTH SOUL AND BODY IN HELL. If you believe that the Bible is God's holy Word, then you have to honestly conclude that Hell means eternal punishment. Certainly, this life has it's share of hellish experiences; but we must not make the grave mistake of denying the Biblical doctrine of eternal damnation for those who die in their sins without Jesus Christ as Savior. Jesus clearly stated that God can do far more than just kill a person's body—He can cast that person's body and soul into Hell.
Here we have two Scripture references concerning everlasting fire. Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses may argue the meaning of Hell; but how do they explain away all the Bible's warnings on eternal fire (Jude 1:7), everlasting fire, the bottomless pit, fire and brimstone (Revelation 21:8)?
Mathew 18:8 and 25:41, “Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. ... Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.”
Notice the stern warning in Psalm 9:17 concerning eternal punishment . . .
“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.”
If hell is merely the grave, then Psalm 9:17 makes no sense, for why would God warn the wicked about hell if the wicked and the righteous to the same place? Clearly, the context of Psalm 9:17 implies that the wicked and the righteousness do NOT go to the same place in eternity. The wicked go to Hell; but the righteous go unto life eternal with the Lord.
Salvation was made freely available to ALL, to WHOSOEVER shall call (appeal unto) upon the name of the Lord (Romans 10:13). Salvation comes by repentance toward God to be forgiven of one's sins by faith in Jesus' name. Acts 10:43, “To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.” Please get off the highway to Hell. I have just shown you the narrow way which leadeth unto life, which few people ever find because of the vail of unbelief over their heart (2nd Corinthians 3:14-17). I beseech you to turn to the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins to be saved.
Revelation 14:11, “And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.”
