Table of Contents
This is Part 2 of lesson #1 in the 10 Ways to be a Stronger Christian series. We learned in the previous lesson, all of us will spend eternity somewhere and to become a stronger Christian we must be passionate for lost souls.
The lessons in this study of 10 Ways to be a Stronger Christian are based on a study I worked through by Rick Renner Ministries.
The precious Word of God states in Romans 8:1 (MEV): There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
Therefore, do not allow the Adversary to bring condemnation for areas throughout this study series where you may be weak. Ask your Heavenly Father to help you become stronger and He will!
Hell Is Just as Real as Heaven
I see us as spiritual beings, Imagers of God, housed in a specifically chosen vessel to carry out the mission of our Creator God. Some of us have forgotten who our Creator is. Others have rebelled and have given their allegiance to Satan and this fallen world dominion.
The Bible is extremely clear when explaining to us that we have only two options to select from for our eternal destination. Our choices are Heaven or Hell. This is why we must be passionate about lost souls.
Jesus stated in Matthew 7:13-14: “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to Hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.
Romans 6:23 clearly states, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Interestingly, statistics show that more people believe in the reality of Heaven than the reality of Hell. Sadly, this includes many Christians.
Everyone is born once, but not everyone is born twice. The fact is, every one of us is born with a sin nature, and we need to be saved out of this satanic world system.
We read in Colossians 1:13 (MEV): He [God our creator] has delivered us from the power of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of His dear Son, (emphasis added).
We must be passionate about lost souls. Otherwise, those who do not accept the free gift of salvation through Christ are headed to Hell. As harsh and unappealing as that may sound, it is a biblical fact (see John 3:16-18).
A Revelation of Hell
One key indicator that a believer is strong is that we love people enough to share the Gospel with them. Regrettably, today, many Christians don’t really believe Hell exists, and therefore, they have no urgent motivation to speak the truth. Furthermore, intellectually, they might agree that such a place exists. But it is more theory to them than reality.
The truth is, if we believed what Jesus taught on numerous occasions, that Hell is indeed a real place, we will take action.
Moreover, instead of passing the days simply talking about the weather, shopping, or the latest Hollywood scandals, we’d prepare ourselves and look for opportunities to share the Gospel with our unsaved family members, friends, and others we come in contact with throughout our lives.
We must be passionate about lost souls! Otherwise, once a person breathes their last breath here, they will slip into eternity. The person who dies, having not repented and invited Jesus into their life, will spend eternity in Hell.
Furthermore, there is nothing that can be done about their eternal destination after that point. There’s no second chance. It’s over and their fate is sealed for all eternity.
As believers, we need a real eye-opening revelation of Hell. This would help I believe, to provide a healthy motivation to shake off our apathy and get us out of our comfort zone. Then, we would shout it from the housetops to the lost around us. Sharing about the wonderful saving grace of Jesus Christ.
Ten Things the New Testament Says About Hell
The four gospels in the New Testament tell us many important things about Hell. Here are ten specific things we are told about Hell. Moreover, most came directly from the lips of Jesus. Hell is a place of/where:
- Outer darkness – Matthew 25:30
- Weeping and gnashing of teeth – Matthew 22:13
- Endless torment – Luke 16:23
- Burning sulfur – Revelation 21:8
- cowards
- unbelievers
- the corrupt
- murderers
- the immoral
- those who practice witchcraft
- idol worshipers
- all liars – are burned forever in a lake of burning sulfur
- Worms never die – Mark 9:44
- Unquenchable fire – Mark 9:43-44
- Described as a great furnace – Revelation 9:2
- There is no rest day or night – Revelation 14:11
- Memories are intact – Luke 16:19-31
- A person can never leave – Luke 16:26
Unthinkable
If we as Christians have a revelation of Hell but do nothing about it, it reveals one of three possibilities.
- One: We don’t really believe it’s the truth
- Two: We lack the compassionate love of Christ.
- Three: Perhaps we are only “Christian” in name only.
To know Hell is a real place and do nothing to warn the unsaved is unthinkable!
Just take a look around you. Every person we see is going somewhere when he or she dies! Our coworkers, the elderly woman next door, the cashier at the store, and each of our family members all have a destiny in eternity. Those who die in Christ will spend eternity with Him in Heaven. Those who die in their sin will spend eternity in Hell unless we become passionate about lost souls.
Jesus Taught Regularly About Hell
Regrettably, as I pointed out above, many Christians today do not really believe in Hell. However, Jesus had a revelation of Hell. Consequently, He taught on the subject of Hell three times more than on the subject of Heaven. Moreover, Jesus is “the authoritative subject expert” on the topic of Hell.
Christ taught about Hell so often that the First Century believers were passionate for lost souls and reached out to people with the saving message of Jesus Christ.
They had a firm belief in the reality of Hell and acted accordingly. They traveled far and wide, warning people of the dangers of Hell and encouraging them with the Good News of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
Why? Because they understood that Jesus was returning soon to establish His kingdom on earth. Therefore, they had a sense of urgency to do everything within their power to prevent people from going to Hell.
Ask yourself, do I have this same urgency?
This is a question I myself struggle with for sure.
God Warns Us to Warn Others
In Ezekiel 3:18- 19, God specifically warns:
If I warn the wicked, saying, ‘You are under the penalty of death,’ but you fail to deliver the warning, they will die in their sins. And I will hold you responsible for their deaths. If you warn them and they refuse to repent and keep on sinning, they will die in their sins. But you will have saved yourself because you obeyed me. (emphasis added).
What happens if we choose not to share the Gospel with the lost people God places in our life? Obviously, He will hold us accountable for not telling them the news that can save them from an eternal destiny in Hell.
However, if we are obedient and share the truth of salvation through Christ and they reject it, the responsibility rests with them.
As Imagers of God, we need to be “Jesus with skin on” to the lost around us. We are to be obedient and share the wonderful news of His saving grace, period. Additionally, what they do with the Good News is between them and Father God. We share in obedience. The Holy Spirit does the work.
What Do Our Actions Show?
In Conclusion, if we are passionate about lost souls and we really believe that there are only two places people will spend eternity, it will affect our actions. Moreover, when we get a revelation that Hell is a real place where unsaved people around us are headed, it will give us a sense of urgency to rise up and do something to help rescue the perishing.
James 2:18 states: Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”
Our works, or actions, reveal what we really believe in our hearts.
This is my heartfelt prayer. Sisters, will you join with me in this prayer?
Heavenly Father,
I desire to be passionate about lost souls. Each person is made in your image and you love them so very much. Stir the embers and help me to love others just as you have loved me.
Holy Spirit I need a revelation of the reality of Hell along with a revelation of the saving power of Jesus Christ. I don’t have a problem envisioning my heavenly home. However, I understand the evil one blinds us to the reality of Hell. It is a horrifying thought to ask for a revelation of such a place. But if it what I need, then so be it, Lord.
Abba, empower me to speak the truth in love and always be ready to give a reason to others about my hope I have in You. In Jesus’ Name, I humbly bow before you, Lord. Not my will but Yours be done in my life. Amen
Questions for Consideration
- What elements had you not heard of after reading through the ten things the New Testament says about Hell?
- Which aspect is most sobering to you?
- How has this knowledge affected your perspective?
- Are you sharing your faith with the lost around you when the Holy Spirit gives you an opportunity?
- If you encountered someone who didn’t know Jesus, who was about to die, and you thought you might never see him or her again, what would you want to say to that person?
God wants you to be ready to respectfully give others a reason for your hope in Christ. Take some time to write what you could briefly share with someone in a situation like this.
Sisters, I hope that this has been an encouragement to reach out to others. Remember God will never leave our side.
Scriptures used are from biblegateway.com and unless otherwise noted, I’m using the New Living Translation (NLT)Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Featured Photo Image is by Mostafa Meraji on Unsplash – Thank You!
