Who will be the residents of Hell/Gehenna?
(Num 11: 25-29; Ps 19: 8-14; James 5: 1-6; Mk 9: 38-43, 45, 47-48)
Fr Nelson Lobo OFM Cap
Introduction: It is neither popular nor palatable to preach about hell. In modern times one hardly hears any sermon about going to hell. Many don’t even believe in the existence of hell. No matter what we choose to believe the reality of hell is real as it is stated by Jesus in today’s gospel. The Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms the existence of hell and its eternity. Hell is the “state of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed….” (CCC 1033) Furthermore, the Catechism states, “The teaching of the Church affirms the existence of hell and its eternity. Immediately after death, the souls of those who die in a state of mortal sin descend into hell, where they suffer the punishments of hell, ‘eternal fire’” (CCC 1035). Let’s reflect on today’s gospel reading a bit deeper.
How do we cause one of these “little ones” to sin?
The “little ones” Jesus speaks about in the Gospel can refer to those new in faith, new converts or to little children who are growing in faith and love of Christ. In both cases the good example of the adult Christian is very important. Many times our unconscious behaviour can lead others away from God. A few examples of unconscious unchristian behaviour.
- When we do not pray in crucial moments of our life, we teach the little ones, that God doesn’t answer prayer anymore. A child asked his father. “Dad, is God dead?” “Why of course not. Why would you ask such a question, my child?” said the father. The child responded, “Because you don’t talk to him like before.”
- When we don’t read God’s Word, we teach the little ones, that His word is no longer relevant.
- When we don’t tell others about Jesus’ love, we teach the little ones that witnessing is out of fashion.
- When we sin and don’t repent/no confession, we teach the “little ones” that God’s standards are “optional.”
How many Christians believe in hell?
Someone said, it’s better for us to literally be without part of our body and have a fire in our spirit than to have all of our body and be dead in our spirit.
In a survey, it was determined that 35% of Baptists; 54% of Presbyterians, 58% of Methodists, and 60% of Episcopalians DO NOT Believe in a literal place called HELL! 71% of the 8 leading seminaries in the United States Do Not Believe in either Heaven or Hell. Dr. A. C. Dixon stated, “If we had more preaching on Hell, then we would have Less of it in our communities!”
Today, Hell is thought of as a Joke! The English word for “Hell” appears in the Bible 54 times. In the New Testament alone, the “eternality of Hell” occurs 126 times; while Jesus spoke of Heaven only once, He spoke of Hell eleven (11) times!
What is the understanding of Hell?
- Eternal Association with the Wicked (2 Pet. 2:4; 9; Rev. 21:8). Hell was not created for mankind, but rather for the devil and his angels; as well as the Beast & False Prophet (Rev. 20).
- Eternal Darkness (2 Pet. 2:4; 17; Jude 13; Mt. 8:12). In Egypt, (Ex. 10:21-23), the Bible says that Darkness was felt by people during the plagues upon the land.
- Eternal Death (Rev. 20:13-14). It is quite obvious that at that time, There Will Be NO Second Chances! No More Hope of Being Saved! This death does not mean annihilation or extinction; It means Separation from LIGHT!
- Unspeakable Sorrow-Mk. 9; Matt. 13; Lk. 13; and many other passages speak of the awful sorrows that will be in Hell! Bitter, Biting, Burning Remorse & Memory (Lk. 16) Dan. 12:2 speaks about shame and everlasting contempt.”
- Unsatisfied desires (Lk. 16) Like the rich man in Hell thirsting for just a drop of water to cool his parched tongue, YOU too will have cravings that will never be satisfied.
- Despair & Hopelessness (Mt. 25:41; 46; Rev. 14:10-11) One thing that is clearly taught in the Scriptures – Hell is Forever and Ever and Ever!
- Unquenchable Flame of Fire (Matt. 13:41-42; 49-50).
- Sounds produced by those in Hell (Mk. 9; Matt. 13). The flesh worms eating at one’s flesh! The Weeping and Wailing and Gnashing of Teeth!
If Hell is real, and it is, then who will be there?
Jesus tells us very plainly why Hell was created. It was designed as a place of eternal punishment for Satan and his demonic followers (Mt. 25:41). And, we know that at the end of the Tribulation Period, Satan, along with the Antichrist and the False Prophet will be cast into Hell (Rev. 20:10). But, there are others in Hell! Jude speaks of certain angels “which kept not their first estate” as being in Hell (Jude 6). Is Hell then just a place for spiritual beings who have rebelled against God? No! In Matthew 25:41, Jesus sends a group of people away into Hell! In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus tells us the story of a rich man who died and went to Hell. The Bible is clear about who will be in Hell. Psalm 9:17 tells us that the “wicked will be turned into Hell”. The bottom line is this: everyone who rejects God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ will go to Hell (Jn 8:24; 2 Thes. 1:9-10).
What Is the Saddest Thing about Going to Hell?
The Saddest Thing About Going to Hell Is – realizing that you don’t have to go there!
How to avoid the road going to Hell?
1. Recognize the fact that you are a sinner – Rom. 3:10; 23; Rom. 5:12.
2. Understand the penalty that God has placed on sin – Rom. 6:23.
3. Know what God did to save you from your sins – Rom. 5:6-9.
4. Turn from your sins, make confession and place your faith in Jesus alone for your salvation – Rom. 10:9-13.
5. God’s plan of salvation is as simple as pure faith in Jesus: Eph. 2:8-9; Acts 16:31; Jn 3:16; Jn 6:47; Jn 5:25.