In a recent sermon, Pastor Jennings delved into the biblical understanding of Hell, responding to a query that had piqued the curiosity of many believers. The question, posed in a letter, sought clarification on passages from the Book of Revelation and the Gospel of Luke, and asked whether sinners go straight to Hell upon death.
The inquiry read: “Pastor Jennings, I greet you in the mighty name of Jesus, our soon coming King. I would like to ask you a question about Hell. Could you explain to me Revelation chapter 20, verses 13 to 15, and Saint Luke chapter 16, verses 23 through 25? Does a sinner go straight to Hell when they die? Is Hell real right now? May God bless you and preach the true word of God.”
The Revelation of Hell
Pastor Jennings began his explanation by reading Revelation 20:13-15:
“And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and Hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and Hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.”
He emphasized that Hell in this context refers to more than one state or condition. The first Hell is the grave, a temporary place where the body decomposes. However, the second Hell, which is eternal, is described as the Lake of Fire—an endless, bottomless pit where souls are eternally tormented.
Differentiating Hell and the Grave
To further elucidate, Pastor Jennings referred to Acts 2:31, which speaks of Jesus’ resurrection:
“He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in Hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.”
Here, he clarified that “Hell” refers to the grave, emphasizing that Jesus’ soul was not abandoned in the grave, and His resurrection signifies victory over death.
The Eternal Hell
Pastor Jennings then shifted to Deuteronomy 32:21-22, to explain the concept of the eternal Hell:
“They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation. For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest Hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.”
He described this Hell as a place of eternal fire, kindled by God’s anger, which consumes and burns endlessly. This Hell is not just a grave but an eternal place of punishment.
The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus
Lastly, Pastor Jennings addressed Luke 16:23-25, the parable of the rich man and Lazarus:
“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.”
He explained that this parable illustrates the fate of those who live without regard for God. The rich man, in eternal torment, represents those who put their trust in earthly wealth rather than in God. This Hell is a place of conscious suffering, where the soul is fully aware of its torment and separation from the divine.
Conclusion
Pastor Jennings concluded by urging believers to repent and turn to God, emphasizing that eternal Hell is a reality for those who reject God’s commandments. He warned that wealth and earthly possessions hold no value in the face of eternal judgment. His sermon served as a stark reminder of the importance of living a life in accordance with God’s will, to avoid the dire consequences of eternal damnation.
In addressing these profound questions about Hell, Pastor Jennings provided clarity and insight, encouraging his congregation to reflect on their spiritual lives and their relationship with God.
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