Bible Poetry Reading Plan: Job 41-42
Heaven vs. Hell
Hebrews 6:1-2 Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity,
not laying again the foundation of … the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. (NIV)
Matthew 10:28 … be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in Hell. (NIV)
We have already learned that when Christians die they immediately go to be with the Lord in
Paradise. One day, this Heaven will come down to dwell on the New Earth. The New Earth will
be fresh and teaming with new life and beauty, void of death, decay and disease. Christians will
receive new, youthful and recognizable bodies also void of death, decay, aging or disease. We’ll
enjoy meaningful work and relationships. There will be nations, states and cities. But does
everyone go to Heaven? Jesus didn’t teach that everyone will be saved in the end (universalism).
Those who are not saved go to Hell (Sheol, Hades, the grave) which eventually will be cast into
the Lake of Fire (Rev. 20:14). Hell and the Lake of Fire are real places. Hell was not part of the
original creation but rather Hell is something God was forced to make because people chose to
rebel and turn against Him and the purposes for which they were made. Hell will be filled with
people who have chosen to persist in God-defying rebellion. God hates Hell and hates that people
go there (Ezekiel 33:11). In fact, Hell was made for the devil and his angels (Matt 25:41). Jesus
paid a huge price so that you wouldn’t have to go there. Sin separates us from a relationship with
God (Isaiah 59:2). God is so holy that He cannot allow sin into his presence (Hab. 1:13). Because
we all are sinners we are not entitled to enter God’s presence. This means that Heaven is not our
default destination, rather Hell is. Unless our sin problem is resolved, through accepting Jesus
Christ as our Lord and Saviour, the only place we will go is our true default destination – Hell. It is
of paramount importance to make sure you are going to Heaven, not Hell, by accepting and living
with Jesus as Lord of your life. If you have any questions about this then please call the church,
someone would be happy to meet with you.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Have you accepted Jesus as Lord of your life and are you living with Him as the functional
Lord of your life? If not, what is holding you back? Ask Him to be the Lord of your life today –
what are you waiting for?
2. Pray that people would see the deceitfulness of universalism and the importance of accepting
Jesus as the One way to eternal life in Heaven.
3. God desires for all to repent and accept Jesus as Lord. Pray that as a church we would be
effective in evangelism and bringing in the harvest.
