Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 1; 1 John 1; Micah 7; Luke 16
Luke 16:29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
The Rich man was in hell and he could see Abraham and Lazarus standing across the great gulf that separated them. He was tormented in the flames of hell. He wanted Abraham to send Lazarus to dip his finger in water and cool his tongue. Abraham answered him saying this was impossible since one could not go from one side of the great gulf to the other. Spiritual destiny is determined during this life. There is no second chance after death.
As the rich man suffered, he began to think of his family. Please know this – people in hell don’t want their loved ones to join them! The rich man’s five brothers he knew were going to be joining him. He wanted Abraham to send Lazarus to warn them before it was too late. He was convinced that a person coming back from the dead would be convincing. Interestingly, many people today who are still living think the same thing. There are many people who give testimonies and write books claiming they have died and Jesus sent them back to warn others of the horrors of hell. Because of Abraham’s message to the rich man, I don’t believe any of these folks.
Abraham told the rich man that a testimony from one who had been dead and come back to life would make no difference. He said they had the definitive Word on life and death and life after death – the Bible. They have Moses and the prophets – let them hear them! Abraham said an eyewitness account of hell was worthless for a person who will not hear the Word of God.
Do we believe this today? Do we preach the gospel knowing that it is powerful and effective to save from hell?
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
We do not need an eye witness account from someone who has visited hell. We need humble people who are Spirit-filled and ready to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with those that they love. Please don’t live a life of regret like the rich man. He lived for himself in the here-and-now. Let’s live for eternity and love enough to tell the truth of Jesus!
In Christ,
Rody
