Neither will they be persuaded

Neither will they be persuaded

Bible reading: Luke 16

Luke 16:31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

The rich man found out too late that it is appointed unto men once to die but after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27). His hope of relief was over. He was in torment in the flame of hell. This is a true story about what happens after death for the unbeliever. They go immediately to hell. There is no appeal and no chance for escape.

It is interesting that about every few years someone has a story about their trip to hell and back (or heaven). According to the Bible, once you are in hell, there is no escape. He even wanted to send Lazarus back to warn his family.

Luke 16:27-28 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: 28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

The answer to this question tells us a lot about the Revelation of God.

Luke 16:29-31 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

They will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead! Why do the publishers think it is so important to keep putting out these books about people who supposedly have made trips to heaven or hell? According to Jesus even if it did happen it would not persuade lost men to repent. So what will persuade your lost loved ones to repent and trust in Jesus?

The answer is The Word of God. We want them to have faith, right? The Bible says:

Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Faith does not come by seeing. Faith comes by hearing. And One has been raised from the dead, Jesus! We don't need to run to hear the latest testimony of one who supposedly came back from the dead. We need to hear and believe God's Word. Our loved ones need to hear God's Word as well. Let's share it with them.

In Christ,
Rody