The Reality of Hell must Compel

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed. 2 Thessalonians 1:3-10

Have you ever faced a deadline that you didn’t think that you were going to make? Many times in school, I can remember the teacher giving an assignment to the class and giving a date that it should be completed by. Almost everyone in the class would forget about the project, because the deadline seemed to be so far off in the distance. The only thing that really motivated us was the realization that the date was getting closer, something had to be turned in, and our grade depended on the excellence of the project. For the procrastinators, many would stay up until midnight to finish their work in one night. Time would tell how much effort was put into the project.

Normally, the best way to work on any project is to begin working on it in advance. In the above passage of scripture, Paul is writing to the Thessalonians to encourage them for growing in faith and love and reminding them to rest in the promise of Christ’s return. They were being persecuted and facing trials for being Christ-like and turning the world upside down by living godly lives. The description that Paul gives of Jesus returning the second time crushes the view of God as just a loving teddy bear who sits on a cloud in the sky and takes sin lightly. Paul reminds us that Jesus is returning to earth with His mighty angels in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power. If you know Jesus, this should move your heart to begin placing Christ’s last command as your greatest concern.

While meeting different people yesterday, I realized the great need for you and me to be more concerned about the destiny of souls around us. I talked with two young men with similar philosophies on life. The first, a guard at the prison, was the good ole’ boy type. He had a genuine smile, worked hard and just had his first son but was not married. He told me he had been going to church, but he didn’t really understand the Gospel. With three minutes, I was able to share a portion of the truth. It thrilled my soul that he was open, and I could see tears welling up in his eyes as the Word penetrated his heart. The second young man’s car had broken down in the church parking lot. What a good place for a lost man’s car to overheat. He needed some water and we briefly talked about our church. I asked him if he went anywhere. He said, “No, I just think I can live with Jesus in my heart and that is all that matters.” How can a true believer in Jesus love Him without loving the bride that He died on the cross to purchase? These are just two of the countless millions that may be in your workplace who are procrastinating or may not realize that it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27)

Everlasting destruction is not something to be taken lightly. Jesus spoke of hell more than anyone else. He said it was a place of outer darkness with weeping and gnashing of teeth, had unquenchable fire, and was everlasting. The worst thing about it will be the conscious awareness of separation from God. What a horrible place to spend eternity! We do not have to procrastinate or stress but rest in the finished work of Christ. Have you met your deadline where you died to yourself and became alive to God? It’s like the feeling when you’ve completed your assignment early and have time to spare. You are relieved and at peace. For a born-again believer, it allows us to enjoy God, give Him glory and help others prepare for the deadline ahead. There have not been many procrastinators about their soul that have made it to heaven…