“COMFORT DOCTRINES” “There Is No Hell”

Introduction A “comfort doctrine” is the way we describe a doctrine designed to give comfort to one who does not want to give up some sinful activity. Rather than the call to repent, there are many teachers who will declare “peace and safety” when there is none. Last time we noted that comfort is very much a Biblical doctrine and God wants us to live with comfort and assurance.

“There Is No Hell” The subject of hell is certainly an unpleasant topic. It is also very unpopular. That is why it is a subject that has been dismissed or diminished by many theologians and professed believers in God. Sadly, even preachers in the church of Christ have adopted this doctrine.

“There Is No Hell” It is such teachings and attitudes that cause us to define this as a “comfort doctrine.” Today, we will establish the reality of hell and examine some of the arguments used to dismiss this doctrine.

Research Of Poll Several years ago, the Barna group, a religious research organization release the results of a 3 year survey on the afterlife. In this survey the follow was some of their findings. 81% of Americans believe in an afterlife of some sort, with another 9% unsure. 76% believe that heaven exists while 71% believed that hell exists.

Research Of Poll 46% of believers in heaven thought it to be a “a state of eternal existence in God’s presence”, while 30% believed it is “an actual place of rest and reward where souls go after death.” 39% believed that Hell is a “state of eternal separation from God’s presence”, while 32% believed it is, “an actual place of torment and suffering where people’s souls go after death.” 13% believed that “Hell is just a symbol of an unknown bad outcome after death.”

Research Of Poll Only 0.5% believed that they would experience hell first hand after death. 64% believed they would go to heaven, while 5% believed they would come back as another life form and 5% believed they would cease to exist. Of those who believed they would go to heaven, 43% based it upon having “confessed theirs sins and accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior” while 15% believed that they have to obey the 10 commandments or be “basically a good person” (also 15%).

Research Of Poll 6% believed “God loves all people and will not let them perish.” It was also discovered that the more education and income one has, the less likely they are to believe that heaven and hell exists. George Barna, president of the Barna group noted that among Christians contradictions were present in this survey. He said, “May committed born again Christians believe that people have multiple options for gaining entry to heaven?

Research Of Poll They were saying, in essence, ‘Personally, I am trusting Jesus Christ as my means of gaining God’s permanent favor and a place in heaven – but someone else could get to Heaven based upon living an exemplary life.’ Millions of Americans have redefined grace to mean that God is so eager to save people from Hell that He will change His nature and universal principles for their individual benefit. It is astounding how many people develop their faith according to their feelings or cultural assumptions rather than biblical teachings.”

Various Approaches To The Subject Of Hell. Still others teach either a milder form of hell (such as eternal separation from God, but not the suffering), purgatory (the Catholic teaching that you will spend time in hell as punishment for your sins, but only commensurate to your sins. Then you will go to heaven). And, as we have already noted, far too many, regardless of their views believe it is not relevant to them or their friends. Doctrinally they have judged they will not be eternally lost. As you examine what the Bible teaches about this subject it will become clear that all such teaching is in wrong.

Various Approaches To The Subject Of Hell. Some teach that hell doesn’t exist at all. In addition to atheists, religious bodies, such as the Jehovah’s Witnesses, and others teach that the ungodly will simply be annihilated. Others teach universalism, the doctrine that God will save everyone and so there is no need for a hell (except perhaps for the devil and his angels).

The Reality Of Hell Let me begin by saying, this is a subject I do not enjoy talking about. Nor do I profess to know all the ramifications or details about it. If I had the power to change any one subject in the Bible, it would be the existence of this place of eternal torments. But I cannot change what the Bible says, nor do I have the right to question the sovereignty of God in these matters. So my responsibility is to declare the truth, do what I can about this place and “don’t whittle on God’s end of the stick.”

The Reality Of Hell If the Bible is true (and it is), then hell is a real place. It is not some place that Jesus (and preachers) made up to scare people into obedience. If the Bible is accurate (and it is), there are far too many passages to dismiss the reality of this place Consider the following texts: Matthew 10:28, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”Matthew 10:28

The Reality Of Hell Matthew 5:29-30, “If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.” (Also Matt. 18:8-9) Matthew 5:29-30Matt. 18:8-9 Matthew 23:33-34, “Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?” Matthew 23:33-34

The Reality Of Hell 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9, “since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 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. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power…” 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9

The Reality Of Hell 2 Peter 2:20-22, “For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: "A dog returns to his own vomit," and, "a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.” 2 Peter 2:20-22

The Reality Of Hell When you add to these, passages that describe what will happen in hell, it becomes clear it is a REAL place. Hell is eternal – Matthew 25:41, 46 – everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels; “these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” Matthew 25:4146 NOTE how the same concept of eternity is attributed to both heaven and hell in this text. Why do we accept one without the other?

The Reality Of Hell Luke 3:17, “…But the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire.” Luke 3:17 Revelation 20:10, “The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” Revelation 20:10 Mark.9:44-48 speaks of the worm not dying and the fire not being quenched. Revelation 14:11, “And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name." Revelation 14:11 2 Thessalonians 1:9. “Everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord.” 2 Thessalonians 1:9

The Reality Of Hell Hell is described as a place of unimaginable torments Outer darkness – Matthew 8:12, 22:13, Jude 13 – “For whom are reserved the blackness of darkness forever.” Matthew 8:1222:13 IN scripture God is described as light (1 John 1:5). In torments there will be everlasting darkness because God is NOT there!1 John 1:5 Where the fire is not quenched – Mark 9:43-48, Luke 3:17, Revelation 14:10-11 – the idea is intense burning.Mark 9:43-48Luke 3:17Revelation 14:10-11 Worm doesn’t die – Mark 9: eternal decayMark 9:43-48 Weeping and gnashing of teeth – Mat. 13:42, 25:30, etc. The idea of intense pain. In the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man was in a place described as “torments.”Mat. 13:4225:30

The Reality Of Hell These descriptions are designed to help you image the worst possible place and suffering that you can comprehend. In the spiritual realm of eternal destruction I suspect it will be much worse. The POINT of such warnings is YOU DON’T WANT TO GO THERE!

But God Is Too Good… What about the goodness of God? What about His love. Doesn’t eternal punishment seem cruel, especially when we consider we are here not by our choice? There are many observations about God to consider in this.

But God Is Too Good… While He loves, He is also just and holy – Deuteronomy 32:4, Revelation 4:8, 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9. Hebrews 10:31, 12:29 – a consuming fire. Deuteronomy 32:4Revelation 4:82 Thessalonians 1:8-9Hebrews 10:3112:29 Justice DEMANDS punishment for lawbreakers. As sinners we have broken God’s moral laws and offended Him. Who are we to tell Him what a just punishment is? We may not like it, but that doesn’t change what it is.

But God Is Too Good… God paid the price for our sins. Also consider what God did to atone for our sins. AN example of how God views sin is seen in the sending of His Son. He demanded the death of Jesus to appease our sins. You can’t deny that.

But God Is Too Good… Another truth we must consider is that God doesn’t send anyone to hell because He wants to. We CHOOSE to go there. By refusing to obey Him we are making the choice to be lost eternally. Jesus paid the price for our sins, will we CHOOSE to reject the gift?

But God Is Too Good… Consider what He offers you if you do obey Him. Eternity in heaven! Who are we to determine the severity of our penalty? Imagine if a criminal could set his own sentence. When we consider what sin means to God – 1 John 1:5-6, Exodus 34:6-7, etc. we realize the seriousness of the punishment that awaits the one whose sins are not taken care of.1 John 1:5-6Exodus 34:6-7

But God Is Too Good… As to our not being here by our choice. Whether we like it or not, it is what it is. We are here and we HAVE TO CHOOSE whether to obey Him or not. As I have already stated – “Don’t whittle on God’s end of the stick.” What will it accomplish?

Conclusion Hell is a very real place and that we want to avoid at all costs. Until we get a good grasp of this horrible place we will not take the necessary steps to avoid going there. Don’t let anyone rob you of your salvation by offering you false comfort and saying, “Peace, peace’ when there is no peace.” You don’t have to be afraid of hell. Although fear of going there might keep you motivated on not going there. Obey the gospel today.