Heaven is for Real, And So Is Hell Matthew 25:31-46
Two Destinies Jesus is the voice of authority Jesus is the voice of authority He speaks of existence for all on the other side He speaks of existence for all on the other side He speaks of two destinies for people He speaks of two destinies for people He speaks of Eternal Life or Eternal Death (Matthew 25:46) He speaks of Eternal Life or Eternal Death (Matthew 25:46)
Two Journeys We have two journeys to take We have two journeys to take This has been altered for believers since Christ came This has been altered for believers since Christ came We will look at it in terms of BC/AD We will look at it in terms of BC/AD
Two Journeys BC - Before Christ came BC - Before Christ came – People’s sprits went to: Sheol - Old Testament place of dead Hades - Greek term that is equivalent to Hades
Two Journeys Luke 16 - Rich man and Lazarus Luke 16 - Rich man and Lazarus vv vv When Old Testament was translated into Greek, Sheol was always translated Hades When Old Testament was translated into Greek, Sheol was always translated Hades This was the world of departed spirits This was the world of departed spirits
Two Journeys Sheol or Hades observations Sheol or Hades observations – A place distinguished from the grave (Is. 14:9) – Sheol was spoken of a shadowy place of darkness - a pit (Ez. 26:20) – People united with ancestors but there were different sides. One went to be with ancestors (Gen. 15:15 - but in Luke 16 notice he was separated from the wicked)
Two Journeys Sheol/Hades Observations Sheol/Hades Observations – On one side there was comfort on the other agony (a foretaste of hell) – THE DESTINIES WERE FIXED
Two Journeys AD - After Christ Came AD - After Christ Came – Jesus’ death and resurrection changed everything for believers – During the time of His death and ultimate resurrection, Jesus entered Hades and emptied out the “saved” side - that is carried their sprits with Him to heaven (Acts 2:31; Eph. 4:8-10)
Two Journeys AD - After Christ AD - After Christ – For those who are not Christians Body deteriorates Body deteriorates Spirit to Hades - still place of lost departed spirits where there is suffering (2 Peter 2:9) Spirit to Hades - still place of lost departed spirits where there is suffering (2 Peter 2:9) Resurrection - Acts 24:15 Resurrection - Acts 24:15 Judgment - Rev. 20:11-15 Judgment - Rev. 20:11-15 Hell Hell
Two Journeys AD - Since Christ Came AD - Since Christ Came – For Believers Body Deteriorates (I opt for burial as a point of witness) Body Deteriorates (I opt for burial as a point of witness) Spirit received into Christ’s presence (Acts 7:59) Spirit received into Christ’s presence (Acts 7:59) Resurrection (1 Thess. 4:16) Resurrection (1 Thess. 4:16) Judgment Judgment Heaven Heaven
Two Choices Where one goes must be decided now Where one goes must be decided now It is determined by our relationship and dependence upon Jesus It is determined by our relationship and dependence upon Jesus John 3:16 or John 3:36 John 3:16 or John 3:36