Hell is Real – and we are called to warn people
Hell is translated from Sheol, Hades, Pit, World of the dead, Gehenna, Abyss
The word Gehenna occurs 12 times in the New Testament. Each time is translated as
hell. It is used only by Jesus (Matt 5:22, 29-30, 10:28, 23:15, 33, Mark 9:43, 45, 47,
Luke 12:5).
In Matthew 5:22; 18:9; and Mark 9:47, it is used with “fire” as hell fire. So the word hell
(Gehenna), as a place of punishment, is used in the New Testament by Him who is the
essence of infinite love.
In Mark 9:46 and 48; hell is described as a place where “their worm does not die and the
fire is not quenched”. Repeatedly Jesus spoke of outer darkness and a furnace of fire;
where there will be wailing, weeping, and gnashing of teeth (Matt 8:12, 13:42, 50, 22:13,
24:51, 25:30, Luke 13:28).
The Book of Revelation describes hell as a lake of fire burning with brimstone (Rev 19:
20, 20:10, 14-15, 21:8). Into hell will be thrown the beast and the false prophet. (Rev 19:
20).
At the end of the age the devil himself will be thrown into it, along with death and Hades
and all whose names are not in the Book of Life. “And they will be tormented day and
night forever and ever” (Rev. 20:10b).
We are called:
Commissioned by God the Father
Ezek 3:17-21
Commissioned by God the Son – Jesus
Matt 28:19-20
Mark 16:15-16
We are followers of Christ and the Bible tells us that Jesus came to seek and save them
that are lost (Luke 19:10). Remember the gospel is good news. Jesus said I only speak
what I have heard my Father speak.
It is sin not to warn people. (I Sam 12:23)
It is God’s will we win souls – God doesn’t want any one to perish! (II Pet 3:9)
Reasons some don’t witness:
1. Fear of inability to convert – but remember it is the Spirit who quickens, we are to
tell them and believe the Spirit will do His job. Remember the Word will not return void.
2. People will tell you they can’t live the life. God says come as you are, He will
change you as you submit yourself to Him. We can’t change ourselves, the Holy Spirit
gives life.
3. Fear they don’t know all the answers - We are to study to show ourselves
approved (II Tim 2:15) Remember to use the weapon “It is written” You have to have it
in your heart
4. Some will say what about the ones who have died and haven’t heard the gospel.
- That’s why we are called (Rom 10:14-15) God said everyone will hear (Titus 2:11)
5. Afraid of becoming unpopular – (Jer 20:7-9) Jeremiah couldn’t hold it in. Paul
experienced a lot of hardship but he said (I Cor 9:16). Woe unto me if I do not preach
the gospel.
6. People don’t believe in hell.
7. Some denominations teach that joining the church can save you. But you have to
have a personal faith of the finished work of the cross.
Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:3 you have to be born again. Eph 2:1-10 shows us the
new birth.
We all want to hear Jesus say well done my good and faithful servant.
The reward is that those who win souls are wise.