The Rich Man in Luke 16 begged Abraham to send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool his tongue because, he said, “I am tormented in this flame” (24). I believe this is a true story. Therefore, the rich man has been tormented in the flames of hell for almost 2,000 years. Notice some lessons the rich man learned in Hell. The Rich Man learned…
The meaning of eternity. Jesus said, “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”Notice the word “everlasting.”
There are no second chances after death. Death seals our destiny. Hebrews 9:27 says, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”
One cannot leave the torments of Hell for the comfort of Heaven. The “great gulf”is a definite dividing line.
The real meaning of pain. He said, “I am tormented in this flame.”
The meaning of accountability. Romans 14:12 says, “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”
The meaning of Hell. Revelation 20:15 says, “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”Revelation 21:9 says that all sinners “shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone.”If we could see sin as God sees it, we would understand why Hell exists!
The meaning of Evangelism. He said, “father… send him to my father’s house… for I have five brethren.” He learned the value of a soul, but it was too late.
It was too late to pray. He said, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me… I pray thee.”Prayer is a wonderful thing. Pray to God while there is still time!
God meant what He said. God will punish the unbeliever and the unfaithful (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). Do you believe that?
Death is not the end. The soul goes on living even though the body dies; it is eternal! David said, “your heart [soul] shall live for ever”(Psalm 22:26).
Conclusion: Please, do not wait until judgment to learn these valuable lessons. Your soul is too important and eternity is too long to “gain the whole world and lose your own soul” (Mark 8:36)!
