April 21, 2013
Morning Service

Last Sunday morning we discussed what the word Eschatology meant.  Theological study concerning the last things.  Not the signs of the end times, but the last things.  In the study, it consists, of death, judgment, heaven, and hell.

 

We looked at death last Sunday morning.  The first death, and the second death.  There is so much that has been revealed to us, and the only reason we don’t know it, is we don’t read about it.  God has given His people an understanding of the things that He wants us to know.  Now that’s not everything, for Jesus said He didn’t know the exact time of the coming of the Son of man;

·         Mat 24:36-37  But of that day and hour no one knows, no, not the angels of Heaven, but only My Father.  (37)  But as the days of Noah were, so shall be the coming of the Son of Man.  Mat 24:38-39  For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered into the ark.  (39)  And they did not know until the flood came and took them all away. So also will be the coming of the Son of Man.

 

So, you see we have been given signs when it is time for His return.  Don’t you think we are living in the days like it was in Noah’s time???  Sure we are.  He could return anytime.

 

This morning we will discuss these three topics, judgment, heaven, and hell.  They all link together.

Now first of all understand that if you’re a Christian you need not fear any of these topics.  You have passed from death unto life, and you have all the promises of God for the redeemed.  The saved.

 

Christian, you have believed that Jesus of Nazareth is the very Son of God, and that by believing, and confessing His Name, you have entered into eternal life.  This is what happened to you whether you understood it or not. 

 

We are looking at judgment, heaven, and hell.  Let’s see how many times they are discussed by our Lord.

Judgment = 285 verses.  Wow.

Heaven = 551 verses.  Wow , Wow, Wow.

Hell = 54 verses.   Not a pleasant subject.  But it is very real!!!!!

 

What about the judgment?   That is where it will be decided where we will be sent.  Heaven, or Hell.  One thing about the judgment, it will be fair.  It will not be from worldly standards, but from God Almighty.

Joh 5:26-29  For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;  (27)  And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.  (28)  Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,  (29)  And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

 

Rev 20:12-15  And I saw the dead, the small and the great, stand before God. And books were opened, and another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.  (13)  And the sea gave up the dead in it. And death and hell delivered up the dead in them. And each one of them was judged according to their works. 

You see, we don’t know because we haven’t read.  If we will take time to read we will understand what is coming.  And it is tremendous reading.  Exciting, and rewarding. Believe me.

 

 

 

HEAVEN:   551 verses.   Enter in thou good and faithful servant.

God's dwelling place

Deu 26:15  Look down from thy holy habitation, from heaven, and bless thy people Israel, and the land which thou hast given us, as thou swarest unto our fathers, a land that floweth with milk and honey.

1Ki 8:30  And hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: and hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place: and when thou hearest, forgive.

A Heavenly Country

Heb 11:16  But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

One of my favorite, and most comforting Scriptures, St. Jn. 14:1-3.

Joh 14:1-3  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  (2)  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  (3)  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

 

Hell:    Depart from Me ye that work iniquity.

Psa_9:17  The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.

This thought is throughout the Scriptures.  One that brings fear, and well it should.

There are four words used to describe hell;   HADES, SHEOL, GEHENNA, TARTAROO.  These describe the grave, or the place of punishment for the wicked.

 

John shows us very clearly what the Lord wants us to know concerning hell, or the lake of fire.

Rev 20:12-15  And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.  (13)  And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.  (14)  And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.  (15)  And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

 

Yes, there will be a judgment, and there will be a reward for the obedient, and a punishment for the disobedient.

 

But listen to Jesus; 

Joh 3:16-17  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  (17)  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

 

Jesus is not a hard task master, satan is.  Jesus wants only what is best for you.  He wants you to have an enjoyable, loving, and sharing life.  To enjoy your family, loved ones, and friends.

 

Don’t think that eternal life is free!  It cost Jesus His life on Calvary.  It will also cost you your worldly life.  You will never be happier when you make Him first in your life.  Everything else will have much more meaning.

 

Father quicken to our hearts this morning the importance of making the decision to serve You.