MINNESOTA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION

Hell, the Everlasting Home of the Lost

by Pastor Oliver Sandahl, Berean Baptist Church, Brooklyn Park

A Story About Heaven

Jesus also tells a story of heaven and Hell that took place in Old Testament times, and it actually happened. Some teach that it was a parable so they can get around the awful torment of hell. But Lazarus was a real person and so was the rich man. Abraham was in paradise, so this is obviously a real story. The rich man had no compassion for Lazarus the leper and beggar so Lazarus most likely starved to death.

Luke 16:22 "And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom[paradise]."

When Jesus died on Calvary's cross, He went to paradise and took everyone there into heaven. This is the everlasting home of the saved. Continuing:

vss. 22-24 "the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, [notice that he is tormented] and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame."

vs. 26 "And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence."

Once in Heaven you cannot be removed, once in torments of Hell you cannot escape. In the next five verses the rich man realizes he is doomed to this place of torment and suffering, so he pleads for his five brothers who are lost. He says, Abraham send Lazarus back in resurrection to win them, they will hear him. Abraham said, "...they have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them."

What is God saying to us? Listen to the preacher when he preaches on this subject or pay the penalty of hell. Jesus said in Luke 13:3, "Repent or ye shall all likewise perish."