Eternity: the Resurrection of Damnation (John 5:28-29)
Introduction:
1. In these verses Jesus touched on 3 special events that will occur on that last great day, including: a. His return b. the resurrection c. the judgment. 2. Following the judgment, eternity will begin. 3. The 2 eternal destinies include "life" and "damnation." 4. This morning we studied passages that teach us about "the resurrection of life" [heaven]. 5. This evening we are concentrating on "the resurrection of damnation" [eternal punishment in hell].
Discussion:
I. LET US FIRST ESTABLISH THAT HELL IS AN ACTUAL PLACE THAT IS HORRIBLE
A. Hell is a place: 1. of "everlasting punishment" (Matthew 25:46) 2. of "everlasting fire" (Matthew 25:41) 3. where the inhabitants will burn with "unquenchable fire" (Matthew 3:12) 4. described as "a lake of fire burning with brimstone" (Revelation 19:20b). B. Hell is a place of extreme anguish, described as: 1. "outer darkness" where "there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 8:12) 2. "the furnace of fire" where "there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 13:50) 3. "where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched" (Mark 9:44, 46, 48).
II. LET US NEXT ESTABLISH WHO WILL BE IN HELL
A. The devil and his angels will be there (Matthew 25:41). B. (Revelation 20:15) Those whose names are not in the book of life will be there, including: 1. those who do not obey the Gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9) 2. the disobedient (Romans 2:8-9) 3. the unfaithful (Hebrews 10:26-31) 4. those who have sown to the flesh (Galatians 6:8a; 5:19-21) 5. sinners listed in Revelation 21:8 6. churches that have left their first love (Revelation 2:1-7) 7. churches that are spiritually dead (Revelation 3:1-3) 8. churches that are lukewarm (Revelation 3:14-19). C. Unfortunately, "many" will be condemned in hell because of a failure to enter through the strait gate and travel the narrow way that leads to eternal life (Matthew 7:13-14). D. Those who are condemned in hell "shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever" (Revelation 20:10).
Conclusion:
1. Thankfully, Jesus came to provide an alternative (John 10:10). 2. Let us watch and be ready for the Lord's return at that last great day.
