The Story of Jesus Final Events "Heaven and Hell" (Lesson 32)
Introduction:
1. An activity that deserves our careful attention is revealed in 2 Peter 3:18 -- we are to grow in the knowledge of Christ. 2. "Searching the Scriptures" is the key to accomplishing this growth (John 5:39). 3. As Jesus traveled throughout Palestine teaching and preaching, He presented information that we need to know on a wide variety of important subjects, including "final events." a. Jesus talked about His return. 1) In John 14:2-3 He promised His apostles that He will return. 2) In Matthew 24:36 He said that no one knows when He will return. 3) He taught His followers to watch and to be ready (Matthew 24:42, 44). b. Jesus talked about the resurrection. 1) According to what He said in John 5:28-29, all will be raised. 2) He taught in John 6:39-40, 44, 54 that this will occur "at the last day." c. Jesus talked about the judgment. 1) The Day of Judgment will occur when He returns (Matthew 12:36; 25:31-33). 2) He will be the judge (John 5:26-27), and all will be judged (John 5:28-29). 4. In teaching about final events, Jesus also talked about the 2 eternal destinies -- "heaven" [eternal blessing] as well as "hell" [eternal punishment] (Matthew 7:13-14; Matthew 25:46; John 5:28-29).
Discussion:
I. HEAVEN, THE PLACE OF ETERNAL BLESSING
A. Jesus taught that the Father is in heaven (Matthew 6:9). B. Jesus has gone to the Father's house to prepare a place for His followers (John 14:2-3). C. Unfortunately, only "few" will go to heaven (Matthew 7:14). D. The few will enjoy great blessings (Revelation 14:13; 21:1-4; 22:1-5).
II. HELL, THE PLACE OF ETERNAL PUNISHMENT
A. Jesus taught that the devil and his angels will be in hell (Matthew 25:41). B. Jesus described hell as: 1. outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 8:12) 2. the furnace of fire where there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 13:50) 3. a place "where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched" (Mark 9:44, 46, 48). C. Unfortunately, "many" will be condemned in hell (Matthew 7:13). D. The many will suffer greatly (Revelation 20:10).
