Title: The Truth About Hell / Topic: Eternity

Today’s Reading: Lamentations 1; Lamentations 2; Obadiah 1; Revelation 14

Scripture: Revelation 14:9-11
9 A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: "If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand, 10 he, too, will drink of the wine of God's fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name."

Observation: I have heard some very sincere Christians say that they believe it's only the devil and his demons that will suffer eternal torment in hell. They contend that a loving God would not be so cruel as to make any humans suffer forever just because they sinned and didn't repent. Their view is that rebellious people will just die (what's called "annihilation" by some) and there souls will simply cease to exist. They have a hard time explaining away such clear passages as this one. If you know the truth, it will set you free, and the truth is that arrogance which hardens a person's heart so that they won't submit to God will result in eternal torment. What is amazing is that up to the end, God is giving people a chance to hear the Word and repent (see v. 6,7 of this chapter).

Application: In the light of these truths, I need to make sure my heart stays humble and submissive to God. I also need to make sure I tell people the truth that is stated clearly in the Bible. I don't want anyone going to hell because they have been deceived that they can live however they want to and the worst that will happen is that they will cease to exist at the end of this life.

Prayer: Father, thank you for being clear and for giving people multiple opportunities to submit to you. I want my heart to always be submissive to you. I am your daughter and I want to please you with my compliance, love and respect.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.