Episode Details

by David Chadwick

Today, we look at not just five minutes after death, but immediately after death, and specifically in the life of an unbeliever. After judgment comes sentencing.

When an unbeliever meets the Creator of the Universe face to face, without the grace and mercy of Jesus, he or she is declared guilty. The unbeliever is cast into hell, a place where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 13:42). Hell is continual rebellion against God, marked by eternal sadness and regret.

If the beauty of Jesus's grace could not win you over during your time on earth, why would you think that a terrible thing would all of the sudden cause you to repent and accept grace? Beauty invites us into true and lasting transformation, whereas fear of punishment only creates momentary change. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a beautiful message, meant to set captives free.

Hell is permanent separation from God. I know this sounds harsh to our world that loves nice, kumbaya messaging, but it's true. It's what Jesus said himself. The same word in the Greek that Jesus used to describe eternal (ainos) is the same word he used to describe eternal death (ainos). In Revelation 20:11-15, it's called the lake of fire.

Jesus spoke more about the subject of hell than he did heaven. If it was true for him, it must be true for us, especially those of us who are pastors and teachers today. Warning unbelievers about the reality of hell must be a part of gospel preaching. Sin. Judgment. Hell. Repentance. Missing in action words from too many preachers' vocabulary.

The bad news for the unbeliever needs to be shared as often, if not more so, than the good news of the forgiveness of sins by Jesus. Both messages are important to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

But the story doesn't end with the bad news. God loves the world. He sent his son Jesus to die the death we deserved and to cover the penalty for our sins. Anyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). He is the resurrection and the life and if we believe in him we will never die (John 11:25) and we will live forever with Jesus.

It's the best words the world can hear. Let's all preach it until Jesus returns.