Do you have a fear of Hell?

One of the most profound sermons preached in America was “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.”  Jonathan Edwards clearly sets forth the reason why sinners, those lost and apart from God, should repent and turn from themselves and their sin, and embrace by faith the holy and just God.  The reason is that apart from God, there is a Hell that awaits each and every person who will not trust Christ with their entire life.  I remember growing up and hearing that we should scare people into heaven by telling them of Hell.  And I remember hearing that some respond to “the carrot” of grace, while others need to know the reality of “the stick” of Hell.  

Hell is rightfully to be feared.  Modern movies and thoughts have made a mockery of an eternity separated from God, from others and from light; an eternity in torment, with weeping, loneliness, and constant regret.  For the person condemned to Hell, there is no escape, no second chance, no respite or appeal.  Hell is designed for the devil, his angel followers (demons) and all those who reject the rightful place of worship to God — which means vast numbers of men and women will end up there.  Hell is a place to be feared.  And it is a place to be avoided at all costs.

The cost for me and you was paid on Calvary’s cross by the shedding of the blood of Christ and His death.  It is a payment made for all mankind, “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin.  And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.  And He Himself is the propitiation (offering made on behalf of the guilty) for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world.”  This reminds me of a song from long ago: “I owed a debt I could not pay, He paid a debt He did not owe, I needed someone to wash my sins away.  And now I sing a brand new song, “Amazing grace” all day long; Christ Jesus paid the debt that I could never pay.”

Hell is something I no longer have to fear for myself, but I should on behalf of those I know and love who, without the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, will spend their eternity there.  And this is a type of fear that should energize me, encourage me and embolden me to share the truth of Christ with others.  Instead, our fears, our timidity and our cowardice will allow the truth of the gospel to remain silent and those walking the broad path of destruction to continue on their way, not confronted with the truth of God’s love, mercy and grace.  A broad way that ends in the destruction at a place called Hell — a place to be feared by all.  

Pressing On…

Ron Tipton, Senior Pastor