Northwest Bible Church

July 31, 2016

Mike Southerland

Hell and the Wrath of God

Luke 16:19-31

1. Context of this parable
   1. Jesus is journeying to Jerusalem where He will be tried, convicted, and killed by crucifixion. Luke 13:22
   2. Parables in chapter 15 deal with things lost, then found.
   3. Parable immediately preceding our text includes a rich man as well. But the main character is his shrewd manager.
   4. Exposition of the parable of the rich man and Lazurus.
2. Is Hell Literal or Symbolic?
   1. Fire is frequently symbolic of God’s judgment throughout scripture. Revelation 1:12-18
   2. If it is symbolic, then the reality will be worse than the symbol.
   3. Names for hell
      1. Place of Torment - Luke 16:28
      2. Unquenchable Fire - Mark 9:43

• Eternal Destruction - 2 Thessalonians 1:9

1. Eternal Fire – Jude 7
2. Lake of Fire – Revelation 20:14-15

• Denial of Hell
  1. Annihilationism
     1. John Stott
  2. Completely dismissing it.
     1. Joel Osteen
     2. Rob Bell
  3. “All roads lead to God.” – FALSE!

1. “Why would a loving God send anyone to a place of eternal torment?”
   1. We all deserve it.
   2. God’s justice demands it.
   3. The payment that Christ paid is indicative of the Severity of the Crime.
      1. Isaiah 53
   4. Conclusion – What is the Remedy?
      1. Christ alone
      2. Christ saves sinners
      3. Believers express gratitude and thanksgiving for His mercy and grace in rescuing us from this certain eternal death.