I know this post will be controversial, but I’m dealing with this issue in my life. Early in my ministry, I never struggled with preaching on the reality of eternal judgment. I believed it, and I taught it. Over the years, though, I realize that I’ve given less attention to this topic—perhaps because I’ve learned that scaring people into Christianity seldom brings lasting results. Still, I’ve been burdened lately that my omission is problematic. Here’s why:
- The Bible teaches the reality of hell. Jesus spoke about it (Matt. 25:41, Luke 16:19-31). John described it (Rev. 19:20, 20:10, 20:14-15). Simply preaching through the Word would mean that I cannot avoid this difficult topic. Hell is just as much a biblical teaching as heaven is.
- Judgment for non-believers is still real–and people are still dying lost. I may not like that truth, but it’s not my call how God chooses to judge the lost. My heart breaks as I write those words about lostness, but perhaps they will motivate me more to tell the good news of God’s saving grace.
- The fear of hell ought to motivate us to consider following Christ. “Fire escape” theology on its own can still be self-centered and wrong, but the reality of judgment should cause us to consider the condition of our souls. Judgment also reminds us that God wants us to live holy lives that bring His blessing.
- Genuine love means speaking the truth. When I pause to speak about hell because I don’t want to offend someone, I must remember that real love is willing to risk the offense. It’s possible to speak about hell with such grief and concern (as we should) that our brokenness reduces our offensiveness.
- God sometimes uses the story of hell to turn hearts to Himself. That’s my story, in fact. My seventh-grade classmate who told me the gospel focused much more on hell than grace, but God used that story to capture my heart. Apparently, God knew that I needed to hear the warnings.
- My silence about hell might suggest that it no longer bothers me. Perhaps that’s what has most burdened me lately. I never want to grow numb to this reality, but my quiet makes me wonder. In fact, I’m asking my readers to pray for me about this matter.
What are your thoughts?
Dear Brother Chuck,
This is a timely reminder to preach about eternal matters. Some Bible teachers attempt to trivialize it, temper it, or ignore it. It comes down to our motives. All of your points were spot on but 2. summarizes the heart behind them all, judgment is real and people are going into eternity lost. God help us have the same heart as Moody when he said, “I can’t preach on hell unless I preach with tears.” Thanks you for this piece.
Blessings in Jesus
Hell is a difficult subject to preach on. I have been reluctant to preach on it because it is unpleasant, but Hell is a literal place, and we are called to warn and be diligent in our preaching about ALL aspects of God’s Word. Dr. Steven Brown, Professor of Preaching at the Reform Seminary in Orlando, FL, says, “Never preach on Hell without tears in your eyes.” This is the way that I preach it when I do. It is quite emotional and draining physically on me as I preach about the destination for those who do not believe.
Unfortunately, Universalism/Universal Salvation/Reconciliation has become rampant within the church, If we all ‘win’, why evangelise?
Perhaps, an article or two on this, which is becoming MORE popular than Annihilationism.
“The fear of hell is the basis for the Christian faith.” -Madalyn Murray O’Hair