I have found it very important of late to dwell on some main subjects and themes in the Scriptures, those of: Eternity, Hell, Heaven, and Judgement. I am praying that by going through many different facets of the topic of hell that this much neglected theme will bring about a renewed passion for the lost, and also a renewed sense of the holiness of God and our being holy in light of it.George Whitefield (1714-1770): "It is an undoubted truth that every doctrine that comes from God, leads to God; and that which doth not tend to promote holiness is not of God."EDIT: much of the material being posted in this thread is taken from a book called: "Hell you Say!" by Carl Johnson. But the moderator is adding quotes, thoughts and materials to the content also.So may these series of articles make us dwell upon eternal things and if we hold to these truths we will not be the same in this life.Part 1: Abiding WrathPart 2: Blackness of Darkness Forever Part 3: Crying Part 4: Damnation Part 5: Everlasting PunishmentPart 6: FilthinessPart 7: GloomPart 8: HopelessnessPart 9: IndignationPart 10: JudgementPart 11: KeepingPart 12: Lake Of FirePart 13: MemoryPart 14: No RestPart 15: OblivionPart 16: PainPart 17: QuandryPart 18: RetributionPart 19: ShamePart 20: ThirstyPart 21: UngodlinessPart 22: VengeancePart 23: WoePart 24: ExclusionPart 25: YearningPart 26: Zero ExistenceWHAT MEN HAVE SAID ABOUT HELLThe following quotations are from men of the first century to the present day. These men are all in agreement that there is an eternal Hell awaiting lost sinners.Part 1: What Men Have Said About HellPart 2: What Men Have Said About HellPart 3: What Men Have Said About HellPart 4: What Men Have Said About HellAUDIO SERMON: Hell, What Is It Like? by David Wilkerson
MUST READ: Hell and Everlasting Punishment (article series)
You will also notice that every article is posted on its own thread in the "devotionals" section, this will allow discussion for each item and easier access to print and save as pdf. Another feature in which I am contemplating in adding is an audio reading of the articles so people can listen to the reading and follow along or simply download the audio piece to their computer to listen without reading the text. If this feature is added it will be re-applyed to earlier versions that don't have an audio reading.
I just added another article on this series: Part 3: Crying
I just added another article on this series: Part 4: Damnation
I just added another article on this series: Part 5: Everlasting Punishment
I just added another article on this series: Part 6: Filthiness
Greg,Part 5 & 6 contents looks the same. please check
Ethan,Thank you for observing that error, I have fixed the links and part 6 is accessible now. I hope they bless you as you ponder on this crucial theme.
I just added another article on the series: Part 7: Gloom
Hi Greg I was wondering, who is the writer of these articles on Hell? May God bless the man who wrote these articles. The focus on the things that are eternal is much needed in the days that we are living in.
Carl Johnson was an traveling evangelist and Bible teacher. "Hell you say!" is the book about hell that I am primarly quoting from. But I am adding my own thoughts, quotes and resources at times. I see his study on hell as a very good foundational broad overlay, which is much needful to hear today. I am glad you are tuned into this thread dear brother.
I just added another article on this series: Part 8: Hopelessness"Morality may keep you out of jail, but it takes the blood of Jesus Christ to keep you out of hell."~C.H. Spurgeon
I added another article on this series: Part 9: Indignation
I just added another article on the series: Part 10: Judgement"The subject before us is one that needs stressing in these days. The great majority of our pulpits are silent upon it, and the fact that it has so little place in modern preaching is one of the signs of the times, one of the many evidences that the Apostasy must be near at hand. It is true that there are not a few who are praying for a worldwide Revival, but it appears to the writer that it would be more timely, and more scriptural, for prayer to be made to the Lord of the harvest, that He would raise up and thrust forth laborers who would fearlessly and faithfully preach those truths which are calculated to bring about a revival.It is the deepening conviction of the writer that what is most needed today is a wide proclamation of those truths which are the least acceptable to the flesh. What is needed today is a scriptural setting forth of the character of God—His absolute sovereignty, His ineffable holiness, His inflexible justice, His unchanging veracity. What is needed today is a scriptural setting forth of the condition of the natural man—his total depravity, his spiritual insensibility, his inveterate hostility to God, the fact that he is "condemned already" and that the wrath of a sin-hating God is even now abiding upon him. What is needed today is a scriptural setting forth of the alarming danger in which sinners are—the indescribably awful doom which awaits them, the fact that if they follow only a little further their present course they shall most certainly suffer the due reward of their iniquities. What is needed today is a scriptural setting forth of the nature of that punishment which awaits the lost—the awfulness of it, the hopelessness of it, the unendurableness of it, the endlessness of it. It is because of these convictions that by pen as well as by voice we are seeking to raise the alarm." -A.W. Pink (speaking on "eternal punishment")
I think this quote that a brother found ties so closely in why I am doing this series on hell on SI:Phone Interviewer: “Say you were asked, Leonard, to speak for the annual convention of the National Religious Broadcasters, and the Lord directed you to accept that invitation, what message might you bring to that group?”Ravenhill: “I believe I’d preach on hell."
I just added this article on the series: Part 11: Keeping
I just added this article on the series: Part 12: Lake Of Fire
"When I pastored a country church, a farmer didn't like the sermons I preached on hell. He said, "Preach about the meek and lowly Jesus." I said, "That's where I got my information about hell."-Vance Havner
I just added this article on the series: Part 13: Memory
I just added this article on the series: Part 14: No Rest
I just added this article on the series: Part 15: Oblivion
I just added this article on the series: Part 16: Pain
"Hell is the highest reward that the devil can offer you for being a servant of his."-Billy SundayI just added this article to the series: Part 17: Quandry
I just added this article to the series: Part 18: Retribution
I just added this article to the series: Part 19: Shame
I just added this article to the series: Part 20: Thirsty
I just added this article to the series: Part 21: Ungodliness
"Knowledge without repentance will be but a torch to light men to hell."-Thomas Watson
I just added this article to the series: Part 22: Vengeance
I just added this article to the series: Part 23: Woe
I just added another article on the series: Part 24: Exclusion
I just added another article on the series: Part 25: Yearning
I just added another article on the series: Part 26: Zero Existence
I just added another article to this series: Part 1: What Men Have Said About Hell
"When I pastored a country church, a farmer didn't like the sermons I preached on hell. He said, "Preach about the meek and lowly Jesus." I said, "That's where I got my information about hell."This is true. I really wonder if we knew what hell was really like how it would effect the way in which we minister. Sometimes I think I minister as if hell doesn't exist or something. Would we be as concerned about the praise of men if we really knew what hell was? The enemy beats the metaphorical drums (Tophim) in our lives to keep us from hearing the screams of hell. God help us.
Brother Robert, I truly believe every Christian minister needs to get a realization and dare I say vision of hell! William booth as part of the training for his army would say the last thing people need before going to the mission field was to be dropped over hell for 10 minutes. May we also have this experience so we may deliver the truth with a heart that knows the eternal consequences of choices and words.I just added another article on this series: Part 2: What Men Have Said About Hell
Brother Robert, I truly believe every Christian minister needs to get a realization and dare I say vision of hell! William booth as part of the training for his army would say the last thing people need before going to the mission field was to be dropped over hell for 10 minutes. May we also have this experience so we may deliver the truth with a heart that knows the eternal consequences of choices and words.Yes brother. As much as I know about hell from the scriptures I am terrified that anyone would ever go there. Your writings bring so many different angles to it all. I want to compile the first series into one file. Have you done that by chance? I could print it all out at once.God Bless,-Robert
You would have to piece it together from each file brother Robert and I am also adding alot more quotes from men of God from the past that believed in the reality of hell.I just added another article on the series: Part 3: What Men Have Said About Hell
I just added another article on the series: Part 4: What Men Have Said About Hell
This article series was never really concluded. I think the audio sermon on hell is a good way to bring summation to this thread. Listen carefully especially to the story that wilkerson calls "instant replay" at the end of the sermon:Hell, What Is It Like? by David Wilkerson
Hey Greg!This is a great addition to the Hell and Everlasting Punishment serie. It's a subject much neglected and not always pleasing to hear, but it's a Reality and it's something we must hear, we have a Full Gospel, not a make-your-own-as-you-like Gospel. But to see where we are saved from...wow, makes me love The Lord Jesus more and more!The sermon is very powerful! May God touch our heart (each time) we listen to it!"Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men"2 Cor 5:11
This audio sermon by C. H. Spurgeon really speaks of the somber reality of a eternal hell of the unrepentant sinner:
[b]The Saint's Horror at the Sinner's Hell
https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/mydownloads/visit.php?lid=13497
[i]Description: “Gather not my soul with sinners.” — Psalm 26:9. WE must all be gathered in due course. When time shall have ripened the fruit, it must hang no longer upon the tree, but be gathered into the basket; when the summer's sun has perfectly matured the corn, the sickle must be brought forth, and the harvest must be reaped; to everything there is a season and an end. There shall be a gathering-time for every one of us. It may come to-morrow; it may be deferred another handful of years; it may come to us by the long process of consumption or decline; it may advance with more rapid footsteps, and we may in a moment be gathered to our people. Sooner or later, to use the expressive words of Job, the Almighty shall set his heart upon each of us, and gather unto himself our spirit and our breath. That gathering rests with God! - the prayer of the Psalmist implies it, and many Scriptures affirm it. As Young sings in his Night Thoughts – “An angel's arm can't hurl me to the grave.” Accidents are but God's arrangements; diseases are his decrees; fevers his servants, and plagues his messengers. Our mortality is immortal, till the Eternal wills its death. “Return, ye children of men” can be spoken by none but our heavenly Father, and when he gives the word, return we must without delay...
About a week ago I clicked on this thread to see what it was about, never having read it before.
Now it's back on the forum.
Still haven't read it yet, but I am looking forward to reading it.
Looks good.
Then, most everything on SI looks good!
God bless.
Just wanted to ask, where can I get a copy of the book Hell, you say?
Thanks.
Just wanted to ask, where can I get a copy of the book Hell, you say?
Brother here are 2 sources for the book, the first one is a new edition of the book reprinted:
[b]Hell You Say
New Edition
[b]Google checkout used books
Used Copies
I read an article from a Christian website who says that there is not a hell! How can you be a Christian and not believe in hell. He believes that God is so loving he can't send some to hell. I have to get the article and post it.
Here is one quote:
Sounds more like a Jehovah Witness? he does have a lot of other good material, but shows to the believer that we must continue to judge and test everything.Think about this damnable doctrine of Satan until God's spirit crushes your heart with sorrow for ever even thinking that your heavenly Father would treat His children so inhumanely and insanely with fire for all eternity!!!"
Blessings
mike
David Wilkerson's sermon on hell is truely am eye opener. He has some anoiting, but that talk is very very good
this thread has been very informative
Greg
Thank you so for posting this. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of judgement (John 16:8) and somehow current day preaching on judement, when it occurs, limits it's appeal to the selfish desire to avoid pain. I doubt the Holy Spirit would apeal to selfishness. This sermon corrects that distortion among others. I was helped to meditate on the many judgements and gatherings in this world,day to day,in history, in the future. What sort of gathering of isolated individuals occurs nightly around television? How better it is to gather in and with Christ, at the throne in intercession.
The first teaching on Abiding Wrath is just jaw dropping I can't get off of that one. I pray that men of God would preach these truths more often. My opinion is, and its just my opinion. Is that Men don't preach these things because it does not fill seats and promote hidden agendas. But these teachings on Hell and Judgement as I see them as the bedrock, or foundation of the christain faith (Hebrews 6:1-2) . Thank God for this post
Great stuff! And absolutely necessary for every Christian to learn...This is not something we hear a lot of in our pulpits nowadays.
I have a suggestion...it may be a good idea to compile a list of audio sermons on hell/the judgment...I don't know if it's been done before, I tried to look for one but couldn't find any. Perhaps on this thread or we could start a new one. I know it would be a valuable resource for all of us. So far I know only David Wilkerson and Spurgeon's message. Anyone know of any other audio messages?
I certainly believe in hell, and the neglect of its mention is undoubtedly a problem when you have a generation of people longing for God, but believing there is no punishment. There is no point in the Salvation, the indwelling of the Spirit, the redemption of our lives and our sanctification on earth if our position before the throne of judgement is not changed.
My question however, is: Are we called to preach hell?
I suppose in a broad sense you could absorb it into preaching the Kingdom of God, but I can't find an agreement within me that says we must stand and describe how awful torment will be for those who will not repent.
Well, pete, let's look at what scriptures say.
Here is John the Baptist speaking before Jesus begins His ministry.
Matt 3v7, '...brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?'
That scripture is repeated again in Luke 3v8.
What wrath is he talking about here?
Romans 1v18, 'For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.'
In the book of Revelation, we see God's wrath revealed upon the earth.
In Revelation 20v15, we are told anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
If we are saved, and want people to be saved, what are we being saved from?
Just some thoughts.
I don't see why we should not preach hell. When a preacher does not preach hell a nation and a people go to Hell!!!!
Jesus preached about Hell. Mark 9:43-48 Matthew 18:8-9 Luke 16:19-31 Matthew 25:41 and more.
Eternal Judgement is one of the 6 principle or foundational doctrines of Christ called Eternal Judgement Hebrews 6:1-2. What happens when a house does not have a foundation, or a strong foundation. Well it falls when a man professes christ and does not have this foundational principle of Eternal Judgement established in his life often times he plays with sin and does not see the exceeding sinfulness of his sin. So we need to preach Hell not because of what I said, but because the master Jesus himself preached it and warned men about this dreadful place and it's final destination The lake of fire. :-)
My question however, is: Are we called to preach hell?
I would like to ask another question: since hell is no longer preached, what has happened to the spiritual climate in the church?
ginnyrose
Another question is, does the church even have a climate, or does it just mimic everything the world does?
Monkey see, monkey do.
However, as the word of God tells us, we are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, Philppians 2v12.
The days grow so short, and yet...
yes the church has a climate, and the world is affected by it. The condition of our nation is because of the failure on the church's part. Hell and the holiness of God hasn't been preached and church people have no fear of God and therefore the climate of the church has gone down and therefore the nation has gone down and now as you have said the church has began to mimic the world.
In evangelism, some are reached with compassion and others with fearful warnings.
As the Book of Jude declares:
"And of some have compassion...And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire..."
Godly living regularly requires suffering. If we want to love like Jesus did we ought to acknowledge that the great expression of the love of the Lord was the cross. On the cross, Jesus suffered greatly as He expressed His love. 1 Corinthians 13 teaches that "Love suffers long" (and is kind).
Thank you Greg for all the time and effort put into this.
This is all excellent food for thought and even better cannon fodder.
There is always one passage that stays fixed in this mind regarding the end of the godly and the ungodly, and it works well in witnessing regarding Jesus return to rule with a rod of iron. It's the last two verses of Isaiah.
Too many of those who claim to believe fail to consider the fact of the end of this cosmos, for the believer and unbeliever alike:
Our God is a consuming fire, and Jesus pulled no punches regarding this issue in stating, "everyone will be salted with fire."
Who will stand?
In these very end times now coming upon the whole earth, it is wish that all people reading this will heed these words of adminition.
The scriptures tell us all we need to know.
Isaiah 33:
14 The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?
15 He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;
16 He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.
17 Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty...
...and again:
PSALM 14
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.
1 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
2 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.
3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
4 Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD.
5 There were they in great fear: for God is in the generation of the righteous.
6 Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the LORD is his refuge.
7 Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.
PSALM 15
A Psalm of David.
1 LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
4 In whose eyes a vile person is despised; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.
In closing, a real boost comes up inside when brother Paul Washer is heard proclaiming God.
(thanks for all the recordings.)
Two statements of his shout through this consciousness after reading through your compilated work on hell's everlasting punishment, and what has just been revealed (above), and, so it is quoted:
"Everybody wants to go to heaven...
They just don't want God to be there."
&
"Be afraid...
BE VERY AFRAID..."
Whether sinner or saint, we will all encounter fire, as our God is a consuming fire.
Who will stand in this?
Is 30:33
Mk. 9:49
How about a little ditty remembered?
"Only one life
Twill soon be past:
Only what's done in Christ
Will last.
May God bless us all
with insight
into His will
and His ways.
Jn. 3:36ESV
CIAO!
g
Acts 20:32
Just thought I would add to your list 1 Corinthians 3:12-14
"If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. 14If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward."
Our quality will be tested and like you said who can/will stand?
God Bless,
Matthew
"Men will allow God to be everywhere except on his Throne"
-Charles Spurgeon.
Very good, very true. Many allow Christ to be involved in their lives but not in control of their lives.
Thanks Greg for re-posting this message 5 years later.
In a time where once anointed ministries revert to rock concerts and ke-tow to post modern youth culture we have to re-present this truth to a dying generation.
This is a very timely reminder, it should shock us to the core and get us a glimpse of the enormous gravity and solemnity of this ancient truth. May the urgency of this truth stir us to act out the great commission.
Amen dear brother.
There is a passion from Christ, undeniable, that boarders on a violent urgency. That's all I can do with words to describe it. All who seek His will are certain to feel it. Hell is not the reason such a passion remains. We serve because He is worthy of service. On the other hand, it is the blindness of the masses (from which we came) which destines them to death! The urgency is Christ, the violence is their death.
May we thrash with vigor as we hold out the words of life.
William Booth once said, in reply to the question of what would be the main issue facing the 20th Century...
...I consider that the chief dangers which confront the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost; Christianity without Christ; forgiveness without repentance; salvation without regeneration; politics without God; and Heaven without Hell.
The War Cry - 5 January 1901 p7, col.2
We must have Christ as Lord as well as Saviour, as several people here have already pointed out. We have no choice in matter.
There is nothing more reasonable,more just,
than God sending the sinner to hell,who
is not willing to have his pardon,on His terms,
and there is nothing more gloriously just, than
his saving the poor sinner who,in the spirit of self- loathing,is led to Him for salvation.
The justice of God must make an end of the
Season of God's long-suffering towards His
enemies. Every moment of that long-suffering, is
exersised through the atoning death of God's Son.
The rule and measure by which the Son of God was
judged, will be that by which He will himself judge,
and this will be the never-ending death of the enemies
of god, a death from within them, a death of enmity against
God, a death wherein conscience shall perfectly justify the
sentence against them.It will be an execution of death
without God and without hope.
they will be raised to be dealt with in justice.
In the judgement day, God's holiness and righteoness
will so appear, that there will not be a sinner there, whose conscience instructed by God's righteousness will
not fully justify the sentence pronounced, and also its execution.
By RC CHAPMAN ( Goodly words)writen about 1897
Isaiah 26: 17. Like as a woman with child, that draweth near the time of her delivery, is in pain, and crieth out in her pangs; so have we been in thy sight, O Lord.
18. We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen.
This might well express the condition of the present church and why the world is in the condition it is in.
Thank you Greg ,
For putting this post on.
Isn't so needed!
I am thinking and looking at how one's thoughts / ways, and the
Church has changed since the original intent of God.
OR ,..it was changing in Paul' time . He was constantly going around trying
To straighten it out.
It has changed and changed until we have what we have today.
Please Lord,...cause Me to love You...cause me to be more Salt and Light
In this world.
But how do we return to the Salt that we once were ?
Thank You Lord for Your Great Mercy.
Elizabeth
Even the word 'Church' has been distorted to mean ,a building.
I hate this subject! And I think that I am allowed to.
It scares me.
Love-in-Christ,
KP
Saints!
This subject of "Hell" reminds me of something.
Myself. This is probably why I don't like the subject.
WE have spent probably too much time discussing "Discipleship" and its "Cost" in our threads.
Yet, the subject of "Hell" should remind us of "The Cost of Rebellion". Why don't we discuss what the man loses when he chooses to live in sin, and therefore, rebel. We too frequently speak of the avoidance of sin, via God's grace, as a "sacrifice". As though the pleasure (if we choose to call it that) derived from sin, is a gain.
Hell reminds me of Pascal's Wager. There is a far greater cost to rebellion than discipleship, in both this life and in the Eternal life.
Look at the list of negative gains from a life of rebellion (sin) from Christ listed in the Intro. post:
Thirst, Woe, Yearning, Pain, Shame, Gloom, Filthiness, Crying, Wrath, etc.
Is sin really worth it? Did we see all of this mess at the sacred "Tree" when we ate of it? Because, it was certainly there.
Love-in-Christ,
KP
The purpose of preaching the Gospel is to save people from Gods wrath, good post