The Saints' Hell--and the Sinners' Heaven
The speaker warns sinners of the coming day of punishment, where they will face eternal torment, while the righteous will inherit eternal life.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the stark contrast between the current state of the saints and sinners, declaring that this life serves as the saints' hell while sinners enjoy their temporary heaven. He warns that the roles will reverse in the afterlife, where the righteous will enter eternal joy and the wicked will face unending torment. Brooks vividly describes the fate awaiting sinners, filled with relentless punishment and sorrow, urging them to recognize the fleeting nature of their earthly pleasures. He calls for a deep reflection on the eternal consequences of one's choices, highlighting the urgency of repentance before it's too late.
Text
"And they will go away into eternal punishment,
but the righteous will go into eternal life."
Matthew 25:46
This present life is the saints' hell--and
the sinners' heaven.
The next life will be the saints' heaven
--and the sinners' hell.
Here on earth wicked men have their heaven,
hereafter they shall have their hell. The time
of this life is the day of their joy and triumph;
and when this short day is ended--then eternal
lamentations, mournings, and woes follow!
Ah sinners! sinners! that day is hastening
upon you, wherein you shall have . . .
punishment without pity,
misery without mercy,
sorrow without support,
pain without pleasure, and
torments without end!
Ah, sinners! sinners! Ah! your portion is below,
and you are already adjudged to those torments
which are endless, easeless, and remediless; where
the worm never dies, and the fire never goes out!
The day is coming upon you, sinners, when . . .
all your sweet shall be turned into bitter;
all your glory into shame;
all your plenty into scarcity;
all your joys into sorrows;
all your recreations into vexations; and
all your momentary comforts into everlasting torments!
Sermon Outline
- I. The Saints' Hell and Sinners' Heaven
- A. This life is the saints' hell and sinners' heaven
- B. The next life will be the saints' heaven and sinners' hell
- II. The Wicked Have Their Heaven Here
- A. They have joy and triumph in this life
- B. Their day of joy will end in eternal lamentations
- III. The Coming Day of Punishment
- A. Sinners will face punishment without pity
- B. They will experience misery, sorrow, and pain without end
Key Quotes
“This present life is the saints' hell--and the sinners' heaven.” — Thomas Brooks
“Ah sinners! sinners! that day is hastening upon you, wherein you shall have punishment without pity, misery without mercy, sorrow without support, pain without pleasure, and torments without end!” — Thomas Brooks
“The day is coming upon you, sinners, when all your sweet shall be turned into bitter; all your glory into shame; all your plenty into scarcity; all your joys into sorrows; all your recreations into vexations; and all your momentary comforts into everlasting torments!” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Recognize the reality of hell and the consequences of sin, and turn to God for salvation.
- Do not be deceived by the temporary pleasures of this life, but seek eternal life with God.
- Repent and turn away from sin, that you may avoid the coming day of punishment and inherit eternal life.