Hell is No Laughing Matter

Pastor Randy Corbin, Transitional Lead Pastor

 Coming from her, I didn’t think much of it at the time.  Linda and I were talking with our neighbor several years ago about her experience with an allergic reaction.  To use her terms, it was “h-e-double hockey sticks.”

As I reflected on her use of the term, I realized that we (society and perhaps believers) have no understanding of the horror of Hell.  I am convinced that we cannot comprehend the terror and magnitude of this very real place where even now millions are screaming in utter excruciating agony.

Yet, the term is tossed around so loosely.  In fact, some like to joke about the place.  I hope we as believers don’t. 

It is a terrible, terrible place with no second chances and no exit doors.  And, it goes on without end. 
Dr. Maurice Rawlings, cardiologist and author of “Beyond Death’s Door” told of a patient he was resuscitating who pled, “I am in Hell.  Don’t let me go back!”  Dr. Rawlings writes, “No one who could have heard his screams and saw the terror on his face could doubt for a single minute that he was actually in a place called hell.”

Hell is a real and horrifying place.

There are 162 references to Hell in the New Testament, 70 of them from the lips of Jesus.  We are told it is a place of fire and torment (Luke 16:23).  It is forever.

When I served at the National Office, we invited Consultant Bob Biehl to our President’s Cabinet to discuss with us how we could see The Christian and Missionary Alliance gain greater traction in completing Christ’s Commission.  After considerable investigation on his part, Bob Biehl declared, “If you want to see the Kingdom expanded, you need to preach more on Hell.”  We were a bit stunned by that declaration and we pressed him on it, but he would not back off.  “No,” he said, “what you are lacking is more passionate preaching on Hell.” 
Biehl was concerned that both the Church and the world had lost its understanding and horror of Hell. 
A 2003 survey revealed that 64% of Americans believed they would go to heaven but less than 1% believed they might go to Hell.

Yet, you and I know the truth.  Those who do not put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ are Hell-bound. 
May the reality of Hell move us to compassion and to action in declaring the way of escape through Jesus Christ!  Hell is no laughing matter!