Like it or not, we are all going to die. Man is the only creature that knows he is going to die. People don’t want to talk about death. We avoid the subject. We look for the remote to change the channel! The destination of the species is more important than the origin of the species.

1 – Contrast in life (vs. 19-21)

Some are born into riches and some are not. Some are born into free countries and some are not. When it comes to life after death it matters not.

2 – Contrast in death (vs. 22)

Both the rich and the poor die. Only the Second Coming will prevent you from dying. You can’t flee from death! Money was no object to the rich man but he still eventually dies. You might be a bank manager, doctor or minister – no matter – all will die. We do not know when we will die. It can come suddenly or it can come later. Your age means little. If you are not ready to die then you are not ready to live. The rich man was buried and the poor man was thrown out like the rubbish.

3 – Contrast in eternity (vs. 23)

Jesus pulls back the curtain and lets us look at the afterlife. Jesus teaches that there is life after death. Eternity will continue long after the planets and the Sun have worn away. When the poor man dies there was an angel to escort him. The poor man is at a banquet (a feast) not a funeral. It is the highest table you can imagine. Heaven is all that God would desire for you. The agonies of Hell are seen. Hell is often the butt of jokes. The preacher who preaches on Hell is considered to be out of touch or foolish. The Word of God clearly teaches the reality of Hell. People scoffed at Noah. People scoffed at Daniel. See Daniel 5:20.

Here are some reasons to believe in Hell: –

• Jesus taught it was real. See Matthew 5:29-30.
• The death of Jesus.

Why did Jesus come? Why did he suffer? Why did Jesus die? He did all this to save us from Hell. Hell is a place of misery. It is a place of torment. See Matthew 25:41. Is it real fire? Jesus spoke of fire. It is better to take it literally than to try and spiritualise it away. In Hell you take your memory with you. Are you still saying “No!” to Jesus? In Hell you will get no tracts or sermons but you will be in torment. You will remember. The rich man in Hell became concerned about his loved ones. It was too late. Don’t leave it too late to speak to your loved ones.

Categories: Luke