THE FORGOTTEN PLACE:

 

   Most os us would quickly discount the false teaching that everybody ends up in heaven.  But do we ponder the somber realities of hell?  According to mission specialists, one of the greatest challenges facing the global evengelical mission movement today is "theological fluffiness concering the eternity of Hell and eternal lostness of the lost."  Popilar religious authors and speakers, while declaring their belief in a hell, boldly contend that a loving God would certainly not send people to this horrible place.

   The Bible refers to hell as a real place where real people go.  In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus shared the account of the Rich Man and Lazarus.  This rich man wanted Abraham to send Lazarus to his brothers--to warn them not to come where he was.

   Speaking on this passage, one preacher said, "Hell has some things the church needs today--aburning and a burden."  The rich man became burdened for his lost family, but burdened too late.  have we lost our burden for the unsaved, even those in our family?  And the burning part?  Has the church lost its fire?  Does complacency sit in pews once occupied by vibrant energized believers?

   What comes to mind when you envision hell?  Burdens, burnings, darkness, total separation from God?  Hell includes all of these. Yet certain things cannot be found in this forgotten place.

 

PLACE OF NO RICHES:

  

   While living, the rich man clothed himself in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day.  In other words, he lived in luxury; he had it made.  But in hell, his earthly riches provided him no special treatment.  On earth, people stood at his beck and call.  Isolated in hell, his needs remain unmet.  The riches he once knew offer him no benefit now.

 

PLACE OF NO REPRIEVE;

 

   From the depths of hell, the rich man begged that Lazarus be allowed to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool his tongue, for he was tormented in the flame.  He wanted a reprieve--if only temporary relief from pain and anguish.  Yet even his request for a small drop of water remained ungranted.

   Although we may suffer pain and hurt here in this life, God's Word reveals that believers will have new bodies in Heaven.  Revelation 21:4 confirms, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neighter shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

   We sometimes get a temporary reprieve from the troubles of earth.  Times of pain and suffering give way to days of good.  Yet eventually sorrow returns or sickness comes around again.  In Heaven, these troublesome things will be forever gone, never again experienced.

   Hell promises no reprieve of any kind.  pain experienced on earth, whether physical or mental anguish, will continue forever in hell.  Added to the pain will be memories and regrets of how things could have been.  In Jesus' account, Abraham told the rich man, "Son, remember..."

   Hell will most likely include constant reminders of times God spoke to hearts and individuals rejected Him.  The rich man could see Lazarus in Abraham's bosom.  If the unsaved are able to see family and friends in Heaven, this adds to the grief, knowing they cannot pass the great gulf fixed between them and those they love.

 

PLACE OF NO RELIEF:

 

   When life on earth gets unbearable, believers in Christ find comfort knowing He's preparing a better place for us.  But for those in hell, there's neither an exit nor an escape.  Will there be repentance?  If, in the midst of the suffering, perhaps there comes a lucid, clear thought of "Oh, God, I'm sorry.  Sorry I didn't listen, sorry I didn't believe," this realization will come too late.  Even death row inmates hold on to the slight hope of a governor's pardon--up to their last moments on earth.  But, in hell, there is no hope.  God's inal judgment for sin is irrevocable.

 

PLACE OF NO REVIVAL:

 

   Revival is an impossibility for those in hell, since reviving something involves new life or restoration.  The rich man thought about his lost brothers, yet he never mentioned the idea of his own escape; he only wanted to warn others.  Surely he would have loved one last chance to talk to his brothers--to try and persuade them to follow God.  But he could not.  Speculation abounds concerning te joys of Heaven and the sight and arrival of other family and friends.  Yet, what torment fathers or mothers in hell must endure in seeing a son's or daughter's arrival there.  Christians and non-Christians alike both love their children.  Imagine a parent's anguish, knowing all too well the torments a son or daughter will face.  Even more tormenting will be the haunting question, "As a parent, was I, in part, responsible?"  Hell affords no opportunity for revival, for changed hearts or for revival, for changed hearts or for leading others to Christ.

 

PLACE OF NO RECOURSE:

 

   A television special several years ago featured an inside investigation of a women's prison.  As the popular show host entered the facility, she was fingerprinted, search, and made to wear prison attire.  She was then handcuffed and taken to a cell in solitary confinement.  As the camera rolled, she spoke of the fear women face in prison.  She even feigned a look of fear herself, trying to impress upon viewers the awfulness and fearfulness of the place.  Although she sought to walk in these prisoners shoes, she could not truly experience the gravity of their fear.  She had entered voluntarily; she could exit at any time.  How closely could she identify with women sentenced for life?  As the door slams behind them, they realize, most likely, they will never again know the priviledge of freedom.

   Viewing that program reminded me of the realities of hell and my responsibilities as a believer.  Save now for many years, I find it difficult to grasp the fear of hell.  Although I feel for the unsaved, I cannot fathom walking in their shoes.  I don't fully understand.  Most times, neither do those who are lose, for Satan has blinded their minds to the truth.  Like an investigative reporter, I sometimes try ti imagine being thrown into hell.  But I cannot possibly know how a person feels as the door shut behind them and they find themselves in this place of darkness, pain and no escape.

   Every moment, people pass into eternity.  Are we doing all we can to reach them and share Christ, to "snatch them from the fire"?  Perhaps, someday in Heaven, before God wipes away all tears, we will be given a moment's glimpse into hell.  Will we see many for whom we failed to pray or to witness?

   Lord, help us today, to remember this forgotten place.