Hell as incentive to action

The importance of making the right choice

Matthew 7:13–14 KJV 1900

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

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A personal spiritual life is vital

It is more important than short-term worldly gain

Matthew 16:26 KJV 1900

For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

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It is not just outward appearance

Matthew 3:7–10 KJV 1900

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Religious activity alone is not only valueless but perilous

Matthew 7:21–23 KJV 1900

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

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Believers must maintain their loyalty to God

Matthew 10:28 KJV 1900

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

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Temptations to sin must be dealt with drastically

Matthew 5:29–30 KJV 1900

And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

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Some attitudes and practices that lead to hell

Deliberately continuing in sin

Hebrews 10:26–27 KJV 1900

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

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Lack of spiritual response

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Wilfully ignoring divine activity

Sodom, destroyed by God, was notoriously sinful.

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Contempt for fellow humans

The term “fool” implied the despising of another as worthless and godless.

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