St. Luke 16:19-29

Introduction

There used to be a terror that seized the hearts of men when there would be mention of that place called hell. So much so that it was not uncommon a few years ago to have preachers who would not even attempt to take on the subject of punishment in the afterlife. But times have brought about a change. The day has seen a lack of the fear of the torments of hell. Men are no longer in awe of the power of God to punish the sinner. And whenever punishment is no longer commanding then what is left to deter the sinister actions of mankind?

Hell Is Not Even Enough To Change Those That Are There!

When you look at the story of the rich man and Lazarus, the one thing that stands out in the text is the fact that even in hell the rich man never repents. He is even so bold as to even ask Lazarus to serve him after death the way he was served in life. Not even hell changed the rich man.

• Hebrews 9:27 It is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgment.
1. and no matter how many people died around him, he never made preparations to die.
• And if you think that hell changes people, you are sadly mistaken.
• Not even the punishment of the eternal flames are enough to rehabilitate the soul of the sinner.
• There is no redemption in hell.
• Even in the book of Revelation 20, it tells of how Satan will be bound and cast into the bottomless pit for 1000 years, but upon his temporary release, he will go right back to his old ways of deception and futile conquest.
1. not even 1000 years in hell is enough to change the devil and make him want to do right.
• If there is ever going to be change, it has to happen right now.
1. if you are ever going to change, it has to happen right now.

Punishment And Fear Won't Do It

Even when I think about the fact that in our society capital punishment was intended to be a deterrant, but instead the crime rate continues to rise. Not even the threat of death by injection or electric chair or hanging is enough to keep people from doing crimes worthy of these punishments. Well, hell is no different!

• People used to cringe at the thought of hell, but not now.
• It seems that hell has lost it's demand for reverence.
• Men no longer fear the prospect of going to a place of punishment.
• Therefore, hell is not enough!

But Mercy And Love Will

If you only knew what love God had for you! And that He wants what is best for you.

• How much does He love you?
• He loves you so much that the Bible says that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for the ungodly.
• He even wants to change your life and make it one worth living.
• If you would only throw yourself on the mercy of His love, you'll finally know what real life is all about.
• Hell and punishment is not enough to change people, but the love of God is enough to turn even the hardest heart.
• He says Come now, let us reason together, saith the Lord, though your sins be as scarlett, I'll wash them whiter than snow, and though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
• I'm not saved because I am scared of hell, even though I am. I'm here because I love God.
1. punishment and fear only pauses the acts but not the motives, and it is not enough to cause change.