Two Destinations

Scripture Text

Luke 16: 22-24

 Intro: Why do we spend our time, effort, energy, and money to support the church? Why do we preach and teach the word of God every week?  Why do we put the gospel on the internet? The answer is because we believe what Jesus said in His word. “I have come to seek and save the lost.” (Luke 19:10) He also said go into all the earth with the gospel. (Matt. 28:18-20)

I. Jesus says there are two final destinations for mankind Revelation 20:15 (NKJV) And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 21:27 (NKJV) But there shall by no means enter the city of God (Heaven) anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life.

a. We are created with a soul and spirit that will live forever.

 b. When we die we continue to exist.

 c. We will live forever either in a place the bible calls Heaven or in a place called Hell.

 d. Each of us is responsible for our final destination. Either eternal life or Hell, the lake of fire!

II. A place called Hell. Luke 16:23-24 (NKJV) ²³ And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.  ²⁴ Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.' According to [Rev. 20:15] Hell is a Lake of fire!

  a. Hell is a place for the wicked.

  b. Hell is a place prepared for the devil and his angels. Matthew 25:41 (NKJV) Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels. It’s a place for the unsaved, evil and condemned spirits. Those who have rejected God’s Son Jesus Christ, His deity, and the salvation that He purchased on the cross. Hell is a place of eternal torment, punishment and fire for the lost. Luke 16:23-24 (NKJV) ²³ And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. ²⁴ Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.' Hell exists for the penalty and payback of evil deeds committed on earth. Hell is the place of God's final judgment. Here God, our King and Supreme Judge, finally rectifies wrongs through his avenging wrath. The damned will be paid back for the harm they have done.  Matthew 16:27 (NKJV)  For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.

    III. A place called Heaven. Luke 16:22 (NKJV)  So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried.

a. Heaven is a place for the righteous.  For those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ for their salvation. (John 3:16) Abraham’s bosom was a place of the righteous dead in the O.T. until Jesus could come and die for their sins. Then when Jesus was resurrected, He took them to Heaven. Heaven is the abode of God, Jesus, the angels, and the spirits of the saved after death; the place of existence of the blessed after the mortal life. Heaven is described in Revelation 21:1-4 (NKJV) ¹ Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. ² Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. ³ And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.
⁴ And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

That’s why Jesus Christ paid the price for your sins and mine! He took upon Himself the death and punishment that you and I deserve through His death on the cross. That’s why the church exists, that’s why we continue to tell the same old story about Jesus and His love, that’s why we try to reach those who are lost, that don’t know Jesus Christ as their Savior, regardless of their age. That’s why we have mission offerings, they are to send our missionaries around the world with the gospel message. The bible tells us in; Galatians 6:9 (NKJV) Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

INVITATION: Have you made the choice for the Heavenly destination?  If you do not choose Heaven then Hell is your destination. God’s desire is that all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim. 2:4) God chooses eternal life for you but you must accept His invitation. You do this by confessing your sins against God and asking Jesus to forgive and save you. You have the right to reject God’s invitation for salvation and Heaven. But if you do He will become your judge and you will face His judgment in Hell. The bible says “Now is the accepted time, today is the day of salvation.” The choice is yours! Consider the everlasting alternatives and choose wisely!