FBCD_FaithEssentials_June_FlipBook

Todd Gaddis

Even if the flames aren’t literally there, the physical misery will be. And yet, it pales in comparison to the mental and emotional anguish that hell’s occupants endure. As Jesus hung dying on the cross, he cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). The physical pain of being nailed to the cross meant little to Him compared to the agony being separated from the Father and becoming sin for us. The spiritual agony in hell overshadows anything physically endured. Observe also that hell means eternal separation, as described by the following: Separation from God – “Between us and you there is a great chasm fixed,” said Abraham, “so that those who wish to come over from here to you will not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us” (Luke 16:26). Thankfully, for those still alive on earth, there is a way to cross the chasm. Yet it can’t happen as a result of our own efforts. Rather it’s the sacrifice of Christ that allows sinful man to connect with a perfect God. If you’ve not done so, make the connection now by receiving His offer of salvation and forgiveness. Otherwise, you’re doomed to an eternity of separation after you die. Separation from people – Lazarus was carried by angels to Abraham’s side after his death. We learn of no such welcome for the rich man. I’ve heard it said about rebellious unbelievers that they don’t dread the prospects of hell, as long as they can party with their rebellious friends. I’ve got news for them—nothing could be further from the truth. While Christians can anticipate joyous fellowship— with Jesus, angels and other saints in their life to come—the unsaved can expect nothing but aloneness and confinement. I toured a prison recently and was shown the tiny, isolation cells reserved for inmates who disobey certain rules. For up to 30 days, “SOLITARY CONFINEMENT”

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