Intro:

Some would desire to accept all that the Bible says about Heaven, and reject all that it says about Hell - but we are compelled to believe both.

 

I. The Purple - (vs. 19)

Purple in the Bible represents two things:

A. Access to God - as in the Tabernacle & Temple construction - or veil (2 Chron. 5:14). Little did the soldiers realize how much Bible prophecy they were fulfilling when they put a purple robe on Jesus (Jn. 19:2). Is there any other access?

B. Privilege - in (Judges 8:26) it was a color designated for kings. In (Rev. 18) it pictures the wealthy.

Question - Will religion or privilege keep you out of Hell?

 

II. The Pass - (vs. 22)

It will come to pass that you will die (Heb. 9:27). Every hospital, nursing home, funeral home, and cemetery stands a mute testimony to the reality of the pass and what lies beyond. Will you drop off into the horrible rocky canyon of Hell or wind down in a glorious Valley of God?

 

III. The Place - (vs. 28)

A. A place of torment - (Mk. 9:43-48)

- Everlasting punishment - (Matt. 25:46)

- Everlasting fire - (Matt. 25:41)

- Everlasting burnings - (Isa. 33:14)

- Furnace of fire - (Matt. 13:42,50)

- A lake of fire - (Rev. 20:15)

- Unquenchable fire - (Matt. 3:12)

- Devouring fire - (Isa. 33:14)

B. A place of consciousness - He could see, speak, hear, feel, reason, & remember.

 

IV. The Prayer - (vs. 27)

The prayer of Hell - which I am responding to today - Tell others.

The request is to testify which comes from a witness that these things are accurate and true. I'm certain that this man never prayed more earnestly or fervently.

The prayer is not "get me out" for these must be in hell a foreboding sense of despair that demonstrates the inevitable.

 

V. The Prophet - (vs. 29)

The prophet, as the preacher, can think of a thousand alternatives that would be better than declaring to you the reality of Hell. But to do less would be guilty of treason against his Heavenly citizenship. To avoid the subject entirely would be high crimes and misdemeanors against the very calling of God to preach.

To ignore the subject would be tantamount to perjury for a preacher of the Gospel swore a Holy Oath to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

To tell you of God's lover and forsake the message of His Wrath would be an obstruction of justice beyond calculation.

 

VI. The Persuaded - (vs. 31)

Jesus realized there is no power of persuasion beyond the Scriptures - Agrippa said to Paul, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." Almost only counts in Horseshoes and hand grenades!

- A man said, I am not ready - what would get you ready?