Heaven is for Real, And So Is Hell Matthew 25:31-46.

Heaven is for Real,Heaven is for Real,And So Is HellAnd So Is Hell

Matthew 25:31-46Matthew 25:31-46

Two DestiniesTwo Destinies

• Jesus is the voice of authorityJesus is the voice of authority• He speaks of existence for all on the other He speaks of existence for all on the other

sideside• He speaks of two destinies for peopleHe speaks of two destinies for people• He speaks of Eternal Life or Eternal Death He speaks of Eternal Life or Eternal Death

(Matthew 25:46)(Matthew 25:46)

Two JourneysTwo Journeys

• We have two journeys to takeWe have two journeys to take

• This has been altered for believers since This has been altered for believers since Christ cameChrist came

• We will look at it in terms of BC/ADWe will look at it in terms of BC/AD

Two JourneysTwo Journeys

• BC - Before Christ cameBC - Before Christ came

– People’s sprits went to:People’s sprits went to: Sheol - Old Testament place of deadSheol - Old Testament place of dead

Hades - Greek term that is equivalent to HadesHades - Greek term that is equivalent to Hades

Two JourneysTwo Journeys

• Luke 16 - Rich man and LazarusLuke 16 - Rich man and Lazarus

• vv. 22-26vv. 22-26

• When Old Testament was translated into When Old Testament was translated into Greek, Sheol was always translated HadesGreek, Sheol was always translated Hades

• This was the world of departed spiritsThis was the world of departed spirits

Two JourneysTwo Journeys

• Sheol or Hades observationsSheol or Hades observations

– A place distinguished from the grave (Is. 14:9)A place distinguished from the grave (Is. 14:9)– Sheol was spoken of a shadowy place of darkness Sheol was spoken of a shadowy place of darkness

- a pit (Ez. 26:20)- a pit (Ez. 26:20)– People united with ancestors but there were People united with ancestors but there were

different sides. One went to be with ancestors different sides. One went to be with ancestors (Gen. 15:15 - but in Luke 16 notice he was (Gen. 15:15 - but in Luke 16 notice he was separated from the wicked)separated from the wicked)

Two JourneysTwo Journeys

• Sheol/Hades ObservationsSheol/Hades Observations

– On one side there was comfort on the other On one side there was comfort on the other agony (a foretaste of hell)agony (a foretaste of hell)

– THE DESTINIES WERE FIXEDTHE DESTINIES WERE FIXED

Two JourneysTwo Journeys

• AD - After Christ CameAD - After Christ Came

– Jesus’ death and resurrection changed Jesus’ death and resurrection changed everything for believerseverything for believers

– During the time of His death and ultimate During the time of His death and ultimate resurrection, Jesus entered Hades and emptied resurrection, Jesus entered Hades and emptied out the “saved” side - that is carried their sprits out the “saved” side - that is carried their sprits with Him to heaven (Acts 2:31; Eph. 4:8-10)with Him to heaven (Acts 2:31; Eph. 4:8-10)

Two JourneysTwo Journeys

• AD - After ChristAD - After Christ

– For those who are not ChristiansFor those who are not Christians• Body deterioratesBody deteriorates• Spirit to Hades - still place of lost departed Spirit to Hades - still place of lost departed

spirits where there is suffering (2 Peter 2:9)spirits where there is suffering (2 Peter 2:9)• Resurrection - Acts 24:15Resurrection - Acts 24:15• Judgment - Rev. 20:11-15Judgment - Rev. 20:11-15• HellHell

Two JourneysTwo Journeys

• AD - Since Christ CameAD - Since Christ Came

– For BelieversFor Believers• Body Deteriorates (I opt for burial as a point of Body Deteriorates (I opt for burial as a point of

witness)witness)• Spirit received into Christ’s presence (Acts 7:59)Spirit received into Christ’s presence (Acts 7:59)• Resurrection (1 Thess. 4:16)Resurrection (1 Thess. 4:16)• JudgmentJudgment• HeavenHeaven

Two ChoicesTwo Choices

• Where one goes must be decided nowWhere one goes must be decided now

• It is determined by our relationship and It is determined by our relationship and dependence upon Jesusdependence upon Jesus

• John 3:16 or John 3:36John 3:16 or John 3:36