The Rich Man In Hell
By Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains | October 16, 2024
Turn to Luke 16:19-31, and please put away your phones—I want your full attention for this sobering subject: “The Rich Man In Hell.” Jesus says: “There was a certain rich man… and a certain beggar named Lazarus… the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died… and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments…” Let’s pray: God, this horrible scripture is hard to grasp. Open our eyes, stir our hearts. Save the unsaved today, and give believers a vision of this truth, in Jesus’ name, amen.
The Horror of Hell
Hell’s horror is undeniable. The rich man, clad in luxury, died and awoke in torment (Luke 16:23), seeing Lazarus in paradise—a stark contrast to his earthly ease. No purgatory exists—just instant judgment. He saw paradise’s light across a dark abyss, felt flames, tasted thirst, heard wails (Matthew 13:42), and smelled brimstone. Worse, he remembered his good life, now a tormenting memory. Imagine craving earthly pleasures—drugs, comforts—forever unfulfilled, like eternal withdrawal. Scripture calls it “outer darkness,” “chains of darkness,” “torment forever”—a sensory nightmare for the lost.
The Hopelessness of Hell
Hell offers utter hopelessness. Luke 16:26 says: “Between us and you there is a great gulf fixed…” No mercy, no relief, no escape—ever. Earthly hopelessness is crushing; imagine it eternal, with no sliver of light. A Puritan, Thomas Watson, mused: if a bird removed a grain of sand every thousand years, hope might linger. But “forever and ever” shatters that. The rich man’s plea for water was denied; his fate sealed. Without Christ, this is your destiny—fixed, unchangeable, hopeless.
The Heart’s Desire of People in Hell
Hell reveals a heart’s desire unfulfilled. In Luke 16:27-28, the rich man begged: “Send Lazarus to my father’s house: for I have five brethren… lest they also come into this place of torment.” He longed to warn his family, but Abraham replied: “They have Moses and the prophets… if they hear not… neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead” (verses 29-31). God sends preachers, not ghosts—I’m His messenger today. Yet, human depravity resists even the risen Christ. His desire couldn’t save them—too late.
A Call to Escape Hell
Hell’s unpopular—I don’t relish preaching it, but Scripture demands it (Romans 11:22). God’s love shines, but His severity warns: “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Lazarus’ angelic escort contrasts the rich man’s burial—no pomp alters eternity. Skeptics scoff, but if I’m wrong, I’ve lost nothing; if you’re wrong, you lose everything. Believers, where’s your burden? Many never urge loved ones to Christ. Today, trust Him—say, “Pastor, I want Heaven, not Hell.” Pray, feel His acceptance. Let’s stand—will you heed this warning?
