A Lifetime Of Memories In Hell
By Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains | November 10, 2024 | Heaven & Hell Series #8
Turn to Luke 16:19-31, though we’ll focus on verse 25 for today’s message, “A Lifetime Of Memories In Hell.” I wish there were no Hell, that no one had to go there. Luke 16:25 says: “But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.” Let’s pray: Father, we don’t understand life’s mysteries or Scripture’s startling truths—that the unsaved face eternal Hell. Help people trust You to avoid it. Burden us to keep loved ones from this awful place. Help me preach today. If any here aren’t saved, may they decide now. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Memories of Life on Earth
We all have regrets—decisions we’d change if we could. Most of us live with them, blessed enough to cope. But imagine endless regret in a place with no good, where memories haunt relentlessly. In Luke 16, the rich man, after dying, lifts his eyes in Hell’s torment, begging for water. Abraham replies, “Son, remember…” (v. 25). Hell isn’t dead—it’s alive with people who remember their earthly lives vividly. This man recalls his good things—wealth, family, pleasures—while Lazarus had sores and sorrow. Why do some prosper and others suffer? I’ve walked hospital corridors, seen twisted bodies like Jennifer’s, and asked, “God, why?” Yet, she, a Christian, is now in Heaven. The rich man remembers his privilege—and Lazarus’ pain.
Warnings of Hell Ignored
In Hell, people remember being told of its existence. The rich man begs Abraham to warn his brothers (vv. 27-28), but Abraham says, “They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them” (v. 29). He’d heard the Scriptures—Numbers 16, where Korah rebelled and the earth swallowed him into the pit; Isaiah 14 and 5:14, placing Hell in Earth’s center, enlarged for the crowd; Ezekiel 31-32, listing nations descending there. Preachers in his day warned him. Forty-five years ago, I read of a man rejecting his godly mom’s pleas—“Seek ye first the kingdom of God…” (Matthew 6:33)—hearing it in churches, only to die haunted in an asylum, repeating it. In Hell, he’d recall every warning, crying, “I was told!”
Missed Opportunities to Escape
Worst of all, in Hell, people remember every chance to escape. Lazarus begged at the rich man’s gate—someone brought him, shared the Gospel. He trusted Christ, went to paradise. I’ve seen it in nursing homes—people like Lazarus, eager for salvation, saying “Heaven” when asked where they’ll go. But the rich man, called Dives traditionally, ignored him. Pride blinded him to God’s goodness, meant to lead to repentance (Romans 2:4). He could’ve helped Lazarus, trusted Christ, but didn’t. In Hell, he recalls every sermon, song, teacher saying, “Trust Christ, escape Hell.” Imagine the horror, compounded by, “I could’ve been saved!” Hell’s the universe’s insane asylum, echoing regrets too late to change.
A Call to Act Now
Hell’s torment includes remembering your life, the warnings, and the chances you had. Don’t despise God’s goodness (Romans 2:4)—it’s to draw you to Him. If you’re unsaved, trust Christ now—don’t join the rich man’s regret. If you’re saved, warn others. I plead daily for my son’s liberation, vowing to reach the hurting with the Gospel. Lazarus escaped; you can too. Bow your heart, say, “Jesus, I need You.” Don’t let pride or shame keep you from Heaven. Stand—decide today to seek God’s kingdom first (Matthew 6:33) before it’s too late.
