DEVOTION, January  8,  2021

The Bible clearly teaches in many places that there is a heaven and a hell. The story is told of a minister who preached in a New England church. He declared that all people will be saved. He said that hell is a cruel human invention that is contrary to the principle of a loving God. When he finished, he told the congregation he could return to preach in a few weeks. One board member said, “If what you say is true and we are all going to heaven, we don’t need you. If your doctrine is false and there is a hell, we don’t want you to return.” He was never invited back.

Jesus taught often that there is a heaven and a hell.  In Luke 16:22-23 He told of a rich man who died and was in torment in hell. He talked about a narrow way that leads to destruction. Yes, there are preachers today who will tell you that hell is a myth. I prefer to believe the words of Jesus. If we believe He is the Son of God, it follows that whatever He says is true. God has provided a clear and simple path that leads to eternal life. “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but receive everlasting life” (John 3:16). Faith in Jesus is the only requirement to receive eternal life. What is God to do with those who will not embrace Jesus as Savior and Lord? What is God to do with those who turn aside from His love? Jesus’ answer is clear. If you want to exist separate from God, so be it. However, living apart from God cannot be pleasant. It is hell.

Father, I thank You for revealing so clearly that there are two paths we can choose in life. There is a wide path leading to destruction, and there is a narrow path leading to life. Please keep me on that narrow path, whatever the cost. In Jesus name, Amen.