SUNDAY May 30, 2021

The Reality of Hell

Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.” (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)
Ephesians 4:8-10

We have before us a tremendous lesson. Paul reveals Jesus to be a giver of spiritual gifts. As Christians, we are given spiritual gifts so we can be used in the Kingdom of God. Christ’s gifts are given to us for this purpose.

Understand, before Christ ascended to heaven, He first descended into hell. Many people do not know this. According to the Scriptures, when Jesus’ dead body was taken from the Cross, washed, wrapped, anointed with perfumes, and taken to a tomb, during those three days and nights in the tomb, He descended into hell to preach to the captives––all those who had died in the faith during the Old Testament times.

Understand, in hell there were two compartments––one for the righteous and one for the wicked. In between these two compartments was a gulf that separated them. As Jesus ascended from hell, He emptied the place of the righteous, and hell expanded its borders.

Many people do not believe in a literal hell. Some falsely believe they can pray for the dead in purgatory so these souls can be cleansed and forgiven and enter heaven––not so. Once you die, you either go to heaven or hell. There is no place in between––there is no such thing as purgatory. In the Scriptures, Jesus spoke more about hell than heaven, and He warned people about hell (Matthew 25:41).

Science cannot reach beyond the grave. People have their philosophies and beliefs rooted in different religions, but the Bible is true in its context. Hell is a real place. God desires people would not perish in hell. He sent His Son Jesus to die on the Cross so they can go to heaven (John 3:16).

If you are still unconverted, thank God that you are still not in hell.
~Andrew Murray~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!