If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15, NIV 1984).
My Musings – The “lake of fire” is another name for Hell. It is referred to by this name only in Revelation (19:20; 20:10, 14, 15; 21:8). Its terrible nature is abundantly clear from this and other descriptions throughout scripture. It is the final and eternal abode of the anti-Christ and his false prophet after their defeat by the Lamb, Satan and his demons after his last rebellion, Death and Hades, and all whose names are “not found written in the Book of Life.” It is called the second death, for it is the ultimate separation from God beyond the second resurrection and final judgment.
Eternal life in Heaven is certainly consistent with a loving God. But this eternal reward is reserved solely for those who accepted Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross for their sin. Hell, on the other hand, while prepared for Satan and his demons, is also reserved for those who rejected Christ’s sacrifice of love on the cross. By this they rejected allegiance to God and aligned themselves with the devil. If this were not sufficient justification for the reality and certainty of Hell, consider the following:
God’s Righteousness. Hell is a witness to the righteous character of God. A righteous God must justly deal with sin that has not met the terms of His pardon. If people refused to have their sin judged at the cross by the atoning sacrifice that God Himself freely provided on their behalf, God must judge it at the Great White Throne.
Man’s Accountability. Hell is a witness to man’s responsibility and accountability for their own choices. Man is not a robot nor is he a helpless victim. God created man with a freewill and the capacity to make their own choices. Thus, God does not send anyone to Hell against their will. It is by their own will that they choose Hell by rejecting the Savior (Matthew 25:41; John 3:16–21).
Grace is Costly. In the light of Calvary, no lost sinner can condemn God for casting him into Hell. God paid a very high price, His own Son, to provide a way of escape. He patiently waits for sinners to repent (during the age of grace – the Church age), even compelling them to repent (during the age of wrath – the great tribulation). By His very nature as a Holy and righteous God He cannot lower His standards, nor can He alter His requirements. He did not have to provide a way of escape, but He did. Thus, He is justified in insisting that faith in His Son, who paid the penalty for our sin, is the only way of salvation.
Sin’s Awfulness. Hell is a witness to the awfulness of sin. If we saw sin as God sees it, we might better understand why a place such as Hell exists. It cannot be permitted in Heaven.
In Daniel 12:2, John 5:29 and Acts 24:15 we are told that there is a resurrection to life (the first resurrection) as well as to death (the second resurrection). When the believer is resurrected to life he is transformed into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29; 1 John 3:2). The corruptible has been made incorruptible.
Unchanged Corruption. In the resurrection of the unsaved the individual is unchanged, still conformed to the sinful pattern of this world. He remains conscious and aware, but his character and his attitude toward God remain corrupted by sin. In the lake of fire, the old sinful desires continue to burn, but are forever unsatisfied. This is one reason why the lake of fire is called the second death (Revelation 20:14). It is an endless captivity with no hope for change, no hope for growth, and no hope for transformation. Forever fixed and unchangeable, the personality of the lost burns as much from inner torment as from the inferno that John compares to burning sulfur.
My Advice – Some receive mercy. Some receive judgement. No one receives injustice. Those who receive mercy are justified by accepting Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Justification makes the mercy they receive just. The judgement that the unsaved receive is justified because they reject Christ’s atoning sacrifice. Just punishment is not unjust. Mercy or judgement. You decide. Justice is served either way.
Resources:
Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (p. 1299). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.
Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 621). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
Robertson, A. T. (1933). Word Pictures in the New Testament (Re 20:15). Nashville, TN: Broadman Press.
Richards, L., & Richards, L. O. (1987). The teacher’s commentary (p. 1087). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
The Brew Is A Musing 