The Truth About Heaven and Hell

“And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.” Luke 16:23

Jesus told a story that is both sobering and full of hope. A poor beggar named Lazarus suffered greatly in this life. He was sick, he lost everything, and the Bible even says that dogs came and licked his sores. When he died, he was carried by angels into paradise. At the same time, a rich man who had everything died and opened his eyes in torment.

You see something powerful here. Lazarus did not go to heaven because he was poor, and the rich man did not go to hell because he was wealthy. Poverty and riches are not what determine your eternity. What matters is the condition of your heart. Lazarus loved God and served Him as best he could. The rich man refused to humble himself. He trusted in his wealth. He saw need right in front of him and hardened his heart.

That is the danger of pride and selfishness. Riches are not evil, but they can deceive you into thinking you do not need God. They can make you cold toward others. They can blind you to eternity. The rich man had every opportunity to repent, but he refused. When he died, he realized too late that hell is real.

Lazarus, on the other hand, had nothing in this world but faith in God. His suffering did not mean God had abandoned him. His sickness and loss did not erase his obedience. The grace of God carried him home to a place of comfort and peace.

This story is a reminder to you today.

Life on earth is temporary, but eternity is forever. Do not put your trust in possessions. 

Do not harden your heart to the needs around you. Most importantly, do not delay in giving your whole life to God. Jesus taught this truth because He wants you to live with Him forever.

You really do not want to go to hell. But even more, you do not have to. Grace is available to you right now. Place your trust in Jesus. Serve Him with all your heart. And no matter what you face in this life, you can be certain of where you are going in the next.

Prayer: Lord, help me to keep my heart tender before You. Do not let pride or possessions blind me to my need for Your grace. Teach me to serve You in every season and to trust You when life is hard. Thank You for preparing a place for me in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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