Hell is not cool, PC or even fun to preach; not if you take it seriously. It’s a heavy, sober and genuinely terrifying topic. My Theology Matters series wraps up this week with a sermon on Hell, and I thought I would share why I believe preaching on hell is valuable.
1. It demonstrates the holiness and justice of God.
Throughout Scripture God makes it clear that he cannot overlook sin. He will not give our pride a pass, nor look the other way when we covet or lust, nor will he just forgive us. His righteousness demands satisfaction against all unrighteousness, and because God is so wonderfully consistent in his person and work we face the terrifying reality that our sin demands satisfaction. Preaching on hell reveals a holy and just God.
2. It uncovers the seriousness and heinousness of sin.
It’s impossible to see our sin as too ugly. I think most people tend to see sin as little more than an interruption to a happier day. But it’s the reality of hell that helps us to begin to grasp just how serious an issue our corruption is. It is worthy of and earns God’s wrath. We are corrupted and condemned because of our sinful actions, thoughts and nature. Preaching on hell uncovers the ugliness of our sin.
3. It reveals the severity of the sufferings of Jesus on behalf of sinners.
I do not believe Jesus, after his death on the cross, went to “hell.” But I do believe, with Calvin, that Scripture teaches Jesus went through hell (the wrath of God) on the cross. Christ propitiatory work on the cross is what allows God to be both just and justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Preaching on hell forces us to confront God’s holiness, our ugliness and the wonder of the cross where these two realities came together in the all satisfying work of the Savior.
So I’m preaching on hell – not to scare people away from hell (in fact, I don’t think that generally works). I am preaching on hell to highlight law and gospel. As we see our guilt and just condemnation (hell deserved), we are then drawn to the grace and redemption offered in Jesus (hell satisfied).
Looking for a solid, classic treatment on the subject? I dig WGT Shedd’s The Doctrine of Endless Punishment
I am the Lead Pastor of Redeemer Fellowship; husband to Jen; Dad to Katherine, Elias, Madeline, and Kilian. If you're in town you can probably find me in the local coffee house or running through the neighborhoods.
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hi pastor, it’s great to know that there are still guys like you who aren’t afraid to preach the heavy stuff. in an age where people gather to themselves teachers that satisfy their itching ears, i’m encouraged by men who are willing to take a stand and preach on tough issues without compromise. God bless!
With due respect…. Hell is the grave or the unseen, not a fiery torture chamber of eternity. The Holy Spirit has opened my eyes to many truths about what hell / lake of fire is and about the myth of free will.
I won’t go into specifics here, because it will just cause an argument… but if I may urge you to pray for discernment & truth, then also grab research deeper via a Greek Lexicon, Young’s or Concordant Literal Bible and a clear mind, absent of the traditional teachings we have digested for the last 1700 years.
One good human source of research material is http://martinzender.com – but seeking the Holy Spirit’s enlightenment is the most important of course.
Peace
Dave Lewerenz
Well, thanks for the “respect” Dave. You seem to assume a few things about me that are not true. That I have not prayed through and labored over this doctrine for years. That my understanding of Greek is superficial or rudimentary, etc. The truth is I have agonized over this very doctrine both on my knees and in the word seeking to understand what Christ himself teaches, and yes I have done so with an acute awareness of the church’s teaching on the subject throughout our history.
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