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Matthew 25:14–30
“And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matt. 25:30).
In Friday’s study, we saw that Revelation 21 and 22 mention a number of things that will not be present in the new heaven and new earth. We overlooked some. Revelation 21:8 says, “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” In other words, there will be no unredeemed sinners in the new earth. They will be in hell. This reminds us that God makes a separation among people, saving some and condemning others to eternal torment. This is not an easy or pleasant prospect to ponder, but having studied the topic of heaven, it is both appropriate and worthwhile that we look at the Bible’s teaching on hell, as well. We will spend this week doing so.
There likely has never been a time in church history when more people have challenged the doctrine of hell than today. Liberal theologians dismiss it as the mythological belief of primitive people, a concept unworthy of the love of God. Others, even some “evangelicals,” have abandoned it in recent years in favor of annihilationism, the belief that the ultimate judgment of sinners is the destruction of their souls. But in rejecting hell, they are abandoning a Biblical doctrine that is based primarily on the teaching of Christ. Indeed, almost everything we know about hell comes from the lips of Jesus. His words paint a picture of a place of unspeakable pain and torment.
One example is His parable of the talents. Finding that one of his servants has not used the endowment given to him, the master orders him thrown into ‘ “the outer darkness,” ’ which is a place of“ ‘weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ ” These descriptions of what clearly is hell are packed with symbolism. “Outer darkness” harkens back to the horrifying Old Testament idea of being outside the camp of Israel, outside the presence of God. How different is this place from that described in Revelation 21, which is illumined by the glory of God. “Weeping” denotes sorrow, while “gnashing of teeth” speaks of anger and hostility. Again, the contrast to heaven is strong, for Revelation 21 tells us that tears will be wiped away there and there will be no distress or trouble. These and other descriptions of hell point beyond themselves to an even grimmer reality.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Do you believe in hell? If so, are you embarrassed to acknowledge that belief? We must remember that Jesus acknowledged it. He set an example for us in that He did not simply woo sinners to God with promises of blessing; He warned them from sin with His teaching on hell. Study this doctrine, accept it, and make it known to unbelievers.
For further study
- Job 21:30
- Psalm 9:16–17
- Psalm 11:6
- Proverbs 2:22
- Ecclesiastes 8:13
- Isaiah 66:24