“Two Destinations, One Decision”

INTRODUCTION

Every person who has ever lived is headed toward one of two eternal destinations: heaven or hell. The Bible does not treat these as symbolic ideas but as real places with real consequences. Jesus Himself spoke about both more than anyone else—because He loves us and wants us to be ready.

Today we look at what Scripture says about hell as a warning, and what it says about heaven as a promise.

I. THE REALITY OF HELL: A WARNING FROM JESUS

Hell is not a topic we choose; it is a topic Jesus chose. He spoke of it plainly because eternity is too long to be wrong.

1. Hell is not avoided by religious words

Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven.”

Jesus warns that saying the right things is not the same as knowing Him. Hell will be filled with people who were religious but never repented.

2. Hell is eternal

Matthew 25:46 “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”

The same word “everlasting” describes both heaven and hell. If heaven is forever, hell is forever. Jesus places them side by side so we cannot soften one without softening the other.

3. Hell is conscious torment and irreversible separation

Jesus gives the clearest picture in Luke 16, the story of the rich man and Lazarus.

• The rich man lived in luxury.
• Lazarus suffered at his gate.
• Both died.
• Lazarus was carried by angels to Abraham’s side.
• The rich man found himself in torment.

The rich man cries out:

“I am in anguish in this fire.”

Abraham responds:

“A great chasm has been fixed… so that none can cross.”

The rich man then begs for someone to warn his brothers. Abraham replies:

“They have Moses and the prophets.”

The rich man insists:

“But if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.”

Abraham answers:

“If they do not respond to Moses and the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.” (Jesus rose from the dead and they still do not believe)

Hell is a place of regret, memory, anguish, and no second chances. The rich man becomes a believer in hell—but too late to repent.

II. THE HOPE OF HEAVEN: A PROMISE FOR GOD’S PEOPLE

If hell reveals the seriousness of sin, heaven reveals the greatness of God’s grace. Scripture overflows with hope for those who belong to Christ.

1. Heaven is our true citizenship

Philippians 3:20–21 “Our citizenship is in heaven… and we await a Savior… who will transform our humble bodies into the likeness of His glorious body.”

We are not home yet. Heaven is where we truly belong.

2. Heaven is a place of perfect comfort

Revelation 21:4 “God shall wipe away all tears… no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain.”

Every wound healed. Every tear wiped away by God Himself.

3. Heaven is prepared personally by Jesus

John 14:2 “In my Father’s house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you.”

Heaven is not random—it is prepared with intention and love.

4. Heaven is immediate for the believer

2 Corinthians 5:8 “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”

The moment a believer dies, they are with Jesus.

5. Heaven is beyond imagination

1 Corinthians 2:9 “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard… the things God hath prepared for them that love Him.”

Heaven is not just better than earth—it is beyond anything we can imagine.

6. Heaven is filled with God’s light and our eternal purpose

Revelation 22:5 “There shall be no night there… the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.”

No darkness. No fear. Eternal joy and eternal purpose.

7. Heaven is a new creation filled with righteousness

2 Peter 3:13 “We… look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”

Heaven is not clouds and harps—it is a renewed creation where righteousness fills everything.

III. THE CROSS: THE DIVIDING LINE OF ETERNITY

Heaven and hell are not about good people versus bad people. They are about forgiven people versus unforgiven people.

The rich man in Luke 16 wasn’t condemned because he was wealthy—he was condemned because he rejected God. Lazarus wasn’t saved because he was poor—he was saved because he trusted God.

Jesus took the judgment of hell on the cross so we could receive the welcome of heaven.

IV. THE RESPONSE GOD CALLS FOR: REPENTANCE AND FAITH

The rich man begged for someone to warn his brothers. We have something greater than Lazarus returning from the dead— we have Jesus risen from the dead.

The call is simple:

• Turn from sin.
• Trust in Christ.
• Follow Him as Lord.
• Live as citizens of heaven.

Heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents. Hell mourns over one sinner who delays.

CONCLUSION: ETERNITY IS TOO IMPORTANT TO IGNORE

Heaven is real. Hell is real. Jesus is the only way.

And right now—this very moment—He stands ready to save, forgive, and welcome.

Simply ask Jesus to come and live with you. Ask Jesus to forgive ALL your sins (that is what Jesus came to do). Thank Jesus for His gift of eternal life in heaven Gods’ kingdom. If you sincerely seek Jesus you will find Him.