We are continuing our daily study on the topic of eternity, today focusing our thoughts on what Jesus taught about Hell. The Lord told a story about a certain rich man and the Hell he encountered after his death. I would add that Jesus nowhere calls it a parable. Here’s what Jesus said:
Jesus’ Teaching on the Reality of Hell
19There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22"The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23In Hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24So he called to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.' 25"But Abraham replied, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 26And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us' (Luke 16:19-26).
Lessons from the Rich Man and Lazarus
One of the first things the rich man endures is complete torment (v. 23). The Greek term used is basanos, meaning "descending to the bottom, the deepest torture or suffering." This Greek word likely refers to the concept discussed in yesterday’s meditation: there are varying levels of suffering in Hell, and the ex-rich man was experiencing the most intense level. Jesus described how his tongue burned, and he longed for water to cool it. Despite lacking a physical body, he feels a sense of touch and is in intense pain. He also has the sense of sight and recognition; he saw Lazarus across a vast chasm with Abraham beside him. It’s agonizing for him to see Paradise and realize he wasted his chance to receive what he needed from God to enter, knowing it is now too late and he will never experience even a moment within it.
The Reality of Eternal Memory and Senses
Later, at the Great White Throne Judgment described in Revelation 20:11-15, we learn that death and Hades will be thrown into the Lake of Fire, a place of eternal darkness. From that point on, the former rich man will be deprived of sight. The Lord depicts him as still able to speak; he calls out to Abraham and shows his suffering. There seems to be no change in his character or attitude toward Lazarus, as he still believes he can command Lazarus to bring him water and visit his brothers. His plea to Abraham is somewhat manipulative, as he calls him "Father Abraham," implying a relationship based solely on being born into a nation of faith in God. How mistaken he is! This is quite similar to many people born in Christian countries today—many see themselves as Christians, yet not all have a genuine relationship with God through Christ. His sense of hearing persists, for he continues to hear Abraham speaking to him.
Why the "Chasm" in Eternity is Fixed
Abraham responds to the rich man with words that will echo forever. His statement is powerful, truthful but hopeless: he will remember his earthly life (v. 25) and all the chances he missed to repent and surrender to God. That must be incredibly painful. The mind will be perfectly clear, and those in that place will keep their faculties without the limitations of a physical body. Regret will be deep over past actions, with no way to fix them because it will be too late. The rich man has no one to pray for him; Satan's deception convinces people they can change their fate after death. His destiny is fixed, with a chasm forever separating them, and no crossing possible (v. 26). Where death finds you, eternity binds you. The Scriptures make it clear: there is no purgatory, reincarnation, or second chance for relief. The time to change your eternal destiny is before death, before it’s too late.
May I urge you, if you are not yet a true believer in Christ Jesus, not to dismiss these thoughts—your eternal destiny is at stake. Get down on your knees and repent; surrender your life to Christ. Give Him control—live for Him alone! More on this topic tomorrow. Keith Thomas
Continue Your Journey…
This devotional is part of our series, Insights into Eternity. If you want to dive deeper into what God has planned for your future, continue to the next lesson: Is Hell A Real Place?