By George H. Alquist Jr.

      WHO DESERVES TO GO TO HELL?

      Everyone! That's right, everyone. How can it be that everyone deserves to go to hell? Because that is what the Bible, God's Word, says. "For ALL have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). ALL, that means everyone - that means you and me. "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and ALL LIARS, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death: (Rev. 21:8). Ah! We are all guilty here. All have sinned (just once) and all liars (one murder makes a murderer and one lie makes a liar) deserve to go to hell.

      WHY DOES EVERYONE DESERVE TO GO TO HELL?

      Because of sin! "The soul that sins, it shall die" (Ezekiel 18:4). Sin keeps us out of heaven and requires a penalty. "The wages (or penalty) of sin is death (physical and spiritual) (Romans 6:23). Because of sin we are unfit for heaven. "Now this I say brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, neither doth corruption inherit incorruption" (2 Cor. 15:50). "And there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie..." (Rev. 21:27). Because of sin in our lives even our best deeds are unacceptable before God. "But we are ALL as an unclean thing, and ALL our righteousnesses are as filthy rags..." (Isa. 64:6). God does not want people to go to hell (2 Peter 3:9) but because He is perfect and just, He cannot overlook sin and pretend that it is not there, nor it's rightful penalty, which is eternal torment in hell.

      HOW WILL PEOPLE EXIST IN HELL?

      Hell is called in Revelation 20:15, the "second death". This is a spiritual death. People will exist consciously forever in a literal fiery place of torment without any hope of escape or relief. TORMENT: "And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this flame" (Luke 16:24). His request was denied! "There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth" (Matt. 13:42). ETERNAL: "And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off; it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched" (Mark 9:43). CONSCIOUS EXISTENCE: "Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings!" (Isa 33:14). DARKNESS: "To whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever" (Jude 13). "...shall be cast into outer darkness" (Matt. 8:12). People will exist in the darkness and fiery torments of hell forever in conscious awareness.

      WHEN DO PEOPLE GO TO HELL?

      At the very moment of death. "And as it is appointed unto men ONCE to die, but after this the judgment" (Heb. 9:27). There is no second chance! Once an individual has left this world without receiving Christ as their Savior and His payment for their sin there awaits only the certainty of eternal hell. "While it is said today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts..." (Heb 3:15). "Behold, NOW is the accepted time; behold NOW is the day of salvation: (2 Cor. 6:2). One must be saved from the wrath to come today while he or she is still alive and able to trust Christ by faith. Tomorrow may be too late. "Boast not thyself of tomorrow for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth" (Prov. 27:1). You must receive Christ as your Savior today.

      WHAT MUST I DO?

      "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved..." (Acts 16:31). If you will this moment stop and receive Jesus Christ as your Savior (John 1:12) placing all your trust and faith in Him to save you, He will! He promised it. "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Rom 10:13). You can depend on no on or nothing else to forgive your sins and make you fit for heaven - only the Lord Jesus Christ.

      DO IT NOW!

      Pray, right now, "Dear Lord, I know that I am a sinner undeserving of heaven and on my way to hell. I now turn to Jesus Christ alone and receive Him as my Lord and Savior trusting Him to forgive my sins and give me eternal life. Thank you Lord for saving me from the penalty and tortures of hell by your own sacrifice in my place. Help me to honor you with my life."

      NOW WHAT?

      Find a good Bible-believing church, go forward and tell the folks you have been saved (Matt. 10:32), be baptized, and join.

      WHAT IF I HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS?

      We want to help any way that we can. If you have other questions, please fell free to stop into the church office or call. If you have received Christ as your personal Savior, we want to congratulate you upon making the most important decision of your life. May God bless you as you seek to serve Him.

      Write:
      Grace of Calvary Baptist Church
      5542 Perry Highway
      Erie, PA 16509

      Call:
      814-866-4747