By The Rev. Dr. Paul A. Leggett
Sunday, June 5, 2011 · Ascension Sunday
Sermon Text: Revelation 1:12-19
Sermon Theme
There has been much discussion in both the secular and religious press of Rob Bell’s recent book, Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived. Time magazine titled its cover story on Bell’s book, “What if there’s no Hell?” This really is not what Bell says but his book raises important and indeed classical Biblical issues on the questions of salvation, heaven and hell and a just and loving God. Bell’s book points up the fact that much of popular understanding of hell and judgment is not really Biblical. What is at issue here is nothing less than the reality of salvation as presented in Scripture. On this Ascension Sunday it is appropriate to consider these subjects.
Sermon Outline
- Lord of Death. Bell begins his book by lamenting the judgmentalism and indeed spiritual pride that is often found among Christians. There is a popular view that Christ only obtains the possibility of salvation in his death on the cross. Only a small number of people who specifically confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior will be saved while the vast majority of humanity will suffer eternal torment in hell. Bell, a graduate of Wheaton College and Fuller Theological Seminary and pastor of one of the largest churches in the country, responds to this view with simply, “Huh?” To paraphrase him, this is more like “bad news” than “good news.” Bell’s book really calls us back to a more Biblical and classical understanding of Christianity. The Book of Revelation presents us with a picture of the ascended Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ, risen and alive forever, has the keys of death. In Jesus’ death on the cross, death itself is destroyed as are sin and Satan. Christ does not achieve only the possibility of salvation (which is then somehow dependent on us for its fulfillment). On the cross Christ saves us (John 12:31, Ephesians 2:4-5, 15-16, Colossians 1:19-20, Titus 3:4-5). He conquers sin, death, hell and Satan (Hebrews 2:14-15, 9:24-26, I John 3:8, Ephesians 4:8-10, Colossians 2:13-15). He reconciles us to God (Romans 5:10, II Corinthians 5:18-19, Mark 10:45, John 12:32, Hebrews 9:11-12). The resurrection testifies to the assurance of eternal life in him (John 14:19). His ascension points to a new cosmic reality (Ephesians 1:20-21).
- Lord of Hades. Hades is referred to as the place of the dead. It is the “sheol” of the Old Testament (Psalms 16:10, 18:5, Isaiah 5:14). It can also be translated as “hell” (Psalm 139:8). Hell also refers to the Valley of Hinnom outside of Jerusalem which was, quite literally, a smoldering garbage dump. Symbolically, it refers to the place of fire (“lake of fire”), the final destiny of those who rebel against God (Isaiah 66:24, Matthew 5:30, Revelation 20:14-15). Hades in Greek mythology was the god who was the lord of Hell. However in the New Testament Jesus is the Lord of Hades. He holds its keys. It is He and He alone who has the authority to sentence to Hell (Matthew 25:41, John 5:25-29, Revelation 20:11-14). Several important Biblical themes need to be emphasized here. Jesus only addresses the warnings about hell to his disciples or to religious leaders (Matthew 5:22, 10:28, 23:33). He never threatens hell to unbelievers or pagans. He does say that those who do not believe in him are “condemned already” (John 3:18). The Bible frequently speaks of a judgment of works. Those who do good will inherit eternal life (John 5:25-29, Romans 2:6-11, II Corinthians 5:10). Those who reject the poor face Hades and ultimately Hell (Luke 16:19-31, Matthew 25:41-46). Some who call Jesus Lord will be cast out while others who did not know they were serving him will receive eternal life (Matthew 7:21-23, 25:37-40). God alone looks on the heart (I Samuel 16:7). There is no description in the New Testament of the torments of hell (however, these descriptions abound in Greek and Roman mythology). There are descriptions of the torment associated with God’s wrath in this life (Jeremiah 7:17-20, Romans 1:18, Revelation 14:9-12). These may even be referred to as going on “forever” but in these historical cases we are obviously dealing with symbolic language (Isaiah 34:9-10, Jeremiah 15:14). The New Testament’s greatest warnings are addressed to professing Christians who have turned away from Christ (Hebrews 10:26-31, II Peter 2:1-3). Needless to say then, we must agree with Rob Bell that there is no basis for judging others or for any form of spiritual pride or boasting (Romans 2:1; 3:27).
- Lord of All. What are we to make of all this? First, we must acknowledge that Christ and Christ alone has the keys of Death, Hades and Hell. We have no right to speak of who will ultimately be saved or lost. There are many passages that speak of Christ being the Savior of the world bringing “justification and life for all” (Romans 5:18, John 3:17, 12:47-48, Romans 11:32, I John 4:14). Secondly, throughout Scripture “mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13, Psalm 30:5, Jeremiah 3:12). Judgment, even the judgment of the “great white throne” does not appear to be final (Revelation 20:11-15). The “kings of the earth” who followed the beast and the great whore are later seen bringing their glory into “the holy city, the new Jerusalem” (Revelation 21:1-2, 24). Often pictures of judgment have to do with works and we know that no one is saved by their works (Romans 3:28, Ephesians 2:8-9). What can we conclude? We must never forget that Christ alone is Savior and Lord. We are to testify to this fact every chance we get. At the same time we dare not put limits on the salvation found in him (Mark 9:38-39). We are to take Scripture’s warnings seriously (Hebrews 6:1-9). We are never to be presumptuous (Romans 14:10). We are not God. We should hope and pray for the salvation of all. Our task, says John Calvin, is to share God’s peace with all (Romans 5:1). This is our gospel. This is the “good news” in which our hearts can rejoice!
Questions for Us
- Do you think that Christians’ emphasis on hell has sometimes been detrimental to the sharing of the gospel? Why do we think there has been this fascination with hell?
- Why do you think we are prone to be judgmental in direct contradiction to Jesus and the Scriptures as a whole (Matthew 7:1, Romans 14:4)?
- Do we truly hope and pray for the salvation of everyone (I Timothy 2:1-4)? How would this attitude affect our sharing of the gospel?
