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Is Hell Full?

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13-14)

A college drama group presented a play in which one character would stand on a trapdoor and announce, "I descend into hell!" A stagehand below would then pull a rope, the trapdoor would open, and the character would plunge through. The play was well received. When the actor playing the part became ill, another actor who was quite overweight took his place. When the new actor announced, "I descend into hell!" the stagehand pulled the rope, and the actor began his plunge, but became hopelessly stuck. No amount of tugging on the rope could make him descend. One student in the balcony jumped up and yelled: "Hallelujah! Hell is full!"

Perhaps there is a part of all of us that wishes that student was correct. Wouldn't it be great news if hell were full? Unfortunately, hell still has a vacancy sign posted at the gates.

Yet the saddest part is that hell was never created for people in the first place. In Jesus' parable of the sheep and the goats, He describes the day when those who never trusted in Christ are consigned to hell. Notice what He says about it:

Then he will say to those on his left, `Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels'. (Matthew 25:41)

God's plan was for hell to be the place of punishment for Satan and his demons, not for Adam and his descendants. What went wrong?

When Adam sinned (Gen.3), he made a reservation for a room at the hotel Hades for every human being. No deposit down, no credit card number required, everyone's place is secure. Can you imagine the joy this brought to Satan and his angels? Hell was supposed to be their permanent retreat center, but Adam booked a space for everyone who refuses to put his or her trust in Christ.

One day, hell really will be full. After the final judgment, Satan and his angels will be thrown forever into the Lake of Fire. Regrettably, so will every human being who stubbornly refused Christ's free offer of salvation.

Ever hear this question from an unbeliever: "how could a God of love send anyone to hell?" The answer is two-fold:

  1. God doesn't send people to hell- they have chosen to go there by disobedience towards God's decrees and by stubbornness towards Christ's offer of salvation.
  2. God sacrificed His one and only Son so that no one would have to go to that terrible place- that is the essence of love.

Since hell is not full, and God offers a way out, what could be more important than telling others how they can cancel their reservation at the worst place in the universe?

Believer - rejoice in the fact that your name has been written in the Book of Life, and make it your mission this week to spread the good news to those who hold a one way ticket to hell.

Questions:

  1. Have you become accustomed to the fact that your eternity is secure in heaven?
  2. Who are three people in your life that need to hear the massage of the gospel?
  3. When was the last time you spent time praising God for your eternal life?