Erasing Hell by Francis ChanMuestra

“But Jesus, Didn’t We…”

How about Matthew 7, probably the scariest passage on hell in the entire Bible? The most horrific word in this passage isn’t “hell”; it isn’t “fire,” “furnace,” “everlasting,” “gloom,” “darkness,” “worms,” or “torment.” In fact, none of these words occur in this passage. The most frightening word is “many.” Jesus says, “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’” (Matt. 7:22). This is judgment day. This is the end. There are no second chances. This is the last peaceful breath that “many” will breathe before they spend the rest of their life in hell. Put yourself there for a second. Fast-forward your life to that day. Will you sound like the many who call out in desperation, “Lord, Lord, did I not _______ and _______ and ________ in Your name?”

How will Jesus respond to your laundry list of Christian activities—your Easter services, tithe, Bible studies, church potlucks, and summer-camp conversions? Are you sure you’re on the right side? What evidence do you have that you know Jesus? Please understand my heart. I believe I am asking these questions for the same reason that Jesus gives the warning. It’s the most loving thing I can do! “Many” will go to hell even though they thought they’d waltz into paradise. Jesus will say, “I never knew you; depart from me” (Matt. 7:23).

* Are you sure you’re on the right side?