God’s Barriers 0n the Road to Hell
Jarrod Jacobs
Picture a bridge that has just been washed away. When those working on this problem come to the scene, they put up barriers, or barricades to keep people from endangering their lives and the lives of others. Yes, accidents can occur, and yes, people can run over the barriers to their death — but rest assured, they were warned! Barriers such as the ones mentioned may have flashers, flags, and any other attention-getting device that can be attached. This is because they are intended to warn people of danger.
The ways to Heaven and Hell are pictured as roads, one narrow and one broad (Matt. 7:13-14). Spiritually, God has set up barriers to warn us of the coming destruction on the broad way and lead us to Him. Some may try to run over, go around, or otherwise avoid the barriers, but they are still there. What are some barriers God has set up on the road to Hell?
1. THE BIBLE:
This book was given to warn us of the impending doom and destruction of Hell. Looking to the New Testament, we see that Jesus spoke of the dangers and punishment of Hell (Matt. 25:41). In studying what the Bible says about Hell, we find that Jesus talked more about Hell than any other teacher in the New or Old Testaments. The Bible also warns of the type of people that will be in Hell. We see that drunkards, murderers, fornicators, those who are abusive to their spouse or children, etc. will be cast into the Lake of Fire (I Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21; Rev. 21:8).
The Bible is not simply “another” book. This book is filled with God’s own words (II Tim. 3:16-17)! Therefore, when we read in the Bible about Hell being a reality; we need to pay attention! When God takes the time to warn us, we better listen! In reading the Bible, we learn that God wants no one to go to Hell (II Pet. 3:9). This is why He has given us His book that warns us of His wrath and Hell fire! We need to remember that God’s justice will not allow sin to go unpunished. Let us all heed the warnings spelled out in the Bible and live a life that is pleasing to God.
2. THE CROSS:
A second barrier on the road to Hell is the cross. Christ endured the cross for the world’s sins (Matt. 20:28; II Cor. 5:20-21). When we think of the cross, we can see: 1. The spotless lamb of sacrifice, Jesus. 2. Man’s sins needing a Savior (Rom. 6:23, 3:10), and Jesus taking those sins upon Himself (Heb. 2:9; Rom. 5:8). 3. How terrible sin is and how it ruins the lives of all mankind (Isa. 59:1-2; Rom. 6:23; Jas. 1:14-15).
By looking to the cross, we see a great, grand barrier that stands in our way as we travel the road to Hell. By the cross, Jesus draws all men to Him (Jn. 12:32-33). At the cross, we see how terrible sin is and the price that had to be paid in order for man to receive the forgiveness of his sins (II Cor. 5:20-21). How much more warning do we need? For the honest soul, this one barrier is enough to motivate him to turn from his wicked way and turn to Christ.
3. PREACHING THE TRUTH:
When the truth is preached, there can be no clearer warning to lost souls. If a gospel preacher does His job, he will warn people about the pain, torture, and eternal nature of Hell (Col. 1:28). If he does not do this, the blood of those sinners will be on his hands (Ezek. 3:17-21; Acts 20:20, 27). Many preachers do not want to talk about Hell. Their reason is that they would like to speak solely about “positive” things. (Thus, assuming that the warning and convicting of souls and turning them to Christ is not a positive thing.) This is wrong! Without warnings from God’s word, we will not know what dangers lie ahead (Acts 20:29-31)!
When we see men willing place the barrier of truth before lost souls, we will see men willing to preach about the blood of Christ. Let us never forget this blood. It brings redemption to all mankind (Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14)! This blood redeems us from the shackles of sin and saves us from Hell (I Pet. 1:18-19).
We also need brave men who are willing to preach about God’s grace. Without God’s grace set as a barrier before lost souls, we are without hope. It is God’s grace (unmerited favor) that has provided salvation from sins (Rom. 5:8). The truth must be preached over and over as warning to those who have not obeyed God and to those who have fallen away (II Tim. 4:2-5). Paul said, “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men” (II Cor. 5:11). Thank God for those who are willing to stand up and proclaim the Truth, regardless of the consequences! This barrier will go far in preventing lost souls from entering into Hell.
4. THE CHRISTIAN’S INFLUENCE:
Some may not listen to the Bible, or listen to gospel preaching, but people cannot ignore our good influence! Peter points out that a godly wife can convert her unbelieving husband “by the conversation” (i.e., through her good example, I Pet. 3:1-6). Jesus said, “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:13-16).
When we cease being the salt and light of the world; and cease being that good example for others to follow, we are headed toward Hell! (If we do not move forward, we are moving back. There is no in-between!) Our lives must be such that we warn others about the dangers of Hell. Remember, we are commanded to let our light shine before men! The reason being, “that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). If our influence is responsible for keeping only one soul from enduring the pain and agony of Hell, it will be worth it! Are we being the barriers we ought to be?
5. JESUS CHRIST:
Without question, the greatest barrier that is placed on the road to Hell is Jesus Christ. He came to this world to open up Heaven to men and to block the road to Hell. He came to seek and save that which was lost (Lk. 19:10). He came to die for mankind’s sin (Jn. 18:36). Paul said, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief” (I Tim. 1:15). While upon this earth, Jesus said that He was the door to the Father, and “the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (Jn. 10:9-11, 14:6). He promised to prepare a place for those who were faithful to Him, and promised to come back to get them and take them to Heaven (Jn. 14:1-3). Remember, Matthew 20:28 says that Jesus died as “a ransom for many”!!
CONCLUSION
How many people would intentionally run through warnings and barriers and drive to a sure and sudden death? Not many, that is certain. Yet, many people are doing it spiritually! They ignore Jesus and His barriers that line the broad way that leads to destruction (Matt. 7:14). Jesus stands with flashers, flags, and everything else in His word to get our attention, and we blindly go past the warnings meant for us. It is a sad but true fact that many will be cast into Hell on that Day of Judgment. Remember, those people who are cast into Hell will go by their own choice, and not because God hasn’t warned them! Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-30). As long as time stands, this invitation is extended to all who will respond to the gospel call (II Thess. 2:14). Have you made your life right with God? Do not let another opportunity pass without thinking seriously and responding to the gospel. God’s barriers are numerous, but they will not force you to enter into that path that leads to eternal life. You must come to Him willingly.