Can A Good Person Go To Hell?

"Can A Good Person Go To Hell?"

1 of 1 Galatians 4:8-15 July 20, 2003

Chester FBC, Chester, Illinois Mike Fogerson, Speaker

Introduction:

A On June 16, 1989, Mohammed Shera’ie came within seconds of death. He had murdered the wife and two children of Mohammed Yehia Ali Saeed Faqihi, and was now kneeling before his executioner.

a The sword was already raised when Faqihi cried out before the crowd of witnesses. "Listen, I have forgiven you for the murder of my wife and children, whom you will meet before God."

b In accordance with Islamic law, which is enforced in Saudi Arabia, Shera’ie was released and his death sentence was revoked. He entered the square expecting justice, but found grace instead.

His change of destiny parallels that of those who exchange the price of sin for the gift of God.

B Today, I ask the question "Can A Good Person Go To Hell?"

a Galatians 4:8-15

EXEGESIS:

Paul had preached to these folks before the letter of Galatians was written. (Physically sick so he stopped and preached the gospel. Men like Paul do not need much of reason to preach about Jesus!)

Audience were Galatians whom were former pagans or former jews, but were saved by the grace of God.

After Paul left Galatia, some Jewish teachers, Judizers, started preaching a message that included Grace and Good Works (Law of the Old Testament.)

We see Paul preaching the same sermon, to the same people, at the same place, for a second time!!!

[8] Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. [9] But now that you know God--or rather are known by God--how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? [10] You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! [11] I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you. [12] I plead with you, brothers, become like me, for I became like you. You have done me no wrong. [13] As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you. [14] Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. [15] What has happened to all your joy? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.

b Paul told the Christian at Galatia that the gospel of grace had set them free from the law. (ETS)

C Christians are free from the effects of sin through the grace of God. (ESS)

a I hope you will know that Jesus is the only way to experience lasting freedom.(Obj.)

b How have you received lasting freedom? (Probing Question)

T.S.: Lets look at two freedom facts that help us have real liberation.

I The first freedom fact is that. . .BEING GOOD DOES NOT GET A PERSON TO HEAVEN.

A The Galatians had tried to work/earn their way to heaven for years. (v.8) These are former pagans/jews.

a Paul called this attempt/practice to earn ones spot into heaven as WEAK & MISERABLE!! (v. 9a)9] But now that you know God--or rather are known by God--how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles?

b These Galatians who were saved by grace during Paul’s first visit were now turning back to trying to earn their way into heaven again. (v.9b)Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?

Going back to days, months, seasons, & years of the Jewish/pagan calendars.

Going back to religion and getting away from a relationship.

Going back to being enslaved by the law. (Have Prison Guard lock me up in chains.)

B Just like the Galatians of 2,003 years ago, we can not work/earn our way into heaven in 2003.

a Eph. 2:8,9

[8] For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- [9] not by works, so that no one can boast.

Admitted they have messed up and ask for forgiveness.

(Romans 3:23) "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

1JN 1:8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. [10] If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.