Had I Known: The Sinner's Regret

HAD I KNOWN: THE SINNER'S REGRET

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 16:19-31

Supporting Texts: Matthew 7:13-14, Revelation 20:11-15

INTRODUCTION:

The story of the rich man and Lazarus offers us a powerful glimpse into the final reality of human choices. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of living without regard for God’s righteousness. The rich man, despite all his wealth and earthly pleasures, finds himself in torment after death, crying out in regret. In his cry, we see a powerful reflection of the fate of those who live their lives in rebellion to God. This sermon will explore the tragic cry of the sinner at the end, offering lessons for those who may still have the opportunity to change their fate.

1. THE FINALITY OF DEATH

a) Death is Inevitable.

Regardless of one’s wealth, status, or position, death comes to all, and no one can escape its certainty.

b) No Second Chances.

Once life is over, there is no opportunity to change decisions or repent. The time to choose Christ is now.

c) Eternal Consequences.

Our decisions in this life shape our eternal destination, and there is no going back after death.

d) Death as a Divider.

The rich man and Lazarus were separated at death, and their eternal destinies were sealed.

Biblical Example: The story of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), where both men’s destinies were determined at death.

2. THE SINNER’S CRY FOR MERCY

a) Desperation in the Afterlife.

In the parable, the rich man pleads for mercy, but there is no response. His cries reflect the hopelessness of those who wait too long to repent.

b) The Illusion of Control.

On earth, the rich man was in control, but in hell, he realizes that he has lost all control.

c) The Regret of Unheeded Warnings.

The rich man’s cry is filled with regret for not heeding the warning of Scripture.

d) The Silence of Eternity.

After death, there are no more second chances, no more evangelists, no more time to make decisions.

Biblical Example: The rich man’s cry for mercy (Luke 16:24) is a picture of the regret felt by sinners who did not accept Christ in this life.

3. THE INESCAPABLE GULF BETWEEN THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED

a) A Great Chasm.

There is a clear division between the righteous and the wicked after death, as seen in the story of the rich man and Lazarus.

b) No Crossing Over.

Once separated, neither the righteous nor the wicked can cross over to the other side.

c) The Eternal Separation from God.

The greatest torment for the sinner is the eternal separation from the presence of God, which begins at death.

d) The Final Judgment.

At the final judgment, the sinner’s fate is sealed, and the cry for mercy will go unheard.

Biblical Example: The division between the rich man and Lazarus, where there is an unbridgeable chasm between them (Luke 16:26).

4. THE WARNING THAT COMES TOO LATE

a) The Rich Man's Realization.

The rich man, realizing his eternal fate, asks for Lazarus to warn his family. It is too late for him, but not for others.

b) The Prophetic Voice of Scripture.

We have the written Word, the prophets, and Christ’s message today—warnings that should not be ignored.

c) The Importance of Evangelism.

The rich man’s plea for his family to repent highlights the responsibility we have to share the gospel with those still alive.

d) A Call to Action Before It's Too Late.

There is still time to reach out, share Christ, and rescue others from eternal separation from God.

Biblical Example: The rich man’s request to send Lazarus to his family (Luke 16:27-28) serves as a reminder that the living must hear the gospel now.

5. THE CHOICE THAT AFFECTS ETERNITY

a) The Urgency of Decision.

Every person must choose Christ while there is still time. The sinner’s cry is a result of a lifetime of rejecting God’s offer of salvation.

b) No One is Exempt.

Rich or poor, everyone faces the same choice: to follow Christ or to live in rejection of Him.

c) Living with Eternal Consequences in Mind.

As believers, we must live our lives with the knowledge that our eternal destiny is tied to our decision to follow Christ.

d) Choosing Life Over Death.

The choice to accept Christ is the choice for eternal life, while rejecting Him leads to eternal separation.

Biblical Example: The warning of Matthew 7:13-14, where Jesus says the path to eternal life is narrow, and the road to destruction is wide.

CONCLUSION:

The sinner’s cry at the end of life is one of regret, desperation, and hopelessness. But it is also a warning to those who are still alive. We have the opportunity to make the right choice now, to embrace Christ and live in light of eternity. Let us not wait until it is too late to heed the call to salvation. There is no time like the present to secure our eternal future in Christ.