There Are No Atheists In Hell

THERE ARE NO ATHEISTS IN HELL

Luke 16:22-29

INTRODUCTION

A. HUMOR: ONLY HEARING ONE SIDE

1. A Judge was about to swear in a member of a jury when he was told that the man was deaf in one ear.

2. “You really can’t serve on the jury.” “Why not?”

3. “Because you can only hear one side!” We’re going to look at an area where people often only hear one side.

B. TEXT

22 The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In hell, where he was in torment, HE LOOKED UP AND SAW Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, HAVE PITY ON ME and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ 25 But Abraham replied, [he couldn’t.] 27 “Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house, 28 for I have five brothers. LET HIM WARN THEM, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 29 Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’

C. THESIS

1. PEW Research Center did a survey of religion in America (Aug. 2021) and found that those who identified with NO religion have grown to 29%, up from 23% in 2016, and 19% in 2011. This segment is growing rapidly and some experts say it may become the largest segment of the population.

2. What can you do about this? First realize that these aren’t evil or bad people, but just people who haven’t found a reason to believe in God. Maybe WE can give them a reason!

3. Probably everyone here knows someone who would call themselves atheists or people with “no religion.” As Peter said, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” 1 Pet. 3:15.

4. So tonight we’re going to step back and size up these people and hope to learn how to reach them before it’s too late. “There Are No Atheists in Hell” because all of them became believers, just too late!

I. 3 REASONS THERE’S NO ATHEISTS IN HELL

A. BECAUSE ALL IN HELL ARE FINALLY “SEEING”

1. Intellectuals, scientists, and common people have signed-on to the concept of denying anything beyond the physical realm: Heaven, Hell, spirits, angels, life after death, and God. This creed is their religion; it frees them from ‘morality’ and ‘accountability to God.’ This life is all there is; after that is extinction. So they don’t have to even think about God.

2. But the Bible clearly teaches all these are real. After death believers are escorted to Heaven and unbelievers suddenly wake up in Hell. That’s what Jesus described in comparing two men who died (Lk. 16:19-31).

3. The rich man, waking up, found himself in the Hell he had before mocked and ignored. Now this practicing atheist was a believer; he “looked and saw” it all. The Bible says that even the “demons believe—and tremble,” Jam. 2:19, GW.

B. BECAUSE ALL IN HELL ARE PRAYING

1. Hell is not a place of “no prayer.” There are more prayers offered in Hell than in most churches. People who never prayed much on Earth will pray often in hell. Sad Truth? -- their prayers will NOT be answered!

2. NOW IS THE TIME TO PRAY! If you're ever going to pray, PRAY NOW! Now is the time God will hear & answer your prayers. We ought to flood these altars with prayer. Don't wait until you get to hell to pray!

C. BECAUSE ALL IN HELL WANT TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL

1. The rich man had never cared about lost souls or missions before. He’d probably never sponsored a missionary. But when he woke up in Hell, he suddenly cared if people went to hell or not. He wanted Abraham to send Lazarus to warn them (vs 28).

2. The rich man became very fervent about his family's salvation. He wanted to send a missionary to his brothers, so they might be saved and not join him in Hell!

3. Some of you haven't been concerned for the lost. Maybe you need a quick trip to Hell to give you some incentive! Maybe then you’d become burdened, unable to rest until they’re won. Maybe then you’d give generously or go yourself to win them for Jesus!

II. CHRISTIANITY IS A RATIONAL FAITH BASED ON EVIDENCE

GOD HAS LEFT US SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE TO MAKE A RATIONAL DECISION TO SURRENDER OUR LIVES TO HIM.

A. GOD’S EFFORTS TO INFORM US OF HIS LAWS

1. GOD WROTE HIS LAWS IN CREATION ITSELF. Rom. 1:20, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”