Jul 06

One of the worst aspects of hell is that there is no hope there. All chance for repentance and entrance into heaven is lost forever.

I shudder whenever I think of hell. The mere thought of an eternity apart from God terrifies me. Yet we are told in Scripture to contemplate this possibility (Eccl. 7:2, 4).

Almost anything can be endured -- any pain, suffering, or sorrow -- if it is known that it will end at some time. But the suffering of hell will never end; there is no hope for release. Hope enables us to endure, but where there is no hope, there is no reason to live, no reason to go on. We must have hope to live.

But Scripture says that the wicked have no such hope.The hopes of the wicked come to nothing (Prov. 10:28), and when a wicked man dies, his hope perishes with him (Prov. 11:7).

It is hard to stress the sadness of this truth too much, so important is it in its effect upon our lives. But neither is it hard to overemphasize the joy we have in Christ, who gives us a sure hope of eternal life.

The wicked have no hope. Those in Christ have the only hope that endures for eternity.

Scripture for today: Prov. 10:28; Prov. 11:7
Thought for today: Hope lives eternal -- but only in Christ.
Prayer for today: Jesus, thank you for being my one sure hope in life and eternity.

JUL 06