Are There People in Hell?

Throughout my growing up years as a child, I heard messages from preachers in and out of church preaching that sinners will go to hell. “He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the begining” (1 John 3:8). Then He will also say to those on the left hand, Depart from Me; you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41). With this understanding, I knew that no sinner will escape hell because they belong to the devil.

However, as I grew up I knew by understanding that those that have died are either in heaven or hell. I was sure that is the case because millions of people are dead now. However, when I attended burial ceremonies, it was observed that ALL those brought for burial were ‘saints’. All were being appreciated for good works done to as many that met them during their life time. To crown it all, the preachers concluded that they were at the feet of Jesus waiting to meet us when the time comes.

We have also seen cases of men and women that embezzled public funds and were on trial before death came knocking, yet at their burial ceremonies it was said that they were at the feet of Jesus. There are cases where men were eulogized for how they served the nation or worship centres, though these men were known for sexual immorality. Notwithstanding, we are often told that they are resting at the feet of the Lord. The particular case that got me thinking was the story of a man that died and on the day of burial in church, the minister of the day commended him for how he lived a glorious life and also claimed that he was sure that the dead man was seated at the feet of Christ through inspiration. Unfortunately, after all was said, a secret society came to demand for the dead man's corpse on the grounds that it belonged to them and not Christ. Now the question is how can such a man be at the feet of Jesus? Does it mean that no matter how a life is lived, it will end up in heaven? I do not think so.

Most times, the challenge is that whether some ministers know the dead or not, they will want to celebrate the dead. The Bible says we can do nothing against the truth but for the truth (2 Corinthians 13:8). In other words, the truth shall stand always, irrespective of circumstances. The truth is the word of God not of men. Therefore, it is essential to simply stick to God’s word when ministering at burial ceremonies. When we do not stick to God’s word, confusion is promoted not conviction. Perhaps you have attended burial ceremonies that got you troubled in your heart. Well you do not have to be neither should you put your heart to what men say when it does not promote the truth. Stick to the word of God and seek to enter the kingdom of God. Be focused and determined to make heaven. Take this word of advice as given by Jesus – allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and publish abroad through all regions the Kingdom of God (Luke 9:60).  His grace will be sufficient for us in Jesus’ Name. Amen. SHALOM.