Luke 16:27-28 – “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment’”
Menkato V Awomi
Dimapur
These are the haunting words of a man from the depths of Hades, a place of torment he never imagined would be his final destination. He lived his life with all the luxuries, but he died with none of the essentials. no faith, no righteousness, and no Savior. Now, having crossed the point of no return, he pleaded, not for his own release, but for the salvation of his five brothers who are still alive, unaware, and unprepared.
This passage from Luke 16 is not a parable in the traditional sense. Jesus never used specific names in parables, but here, He speaks of Lazarus and a rich man to give us a glimpse of the realities beyond the grave. And one thing is unmistakably clear; eternity is real, irreversible, and waiting for each of us.
The Reality of Eternity
While the details of what exactly happens after death may remain veiled to our human minds, Scripture makes one thing crystal clear: eternity is not a myth, not a state of unconsciousness, and not a place of transition. It is final. The moment we leave this world, our eternal destination is sealed, either in the presence of God or in separation from Him forever.
Eternity lasts forever. You will either go to Heaven, where you live eternally in peace without death, or to Hell, where you also live forever, but in torment. The only difference is that Heaven offers eternal rest, while Hell brings eternal suffering.
The rich man wasn’t asking for water anymore. He had moved past personal comfort. What gripped him now was regret, regret for how he lived, regret for what he ignored, and regret for what he never believed. He begged for someone to go and warn his family, not to make them religious, not to teach them traditions, but to save them from this place of torment.
Hell is real. It’s not symbolic. It’s not temporary. And it was never designed for mankind. Matthew 25:41 tells us clearly, “Then He will also say to those on the left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’” Hell was created for rebellion, but God never intended that His creation, humanity would end up there. That’s why He sent His Son.
The Heart of God: Redemption, Not Condemnation
If God had destined mankind for hell, He wouldn’t have sent Heaven’s best to save us. He wouldn’t have wrapped Himself in flesh, dwelt among us, and willingly laid down His life on a Roman cross. Jesus didn't come to condemn the world; He came to save it (John 3:17). He came to rescue us from that eternal torment the rich man spoke of.
Jesus is not just a way. He is the Way the only door, the only bridge, the only path to the Father. All other roads may seem promising, but they lead nowhere. Religion without relationship, knowledge without faith, and morality without repentance all fall short of salvation.
Many think hell is reserved only for murderers, criminals, or the worst of the worst. But the truth is, hell is not about how bad you were it’s about whether or not you accepted the only One who is good enough to save you. That’s what matters.
Eternity Is a Breath Away
We are all just one heartbeat away from eternity. Life is fragile, unpredictable, and short. We plan for retirement, insurance, and legacy but are we planning for eternity? It’s not enough to believe about God. Demons do that and tremble (James 2:19). The question is have you placed your faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ?
Now is not the time for casual Christianity or religious games. Now is the time to respond to the voice of God calling you. Don’t wait for a tragedy to awaken your spirit. Don’t assume you’ll have time to fix things later. Eternity doesn’t give second chances.
You Have a Choice: Seal It Today
God has given every man and woman a choice: life or death, blessing or curse, heaven or hell. And He pleads with us through Scripture, “Choose life, that you and your children may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19).
The choice is yours, not your parents’, not your pastor’s, not your denominations but yours. You can either trust in Jesus and enter into His rest, or reject Him and face the consequence of separation.
This is not fear-based religion, this is truth rooted in the love of a Father who gave everything to save you. If you end up in hell, it won’t be because God wanted it, it will be because you chose to ignore the warning and walk away from His gift.
Hear His Voice
The rich man’s cry echoes through the pages of time: “Please warn them.” Today, this article is your warning. This is your Lazarus. This is your sign. Don’t wait for another one. Don't harden your heart.
Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live” (John 11:25).
Put your faith in Him now not in your good works, not in your church attendance, not in your family’s faith but in the finished work of the Cross. There, and only there, is the power to save.
Heaven is real. Hell is real. And eternity is one breath away. Seal your choice today, with faith in Jesus Christ, the only Savior of the world.
