“NO SECOND CHANCE”

TEXT: LUKE 16:19-31

Hell will be the place of no second chances. When the first immigrants came to America from Europe, they wept when they saw the statue of liberty. Certainy they had hopes that they had come to the “land of opportunity.” Hell is the place of “No opportunity.” No one will be given a second chance in hell. Let us learn:-

NO SECOND CHANCE FOR FAITH.

• The rich man called Abraham, “Father Abraham.”
• His entire hope for eternity laid in his faith that because he was in covenant lineage of Abraham, he certainly must have been saved.
• Such is not the case dear friends.
• I wonder how many folks are going to be alarmed when they enter into hell realizing that their “faith” has failed them!
• Their denomination, their pastor, Bishop, their women guild, mother’s union, fellowship, men’s department and their uniforms have failed them.

NO SECOND CHANCE FOR FREEDOM.

• The rich man was in a land with a gulf fixed.
• No one could pass through to the other side for freedom.
• The rich man found himself for ever imprisoned.
• Today this great gulf has a bridge (the cross).
• But at the time of death is removed!!

NO SECOND CHANCE FOR FORTUNE.

• The rich man had spent all of his riches upon himself in his life time.
• Now he was penniless in hell. He could not even afford a drop of water to cool his tongue.
• The heat of the flames were too much for him. He had not realized that hell is not for a “weekend” but for eternity.

NO SECOND CHANCE FOR FRIENDS.

• One assumes when you read this true story that the rich man had no idea of who it was that was laid at his gate full of sores.
• The rich man knew the poor man at his gate.
• He calls Lazarus by name. He knew his name and relatives.
• Rich men pretend they don’t know their relatives and neighbors.
• The rich man knew that it was Lazarus that had been laid at his gate, and yet took no care of him.
• It was now too late to repair the damaged friendship.

NO SECOND CHANCE FOR FAMILY.

• The rich man begged Abraham that one should go to his family lest his five brothers should come to “This place of torment” but it was too late.
• There are families who think that “salvation for their souls” is not important.
• They have nothing to do with Jesus Christ and His church. That the grace of God is not for them.
• They are drunkards, prostitutes, thieves, corrupt.
• The rich man was their eldest brother, he had set the destructive course where his five brothers were soon to follow-God have mercy! For families.

NO SECOND CHANCE FOR FORGIVENESS.

• The answer was “NO” for a drop of water.
• The answer was “NO” that he should be able to return from the dead.
• The answer was “NO” that a missionary would be sent from heaven to earth.
• The rich man died in his sin-no salvation.
• The blood of Jesus Christ had not been applied to his wayward soul.
• The rich man would have no second chance at grace.
• His conscience would forever condemn him for his sin.

NO SECOND CHANCE FOR EVER.

• The rich man did not know the name that is above every name-Acts 4:12.
• The rich man knew some saints like Abraham but the rich man did not know JESUS CHRIST.
• The rich man knew many human beings, but did not know the man from above!!
• The rich man is still in hell-Forever in Hell!!

CONCLUSION

• Today is your day of opportunity. If you are not yet saved, I plead with you to come to Christ.
• If you are not living for the Lord today, please do so while you still have opportunity.
• Hebrews 4:5, “He again fixed a certain day, Today saying through David after so long a time just as has been said before, TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS.”
• TODAY IS THE DAY OF SALVATION.