4. Two Destinies

When we die, the essence of life God puts within us (called the soul) is extracted from the body that can no longer function.

At that point, it seems that God transplants our soul into some new frame that, in many ways, is similar to our body. This new frame can see, speak, think, feel…it possesses a physical reality.

Want to know how real that reality is? The rich man cried out, “Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in agony in this fire” (Luke 16:24).

The man is on fire, but he is not burning. All the water in all the oceans couldn’t douse those flames. Even so, he begged for the touch of a wet finger as though it would make an eternal difference.

And that’s not all. The misery of hell is not only what you feel, but what you see. The rich man had a clear view of heaven. Can you imagine the torture of seeing heaven, but being unable to get near it? How devastating to see friends, loved ones—even enemies—celebrate in the presence of the Lord while you languish in timeless torment!

No wonder the man cried out for pity. Unfortunately, all the sympathy in the world could not help him.

Abraham explains, “Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.

And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us” (Luke 16:25-26).

Why did God put a “Grand Canyon” between heaven and hell? Why is it that after 20,000 years of torment, you still can’t bridge that gap? Why is it that after a million years, you can’t get a transfer?

Think back to the book of Genesis. Remember the Tree of Life?

When Adam and Eve sinned, they were put out of the Garden. Angels with flaming swords were posted at the entrance to ensure that Adam did not find a way to get in and eat from that tree. Had they done so, unregenerate Adam and Eve would have gained access to heaven and all of heaven would be contaminated by sin. Obviously, a sinless God could not allow that to happen.

He had to block the door to guarantee it. So, a chasm has been established. When you die, you wind up on one side of that abyss forever.

← Back to Home

The Urban Alternative (TUA) is a Christian broadcast ministry founded over 30 years ago by Dr. Tony Evans. At TUA, we seek to promote a kingdom agenda philosophy designed to enable people to live all of life underneath the comprehensive rule of God. This is accomplished through a variety of means, including media, resources, clergy ministries and community impact training. The Urban Alternative’s daily radio broadcast airs on over 1,400 radio outlets in America and in over 100 countries worldwide. Find us online at tonyevans.org.

Tony Evans headshot

Dr. Tony Evans is the founder and president of The Urban Alternative, a national ministry dedicated to restoring hope and transforming lives through the proclamation and application of God’s Word. For over three decades, Dr. Evans has also served as senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas. He is a prolific author of numerous books, including the best-selling Kingdom Man. His radio program, “The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans,” is heard daily on over 1,400 radio outlets. Dr. Evans is also the chaplain for the Dallas Mavericks and former chaplain for the Dallas Cowboys.

The Urban Alternative | P.O. Box 4000 | Dallas, TX 75208 | 800-800-3222 | TonyEvans.org

Powered by