Seven Sources of Torment to the Lost

“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.” (Luke 16:22)

‘No one can confidently say that he will still be living tomorrow’ (Euripides–Ancient Greek poet). Both the rich and poor die, likewise the young and old. When it comes to death, its occurrence is not an issue of if but when. In Luke 16; Jesus teaches about life after death, by using the experiences of Lazarus and the rich man. Lazarus went to paradise after death but the rich man ended up in Hell, a place of severe eternal torment. 

The rich man’s story in Luke 16:22-31 reveals at least seven sources of torment to the lost.

1.      Eternal separation from God and loved ones (Verse 23-26).

2.      Ever deepening remorse for not listening to the word of God and for not spending their time and talent to propagate it, so that many others could escape torment (Verse 29-31).

3.      Regret over deeds committed and which can never be recalled (Verse 25).

4.      Regret over bad examples in life that had caused friends and loved ones to be damned (Verse 27-31).

5.      Eternal desire for the good that would have freed them from eternal torment (Verse 25).

6.      Absolute hopelessness of escape from eternal misery or alleviation from the least degree of suffering (Verse 26).

7.    Lastly, fire and brimstone (Verse 23-31, Mt 25:41, 46; Rev 14:9-11).

Rev 14:11 paints a miserable picture about the lost, “…And the smoke of their torment will rise forever and ever. There will be no rest day or night….” This explains why God gave His only begotten son to die for the sins of all men, so that all who believe in Him will escape this eternal torment. You have a responsibility to make it to heaven and pull others with you. If you are not sure of where you will spend eternity, repent of your sins and believe that Jesus died for your sins, you will be saved and your eternal life will be secured.