Can People in Hell See People on Earth?

        In considering this topic the text regarding a person in hell seeing people on earth must be considered. Luke 16:19-31 records the story of the rich man in hell appealing to Abraham in heaven to send Lazarus just to cool his tongue.

        First, the account does not say he saw anyone on earth. That is an assumption of the reader. The clincher regarding the story is that it is not a literal account, it is a parable. A parable is an illustration, not an actual event. This one illustrates what hell is like. The rich man in hell had no window facing earth. The Bible enables us to understand the gravity of this eternal reality and its significance to our lives.

         There are no indications (explicit or implied) in the Bible that people who are separated from God after death can see people on earth. None. 

        I believe in hell because Jesus believed in it. He believed it so conclusively He warned people not to go there. He believed in it so fully He died to prevent people from going there.

        A recent survey showed 54% of those interviewed said they were certain of a definite place of future torment. Jesus was 100% sure there is such a place.

        God doesn’t send anyone to hell, they earn the right to go there. God made hell for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25: 41) and not even they enjoy it. God had to have an alternate place to heaven. There has to be a place where persons who have rejected Jesus on earth can go. They would not fit in heaven, their nature would corrupt it.

        The Bible speaks of the fires of hell. If God wants them to be literal there is not a reason for them not to be . If they are not it is because they illustrate something far worse.

        The real hell of hell, that is, the worst part, is the absence of God’s love. If the love of God were removed from heaven and the streets of gold and gates of pearl were to remain that would be hell. Again, the real hell of hell is the absence of God’s love. Without it the conduct of those there would be hellish.

        A feature article on the front page of “USA Today” noted hell is used in locker rooms, on golf courses, board meetings, and party settings, but use it in the pulpit and the minister is said to be harsh, and attempting to frighten people.

        Therefore, it is neglected in the pulpit.

        Former President Harry Truman said, “If there were more hell in the pulpit there might be less in the pews.”

        Know God’s will. “It is not His will that any perish, but that all come to repentance” (II Peter 3: 9).

        It is further stated, “…God our Savior, who desires all men should be saved and come to the knowledge of truth.”

        If any person goes to hell it is against His will.

        If you have trusted Jesus as your Savior, pause and praise Him from a thankful heart.  If you haven’t, pause and affirm your faith in Him now.