The Best Way to Be Preserved From Falling Into Hell
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the necessity of contemplating hell to avoid eternal damnation and to foster a life of repentance.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of contemplating hell as a means of preserving oneself from falling into it. He warns that while earthly pleasures are fleeting, the torments of hell are eternal and unbearable. By reflecting on the various aspects of hell's torment--its bitterness, pitilessness, diversity, easelessness, remedilessness, and eternity--individuals can be motivated to seek salvation and avoid eternal damnation. Brooks urges listeners to let the fear of hell guide their choices and actions in life.
Text
"Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into
the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and
his angels!" Matthew 25:41
The sinner's delight here is momentary;
that which torments hereafter is perpetual.
The best way to be preserved from falling
into hell, is to think often of hell. Ah!
that you would often consider . . .
the bitterness of the damned's torments,
the pitilessness of their torments,
the diversity of their torments,
the easelessness of their torments,
the remedilessness of their torments,
the eternity of their torments.
Ah! may these thoughts of hell be a means to
preserve you from lying in those everlasting flames!
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to the concept of hell - The nature of eternal punishment - The importance of remembering hell
- II points: - The bitterness of the damned's torments - The pitilessness of their torments - The diversity of their torments
- III points: - The easelessness of their torments - The remedilessness of their torments - The eternity of their torments
- IV points: - Practical steps to avoid falling into hell - The role of reflection in spiritual preservation - Encouragement to think on hell regularly
Key Quotes
“The sinner's delight here is momentary; that which torments hereafter is perpetual.” — Thomas Brooks
“The best way to be preserved from falling into hell, is to think often of hell.” — Thomas Brooks
“Ah! may these thoughts of hell be a means to preserve you from lying in those everlasting flames!” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Reflect regularly on the consequences of sin to strengthen your faith.
- Use the understanding of hell as motivation to live a righteous life.
- Encourage others to think about the reality of hell to promote spiritual awareness.