By Steve A. Hamilton

Matthew 7:13-14

Introduction: Our Lord and Savior said more people will take a path that leads to Hell than those who will find the path that leads to salvation.  Peter laments this fact in his own writings (1 Pet. 4:17-18).  Rhetorically, Peter asks, “What will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?”  The answer to his question is obvious but what we want to know is who qualifies as ungodly? 

          The age in which we live would have us to believe that everyone we love will go to heaven.  We seem to think only the atheist and the wicked will go to Hell.  Yet, who all does the Bible identify as being in Hell’s population in the end?

I. The atheist (2 Thes. 1:7-9).

II. The agnostic (Titus 1:16).

III. The wicked (1 Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21; Rom. 1:28-32; Rev 21:8).

IV. The dignified unbeliever (John 12:42-43).

V. The devoutly religious (Matt. 7:21-23; Mark 7:7-8).        

VI. Good moral people

          A. Cornelius wasn’t good enough (Acts 10:1-2; 11:14).

          B. The Jews were not good enough (John 8:21, 24).

VII. Christians

          A. The lukewarm (Rev. 3:16).

          B. The uncharitable (Matt. 25:42-44).

          C. The backsliding (2 Pet. 2:20-22).

          D. The disobedient (1 Pet. 2:7-8).

Conclusion: Peter asked, “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”  The only one not listed among the lost is the righteous Christian who scarcely makes it to heaven.  Are you going to be in Hell’s population?

Last modified: 05/02/08