And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. “Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’” (Luke 16:23-24)

Most People Will Scream After Death

The story of Lazarus and the rich man is an astonishing examination of a reality that few are willing to accept. Jesus relates the story of two men who had stark differences in life. For one, life was filled with life’s joys, prestige, and blessings. The rich man was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and lived each day in luxury. At the rich man’s gate was a poor man who knew nothing but misery in life. He was diseased, destitute, and had only dogs who would like his open sores. The contrast is not so much how different their lives were before death but what happened after death. When Lazarus died, he was carried by angels to comfort. Immediately upon death, the rich man started screaming. There was no relief, no joy, no comfort, and no hope. As the family prepared the funeral for the rich man, no one thought of their brother and friend as suffering. There were five brothers who lived much like the rich man. The screams of the rich man could not be heard, but scream he did.

In the sermon on the mount, Jesus made another startling statement of truth. Most people will not be saved. This is hard for the world to accept. It is easy to think that everyone that dies finds comfort. Often the expression “RIP” shows how sadly people view death. Resting in peace is not something most people find in death. Most people see darkness, horror, eternal pain, and screaming in death. Jesus was asked by one of His disciples if few were saved. The Son of God said there was a narrow gate to eternal happiness, and many will seek to enter and will not be able. Think deeply about that statement. Jesus says that most people will scream after death. Many will plead for God to admit them, but He will tell them He does not know them. They will say to Him they were good people, religious people, and honest people. It will do no good. They will be in a place where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. It will be eternal horror.

Most in the world do not believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. They will be screaming after death. Many more who believe Jesus is God’s Son refuse to obey His will. Tragically, they will be screaming after death also. Being religious does not guarantee eternal life. Many will tell God how religious they were and how they followed in the name of His Son. The problem they face immediately in death is they will be saying these things through screaming. Jesus will tell many religious people He never knew them. It will be too late. Refusing to obey the will of the Father will cast the soul into outer darkness and screaming.

Denying eternal punishment does not make reality go away. There is joy and peace in knowing the grace and mercy of God, but the Lord is a wrathful judge who will punish those who do not obey His word. Jesus taught that most people who live on the face of the earth would scream after death. The screams will come from a lake of fire and brimstone, unimaginable darkness, and eternal hopelessness. There will be no relief. Satan will be with them, screaming as the author of eternal damnation. Life is important, but life determines eternity. If you do not obey God’s word, you will scream after you die, and you will never stop screaming. Believe it to be true – Jesus said you will.