"But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire." {Matthew 5:22}
Jesus emphasized that there were some who were in danger of hell fire. Let us examine some that fall into this category.
Angry without cause. Does the Bible condemn all anger? "Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil." {Ephesians 4:26,27} Anger that is without a just cause is enough to place one in danger of hell fire. Why?
The term "Raca" is a Jewish term of disrespect which carries the meaning of "emptyhead or stupid." Such anger is unrighteous anger that man will give an account of. Anger in the heart can lead to many grave sins. Jealousy, envy, bitterness, malice and even murder. All of us need to be sure that our anger never gets control over us!
Those who have not disciplined the members of their body. "If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell." {Matthew 5:29,30}
Offending parts of our body can cause our whole bodies to be lost in the eternal fires of Hell!
One must train his eyes not to look in places that lead them into lust or evil thoughts, Matthew 5:28.
Offending hands which are not controlled to do things which are honorable, can place one in eternal jeopardy. Ephesians 4:28
Offending feet that run hastily into mischief can place our souls in danger. Proverbs 1:14-16
Is God telling us to literally "cut-off" these offending parts of the body? No, what is under consideration is discipline. Colossians 3:5 discusses the need to "put to death" deeds of the body. What does this mean? One must put to death sinful practices and not place himself in the paths of the devil's temptations. Each person must eliminate sources of temptations which could lead them into the danger of hell fire. Personal choices!
Hypocrites. "Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?" {Matthew 23:33} Jesus gave some very strong woes in Matthew 23 concerning the hypocrisy of the Pharisees.
"Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do."{Matthew 23:3} Here we see what hypocrisy is -- saying and not doing. Many are still guilty of this today.
"But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments." {Matthew 23:5} The Lord exposes the hypocrites motives -- to be seen of men. God has never been pleased with men who seek to draw attention to themselves for personal glory. Matthew 6:1-5
A careful reading of Matthew 23:13-33 will clearly show us what actions constitute hypocrisy. According to verse 15 these people are children of Hell!
"These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me." {Matthew 15:7} Such conduct makes one's worship a vain thing. Hypocrites have a reward but it won't be heavenly! One in such a condition needs to make correction before it's too late.
Those not in Christ. "Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory." {2 Timothy 2:10} According to God's word salvation can only be found in Christ. What will be the end of those who are outside of Christ? "Now if the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and sinner appear?" {1 Peter 4:18}
"In flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." {2 Thessalonians 1:8}
Paul taught that one must "put on Christ" in baptism. Galatians 3:27 No one needs to stay "outside" of Christ. All are invited in by the Master Himself. Matthew 11:28-30
Can the danger of hell fire be escaped in our lives? Certainly! Yet, one must take the "escape route" which has been provided in God's word. God doesn't wish for any to perish but all to repent. 2 Peter 3:9
Gentle reader are you avoiding this end in your life? If not, why do you linger? Surely you can see no benefits in hell fire?