" thou liast given grccat occasion to tlie enemies of tlie Lord to blaspheme/' (2 Sam. xii. 14.)
The next thing that we are taught in these verses is, the reality of future punishment after death. Two strong expressions are used by our Lord on this point. He speaks of being "cast into everlasting fire." He speaks of being " cast into hell fire."
The meaning of these words is clear and unmistakeable. There is a place of unspeakable misery in the world to come, to which all who die impenitent and unbelieving, must ultimately be consigned. There is revealed in Scripture a "fiery indignation," which sooner or later will devour all God's adversaries. (Heb. x.27.) The same sure word which holds out a heaven to all who rej)ent and are convertedj declares plainly that there will be a hell for all the ungodly.
Let no man deceive us with vain words upon this awful subject. Men have arisen in these latter days, who profess to deny the eternity of future punishment, and repeat the devil's old argument, that we " shall not surely die." (Gen. iii. 4.) Let none of their reasonings move us, however plausible they may sound. Let us stand fast in the old paths. The God of love and mercy is also a God of justice. He will surely requite. The flood in Noah's day, and the burning of Sodom, were meant to show us what He will one day do. No lips have ever spoken so clearly about hell as those of Christ Himself Hardened sinners will find out, to their cost, that there is such a thing as the " wrath of the Lamb." (Kev. vi. 17.)
The last thing we are taught in these verses, is the
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value that God sets on the least and loivest of believers. " It is not the will of your Fatlier in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish/'
These words are meant for the encouragement of all true Christians, and not for little children only. The connection in which they are found with the parable of the hundred sheep and one that went astray, seems to place this beyond doubt. They are meant to show us that our Lord Jesus is a Shepherd, who cares tenderly for every soul committed to His charge. The youngest, the weakest, the sickliest of His flock is as dear to Him as the strongest. They shall never perish. None shall ever pluck them out of His hand. He will lead them gently through the wilderness of this world. He will not overdrive them a single day, lest any die. (Gen. xxxiii. 13.) He will carry them through every difficulty. He will defend them against every enemy. The saying which He spoke shall be literally fulfilled : " Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none." (John xviii. 9.) With such a Saviom', who need fear beginning to be a thorough Christian ? With such a Shepherd, who, having once begun, need fear being cast away ?