1. The Destiny of Man Text: James 4:13-15

2. Introduction: We make careful preparation for things we consider important. (i.e. Saving for retirement, studying for a test) We make careful preparation for things we consider important. (i.e. Saving for retirement, studying for a test) These preparations are far less important than those for one's destiny. (Matt. 16:26-27) These preparations are far less important than those for one's destiny. (Matt. 16:26-27) What is your destiny? What is your destiny?

3. Life Death Heb. 9:27 Judgment Day Alive When Lord Returns 1 Cor. 15:51-52 Brief - Psa. 103:15-16 Brief - Psa. 103:15-16 Uncertain - Jas. 4:13-15; Lk. 12:16-21 Uncertain - Jas. 4:13-15; Lk. 12:16-21 No Second Chance - 2 Cor. 5:10 No Second Chance - 2 Cor. 5:10

4. “the common receptacle of disembodied spirits” (Thayer, page 11) “the unseen world” (Young, page 474) “the abode of the dead” Acts 2:24-27, 31 Death Hades Sheol

5. Death Hades Lk. 16:19-26 Sheol Paradise Lk. 23:43 Lk. 16:19-26 Great Gulf Lk. 16:19-26 2 Pet. 2:4 Tarturus 2 Pet. 2:4

6. Paradise Great Gulf Tarturus Raised Hades Sheol Jn. 5:28-29 All will be judged. Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10 All will be judged. Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10 Christ will be the Judge. Jn. 5:22 Christ will be the Judge. Jn. 5:22 His Word will be the standard. Jn. 12:48 His Word will be the standard. Jn. 12:48 Alive When Lord Returns Judgment Day

7. Invitation To Glory Judgment Day Matthew 25:46) Eternity (Matthew 25:46) Heaven (1 Pet. 1:3-5) No tears, death, sorrow, crying, pain - Rev. 21:1-5 No tears, death, sorrow, crying, pain - Rev. 21:1-5 No night – Rev. 22:5 No night – Rev. 22:5 Rest – Heb. 4:9-11; 2 Thes. 1:7-9 Rest – Heb. 4:9-11; 2 Thes. 1:7-9 Companions – Companions – God - Matt. 5:16 God - Matt. 5:16 Jesus Christ - Heb. 8:1 Jesus Christ - Heb. 8:1 Holy Spirit - 1 Pet. 1:12 Holy Spirit - 1 Pet. 1:12 Angels - Matt. 22:30 Angels - Matt. 22:30 All faithful – Matt. 25:34 All faithful – Matt. 25:34 Separation into two classes (Matt. 25:31-33) Separation into two classes (Matt. 25:31-33)

8. Condemned To Torment Judgment Day Matthew 25:46) Eternity (Matthew 25:46) Hell (Matt. 10:28) Everlasting Fire – Matt. 18:8 Everlasting Fire – Matt. 18:8 Outer darkness – Matt. 25:30 Outer darkness – Matt. 25:30 Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth – Matt. 25:30 Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth – Matt. 25:30 Companions – Companions – Devil and his angels - Matt. 25:41 Devil and his angels - Matt. 25:41 Sinners - Rev. 21:8 Sinners - Rev. 21:8 Separation into two classes (Matt. 25:31-33) Separation into two classes (Matt. 25:31-33)

9. Conclusion: Eternity is the common destiny of all mankind. (Matt. 25:46) Eternity is the common destiny of all mankind. (Matt. 25:46) Where you spend that eternity will be determined by how you handle the Word of Christ. Where you spend that eternity will be determined by how you handle the Word of Christ. Obey and be saved – Heb. 5:8-9 Obey and be saved – Heb. 5:8-9 If not a Christian: Hear, Believe, Repent, Confess, Be Baptized If not a Christian: Hear, Believe, Repent, Confess, Be Baptized Erring Christian: Repent and Pray. If public, confess. Erring Christian: Repent and Pray. If public, confess. Disobey and be lost. - 2 Thes. 1:7-9 Disobey and be lost. - 2 Thes. 1:7-9

10. Where will you spend your eternity? Paradise Great Gulf Tarturus Death Sheol Hades Raised Judgment Day Heaven Eternity Hell Life Brief Brief Uncertain Uncertain No 2nd Chance No 2nd Chance Time Alive When Lord Returns