Kingsley Nwaekwe

They warned the people of Israel of the judgment they would face if they did not obey God.

But the judgments they warned of typically focused on physical judgments, droughts, famines, foreign invasions, and the like.

Death was certainly a threat in these judgments.

However, aside from Daniel 12 verse 2 and perhaps a few other possible verses, little is said about eternal punishment.

But then, the Messiah Israel was waiting for arrived.

Jesus wasn't the Messiah many people expected.

He didn't come to defeat Rome or make Israel the political superpower.

Instead, he came to die for man's sins and establish the eternal kingdom.

A kingdom that, as Jesus explained to Pilate, is not of this world.

But Jesus is not the Messiah many modern people expect him to be either.

Jesus shocked the people of his day and often shocks us today.

Jesus is well known for his teachings on love, mercy, and redemption.

But Jesus also taught on hell more than anyone else.

So, why did Jesus teach on hell when the Old Testament prophets did not?

Well, first, the Old Testament prophets were never given the full story.

They were given bits and pieces that continued to point forward.

But Jesus is the full revelation of God's plan and will.

The opening words of Hebrews explain, The prophets foretold God's judgment for rebellious nations.

But Jesus revealed the full and final judgment for all the wicked.

Second, while the prophets were God's messengers, Jesus is the Son of God.