The Truth About Eternity

September 28, 2025
Dr. Tony Hutson
The Gospel
Matthew

Scripture Reference

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in there: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Introduction

Title: “The Truth About Eternity” — Dr. Tony Hutson preaches from Matthew chapter 7 to confront our eternal destiny. This sermon is a sober reminder from the words of Christ that life is short, eternity is long, and Jesus sets the terms for entrance into heaven. The Lord Jesus warns of a real hell, of false teachers who mislead, and of many who assume they will be saved when, in fact, they are not. This message calls believers to a holy burden for the lost and calls the unsaved to decide now, for there are no second chances after death.

Outline

There Is a Hell
1. Scriptural reality: Hell is not merely the decay of the body but eternal separation from God. Scripture describes it as a place of darkness, weeping and gnashing of teeth, where the worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched (see Luke 16 and Mark 9).
2. Pastor’s warning: Dr. Hutson insists that hell is real—no limbo, no purgatory, no second-world option. The choice you make in this life determines your eternal residence.
3. Practical implication: The reality of hell should sober believers and motivate evangelism. If hell is real, urgency for the lost is biblical and pressing.
Not Everybody Is Going to Heaven
1. Exclusive claim of Christ: Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Salvation is through Christ alone.
2. False security: Religious ritual, church membership, or moral deeds cannot substitute for a personal trust in Christ (Romans 10:9–10; Ephesians 2:8–9).
3. Personal decision: Salvation requires personal repentance and faith — an inner change (new birth) that cannot be presumed from outward activity alone (John 3:3).
More People Are Going to Hell Than to Heaven
1. The narrow way: Matthew 7:13–14 teaches the gate to destruction is broad and easy; the gate to life is narrow and difficult. Popular opinion does not equal eternal truth.
2. Cultural anesthesia: Our culture often numbs the conscience about sin and the afterlife (Romans 1; 2 Peter 3:3–4). The pastor warns against trivializing death and eternity.
3. Pastoral burden: Christians should feel holy distress over multitudes perishing and act with compassion and urgency.
Beware of False Prophets
1. Jesus’ caution: False prophets come in sheep’s clothing but are ravening wolves (Matthew 7:15). They promise what is not true and mislead believers and seekers.
2. Discernment by fruit: “By their fruits ye shall know them” — doctrine shapes life, and life reveals doctrine (Matthew 7:16–20). Evaluate teaching by conformity to Scripture and godly character.
3. Practical guardrails: Test any teacher with the written Word. Beware of prosperity-focused, grace-distorting, liberty-destroying messages that normalize sin.
Not Everyone Who Says “Lord, Lord” Will Enter Heaven
1. Professions vs. possession: Vocal profession of Jesus’ name is not a substitute for doing the will of the Father (Matthew 7:21–23). True saving faith results in a life aligned with God’s will.
2. Evidence of faith: Repentance and obedience are the fruit of genuine conversion (James 2:14–26). A profession without a changed heart is dangerous.
3. Examine yourself: Paul urged believers to examine themselves to see if they be in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). Assurance rests on Scripture and the witness of the Spirit, not mere words or ceremonies.
There Are No Second Chances After Death
1. One appointed death, then judgment: Hebrews 9:27 — “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” The decision must be made in this life.
2. Urgency to respond now: Proverbs 27:1 warns against boasting of tomorrow; you do not know what a day may bring forth. Delay can be fatal to the soul.
3. Pastor’s appeal: Dr. Hutson closed with a pastoral plea — if the Holy Spirit is drawing you, do not resist. Trust Christ today.

Summary

Dr. Tony Hutson pulls no punches. From Matthew 7 Jesus teaches that eternity is real, hell is real, and the way to life is narrow through Christ alone. False teaching and empty professions will not save. Many will be lost because the broad road is popular and easy. The sober conclusion: decide for Christ today, because this life is the only chance to be right with God.

Quote to Ponder

Don’t gamble tomorrow. Don’t gamble on another week. Don’t gamble until next Sunday. Would you come trust him today? Would you come trust him.

Application for the Week

Make these practical steps your plan for the coming week. These are designed to move a casual hearer toward a clear decision and a believer toward practical holiness and evangelistic urgency.

If you are not sure of your salvation, decide today
1. Confess and believe: Use Romans 10:9–10 and John 3:3 as your guide — confess Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead.
2. Come to someone you trust: Speak with your pastor, an elder, or a mature Christian and tell them you want to be saved or need assurance. Do not let pride or embarrassment delay you.
Pray specifically for three lost people
1. List them now: Write down three names (family, friends, coworkers). Pray daily by name for their salvation this week.
2. Take action: Invite one to church or share the gospel in a clear, simple way. Be bold to do what you can to shepherd their heart toward Christ.
Test teaching by Scripture
1. Discernment practice: When you hear a sermon or watch a program, ask: “Does this align with the whole counsel of Scripture?” If not, beware.
2. Know your Bible: Read Matthew 7 and John 14 this week. Let Scripture shape your understanding of salvation, hell, and the Christian life.
Live with sober urgency
1. Use your time: Don’t presume on tomorrow. Make decisions now about how you’ll invest your hours in evangelism, discipleship, and holy living.
2. Accountability: Share your commitment with a trusted believer. Ask them to check on your evangelistic efforts and spiritual growth.
Encourage holy burden in the church
1. Mobilize a prayer group: Organize or join a weekly prayer time focused on the lost and on discernment against false teaching.
2. Serve with purpose: Volunteer for outreach events this month. Practical compassion opens doors for gospel conversations.

If you responded to conviction while reading this summary, do not delay. Reach out to your pastor or a sober believer today. The Bible is clear: make your choice now. The church stands ready to pray with you, disciple you, and rejoice over new life in Christ.