WE BELIEVE in the everlasting punishment of the wicked (in the sense of eternal torment) who wilfully reject and despise the love of God manifested in the great sacrifice of His only Son upon the cross for their salvation - Matt 25:46; 13:49,50; Luke 12:47,48; 2 Thess 1:8,9; Rom 6:23; Rev 20:11-15. We believe that the devil and his angels and whosoever is no found written in the Book of Life shall be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death - Rev 19:20; Rev 20:10-15.

Introduction.

Some people try and reject that a God of love would punish anyone eternally. However, what must be kept in mind when discussing this subject, is the perfection of God's love must be kept in perspective with the perfection of His justice. If God excused sin, His love and justice would be out of balance, which would make Him less than perfect. For us to survive in an environment where evil prevails there must be punishment of the law-breaker. It would be inconsistent to think that God would gloss over sin and not punish the wicked.

I. THE DURATION OF PUNISHMENT.

Forever.

New Testament is quite clear in detailing the length of punishment for the wicked. It uses the Greek word "AIONIOS" = forever and ever.

Matthew 25:46a, "And these will go away into everlasting punishment."

Old Testament is equally clear in detailing the length of punishment for the wicked. It uses the Hebrew word "Owlam" - the vanishing point, a mathematical term for infinity, continuance, always eternity.

Dan 12:2b, "Some to share the everlasting contempt."

2. Same word used for punishment as eternal life.

Both the above passages also refer to the length of life for the righteous. In both cases the exact same adjective is used.

Matt 25:46 Everlasting punishment - Ainios Eternal life - Ainios
Dan 12:2 Everlasting life - Owlam Everlasting contempt - Owlam

II. THE DESCRIPTION OF PUNISHMENT.

1. Separation from the presence of God.
Thess 1:9, "These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power."

2. The indignation and wrath of God.
Romans 2:8-9a, "But to those who are self seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness - indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil."

3. Eternal Fire.

Jude 1:7b, "... suffering the vengeance of eternal fire."

4. Eternal Torment.
Revelation 14:11a, "And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever and they have no rest day or night."

5. Outer Darkness.


Get your free registration and log in to view entire article