There are two Old Testament passages and three passages in the New Testament that lead me to the conclusion that the church has been mostly right in teaching a continuing punishment for the wicked. Thus, the idea of destruction or perishing in the New Testament writers does not necessarily mean annihilation. From other Scriptures we learn that Satan is still around today (1 Thessalonians 2:18 1 Peter 5:8) and we learn that the Antichrist remains alive after Christ comes (Revelation 19:20 20:10). Nevertheless, these passages do not settle the matter because the same terminology is used of Satan at the cross (Hebrews 2:14-”through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil”), and of the Antichrist (2 Thessalonians 2:8-”whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming”). In the New Testament, the idea of destruction or perishing is frequently associated with the end of the wicked (Matthew 7:13 10:28 Luke 12:5 13:2-5 20:16 Romans 9:22 2 Corinthians 2:15 4:3 Philippians 3:18-19 2 Thessalonians 2:10 Hebrews 10:30 2 Peter 2:1-3 3:7). Both Job (Job 26:6) and Solomon (Proverbs 15:11 27:20) equate the grave with destruction. As those who argue for conditional immortality and/or annihilationism note, the words “destruction” and “perish” are found frequently in Scripture to describe the end of the unrighteous. Surprisingly, although the Bible has much to say about the destiny of the wicked, there are not many passages on the length of suffering. Rather, our role is to seek to discern what God has said about the subject. Yet, as always, the destiny of the righteous and the wicked is not for us to decide. As you point out, God, who is more merciful than us, would seemingly have even a stronger reaction to such a notion. We shrink back, and rightly so, from the idea of eternal torment. ![]() Then, there also have been a few in the fringes of the church who have argued for reincarnation, as providing another opportunity for salvation.Īs many have pointed out, the destiny of the wicked is one of the hardest teachings for us humans. The third position long held in the church is the eternal torment of the wicked. Another position taken by some is the ultimate universal salvation of all humans into Christ, providing a second chance after death. ![]() Some have argued for a conditional immortality or annihilation of the unsaved. We have not previously addressed the subject of the length of punishment taught in Scripture for those who do not follow Christ. Given my respect for how you approach your ministry, I am curious of your viewpoint on the subject. ![]() It has always seemed to me that it is a bit out of the character of God to allow eternal torment. I’ve recently been studying the subject of Hell, as I have always struggled with the notion of eternal pain as a horrible fate for even the most sinful humans that have walked this earth. I first want to say how much I appreciate your site and the humble approach you have to your interpretation of scripture, and the passion you have to bring people to Christ. Question from a Site Viewer Is Hell really ongoing eternal torment? How can a merciful God allow that?
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