Is Eternity Forever?


Bound for Eternity, Part 6

 

Introduction

To view the title of this article, you might assume that I’m asking a rather pointless question. To others, though, you might conclude that there is a genuine reason for the question and an interesting answer to go with it.

Simply put, there are some out there in the religious world who firmly believe that eternity is NOT forever; as far as Hell goes. They do not believe that there is an eternal punishment just as there is an eternal reward.

Jesus said in Matthew 25:46, “And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” There are some that disagree with the clear statement siting that it’s only Satan and his angels that will suffer. The rest, will burn for a short time then cease to exist; also known as annihilation.

 

Dictionary Definition

Annihilation—1. The act of reducing to nothing or non-existence; or the act of destroying the form or combination of parts under which a thing exists, so that the name can no longer be applied to it. 2. The state of being reduced to nothing. (1828 Webster’s Dictionary)

 

Will the Hellfire ever Burn Out?

In reading some of the material put out by the Seventh-Day Adventists organization, they believe that the fires of Hell will not burn forever. Here’s what they say…

For example, the fire by which the wicked are punished is said to be "eternal" (Matt 18:8; 25:41) or "unquenchable" (Matt 3:12). This can hardly mean that the wicked will be agonizing forever in the midst of unextinguishable fire.

 The fire is "eternal–aionios," not because of its endless duration, but because of its complete consumption and annihilation of the wicked. (SDA, Samuele Bacchiocchi, ch 6, Hell: Eternal Torment Or Annihilation)

Notice how they contradict themselves: They say the fire is unquenchable but not eternal. The definition of the word, Quench means: To extinguish; to put out; as, to quench flame. (1828 Webster’s Dictionary) So does it go out or not?

 

What does the Bible Say?

     In Mark 9:43-48, Jesus references the hellfire three separate times (vss. 44, 46, 48) and says, “where 'Their worm does not die, And the fire is not quenched.'” Just as the reward is eternal, so is the punishment (Mt. 25:46).

If annihilation were true, what exactly is the downside of going to Hell? Clearly, you won’t be in the presence of God for all eternity. But, if you only burn in Hell for a short period of time; you cease to exist, and then you won’t miss anything.

Benjamin Franklin (1812-1878)

Here’s what 19th century preacher, Benjamin Franklin had to say on the matter…

The duration of time employed in violating the law has nothing to do in determining either the duration or the severity of the punishment. It is nothing but a sophistry to gull the simple that refers to the duration of the time occupied in the commission of crime, as having anything to do in determining the duration or the severity of penalties.

If someone serves ‘Life’ in prison, does that mean “until he dies” or “until the he reaches the appointed age of a full life”? Who’s to say what is the age of a full life?

 

Conclusion

According to the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary, Eternal means: 3. Without end of existence of duration; everlasting; endless; immortal. This is verified by the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:52-53, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. Although Paul was speaking to Christians, this is true of every mortal being.

Again, we are reminded in Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment. Change your life now; today (2 Cor. 6:2) and become a New Testament Christian. If you need assistance in this, or further bible study, contact me in the comments below.


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