Part 4: Eternal Punishment
13. Are the wicked burning in hell today?
“As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”
“Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?” John 7:51 Matthew 13:40-42 For further study see 2 Peter 2:9.
Note: How could a God of love really delight in the eternal torment of the wicked. How could such torchered screams be music to His ears. When hearing this many conclude that eventually all will be saved, or the talk of hell was only meant to scare the wicked into submission. But the Bible says “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18 We cannot expect God to punish the wicked before the judgement. We can praise God for His justice and mercy. Justice because no one will be punished more then he deserves and mercy because God has provided every opportunity for our salvation. For more information on what happens when one dies see the study titled “Death.”
14. What is an example of hell fire?
“Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.” Jude 7 For further study see 2 Peter 2:6.
Note: Sodom and Gomorrah are not burning today yet the Bible says “eternal fire.” The part of the punishment that is eternal is not the fire but the punishment itself. No one will be resurrected after the eternal fires of hell. The fire is the method; the punishment is eternal death.
15. What are the last things cast into the lake of fire?
“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” Revelation 20:14 For further study see Matthew 10:28.
16. Will there be anything left?
“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28 For further study see Malachi 4:1.
Note: God promised eternal life to all who accept His gift but eternal death to all who reject His mercy. An eternally burning hell is not death but eternal life in torment. A life more terrible then death.