Topical Bible: Eternal Death is Called: Everlasting Punishment

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Topical Encyclopedia

Eternal death, often referred to as "everlasting punishment," is a concept found within Christian eschatology that denotes the final and irrevocable separation from God, resulting in perpetual suffering. This doctrine is primarily derived from various passages in the New Testament, where it is depicted as the ultimate consequence for those who reject the salvation offered through Jesus Christ.

Biblical References:

1. Matthew 25:46 · In the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats, Jesus speaks of the final judgment, stating, "And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." This verse contrasts the destinies of the wicked and the righteous, emphasizing the permanence of both outcomes.

2. 2 Thessalonians 1:9 · The Apostle Paul writes about the fate of those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of Jesus Christ: "They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might." This passage highlights the aspect of separation from God as a key component of eternal punishment.

3. Revelation 20:10, 14-15 · The Book of Revelation provides a vivid depiction of the final judgment: "And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever." Additionally, "Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone was found whose name was not written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." These verses describe the lake of fire as the ultimate destination for Satan, his followers, and those not found in the book of life.

Theological Implications:

The concept of everlasting punishment underscores the gravity of sin and the holiness of God. It serves as a warning of the severe consequences of rejecting God's grace and mercy. The doctrine is rooted in the belief that God's justice requires a response to sin, and that response is eternal in nature for those who remain unrepentant.

Interpretations and Debates:

While the traditional view holds that everlasting punishment involves conscious torment, some theologians have proposed alternative interpretations, such as annihilationism, which suggests that the wicked will ultimately cease to exist. However, the majority conservative interpretation maintains that the language of the New Testament supports the notion of eternal, conscious punishment.

Pastoral Considerations:

The teaching of eternal death as everlasting punishment is often approached with sensitivity, recognizing its sobering nature. It serves as a call to evangelism and repentance, urging believers to share the message of salvation through Christ to prevent others from facing such a fate. Pastors and teachers emphasize the love and justice of God, encouraging individuals to seek reconciliation with Him through faith in Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 25:46
And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Appendix xix. On Eternal Punishment, According to the Rabbis and ...
... similarly receive the wicked in their death - and this ... divided, held the doctrine
of Eternal Punishments. ... lately broached, of a so-called Conditional Immortality ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xix on eternal punishment.htm

"The Last Things"
... The second will go on, miserable in death eternal, with no ... and deplore the notion
of the eternal punishment of the ... to refer to those who are called "vessels of ...
/.../augustine/handbook on faith hope and love/chapter xxix the last things.htm

The Sinner Sentenced.
... to be called to a kingdom ... their ears, "the wicked shall go away into everlasting
punishment;" (Matt.25 ... for ever, will live to feel the agonies of eternal death. ...
/.../chapter vi the sinner sentenced.htm

For Godly Sorrow Worketh Repentance to Salvation, not to be ...
... and so reasonable, and so just, for God to condemn him to eternal death, that so ...
2. It works death. ... When he is called to the envious seat, he will cover up his ...
/.../lectures to professing christians/for godly sorrow worketh repentance.htm

Consolations against the Fear of Death.
... Christ (1 Corinthians 15:54.) Hence death is called, in respect ... in the sight of the
Lord is the death of his ... thy throes and travail to bring forth eternal life ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/consolations against the fear of.htm

Of the Anger of God and the Punishment of Sins, and a Recital of ...
... the body, is condemned [1798] to eternal death: but innocence ... Of this heavenly and
eternal reward they cannot be ... all who wish deservedly to be called wise, who ...
/.../chap xxiii of the anger of.htm

The Doctrine of the Last Things.
... This figure expresses participation in life eternal"the believer ... Shall Not be Hurt
of the Second Death.". ... dissolution of soul and body which is called death. ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of the last.htm

Whether it is the Same Place Where Souls are Cleansed, and the ...
... For the punishment of the damned is eternal, according to ... whereas the punishment
of Purgatory is called by one ... souls are now cleansed after death, since there ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is the same.htm

That the Saints, by Suffering the First Death for the Truth's Sake ...
... wicked suffer punishment till their bodies rise again,"those of the just to life
everlasting, and of the others to death eternal, which is called the second ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 8 that the saints by.htm

"The Eternity of Hell-Torments"
... of hands, and completed the other business that called me hither ... For it promises
no less than eternal happiness to the ... on the other, "A favor of death unto death ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the eternity of hell-torments.htm