Originally Posted by Starman
Originally Posted by The_Real_Hawkeye

The concept of fire is used to symbolize suffering.


Christians take it as being tormented for eternity.

What eternal tormentation (or suffering) is there
if the book says God will inflict the punishment
of death [destroy the wicked].. ?

What can you suffer after death?

For a God to torment the wicked for eternity
doesn't that require keeping them alive?



Scripture says both heaven and hell are eternal/everlasting. Rejecting Jesus results in permanent eternal punishment for conscious souls, and the fire will never be quenched.

“And these shall go away into everlasting punishment; but the righteous into life eternal.” Matthew 25:46

If hell is not eternal, then neither is heaven.

“Hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched.” Mark 9:43

“Where the worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.” Mark 9:44

Hellfire is mentioned in Mark 9:47

The 3rd angel’s message in Revelation 14:10-11 is all about eternal hellfire.

He will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.
Revelation 14:10

And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night.
Revelation 14:11

If believers reign in heaven forever and ever, those who reject Jesus will be tormented forever and ever. There are only two choices, eternal life or eternal death. If there were not an eternal consequence for rejecting Jesus, God’s justice would be less absolute than His amazing grace and mercy.