1. "ETERNAL."
We read of "eternal" or
"everlasting" punishment, "everlasting" fire. It is
objected that the word "eternal" or "everlasting" does not
mean "forever." This may be true. But we are all willing to admit
that when this word qualifies the condition of the righteous it means forever,
without end, e.g., the righteous shall go "into life eternal." The
same word, however, qualifies the punishment of the wicked, e.g., "these
shall go away into everlasting punishment." Fairness demands that we make
the joy of the righteous and the punishment of the wicked -- both qualified as
they are by the same Greek word -- of the same duration. If there is an end to
the reward of the righteous, there is also to the penalty of the wicked. The
one lasts as long as the other. If "destruction" means annihilation,
then there is no need of the word "eternal" to qualify it. Further
the Scriptures present the punishment of the wicked not only as
"eternal" or age-long but as enduring for ever and ever or "unto
the ages of the ages" (Rev.19:3; 20:10; 14:11, R. V.). Here is a picture
of ages tumbling upon ages in eternal succession.
2. "PUNISHMENT."
There are lot of Scriptures that
described the punishment and state for the wicked. In Proverb 11 v 21 the Bible
states that “the wicked cannot go unpunished.” The meaning of this word can be
used for the “now” judgement and the “hereafter.” Also, Psalm 34 verse 31 states
that the evil of the wicked shall slay him and whosoever hates the righteous
shall be condemned.
3. "FIRE."
This is one of the most constant images
under which the torment and misery of the wicked is represented. Fire is a
symbol of the divine judgement of wrath (Matt.5:22). In Matthew 3:10 the godless
are represented as a tree hew down and cast into the fire; in 3:12 the chaff
(godless) is burned with unquenchable fire; in 13:42 the wicked are said to be
cast into a furnace of fire.
Is the "fire" spoken of
here literal fire? It
is an accepted law of language that a figure of speech is less intense than the
reality. If "fire" is merely a figurative expression, it must stand
for some great reality, and if the reality is more intense than the figure,
what an awful thing the punishment symbolised by fire must be.
It is contended that fire must
necessarily consume; that nothing could continue to exist in fire. Is it not
remarkable that the Baptist uses the word "unquenchable"' (Greek,
"asbestos") when speaking of this fire? Is any light thrown on the
question by the incident of the three Hebrew children in the fiery furnace? Did
they consume, or did they withstand the fire? (Dan.3:27). In the parable of the
Tares (Matt.13:36-43) our Lord speaks of the tares being burned up. When Christ
retired to the house after delivering the parable, his disciples asked Him to
explain to them what He meant by the figures of speech He used in the parable.
This request He granted. He explained the figurative language of the parable;
every figurative word in it except that of "fire." He said: "The
field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the
tares are the children of the wicked one; the enemy that sowed them is the
devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As
therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so shall it be at the
end of this world. . . . And they shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there
shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth." Why did not the Master explain
what he meant by the figurative word "fire"? He explained all the
other figurative words, why not this one? Did He forget? Or did He intend that
His disciples should have the impression that He was speaking of literal fire?
Here was His opportunity to explain His use of words, for the disciples were
asking for just that very thing. Was there any significance in the fact that
Jesus did not explain the word "fire"? Whether we believe in literal
fire or not, we certainly ought to ask for a reason for the Master's failure to describe better the figurative word "fire."
4. "DARKNESS."
This word is used to describe the
condition of the lost: "Cast into outer darkness: there shall be weeping
and gnashing of teeth." Seven times these terms are found together:
Matt.8:12; 13:42, 50; 22:13; 24:51; 25:30; Luke 13:28. The picture is that of a
banquet which was usually held at night. The wicked are thrust out from the
light, joy, and festivity into the darkness and gloom without, as into the
remote gloom and anguish of a dungeon in which are found agony, wrath, and
despair. Is this a description of hell ?-- absence of spiritual light;
separation from the company of the saved; lamentation; impotent rage?
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