The proper question is, Is their claim biblical? They would agree with me that this is the proper issue. They would say "yes," but I would definitely say "no." Why do I hold my opinion? One reason is Isaiah 48:22: "'There is no peace,' says the Lord, 'for the wicked.'" This isn't my only reason; for more, use the "annihilationism" tag at the bottom of the this article.
"There is no peace," say the prophet. They will have no respite from their judgment. And this isn't what some people claim, an eternal punishment for a limited time of sin. I agree, that would be unjust. Rather, those in Hell have all their restraints of culture and upbringing removed, and give free vent to their hatred of God. Just as they continue to curse Him for eternity, they continue to suffer the consequences for eternity. "There is no peace." Is that not the moral of the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)? notice that the Rich Man never asks to be released from Hell. Rather, he asks for a modicum of relief, just a drop of cooling water (verse 24). And even that he doesn't want from Jesus - because he despises Him - but rather from Lazarus! Yet, he is denied even this minuscule respite, for "there is no peace for the wicked."
3 comments:
Eternal torment does not correspond to Gods sense of justice. Why would someone have to suffer eternally for a few years of sin without reprieve. Any God himself abhor such act of human torchure by burning when he condemn ed it at Jere 7:31
Michael, I addressed your first question in the post, so I will not repeat the answer here. However, Jeremiah 7:31 doesn't address justice; rather, it addresses the sacrifice of humans for personal benefit. Note that God requires death for the one who is guilty of murder (Genesis 9:6). Apples and oranges, Michael.
You are forgetting eternity is forever, it's not a long time as time will be no more.
Post a Comment