Bible Question: I know that those who do not accept Christ will be punished and suffer the consequences. I am asking about the nature of that punishment. Some think the punishment will be for an eternity...torment in the lake of fire forever. some think the punishment will be permanentor will come to an end...put in the lake of fire which will cause death. What is your opnion? |
Bible Answer: I believe that those who reject Christ's sacrifice in this life will be subject to eternal judgment. I am not going to comment at this time on what that judgmnent is exactly but here are a couple passages from the writer of Hebrews that state plainly that judgment is eternal and that it is a more serious matter than we usually make it. If you have bible software on your computer or have access to any I would make the suggestion of searching for words like "eternal" and "judgment," but don't stop there. It is critical that you also look for the authors intent and the cultural implications as well as the original meanings of the greek, and arimaic words. I would suggest finding a commentary from a known bible scholar who doesn't read into the meanings but translates the passage and gives the historical context. I hope this has been helpful for you. It is how I go about any question of intent in the Scriptures. In Christ God's Servant Hebrews 6:1 Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2 instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so. Hebrews 10:22-31 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. 26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. 28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people." 31 It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. |