Footsteps #112

After my categorical statement from 2THess1:9 where Paul, referring to the unsaved, used the phrase “The punishment of eternal destruction,” and I said the Bible only ever uses the noun (destruction) and never the verb (destructing), someone asked about Rev.14:11 This text says, “the smoke of their torment goes up for ever and ever…” Notice also v:10 where God’s wrath, for the first time in human history is “unmixed” with mercy. The torment, is as Jesus portrayed, “weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matt.13:42). Absolute remorse!

I believe in eternal punishment, I just don’t believe in eternal punishing, because the Bible doesn’t teach it. The former is a noun and the latter is a verb. The Bible never uses the verb!

Ps.68:2 is another smoke text that talks about the wicked perishing. Incidentally, the most quoted text in the Bible (John.3:16) uses the word ‘perish’ as the alternative to eternal life. Ps.37:10&20 talks about the wicked perishing and vanishing away like smoke. Ezek.28:14-18 says even lucifer will become ashes and vanish away forever!

Which option do you prefer? God will either erase sin, or the lost are tormented for eternity. However, we should not base our doctrines on what we prefer. If we read the context of Rev.14:11 (8-10 e.g.) we find obvious symbolism, beasts, angels, wine etc. The smoke & torment are connected to obvious symbolism.

When we read Revelation carefully, not like water water-skiers, but as deep-sea divers, we find that this masterpiece of literature, prophecy, power and truth is all centred in the Lamb (an obvious symbol.) We also find that everything in Revelation is rooted in the OT somewhere.

Rev.14:11 finds its root in Isa 34:9-10 where we find the fire and brimstone with the smoke going up forever and ever. Is Edom still burning? Rev 14:11, when talking about the destruction of the unsaved in the last days is paralleled with the destruction of Edom. The Bible says the same of Sodom and Gomorrah. (see 2Pet 2: 6 c.f Jude 7) God’s eternal fire turned Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes in a moment, using the term eternal punishment(N) not punishing(V) and the smoke is still ascending! TBC