ETERNAL BECAUSE IT IS GOD HIMSELF

Many people struggle with words in the Bible that seem to imply that the lost are going to burn forever and ever. While a deeper look at all of the references to this subject throughout the Bible reveal differently, there is still some confusion about the nature of eternal fire. Much of the problem is our misunderstanding about just what the fire of God really is and is not. But one thing is indisputable – God Himself is eternal. As has been seen in other sections about this subject, God Himself is the fire that is being revealed throughout the Bible. And since God is eternal, so is the fire that makes up His presence. Given that truth it can be seen that the fire that produces pain and death in those who are lost cannot be quenched because that fire is simply a revelation of the presence and love of an eternal God. Since God is eternal so is the fire which emanates from His very being. Here are some texts that help reveal this truth.

(Jude 1:6-7) And angels who did not keep their own domain, but abandoned their proper abode, He has kept in eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day, just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, since they in the same way as these indulged in gross immorality and went after strange flesh, are exhibited as an example in undergoing the punishment of eternal fire. (NAS95)

(Luke 3:16-17) John answered and said to them all, "As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in His hand to thoroughly clear His threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." (NAS95)

(Matthew 3:10-12) "The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." (NAS95)