Will God Punish the Wicked Eternally?

Two young boys were talking. "Do you believe in the devil?" The second boy replied, "Naw, the devil is just like Santa Clause, he's your dad!" Unfortunately, many people have this same attitude, thinking there is no devil, hell, or eternal torment; they are simply figments of man's imagination, created to frighten people. If it is not an out-right denial of the existenct of hell, then it usually goes something like, "I don't believe a loving God would punish anyone." From this idea comes the doctrine of "Once Saved Always Saved." This may give comfort to those who believe this doctrine, but it is a false comfort. Thus, the question "Will God Punish the Wicked Eternally?" Actually this is not one question, but three: (1) Will God Punish? (2) Who will God Punish? and (3) What is the Nature of this Punishment? Let us examine each of these questions individually.

Will God Punish? As we stated in our introduction, many have rationalized their behavior when it comes to punishment. "Surely God will not send anyone to Hell" is the reply to anyone who teaches of a righteous God demanding justice. While this may indeed be an unpopular subject, it is one that must be discussed. Even a casual reading of the Bible reveals the fact that God will punish. Psalms 9:17 answers our question plainly; "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God." The book of Revelation was written to encourage the first century Christians (Rev. 1:1-3) that God would indeed avenge their blood. Jesus assures His followers that their persecutors will be punished (Rev. 6:9-10). Paul knew that one day every soul would stand before the judgment seat of Christ (Rom. 14:12; II Cor. 5:10). Having this knowledge Paul exclaimed, "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men!" (II Cor. 5:11). "It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (Heb. 10:31). Paul knew the punishment that awaited those who reject Jesus Christ.

In answering this question, "Will God punish?," it is helpful to remember God's characteristics. He is holy, righteous and just. Is it reasonable that His enemies be allowed to dwell in His sight, to live in His palace, to share in His blessings? Should not those who hate God live in a world separated from Him and His goodness?

Now that we have established that God will punish, we must ask Who will God punish? In the title of this article we ask, "Will God Punish the Wicked...?" But who are the wicked? There are wide and varied opinions on this as well. We must go to the word of God to determine who will face this punishment.

Paul gives us several lists of those God deems as wicked. In Romans 1:26-32; I Cor. 6:9-10; and Gal. 5:19-21 we see extensively those who will not enter the kingdom of heaven; these are the wicked. When we see lists like this we say, "Sure the murders, homosexuals, sexually immoral, thieves, and the violent are certainly wicked." But is that as far as we are willing to go? We cannot afford to become complacent and conform to the world's definition of who the wicked are. We cannot make distinctions between big and little sins. All sin is wicked and will be punished. We need to be taught what wickedness is - It is lawlessness (anthesmos - lawlessness, apart or contary to statue, a general state of rebellion against God. II Pet. 2:7; 3:17). When we do not follow God's laws by doing what He commands us, we are wicked. But wickedness does not stop here. Because you did not serve the Lord with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything...He has destroyed you!" (Deut. 28:47-48). The Lord has never tolerated an indifferent heart in His service. The Lord wants us to "love Him with all our heart, with all our soul , and with all our mind" (Matt. 22:37). Anything less is wickedness.

We have established two facts: God will indeed punish, and the wicked are the object of His wrath. We must now answer the question, What is the nature of this punishment? Many have said "Hell is here on earth.", or they believe it is only temporary. However, the Bible's definition is quite different. It is represented in scripture as being extreme; as horrible as the burning of the flesh with fire. It is described as producing weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth (Matt. 8:12). It is represented as a state of utter torment (Luke 16:24). This torment, or punishment, will take on many forms: The Loss of All Enjoyment - There will be no peace, joy or happiness for the lost (Isa. 57:21). The horror will not cease for an instant. All the sources of enjoyment and happiness will have fled forever. The Unattainable Desires - Think of the parable of Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:19-31). Is it possible that just as the rich man was able to see Lazarus comforted in Abraham's bosom, the wicked will also be able to see the joyous scenes in heaven? Oh, how they will long to enjoy it! The greedy will seek his gold, the immoral his pleasure, and the drunkard his cup. But now they will have only their burning desires, with no means of realization. The Remorse of Conscience - Sin will now be seen for what it really is - Blackness! Imagine how the lost will curse themselves! Look at Esau, crying with many prayers for his birthright; but it was gone forever (Gen. 25 & 27). The wicked will have eternity to recall selling their souls, heaven, and eternal salvation, for the pleasure of sin. Every recollection will produce remorse. The Eternal Companions of the Wicked - Hell will hold the vile of the universe. The wicked will eternally live in to sin. The Loss of All Hope - Hell has been described as the place where no hope exists. But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope." (I Thess. 4:13). even the criminal lives in hope of parole. But in hell, no such hope exists. This punishment is eternal. Many dispute that, but the Bible is explicit. Phrases used to describe this punishment are "everlasting," "where the worm dieth not," "their torment ascends forever and ever." No proof is found in scripture that this torment will ever end.