“Of three views advocated in the patristic church, universal salvation is excluded by Scripture. But is the ‘everlasting punishment’ of the wicked an unending process of suffering or an extinction of their being that has an everlasting effect? The former view, reflecting the influence of Platonic philosophy, was present in early Judaism. But the latter better accords with the biblical teaching on the nature of man as mortal and of death as the wages of sin. Immortal being is God’s gift only to those who belong to Jesus Christ.”
-E. Earle Ellis, Research Professor of Theology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
“New Testament Teaching on Hell” in “Eschatology in Bible & Theology” (1997) p.199
“It is the Father of all who imparts continuance for ever and ever on those who are saved. …For life does not arise from us, nor from our own nature; but it is bestowed according to the grace of God. And therefore he who shall preserve the life bestowed upon him, and give thanks to Him who imparted it, shall receive also length of days for ever and ever. But he who shall reject it… and has not recognized Him who bestowed [the gift upon him], deprives himself of [the privilege of] continuance for ever and ever. And, therefore, he who rejects life and proves himself ungrateful toward his Maker… deprives himself of continuance.”
-Irenaeus of Lyons (AD130-202) “Against Heresies” Book II, Chapter 34, Section 3
The Apostle John —> Polycarp —> Irenaeus
Statements that align with Conditional Immortality:
• Ignatius of Antioch (AD35–107)
• Justin Martyr (AD100–165)
• Irenaeus of Lyons (AD130–202)
• Athanasius of Alexandria (AD296–373)
In favor of Eternal Conscious Torment:
• Tertullian (AD155–220)
• Cyprian of Carthage (AD200–258)
• Augustine of Hippo (AD354–430)
“the smoke of their torment rises forever and ever.”
Rev. 14:11
“Edom’s streams will be turned into pitch,
her soil into sulfur;
her land will become burning pitch.
It will never go out—day or night.
Its smoke will go up forever.”
Isaiah 34:9-10
“The devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet are, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
Revelation 20:10
Humans whose names are not found in the book of life are thrown into that same lake and experience the “second death”
(Revelation 20:14-15; 21:8)
A resurrection of all people—some to life, others to condemnation
(Daniel 12:2; Acts 24:15)
The fate of “Death” after being thrown into the Lake of Fire:
“Death will be no more… because the previous things have passed away”
Revelation 21:4
“perishing”
John 3:16
“destruction” (not “destroying”)
Matt. 7:13; Phil. 3:19; 2Thess. 1:9
“death”
Romans 6:23
“They will pay the penalty of eternal destruction from the Lord’s presence and from his glorious strength”
2Thessalonians 1:9
“If I go up to heaven, you are there;
if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.”
Psalm 139:8
“Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels!”
Matthew 25:41 (cf. 2Thess. 1:9)
“And they will go away into eternal punishment (not “eternal punishing”), but the righteous into eternal life.”
Matthew 25:46
“Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns committed sexual immorality and perversions, and serve as an example by undergoing the punishment of eternal fire.”
Jude 7
Only God is immortal
(1Tim 1:17; 6:15-16)
God grants immortality to the saved
(1Cor 15:53-54; Rom 2:7; 2Tim 1:10)
