Eternal Death

In sharp contrast to the joys and glory of heaven are the sorrows and disgrace of those who suffer eternal death. Scripture describes eternal death in symbolic language as well, with analogies related to experiences in this earthly life. It is compared to fire, but it is the eternal fire that God prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41,46; Mark 9:43-44; Isaiah 66:15-16, 24). Those who reject the only Savior from sin will be put "with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 24:51). The lost "shall be an abhorrence to all flesh" (Isaiah 66:24); they will be seen as objects of "shame and everlasting contempt" (Daniel 12:2). The Lutheran Confessions, therfore, reject the doctrine that "the devils and condemned human beings will not suffer eternal torture and torment".

In reality, eternal death is beyond human description, for it is being forsaken by God, "away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might" (2 Thessalonians 1:9). It is being cut off from the very source and preserver of life. At the same time, Scripture is clear in stating that eternal death is not annihilation. It is the destruction of both the body and the soul in hell (Matthew 10:28).

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