Quote:
Originally Posted by SpeakersCorner
So I cobbled together my own theology which is roughly annhilationist. This was so much more in line with how I view God: a God of love, not retribution. But I'm reading Job right now and, to be honest, God doesn't give a lot of credit to Job's wisdom which is much better than mine. "Where were you when ...?" So let me conclude with ...
I could be wrong.
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SC, manna-man, zeek, Timotheist and anyone who has similar considerations
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I too, have pondered this question... but at the end of the day all that really matters is what can be substantiated from the Bible. I may hold a personal view that God is love and loving, kind, and merciful and therefore would never cast any human into the Lake of Fire to torment them forever. Yet, that view directly contradicts Scripture:
Revelation 20:10
"And the devil who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where also the beast and the false prophet were; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
In this verse there are at least two humans who share the devil's punishment of torment forever and ever.
Is God less loving, kind, or merciful for tossing the devil and his angels into the lake of fire to be tormented forever and ever?
Is God as love diminished because He cast humans into the lake of fire alongside the devil to receive the same eternal punishment?
Not at all. He is the Lord and He is righteous. Whatever He does is righteous. Though fallen angels and humans are cast into the lake of fire, yet, He is still love, loving, kind, merciful and righteous. God could never do anything unrighteous because His ruling of the universe is based on righteousness and justice.
Psalm 89:14 "
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne..."
I'll join SC in that I could be wrong too but that is how I understand the Bible on this topic.
Thanks,
Drake