Bible Readings — Bible Questions Answered

Where, When, and How

When will the wicked be punished? BR-ASI9 355.2

“But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.” 2 Peter 3:7. BR-ASI9 355.3

Note.—The present heavens and earth and sinners await the fires of the last day. The Greek for “perdition” is apoleia, “loss,” “destruction.” BR-ASI9 355.4

What will be the result of the fires of the last day? BR-ASI9 355.5

“Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat.” “The earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:12, 10. BR-ASI9 355.6

How does Christ say sin and sinners will be eliminated? BR-ASI9 355.7

“His angels . . . shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire.” Matthew 13:41, 42. BR-ASI9 355.8

When are the wicked dead to be raised to receive this final punishment? BR-ASI9 355.9

“But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished.” Revelation 20:5. BR-ASI9 355.10

Whence will come the fire that will destroy them? BR-ASI9 355.11

“And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.” Revelation 20:9. BR-ASI9 355.12

Note.—This is called God’s “strange act” and His “strange work”—the work of destruction. (Isaiah 28:21.) But by this means God will once and forever cleanse the universe of sin and all its sad results. Death itself will then be at an end—cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:14.) BR-ASI9 355.13

How is the destruction of the wicked described? BR-ASI9 356.1

“And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet.” Malachi 4:3. BR-ASI9 356.2

Note.—The wicked are to be utterly destroyed—consumed away into smoke, brought to ashes. Through sin they have forfeited the right to life and an immortal existence, and chosen the way of death and destruction. They will themselves have lost their opportunity to obtain eternal life, by the way in which they used their probationary time. Their destruction will, in fact, be an act of love and mercy on the part of God; for to perpetuate their lives would only be to perpetuate sin, sorrow, suffering, and misery. The experiment of sin will be over, and God’s original plan of peopling the earth with a race of holy, happy beings will be carried out. (2 Peter 3:13.) BR-ASI9 356.3

What is this final destruction of the wicked called? BR-ASI9 356.4

“This is the second death.” Revelation 20:14. BR-ASI9 356.5

After the burning day, what will appear? BR-ASI9 356.6

“We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” 2 Peter 3:13. BR-ASI9 356.7

How will the righteous be recompensed in the earth? BR-ASI9 356.8

“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5. (See also Psalm 37:11, 29; Isaiah 65:17-25.) “Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” Matthew 13:43. BR-ASI9 356.9

Note.—At present Satan and the wicked have this world as their “place.” In due time Christ will have it. He will cleanse it from sin and sinners and restore it, that He may give it to the saints of the Most High for an everlasting possession. (See Daniel 7:18, 22, 27.) BR-ASI9 356.10