The Conditionalist Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 1

IV. No Eternally Seething “Lake of Fire” in Coming “New Earth”

1. DOGMA OF ETERNAL TORMENT INVOLVES NOTORIOUS DUALISM

Let us frankly face this point: The Immortal-Soulist postulate of the eternity of sin would necessitate (1) the creation or conditioning of special bodies for the wicked, upon their resurrection, in order that they might suffer forever; (2) the redeemed would always behold the agonies of the damned; (3) there would be an eternal activity in death, and (4) this would involve an inescapable denial of the finished work of Christ. These are all in conflict with the Word. More than that, such a concept involves evil coexisting eternally with good, and Satan coexisting eternally with God—which, in actuality, is simply the ancient Dualism perpetuated. CFF1 413.1

According to such a thesis, sin and Satan, pain and the curse, sinners and death, will last as long as God exists and is God. But the Apocalypse denies and excludes any such pagan concept, derived as it was from Persian Zoroastrianism, and transmitted therefrom. How could an “eternal evil” coexist forever with the Absolute God, “who only hath immortality” (1 Timothy 6:15, 16)? These are wholly incompatible concepts. CFF1 414.1

The lake of fire will not seethe alongside the New Jerusalem throughout all eternity. There will be no endlessly burning, perpetually torturing lake of Gehenna fire. The tree of life will not be rooted in the searing sands on the shore line of the lake of fire and brimstone. The flames of the lake of fire will in time die out, just as did the unquenchable fires of Sodom and Gomorrah, and of Idumea of old, when they have accomplished their destined mission of complete destruction of wicked men, evil angels, and Satan the root and source of all evil. CFF1 414.2

2. CELESTIAL CONFLICT TERMINATES ON EARTH

It should also be noted that the real existence and fearful activity of evil spirits, or fallen angels, has been an integral and inseparable factor in the great controversy between God and Satan, as well as between good men and evil. Behind the earthly struggle lies the original universe-shaking rebellion (Revelation 12:7-12), in which angelic principalities and powers are in relentless revolt against divine truth and heavenly authority, including the law and government of God. It was into this dread conflict that earth was tragically drawn in the days of Eden (Genesis 1-3). CFF1 414.3

However, that celestial conflict is to come to a climax and be crushed forever on this very earth, where Satan will be confined during the thousand years (Revelation 20:1-3). Indeed, the unprecedented attack of Revelation 20:7-10, at the close of the thousand years, is the last battle in the age-old warfare that has racked the universe. We repeat that, according to Holy Writ, this very earth will be the battleground of the dart fearful contest, and then of the final suppression of the great rebel, following the resurgence of his forces at the close of the millennial thousand years. CFF1 414.4

So the Bible history of man, and of man’s redemption, is inextricably bound up with the chronicling of the infernal activities of these demonic enemies of God and man, knowledge of whose temporary victory but final defeat is imperative to the right understanding of the role of death and destruction in the conflict of the ages, and of Satan’s final frenzy, as well as of the bestowal of immortality upon the glorified saints, prior to the close of the great controversy. CFF1 415.1

3. NEW EARTH AND NEW JERUSALEM GLORIOUSLY REAL

As the heavens and the earth “which are now,” are real, so, after the tremendous transition period of the day of the Lord—with its millennial events that will likewise be real—so will the new earth and the New Jerusalem be real (2 Peter 3:5-13). And at the close of the retributive “day of the Lord” God then becomes the prophesied God of the whole earth (2 Peter 3:10, 12, 13). The tragic experiment of sin will be over forever. It is that wondrous time twice prophesied of by Isaiah, the prophet, and now confirmed and elaborated by the seer of Patmos. Here are Isaiah’s forecasts: CFF1 415.2

“For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind” (Isaiah 65:17). CFF1 415.3

“For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain” (Isaiah 66:22). CFF1 415.4

The foundations of the New Jerusalem are planted eternally upon this very earth, renewed and restored, and destined to continue forevermore. And the tree of life and the river of life, as portrayed in Revelation 21 and 22, are real. This depiction is not mere poetic imagery. CFF1 415.5

The tree of life, removed from the original Paradise of Genesis, is here restored to the whole earth. And man, banished from the presence of God, now dwells in the presence of the “God of the whole earth” (Isaiah 54:5), who will dwell with men and be their God. We would stress the fact that this is not merely beautiful symbolic imagery—but actual, glorified conditions, re-established when God’s eternal, original purpose concerning Heaven and earth is consummated. CFF1 416.1

Hear it: “No more curse!” (Revelation 22:3). In place of the Fall, the restoration. In place of expulsion—“lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever” in his sinful condition (Genesis 3:22)—the gracious invitation to those who now “have right to the tree of life” (Revelation 22:14), “Come .... Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17). CFF1 416.2

Transitory existence in this present world gives place to those blessed “everlasting habitations” (Luke 16:9) alluded to by Christ. Death, and the death principle, are effaced. Endless life forevermore is established. Just punishment upon all sinners is past and ended. God and righteousness reign forevermore. And the redeemed abide forever with Him in a clean universe. They have now become “unassailable” by death, for death itself is destroyed—the “last enemy” having been destroyed, abolished forevermore (1 Corinthians 15:26; 2 Timothy 1:10; Revelation 20:14; Revelation 21:4). Satan himself, its instigator, is destroyed (Hebrews 2:14; Revelation 20:10)—being reduced to “ashes” (Ezekiel 28:18, 19). CFF1 416.3

Yes, it is a clean universe. The divine purpose of Eden is now carried out, more wonderfully than ever. God made this earth to be inhabited by a race of holy, happy beings. And now the glories foretold by the prophets and the apostles of old have met their complete fulfillment. The majesty and grandeur of the eternal scenes baffle and defy all adequate description. CFF1 416.4

4. ENDLESS LIFE IN CHRIST UNDEVIATING NOTE OF APOCALYPSE

Let us close this survey of the Apocalypse with this positive note: The vast company from among the descendants of Adam—a mighty host which “no man could number” (Revelation 7:9), whose names were “written in the Lamb’s book of life”—are now clothed forever in the spotless robe of Christ’s righteousness. They now walk the golden streets of Paradise restored, with fadeless crowns of life (Revelation 2:10), praising the “Prince of life” (Acts 3:15), who redeemed them with His own precious blood, which symbolized His Life. Here they again have a “right to the tree of life,” and drink freely forever of the inexhaustible water of life in the Paradise of endless life. And “the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes” (Revelation 7:17). CFF1 416.5

In closing let the eye run down the following italicized “life” texts of the book of the Revelation, that their cumulative force may be sensed. These have been sustaining promises, now fulfilled as glorious realities. See how this is the undeviating theme of God’s last book of the canon—the record of the triumph of God in the fateful day of the Lord. The redeemed now inherit the promises CFF1 417.1

Thus fifteen times in this last book of Holy Writ, life is stressed as the supreme gift of God, bestowed by the Lord of life upon the righteous recipients of endless life, as an inseparable part of God’s matchless provisions of eternity—tree of life, crown of life, and water of life. That is the note of gladsome assurance with which the Apocalypse closes. It presents life—endless, boundless, fadeless, measureless, life forevermore. Death has passed forever. CFF1 417.2

That is Inspiration’s parting portrayal of the origin, nature, and destiny of man. God’s eternal purpose, delayed but not defeated by the episode of sin, is now carried out in fullness. What a marvelous plan of redemption! What a matchless Saviour—in Resurrection and in Life! CFF1 417.3