Replies

I have studied and taught a series on Revelation (not Revelations) and always held to the golden rule of Bible interpretation: When the plain sense of Scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense; therefore, take every word, at its primary, ordinary, usual, literal meaning unless the facts of the immediate context, studied in the light of related passages and axiomatic and fundamental truths, indicate clearly otherwise.. So, when Revelation says "something like a great mountain burning with fire" the "like" tells me not to interpret it literally, it is a symbol of something or John's description of something he saw but didn't have a word for. When I read "the smoke of their torment" and "they have no rest day or night" I have no reason not to take it literally. Finally, when I compare it with other passages of Scripture, like those where Jesus Himself talked about eternal punishment, I have to agree that yes, indeed, those passages are to be interpreted literally. Chapter 14 may take place on earth, but the verse I quoted was the angelic warning of a future punishment.

"they have no rest day or night"

I once did something very sinful (I feel in love with another woman while married).

I can absolutely promise that I had no rest day or night, until I stopped this sin and rushed to God for forgiveness.

And, frankly, even after He forgave me, I was heartsick over my sin for years to come.

It is so incredibly easy to see that there is a hell and that there is only ONE way out of it. I know, I was there.

Chapter 14 may take place on earth, but the verse I quoted was the angelic warning of a future punishment.

For this specific discussion, eternal torment or annihilation of the unsaved, where and what this verse is talking about is key. Especially since you posted it as proof supporting eternal torture in Hell or the Lake of Fire. Your post indicated that this verse clears the air, but if it is talking about the punishment on Earth during the tribulation, then you need better verses.

I can think of a few verses which raise questions on this topic, but when analyzing the whole of Scripture on this topic, annihilation has far greater support. Here is a good site which does a good job examining this issue:
http://www.jeremyandchristine.com/articles/eternal.php