[chesley]

Fact is, most scripture that discusses the fate of the lost, especially when comparing them to the saved, if one translates the plain language, indicates permanent ending. It is the way a person would interpret John 3:16, as well as phrases like “second death”, death, destruction, etc.

When the Bible says that

Revelation 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

and

Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

What you are reading is that the "lake of fire" is a metaphor for the "second death".

What I am reading is that the "second death" is a metaphor for the "lake of fire".

In other words, we disagree on which is the reality and which is the metaphor.

Oh, well, we'll all find out plenty soon enough :)

[cuban leaf]

;-)
Exactly. :)