Has the Word “Eternal” Been Correctly Translated?

We have been examining the claims of critics who deny the biblical teaching of eternal hell.  Often, those who deny central Christian doctrines will deny that the major English versions of Scripture are well-translated.  They must argue this way because all the conservative English translations show that the duration of punishment and torment in hell for unbelievers is the same as the duration of heaven for believers – namely eternal.  So, in this segment, we will look at Tracy’s claims that the original languages deny eternal hell.

Interpreting the Bible’s teaching on the Eternal State

We have been examining critics who deny what the Bible teaches about the eternality of hell.  Since the Bible explicitly states that those in the Lake of Fire “will be tormented day and night forever and ever,” those who deny this teaching cannot rationally defend their position.  In all cases, their arguments commit one or more logical or hermeneutical fallacies.  A study of these can help us avoid error and remain faithful to what the Bible teaches.

Denying Eternity

In a previous article, I examined the biblical teaching of hell.  Though it is unpleasant (as is necessarily the nature of punishment), it demonstrates the perfect justice of God.  We all have a tendency to minimize how heinous our sin really is, and how holy God is.  We cannot fully appreciate salvation in Christ until we recognize just how severe a punishment we really deserve.  Many people reject the idea of unbelievers spending eternity in the Lake of Fire, but such rejection is always due to emotional preferences, not biblical exegesis.  Consequently, a few people posted on Facebook their disagreements with my article.  Here are two of them along with my response.