Expert: Edward Bode - 8/22/2009

Question
QUESTION: How can torment in Hell be eternal when in the world to come there "shall be no more pain?"

ANSWER: The verses to which you refer belong to the wider context of the final judgment [20:11ff].  The new heaven [and earth] is for the just -- after the condemnation of the beast, who with its worshippers suffer eternal punishment [13:8, 17:8, 14:9-11, 20:15].
You might also look at Mt 25:31-46 in regard to the eternal punishment of hell.
When one deals with a topic, one needs to check all the relevant passages and see how they concur and agree to teach the whole truth of the divine revelation.
I hope these thoughts are of help.  You are welcome to write again if you desire more.
Best wishes, Alex.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Why are there verses in the Bible that seem to support universal salvation (Lamentations 3:31, 1 Tim 2:4) as well as verses that support eternal damnation (Mat. 25:46, Rev. 20:15)? Does the Bible teach two contradictory beliefs?

Answer
Lamentatiions deals with the destruction of the city of Jerusalem, not with divine punishment after death.
1 Tim 2:4 proclaims God's will of universal salvation.  It does not say that all will attain eternal salvation -- with free will, people are able to reject the offer and the grace of God.  Paul also says that we must work out our salvation with fear and trembling.
The bible does not teach contradictions.  All inspired writing comes from the all-knowing God, Who does not contradict Himself or make a mistake. When one examines all the texts [and their context]on a specific topic, one can and does find that no contradiction exists in regard to the teachings of God's revelation.
Again, I hope these thoughts help.  More is alsways available.
Best wishes, Alex.