Lesson 30

Two scripture passages that are often believed to support the Sadistic Psychopathy of human eternal torment are both found in the book of Revelation. The first one says, the smoke of people’s burning pain rises forever and ever. This leads some to conclude they will be tormented forever in the lake fire. This interpretation is not supported by the texts’ timeframe. This torment is taking place during the tribulation before Jesus returns. Before the day of the Lord, and more than 1000 years before the great white throne judgment when the wicked are thrown into the lake of fire. Those who receive the mark of the Beast during the tribulation will be in pain from burning sulfur, within the sight of the angels and Jesus, well before the final judgment.

Revelation 14:9-11 International Children’s Bible
9 A third angel followed the first two angels. This third angel said in a loud voice: “It will be bad for the person who worships the beast and his idol and gets the beast’s mark on the forehead or on the hand. 10 He will drink the wine of God’s anger. This wine is prepared with all its strength in the cup of God’s anger. He will be put in pain with burning sulfur before the holy angels and the Lamb. 11 And the smoke from their burning pain will rise forever and ever. There will be no rest, day or night, for those who worship the beast and his idol or who get the mark of his name.”

The second verse mistakenly used to support humans enduring eternal punishment does take place within the proper time frame. Just before the great white throne judgment takes place, Satan is thrown into the lake of fire which will be his home for the rest of eternity. Some translations say, they will be tormented. The Greek text does not include the word they, so the punishment is for Satan alone and does not include the beast or false prophet. They are in the lake of fire, but being mortal when they were put there, they would already be dead and unaware of anything. The King James Bible accurately reflects the wording of the original Greek text. What do these verses say to you about the eternal torment of human beings?

Revelation 20:10 King James Version
10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

Revelation 20:10 Evangelical Heritage Version
10 And the Devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are. There they will be tormented day and night, forever and ever.