The Works of Jonathan Edwards, Volume One by Johnathan Edwards

Author:Johnathan Edwards
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Congregational churches, Classic Literature, Theology
Publisher: Christian Classics Ethereal Library
Published: 2010-07-24T22:00:00+00:00

I have now finished my reply to Dr. C's answers to the arguments in favor of endless punishment; and having before considered his arguments in favor of his own scheme, I shall now proceed to some arguments in confirmation of the doctrine of endless punishment.

CHAPTER XVI.

I.\ which some direct arguments are proposed, to prove the endless PUNISHMENT OF THE WICKED.

I am sensible that my book is already protracted to a considerable length. Therefore to relieve the patience of the reader, I shall endeavor to crowd this part into as narrow a compass as possible. Indeed if the answers already given to the objections to endless punishment be sufficient, the less needs be said in way of direct proof.

The various texts always brought in discourses on this subject, come now with full force, in proof of this doctrine. As Matt. 18: 8, "It is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into everlasting fire." Chap. 25: 41, "Then shall he say unto them on the left hand, depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels." Verse 46, " These shall go away into everlasting punishment." 2 Thess. 1:9," Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and the glory of his power." 2 Pet. 2: 17, " To whom the mist of darkness is reserved forever." Jude 13, "To whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever" Rev. 14: 10, 11, " And he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone, in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torments ascendeth up forever and ever." Chap. 19: 3, " And again they said, Alleluia : and her smoke rose up forever and ever." Chap. 20: 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 [they] shall be tormented day and night, forever and ever."

The evasions of these texts have been particularly considered, and it is hoped, sufficiently answered.

The Greek words used in these texts are, aloivtog, fig aldiva and fig rovg alolvovg iwc ulwvoiv. From an inspection of every text in which these words and phrases are used in the New Testament, it has been found, with regard to the first, that quite contrary to Dr. C's account, it " is almost perpetually," i. e. in the proportion of sixty-six to two, used in the endless sense ; setting aside the places in which it is applied to the punishment of the wicked. With regard to the other two phrases, it has been found, that they are without exception used in the endless sense.

Nor does the Greek language furnish any word more determi-nately expressive of endless duration ; and notwithstanding what Dr. C. says to the contrary, it appears that they do as properly and determinately express an endless duration, as the English words eternal and eternity.

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