Eternal punishment, and life eternal
We may, in the third place, consider a few of the circumstances which will follow the general judgment. And the first is the execution of the sentence pronounced on the evil and on the good. These shall go away into eternal punishment, and the righteous into life eternal. It should be observed that it is the very same word which is used, both in the former and in the latter clause. It follows that either the punishment lasts for ever, or the reward too will come to an end. No, never, unless God could come to an end, or his mercy and truth could fail. That punishment is everlasting punishment. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun, in the kingdom of their Father, and shall drink of those rivers of pleasure which are at God's right hand for evermore.
But here all description falls short. All human language fails. Only one who is caught up into the third heaven can have a just conception of it. But even such a one cannot express what he has seen. These things it is not possible for man to utter.
1771 text
III. 1. We may, in the third place, consider a few of the circumstances which will follow the general judgment. And the first is the execution of the sentence pronounced on the evil and on the good. These shall go away into eternal punishment, and the righteous into life eternal. It should be observed, it is the very same word which is used, both in the former and the latter clause: it follows, that either the punishment lasts for ever, or the reward too will come to an end. No, never, unless God could come to an end, or his mercy and truth could fail. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun, in the kingdom of their father, and shall drink of those rivers of pleasure which are at God’s right hand for evermore. But here all description falls short; all human language fails! only one who is caught up into the third heaven, can have a just conception of it. But even such an one cannot express what he hath seen: these things it is not possible for man to utter.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 15 in the 1771 Works. Romans 14:10. Bedford, 10 March 1758.
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