Where did evil originate? Is God the author of evil? (`Isa. 14:7`; `Amos 3:6`.)
The word evil in the texts cited has the meaning in the Hebrew language of adversity. These evils or calamities were sent upon the Jews as chastisements for their violation of the terms of the covenant which they had made with the Lord. The evil here referred to was not evil in the sense of [...]
Please explain, "And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night forever." (Revelation 20:10) "And the smoke of their torment ascended up forever and ever, and they have no rest day and night which worship the beast and his image." (Revelation 14:11)
These two separate passages are scripturally connected. Before directly examining these passages, it is helpful to explore the use of the term “beast” in Scripture. Studying passages where the meaning is clear will help to harmonize others that are more difficult. For example, in Leviticus 26, the Lord gave Israel specific instructions on what was expected [...]
Please explain `Rev. 20:10`, particularly the last clause of the verse which reads: “and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
All Bible students recognize that the expressions of this chapter and verse are highly figurative. Where it is stated that a "beast and false prophet" are to be cast into the "lake of fire and brimstone," no reasoning mind would say that literal beast, or a literal false prophet were meant; but that these were [...]
Does the statement of our Lord as to the “Rich Man” and “Lazarus” teach that the wicked go to eternal torment at death?
There is not a single word in this much discussed parable about the Rich Man being a wicked man or the Poor Man being a good man. Therefore, in answer to the question, it could be positively stated that there is nothing said about the wicked going to eternal torment at death. To interpret the [...]
The scriptures state that God created the Earth not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited (Isaiah 14:18). And also that the earth abideth forever (Ecclesiastes 1:4). This seems to imply that the earth will be populated forever. If this be true, where will they get their supplies from, such as coal, minerals, timber, etc. when the present sources are exhausted?
The earth is composed of different elements. These elements, while they may change their forms and disappear from mortal vision, always remain the same elements. No instance has ever been known of where one element changed into another. But there is constant change taking place throughout all of the realms of nature. Yet, nothing is [...]
Are we to understand from the words of St. Peter (`2 Pet. 3:10`) that the earth is to be burned up at some time or other? And what is the meaning of the expression–“the elements shall melt with fervent heat?”
The symbolical earth of St. Peter's prophecy doubtless refers to the social order of things or organized society, represented in the various forms of government now existing. In referring to the last times or the last days, our Lord foretold a time of trouble such as was not since there was a nation--`Mat. 24:21` and [...]