We read of "eternal" or "everlasting" punishment, "everlasting"
fire. It is objected that the word "eternal" or "everlasting" does
not mean "forever." This may be true. But we are all willing to
admit that when this word qualifies the condition of the righteous
it means for ever, without end, e.g., the righteous shall go "into
life eternal." The same word, however, qualifies the punishment of
the wicked, e.g., "these shall go away into everlasting punishment."
Fairness demands that we make the joy of the righteous and the
punishment of the wicked--both qualified as they are by the same
Greek word--of the same duration. If there is an end to the reward
of the righteous, there is also to the penalty of the wicked. The
one lasts as long as the other. If "destruction" means annihilation,
then there is no need of the word "eternal" to qualify it. Further
the Scriptures present the punishment of the wicked not only as
"eternal" (or age-long) but as enduring "for ever and ever," or
"unto the ages of the ages" (Rev. 19:3; 20:10; 14:11, R. V.). Here
is a picture of ages tumbling upon ages in eternal succession.