The End of the Devil

Originally posted on January 30, 2006 – by Andre Piet

In the discussion on the Ronduit forum, the question came up today as to why the devil and his two henchmen are tormented in the lake of fire. A few remarks.

The beast, the false prophet, and the devil are cast into the lake of fire. According to the orthodox but oh-so-incorrect translations, they will be tormented “forever and ever” (Rev. 20:10). But unending torment is an idea that arises only in a depraved mind. It is most certainly not found in the original text. It should be translated: “they shall be tormented for the eons of the eons.”

The period mentioned here is exactly the same as the one described for the reign of Christ (Rev. 11:15). And we know that this has an “until.” After that, God will be “All in all” (see 1 Cor. 15:22–28).

In the meantime, until then, the devilish trio is tormented in the lake of fire. Fire serves to purify. The Greek word for fire is pur (from which we get our word “pure”) and refers to this function. If God will be All in all after “the eons of the eons,” then it goes without saying that, until that time, He is not yet finished with these creatures… That is why they go into the fire: to be refined through a painful process.

In a certain sense, the devil, the beast, and the false prophet are even nullified in this lake. After all, after “the eons of the eons,” they are no longer a devil, beast, or false prophet.

After “the eons of the eons,” there will be only (!) creatures who glorify and praise their Creator!

Delen: