Is Eternal Torment in Hellfire Biblical?

The word "hell" has various meanings. It can be referred to the words sheol and hades (grave), gehenna (a place of burning), or tartarus (a place of darkness). These words have been used at least 54 times in the Bible. Unbelievers and believers are talking a lot about hell. Do they fully understand it? What is the biblical view of eternal torment in hellfire?

Hellfire is for the wicked

It is written that God will put an end to this corrupt world. Consequently, there will be a judgment and a verdict. The wicked will be cast into hellfire for ever. The righteous will have everlasting life. However, there is not a single soul in hell today. Both the wicked dead and the righteous dead are actually in their graves awaiting resurrection's day.

When will be the resurrection's day?

There will be two resurrections. The first one will be held at Jesus' return, which no one knows about the exact time. Only the righteous dead will be rose at this time (1 Thessalonians 4: 14-17). At the end of the millennium (Revelation 20.9) the wicked dead will be rose (second resurrection) to be cast into hellfire where they will burn up forever (Matthew 13:40-42; Proverbs 11.31). Does "burning up for ever" mean eternal torment?

What does the word "for ever" means in the Bible?

The word "forever" has been used more than 56 times in the Bible. It means a period of time, limited or unlimited. In the story of Jonah (Jonah 2:6, 1:17), "forever" has been used to refer to "three days and nights". Other example can be found in Deuteronomy where "for ever" means "10 generations" (Deuteronomy 23:3). In the case of the unrepentant sinners that will be burned up for ever in the furnace of fire, this means they will burn up until complete destruction (Malachi 4:1, 3:12; Revelation 20:14; 2 Peter 3:10). So what about eternal torment in hellfire? Is it biblical?

Is eternal torment in hellfire a sound doctrine?

The notion of eternal torment does not appear in the Bible. The term "everlasting fire", which has been used in Matthew 25:41 to describe the manner the wicked will be punished at the end of time, simply means an unquenchable fire that will destroy the rebellious sinners forever. Hence this fire will go out after it has turned them to ashes. For example, Sodom and Gomorrah has been destroyed with everlasting fire (See, Jude chapter 7). Theses corrupt cities are not burning up today.

God does not promise the wicked eternal life in hell. Instead he warns them of fiery judgment that will send them to the lake of Gehenna fire if they refuse to obey Him. In so doing, He will eradicate sin, and restore life on earth, where there will be joy, kindness, love, and peace forever. He will wipe away every tear from the righteous' eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, no crying. There shall be no more pain (Isaiah 65:17; Revelation 21:4).