Topical Bible: Eternal Death is Called: A Resurrection to Damnation

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Topical Encyclopedia

Eternal death, often referred to as a "resurrection to damnation," is a concept found within Christian eschatology that describes the final and irrevocable state of separation from God for those who are judged unworthy of eternal life. This doctrine is rooted in the belief that all humans will be resurrected, but the outcomes of these resurrections will differ drastically based on one's faith and deeds.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of a resurrection to damnation is explicitly mentioned in the Gospel of John. Jesus speaks of a future time when all who are in their graves will hear His voice and come out: "those who have done good will rise to a resurrection of life, and those who have done evil will rise to a resurrection of judgment" (John 5:29). This passage underscores the dual nature of the resurrection, where the righteous are granted eternal life, and the wicked face judgment.

Nature of Eternal Death

Eternal death is characterized by a complete and eternal separation from God, often described as the "second death" in the Book of Revelation. Revelation 20:14-15 states, "Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone was found whose name was not written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." This imagery conveys the finality and severity of eternal damnation, where the unrepentant are cast into a state of perpetual punishment.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, eternal death serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. The doctrine emphasizes God's justice and holiness, affirming that He will not leave sin unpunished. It also highlights the necessity of salvation through Christ, as only through Him can one escape the fate of eternal separation from God.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The concept of a resurrection to damnation carries significant moral and ethical implications for believers. It serves as a call to live a life of righteousness and obedience to God's commandments. The awareness of eternal consequences encourages believers to evangelize and share the message of salvation with others, emphasizing the urgency of turning to Christ for redemption.

Historical and Doctrinal Context

Throughout church history, the doctrine of eternal death and resurrection to damnation has been a point of emphasis in Christian teaching. The early church fathers, such as Augustine, affirmed the reality of eternal punishment for the wicked, aligning with the scriptural portrayal of divine justice. This doctrine has been upheld in various creeds and confessions, reflecting its foundational role in Christian orthodoxy.

Conclusion

While the concept of eternal death as a resurrection to damnation is a difficult and sobering doctrine, it remains an integral part of the Christian understanding of the afterlife and divine justice. It serves as a powerful motivator for personal holiness and evangelistic efforts, reminding believers of the eternal stakes involved in the choices made in this life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 5:29
And shall come forth; they that have done good, to the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, to the resurrection of damnation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... cannot be meant a resurrection from eternal death, for from ... it a resurrection from
that double death; for they ... the body, because it is called, "a resurrection ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm

"The Last Things"
... The second will go on, miserable in death eternal, with no ... and deplore the notion
of the eternal punishment of the ... to refer to those who are called "vessels of ...
/.../augustine/handbook on faith hope and love/chapter xxix the last things.htm

The Reality of the Resurrection
... is why the body of Christ is called "flesh" even ... not weary us, since their damnation
is certain and eternal. ... being is not allowed to die, then death itself, so ...
/.../augustine/handbook on faith hope and love/chapter xxiii the reality of.htm

What the Reign of the Saints with Christ for a Thousand Years Is ...
... for a Thousand Years Is, and How It Differs from the Eternal Kingdom. ... not to life,
but to judgment, namely, to damnation, which is called the second death. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 9 what the reign of.htm

The Righteousness of Works Improperly Inferred from Rewards.
... but for the possession, or, as it is called, the fruition ... which shall be made at
the resurrection; and which ... as alienation from God is eternal death,"so when ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 18 the righteousness of.htm

Of the Last Resurrection.
... of Christ, who, with good reason, is called "The Shepherd ... God as sacred is to be
adjudged to eternal corruption ... For if death, which originated in the fall of man ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 25 of the last.htm

Confession of the Free-Will Baptists. AD 1834, 1868.
... to all; and if any fail of eternal life, the ... deep and ardent piety, be specially
called of God ... not die with the body; but immediately after death enters into a ...
/.../confession of the free-will baptists.htm

The Resurrection
... The angels called to her, "Woman, why weepest thou?" "They ... of mother earth, we shall
see how death is but ... will SPRING UP to the resurrection of eternal life. ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon xvii the resurrection.htm

The Resurrection of the Lost.
... which are matters uncertain, when their eternal damnation is a ... then, if I may so
speak, death itself dies not ... This is called in Holy Scripture "the second death ...
/.../augustine/the enchiridion/chapter 92 the resurrection of the.htm

On the Resurrection of the Dead
... day a new body, this cannot be called the resurrection of ... look more like a redemption
to death again, than ... home, " we look for another "house, eternal in the ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 137 on the resurrection.htm