Topical Bible: Eternal Death is Called: Perishing

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In the Christian theological framework, the concept of "perishing" is often associated with eternal death, a state of final separation from God. This term is frequently used in the Bible to describe the ultimate fate of those who do not receive salvation through Jesus Christ. The notion of perishing underscores the gravity of sin and the dire consequences of rejecting the redemptive work of Christ.

Biblical References:

1. John 3:16 : "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This verse highlights the contrast between perishing and eternal life, emphasizing that belief in Jesus Christ is the means by which one can avoid perishing.

2. 2 Peter 3:9 : "The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance." Here, the apostle Peter reveals God's desire for all to avoid perishing by turning to repentance, indicating that perishing is not God's intended outcome for humanity.

3. Luke 13:3 : "No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you too will all perish." Jesus' words in this passage serve as a warning that without repentance, perishing is inevitable. This underscores the necessity of turning away from sin to avoid eternal death.

4. 1 Corinthians 1:18 : "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." The apostle Paul contrasts those who are perishing with those who are being saved, illustrating that the rejection of the gospel leads to perishing.

5. 2 Thessalonians 2:10 : "and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them." This passage indicates that perishing is a result of rejecting the truth of the gospel, which is the means of salvation.

Theological Implications:

The concept of perishing as eternal death is deeply rooted in the understanding of sin and redemption. Sin, being a rebellion against God's holiness, results in spiritual death, which is ultimately realized as eternal separation from God. The term "perishing" conveys the irreversible nature of this state for those who do not accept the salvation offered through Jesus Christ.

The Bible presents perishing as a consequence of human choice, emphasizing the importance of faith and repentance. The consistent biblical message is that while perishing is the default state due to sin, God, in His love and mercy, provides a way of escape through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This divine provision is available to all who believe, offering them eternal life instead of eternal death.

In summary, the biblical concept of perishing serves as a solemn reminder of the stakes involved in the spiritual decisions individuals make. It calls for a response to the gospel message, urging repentance and faith in Jesus Christ to avoid the dire consequences of eternal death.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Peter 2:12
But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Letter clxxiii. (AD 416. )
... nothing." To that charity you are called; by that ... measure, although, even if you
suffered death at the ... charity, you would be punished with eternal misery even ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter clxxiii a d 416.htm

"And if Christ be in You, the Body is Dead Because of Sin, but the ...
... in one day, because the things are perishing in their ... when you find that which is
called life subject ... your souls from the chains and fetters of eternal death? ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxix and if christ.htm

An Anonymous Sermon, Commonly Called Clement's Second Letter to ...
... let us do the will of Him who called us, and ... to pieces?" ?^4Jesus said to Peter:
"After their death the lambs ... rest in the coming Kingdom and in eternal life. ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/an anonymous sermon commonly called 2.htm

The True Spirit of Missions.
... us from the untold horrors of eternal death, and opened ... It is compassion for the
perishing; and such compassion as ... what alone is worthy to be called the true ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter i the true spirit.htm

"But Whereunto Shall I Liken this Generation?"
... that would not grieve at his friend's death or loss. And what shall they be called
that will not sympathize with ... the sin of your soul, for the eternal loss of ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon x but whereunto shall.htm

The Scriptures Reveal Eternal Life through Jesus Christ
... so miserably lost it, and involved our souls into an eternal death. ... whether ye shall
be partakers of eternal life ... you are wronged when that is called in question ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture iv the scriptures reveal.htm

"For as Many as are Led by the Spirit of God, they are the Sons of ...
... Think what you are called to, not "to fear ... rebels expecting nothing but present death,
sinners arraigned ... consciences, and in fear of eternal perishing, not only ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxxvii for as many.htm

A Solemn Address to those who Will not be Persuaded to Fall in ...
... a cause indeed quite unworthy of being called a reason. ... on which I have built my
own eternal hopes, and ... in terror to smite the firstborn with death, and warned ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter xi a solemn address.htm

Christian Stewardship.
... Many things, which are called conveniences, we do ... than any other, is the perishing
condition of ... the teeming millions commencing the agonies of eternal death? ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter ii christian stewardship.htm

Healing for the Wounded
... Is it true that after death there is a judgment ... believe that when you die, you will
be called to stand ... you know that there is a hell of eternal flame appointed ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/healing for the wounded.htm