Eternal Smoke

Rev 14:9-11 is often used as a justification for believing in eternal conscious torment. However, it is the smoke that rises forever, not the fire. When a fire has gone out, having totally destroyed its fuel, a pall of smoke often hangs round for several days. It is a reminder of what the fire has done.

I grew up on a farm. When the wheat harvest was complete, we would burn the stubble and the straw that came out of the back of the combine harvester (great fun for children, but not good for atmosphere). The wheat paddock would be totally black, leaving no evidence that a wheat crop had even been there. However, smoke would hang round the hills during the weeks after the harvest was complete. It was a reminder of the crops and the harvest that had been.

Even if it is quick and merciful, final destruction will be enormously painful for those who have received a resurrection body equipped for eternal life at the general resurrection. Watching them disappear will be painful for those who have received life in Christ. Some will be friends, relatives and acquaintances. The memory of those who are lost, and the regret for lost opportunities, will last forever.

The smoke rising forever could be is a reminder of what the fire has destroyed. It represents the memory of those who have gone to destruction and who are lost to eternity. The reminder that we will remember these people forever with pain and regret should be a great spur to preaching the gospel.