Note.—This fire is called “everlasting” because of the character of the work it does; just as it is called “unquenchable” because it cannot be put out, and not because it will not go out when it has done its work.
10. What will be the result of this punishment?
“As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.” Prov. 10:25.
11. Will any part of the wicked be left?
“For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.” Mal. 4:1.
12. What will then be their condition?
“For as ye have drunk upon My holy mountain, so shall all the heathen drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been.” Obadiah 16.
13. Where will the place of the wicked then be?
“For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be; yea, [pg 521] thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.” Ps. 37:10.
Note.—It would be difficult to keep the wicked in eternal torment without any place for them, even, in which to exist.