Lastly, as to the other and only possible alternative, the destruction of the wicked. This may be better described as their failure to obtain everlasting life; which is here regarded not as the attribute of all men, but as being conditional on a man's fulfilling certain duties and developing a certain character in this life. And the wicked, not having done this, will eventually be destroyed and cease to exist. Numerous texts can be quoted in favour of this theory.[478] And it is also supported by the analogy of nature: for if an organism or a species is a failure, it eventually ceases to exist; it is not kept alive for ever as a disfigurement to the world.
[478] E.g., John 6. 51; Rom. 6. 23; Matt. 10. 28.
This theory, no doubt, presents less moral difficulties than either of the others, but it is not free from them. For are the wicked to be punished after death previous to their destruction? If they are not, justice is not satisfied; and while excessive punishment seems a reflection on God's character, no punishment at all for sinners who have been successful in this world, seems equally so. Yet, on the other hand, any punishment which precedes destruction seems merely vindictive, and of no possible use.
Each of these theories, then, appears improbable, but the endless misery of the wicked is scarcely more so than the others, and therefore, as it is the one most strongly supported by the Bible, we seem bound to accept it.
One remark may however be made in conclusion, and it brings a little comfort into this saddest of all truths. It is that whatever doubt may exist as to the future state of the wicked, of one thing we may be quite sure—that their punishment will not be in excess of what they deserve. They will be treated fairly; and every merciful allowance will be made for circumstances, including the inherent weakness of human nature. Christianity indeed seems to emphasise this more than any other religion, since men are to be judged not by the Father, but by the Son; apparently for this very reason that, being Man, He can sympathise with human weakness.[479] And after the judgment, persons will enjoy heaven just in proportion as their lives on earth have rendered them capable of doing so, while the misery of the lost will also be in exact proportion to what they deserve.
[479] John 5. 27.
(C.) The Importance of a True Belief.
The last doctrine to be considered is the importance of a True Belief, that is of believing the truth in regard to matters of religion. This is strongly insisted on in the warning clauses of the Athanasian Creed; so we will first consider their meaning, then their truthfulness, and lastly, the objection as to dogmatism.
(1.) Their meaning.
Before discussing this, it may be pointed out that they are often called the damnatory or uncharitable clauses; but both these terms are somewhat misleading. For the Creed does not condemn anyone by these clauses, it merely declares that certain persons will be condemned by God, which is a very different thing. No one desires their condemnation, but the contrary; therefore, believing the danger to be a fact, it is stated in the hope that persons will in consequence avoid it.