This is an interesting subject, but one that arouses deep passion. There are several things to consider when reflecting on this subject. Hopefully one can consider possibilities without animosity.
The word often translated eternal (aiōnios) means "age" and like the English word "tall" has a variable meaning from context (both a man and a mountain can be tall)
There are numerous verses that refer to the unsaved as perishing, to be destroyed, and the 'second death". It might be that those who are unsaved do not suffer torment for an infinite eternity. This is given further support when one considers that the gift of God is eternal life, why then would this "gift" be given to the unsaved.
It may be that the unsaved suffer in torment (like the rich man in Luke 16). It is interesting that the torment he feels is the Greek word basanos which is used for a touchstone (to determine the purity of a gold coin) as well as the torture applied to Greek slaves in a court proceeding to verify the truth of testimony. In both instances the "basanos" is to determine truth. It maybe that the unsaved in Hades suffer torment as long as they resist truth. this could explain how everyone comes to bow the knee and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord.
We do know from Revelation that there will be a final judgement of the unsaved and that they will be judged for their works. No mention is made to any reward or punishment as a result of this judgement.
However, being thrown into the lake of fire is called the second death.
The word often translated eternal (aiōnios) means "age" and like the English word "tall" has a variable meaning from context (both a man and a mountain can be tall)
There are numerous verses that refer to the unsaved as perishing, to be destroyed, and the 'second death". It might be that those who are unsaved do not suffer torment for an infinite eternity. This is given further support when one considers that the gift of God is eternal life, why then would this "gift" be given to the unsaved.
It may be that the unsaved suffer in torment (like the rich man in Luke 16). It is interesting that the torment he feels is the Greek word basanos which is used for a touchstone (to determine the purity of a gold coin) as well as the torture applied to Greek slaves in a court proceeding to verify the truth of testimony. In both instances the "basanos" is to determine truth. It maybe that the unsaved in Hades suffer torment as long as they resist truth. this could explain how everyone comes to bow the knee and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord.
We do know from Revelation that there will be a final judgement of the unsaved and that they will be judged for their works. No mention is made to any reward or punishment as a result of this judgement.
However, being thrown into the lake of fire is called the second death.