NO ETERNAL HELL by Joseph Clarke

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Apr 17, 1893

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 19, No. 24.

NO ETERNAL HELL.

By Joseph Clarke

BY JOSEPH CLARKE.

THAT sinners are now in hell, according to the “orthodox” view of hell, is not a scriptural doctrine; the contrary is proved by the words of our Lord in Matt. 13: 28-30. The interpretation of this parable places the burning of the tares in the future at the end of the world. Verse 40.

That the punishment of the wicked will be a source of happiness to God, or to the angels, or to the redeemed, is a wicked fable. See Eze. 18: 32. It is much more scriptural, much more logical, more honorable to God, and to his people, to suppose that while the wicked are being consumed, the universe of God will be hushed in sorrow and grief, and that when the wicked are no more, then the new earth will shine in its primitive Eden beauty; then will the Lord blot out the memory of the wicked. See Isa. 65: 17; Prov. 10: 7.

Angels have their joys over one sinner that repents. Luke 15: 7, 10. This being so, there is sorrow in heaven when sinners reject the offers of mercy. Christ wept over apostate Jerusalem. Matt. 23: 37; Luke 13: 34. Are

we sure there are no tears in heaven? If so, why should it say that God would wipe away all tears from their eyes? But when the tragedy of the fall shall have ended, the curtain falls, and throughout eternity all will be peace, rapture, fullness of joy forevermore.