Eternal Life — or Eternal Loss?
A Kingdom Truth We Can’t Afford to Ignore
By Dr. John Roberts, PhD
There is a difference between eternal life… and simply eternal existence. Scripture never promises everyone eternal life. It only promises that to those who are in Christ.
“For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life…” (John 6:40)
So, the real question becomes:
What remains for those who refuse the Life-Giver?
Eternal Life Is Only in Christ
Life is not a reward — Life is the Creator of Life, aka the only Life-Giver. In fact, the subject matter of this text, aka the context is, “The Bread from Heaven”. Moreover, to be alive… truly alive… is to be in union with Jesus Christ. Outside of Him, the Bible says we remain dead:
“You were dead in your sins…” (Ephesians 2:1)
Without Him, humanity is already perishing — fading — heading toward a final outcome.
The Bible Does Not Teach Eternal Life in Torment
It teaches eternal destruction. Jesus did not say God will keep people alive forever so they can be tortured. That idea does not come from Scripture — but from tradition and philosophy. Jesus said:
“Fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna (hell).” (Matthew 10:28)
Destroy. Not preserve.
Both soul and body. Not one or the other.
This isn’t eternal living in pain. This is the eternal removal of Life. Aionios (eternal) destruction — not aionios (eternal) torment.
Revelation 20 — The Final Judgment
John sees the ultimate end of all rebellion:
“Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire.
This is the second death…” (Revelation 20:14)
Notice what is destroyed:
- Death
- Hades (the realm of the dead)
- Every force against God’s life-giving purpose
The lake of fire is not a torture chamber — It is the obliteration of all things that oppose Life. After this…
“There shall be no more death…” (Revelation 21:4)
If death is gone…
and Hades is gone…
and the wicked are gone…
Who then is still being tortured?
No one.
Evil ceases. Darkness ends. Creation is restored.
How Can Fire Mean Destruction Instead of Torment?
Fire throughout Scripture consumes: It burns the chaff (Matt. 3:12). It devours enemies (Heb. 10:27). It reduces to ashes (2 Pet. 2:6). Fire purifies what is meant to remain, and destroys what cannot live in God’s Kingdom.
Eternal Separation Is Eternal Non-Existence
Hell is not a secondary eternal kingdom. Understand, there is no cosmic balance between Heaven and Hell. There is only God and those who are alive in Him. Outside of Him? Nothing remains.
“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:4)
Remove the Life — and there is no future.
The Good News
God’s heart is not destruction — His heart is restoration. He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezek. 33:11). Christ tasted death for everyone (Heb. 2:9). The invitation stands… Come to Jesus and live. Not just exist.
Live.
Final Prophetic Call
Hell is not proof of God’s cruelty — It is proof that life cannot exist outside of Him. The “eternal fire” was prepared for the devil and his angels — not for those God desperately loves. And the final enemy… death itself… will be destroyed forever.
Today — choose Life. Choose Jesus. Why? Because eternal life is not simply endless time — it is endless union with the One who is Life.
“This is eternal life, that they may know You…” (John 17:3)
Grace & Peace
Dr. John Roberts Ph.D.
Follow us on FaceBook
Check out Our Weekly Daily Tremor