The Brimstone and Burning Defined: Part One

What We Need To Understand

This post is not about fear or indignation. It is about insight and education, as to the definition of “eternal damnation,” and “fire and brimstone,” as referred to in the Bible and Book of Mormon.

In The Doctrine and Covenants, which is additional scripture found in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (sometimes called the Mormon Church), we find an interesting passage, which gives insight about the nature and experience of what it means to suffer for one’s own sins in the next life, if not repented of through Jesus Christ, having first been given fair chances to do so, and yet refusing to.

In The Doctrine and Covenants 19:16-19 we read:

16 For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent.

17 But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;

18 Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—

19 Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.

Now, it is written of, and further explained in The Doctrine and Covenants, what endless/eternal torment/damnation means. See below in, The Doctrine and Covenants 19:6-12

6 Nevertheless, it is not written that there shall be no end to this torment, but it is written endless torment.

7 Again, it is written eternal damnation, wherefore it is more express than other scriptures, that it might work upon the hearts of the children of men, altogether for my name’s glory.

8 Wherefore, I will explain unto you this mystery, for it is meet unto you to know even as mine apostles.

9 I speak unto you that are chosen in this thing, even as one, that you may enter into my rest.

10 For, behold, the mystery of godliness, how great is it! For, behold, I am endless and the punishment which is given from my hand is endless punishment, for Endless is my name. Wherefore…

11 Eternal punishment is God’s punishment.

12 Endless punishment is God’s punishment.

In summing up the above stated scripture, the punishment itself is not endless, or never-ending, but rather, it is describing the type of punishment given to be from God who is endless, therefore, it’s Endless’ punishment.

Shane