One reason why unbelievers will experience eternal suffering in the Lake of Fire is that they do not become sinless and perfect upon their death, like believers. Jesus provided an example of this fact in Luke 16 when He described two men who died.
Jesus vividly depicted a (former) rich man suffering in Hades who wanted Abraham to send Lazarus (a former beggar) from Paradise to Hades with water to cool his tongue because he was anguished in the flames. The rich man’s request demonstrated his continued attitude of entitlement despite his circumstances and his superior view of himself over Lazarus, whom he appeared to view as his servant.
Another indication that unbelievers are not sinless or perfect after death is found in the phrase “gnashing of teeth.” Jesus repeatedly described Hell as a place of “weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Interestingly, the term “gnashing teeth” was used in Scripture to denote indignation, disrespect, disgust, or rage toward someone.
For example, the high priest and others gnashed their teeth at Stephen after he rebuked them for their rebellion and unbelief. Acts 7:54 says, “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him.” Their reaction was not one of pain or despair but of enraged disgust and indignation for his pronouncement of their sins, resulting in their stoning of Stephen.
Other examples of “gnashing teeth” that conveyed indignation, disrespect, or disgust are found in Psalms and Lamentations. David wrote in Psalm 37:12, “The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes at him with his teeth.” He also said of malicious witnesses and smiters in Psalm 35:15b-6, “They slandered me without ceasing. Like godless jesters at a feast, they gnashed at me with their teeth.” Additionally, Lamentations 2:16 described Jerusalem’s disgust-filled enemies by stating, “All your enemies have opened their mouths wide against you; They hiss and gnash their teeth. They say, ‘We have swallowed her up! Surely this is the day for which we waited; We have reached it, we have seen it.’ ”
Considering these various uses and meanings of “gnashing of teeth,” it is not unreasonable to assume that “weeping and gnashing of teeth” in Hell and ultimately the Lake of Fire could depict unbelievers’ anguish, rage, and indignation toward their eternal sentence and torment. Hence, eternal consequences for ongoing sinful attitudes would be more than reasonable and justified.
However, if unbelievers’ eternal suffering in the Lake of Fire was based solely on their sins committed during their lifetime, its eternality would still be warranted based on the nature and severity of their offenses. Consider the following example from our legal system to gain a better understanding of this truth:
When a convicted murderer is sentenced to life in prison, life without the possibility of parole, or the death penalty, it is not considered an excessive or unjustified punishment but reasonable and necessary due to the severity of the crime and the disregard for human life. Therefore, these sentences are appropriate in light of the “nature and severity of the crime,” rather than the amount of time spent committing it.
In the same way, unbelievers’ sins are not only wicked acts in and of themselves, but they are relentless, acute violations committed against a holy, righteous, and supreme God who deserves their love, worship, and adoration. Adding to the severity of their offenses is their rebellion and unbelief.
Jesus went to great lengths to provide for unbelievers’ forgiveness and salvation by willingly suffering and dying on the cross in their place to redeem them. Their willful rejection of His gracious gift equates to them trampling Jesus underfoot, rendering His sacrifice unholy, and insulting His loving act of grace (see Hebrews 10:28-31).
Consequently, their punishment and sentence deserve to be more severe than those of any convicted criminal in a human court of law, regardless of the number of sins they committed or the amount of time spent committing them. Hence, they will be sentenced to eternal damnation in the Lake of Fire for their ungodly choices, actions, and unbelief.
I hope this information helps answer why eternal suffering is justified.
