Matthew 13:47-50 ESV Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
This parable is very similar to the wheat and the weeds (Matthew 13:24-30). Again Jesus tells us that the godly and ungodly will be together until the end when the angels will separate the wicked from God’s people and throw them into their place of punishment.
Once again, Jesus mentions that in the fiery furnace there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. This indicates that it will be a long period of torture rather than the intense but brief pain of being burned alive and then dying that some preachers teach. It is possible that if physical bodies are thrown in to the furnace that the flesh will burn up but the soul of the person will live in torment for eternity.
This is no ordinary furnace. Jesus tells us that it was specifically prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41). The devil and demons are fallen angels. Angels can take physical form so presumably the devil can as well but they are actually spirit beings. If this fire was created for them it is something that can burn spirits and not just flesh.
Flesh may die but spirit lives eternally. A spirit trapped in fire will burn forever. Revelation 20:10 says specifically that those thrown into the lake of fire will be tormented day and night forever.
Jesus repeatedly gave a very grave warning. God’s people will live in the midst of ungodly people until the end of time. The ungodly may seem to lack consequences but a time will come when they will receive their due. Their punishment will be unthinkably horrible. This warning is God’s mercy on people who are rebelling against Him.
Christians too need to be sounding this warning. A terrifying fate awaits those who reject God. We are God’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20) offering terms of peace to the rebels so they can reconcile with God (2 Corinthians 5:18-19) and escape the fire of hell.
Almighty and merciful God, You have created each and every person and Your word says that You want none to perish. Please help me to live in a manner that lets the world see you in and through me. Let my life be a testimony of Your love and mercy to a dead and dying generation.