Page:Studies in the Scriptures - Series I - The Plan of the Ages (1909).djvu/193

 Not only have we evidence that immortality pertains only to the divine nature, but we have proof that angels are mor- tal, in the fact that Satan, who was once a chief of their number, is to be destroyed. (Heb, 2 : 14.) The fa<5l that he can be destroyed proves that angels as a class are mortal.

Thus considered, we see that when incorrigible sinners are blotted out, both immortal and mortal beings will live for- ever in joy and happiness and love the first class possess- ing a nature incapable of death, having inherent life life in themselves (John 5 : 26); and the latter having a nature susceptible to death, yet, because of perfection of being and knowledge of the evil and sinfulness of sin, giving no cause for death. They, being approved of God's law, shall be everlastingly supplied with those elements necessary to sustain them in perfection, and shall never die.

The proper recognition of the meaning of the terms mortal 'and immortal, and of their use in the Scriptures, de- stroys the very foundation of the doclrine of eternal tor- ment. It is based upon the unscriptural theory that God created man immortal, that he cannot cease to exist, and that God cannot destroy him; hence the argument is that the incorrigible must live on somewhere and somehow, and the conclusion is that since they are out of harmony with God their eternity must be one of misery. But God's Word as- sures us that he has provided against such a perpetuation of sin and sinners : that man is mortal, and that the full pen- alty of wilful sin against full light and knowledge will not be a life in torment, but a second death. "The soul that sinneth, it shall die."

"WHO ART THOU THAT REPLIEST AGAINST GOD?" ROM. 9 : 2O.

It is the mistaken idea of some that justice requires that God should make no difference in the bestowment of his

�� �