Everyone will live somewhere forever after death

The state after death is fixed and eternal. The above references are sufficient to illustrate and establish the fact, although numerous other passages could be cited. However, it still is a fact that “if they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead” (Lk 16:31). People who will not be persuaded by the above passages will not be convinced, no matter how much of God’s Word is being quoted.

Their mind is made up that this just cannot be so. Their philosophical theology and metaphysics demand an answer which conforms to their reason rather than revelation. Their arguments are elaborate. However, the Bible knows of no probation after death. Death marks the division and destiny; no return or change is promised or envisaged. This is a sobering and provocative fact.

To make “eternal” mean only “agelong” is not to read the complete Bible. There are many passages in which “eternal” simply means “endless.” It cannot be limited.

The Bible knows neither the hope of annihilation nor the prospects of future restoration. These are extrabiblical theories to soothe the conscience and to accommodate reason. Revelation speaks otherwise.

George W. Peters, A Biblical Theology of Missions (Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1972), 334–335.