Chapter Thirty/"Babylon the Great Has Fallen!" -Endurance for the Holy Ones - Continue

 Even before that happens, however, those with the mark of the beast have to undergo the tormenting effects of Jehovah's disapproval. Speaking of the worshiper of the wild beast and its image, the angel informs John: "And he shall be tormented with fire and sulphur in the sight of the holy angels and in the sight of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever, and day and night have they no rest, those who worship the wild beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name. - REVELATION14:10b, 11. 

Some have viewed the mention here of fire and sulphur ("fire and brimstone," King James version) as a proof of the existence of a hellfire. But a brief look at a similar prophecy shows the real import of these words in this context. Back in the days of Isaiah, Jehovah warned the nation of Edom that they would punished because of their enmity toward Israel. He said: "Her torments must be changed into pitch, and her dust into sulphur, and her land must become as a burning pitch. By night or by day it will not be extinguished to time indefinite its smoke will keep ascending. From generation to generation she will be parched; forever and ever no one will be passing across her." - ISAIAH 34:9, 10. 

Next time: Chapter Thirty/"Babylon the Great Has Fallen!" - Endurance for the Holy Ones - Continue

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