Who shall describe the misery of eternal punishment? It is something utterly indescribable and inconceivable.
The eternal pain of body, – the eternal sting of an accusing conscience – the eternal society of none but the wicked, the devils and his angels – the eternal remembrance of opportunities neglected and Christ despised – the eternal prospect of a weary, hopeless future – all this is misery indeed. It is enough to make our ears tingle, and our blood run cold. Yet this picture is nothing, compared to the reality.
The eternal pain of body, – the eternal sting of an accusing conscience – the eternal society of none but the wicked, the devils and his angels – the eternal remembrance of opportunities neglected and Christ despised – the eternal prospect of a weary, hopeless future – all this is misery indeed. It is enough to make our ears tingle, and our blood run cold. Yet this picture is nothing, compared to the reality.
Let us close these verses with serious self-inquiry. Let us ask ourselves on which side of Christ we are likely to be at that last day. Shall we be on the right hand, or shall we be on the left? Happy is he who never rests till he can give a satisfactory answer to this question.
~ J.C. Ryle
Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: Matthew, [Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1986], 344, 345.
