Correct,......for it would seem insane for a God of justice and mercy to detain or hold living beings FOREVER in a state of eternal torment and suffering to no end or resolve, - such would be sadistic, illogical, barbaric, unbecoming of a God of goodness. If a religious writing states something that is contrary to reason, logic or sanity, let alone 'justice' or 'mercy'...it is to be rejected.
It is more logical that punishments are meant to be
'corrective' in nature and only commensurate with the measure of sin committed, while mercy and love continue their mediation to all souls...calling for their repentance. What is the will of Infinite Love? Does that will ever change?
Concerning the view of
soul-death:
If a soul has reached a point of no return and is no longer able to repent, having chosen a final and eternal death (a total embrace of iniquity resulting in
soul-destruction)...it would seem more appropriate and resourceful for that soul to truly 'die', be
wiped out of existence (meaning that that living soul is no longer alive/conscious, - its 'integrity' and 'potential' as a living personality has been '
expunged'. Such is a
complete termination of that particular soul and its life-potential. While there may be some metaphysical problems with this position according to some schools, it is much more tenable than ECT. As shared earlier, the Urantia Papers have a reasonable description of what happens to souls that undergo disintegration. The Bible does not have all the information (or 'revelation' for that matter) in the world, which is why other revealed texts and information are helpful in our study.
As we shared previously
here, philosophically ECT is insane and illogical. The two most common alternatives are 'conditional immortality' and 'universalism', and some spiritualist views that blend and coordinate these two in various ways. All thru-out God's universe and kingdoms,....we must not forget He rules with perfect justice and mercy. Souls are 'judged' and 'saved' according to the just laws and merciful ministry of 'God' in all conditions and situations. This would be more essential to understand, while we may not have a complete knowledge of all details, apart from revealed information, our own powers of reason, and
progressive revelation.
The ninny-picking here is more inevitable among those who only use a
limited context of the Bible in contemplating these questions, since there are only a few 'proof texts' used to support various positions. The other resources shared that are 'extra-biblical' add further insights and revealed information that broadens ones
comprehension of the subject exploring possibilities outside of usual dogmas and assumptions. A true researcher considers all information available on these subjects,
continually questioning his own 'opinions' being open to new discovery, revelation and new points of view, for such are subject to change in the wake of better knowledge. One is to keep asking, seeking and knocking...as the Lord Jesus encourages....for only those who do, draw near to truth.
pj