This whole discussion seems a little pointless to me. Arguing semantics I think.
Is hell eternal? maybe I don't know.
I do know that it gets thrown into the lake of fire eventually. (Rev 20:14)
Maybe unbelievers go to hell first. Ok, I can believe that. (Luk 16:22-23)
Maybe they get thrown directly into the Lake of fire. (Rev 19:20, Rev 20:10, Rev 20:15)
Either way, I'm not sure it makes much difference.
Whats the difference between jail and prison? One is temporary, the other is permanent. Jail is often where criminals are held until a hearing or a judgement.
I know someday there will be a judgement for all non-believers.
So, what difference does it make if I burn for a while in a temporary place, if eventually I'm going to get thrown into a place where I'll burn permanently? Either way it's not going to be pleasant. (an understatement).
So I think I'll just do my part to make sure I don't end up in either place.
Yes, I agree that it is a very theoretical topic, but the point was not if people are tourtured in Hell or the Lake of Fire. The question was (if I remember correctly) will God punish people for eternity or not?
It does seem to me that something is missing in our understanding in this area. Either we don't understand what the Bible means by eternity or it may be that we misunderstand what it applies to?
For example, just because Hell itself is eternal, does not mean that people will remain there for eternity. And eternal punishment may not mean eternal torture. It could be some other form of punishment like banishment or reduced privileges.