The Lake of Fire is the only suitable abode for those who refuse to keep the commandments of the Lord. They destroy every environment they enter.

Then there are believers who do not want to retain their sins but who are too spiritually weak to experience lasting deliverance. As we have stated, they do not pursue the victorious life. They are not diligent concerning their discipleship. They are sorrowful when they sin and transgress but they cannot bring themselves to the point of denouncing the sin so thoroughly and vigorously that they obtain final, total victory.

This may be due to the current error that claims we are saved by grace and therefore it is not too important that we gain victory over sin.

Or they may not be doing what the Scriptures command. They may not be attending the assembly of saints. They may not be serving, giving, praying, reading the Scriptures, doing what they can to live a godly life. They cannot retain their salvation from sin but keep falling back into the swamp.

One of the destinies reserved for the lukewarm is the outer darkness. It is likely they will reside in the outer darkness for eternity.

It appears there is a place of exile where one can see the splendor of the Kingdom and yet not experience the joys of the Kingdom. Here are some pertinent passages:

And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. (Daniel 12:2,3)

All of these were resurrected. But look at the difference in destiny!

Notice that the unworthy were not cast into fire but wandered about in a state of shame and contempt. They were ashamed and were suffering contempt because when they approached the light of Divine Glory the corruption of their personality was exposed.

And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 8:11,12)

Again, no mention is made of the Lake of Fire. Yet those residing in the outer darkness are suffering torment. They desire to be with the patriarchs but this is denied them.

It appears that the outer darkness is reserved for the children of the Kingdom who have proved to be unworthy of the Kingdom.

And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 22:12,13)

And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 25:30)

To be continued.