Daniel,<br><br>Perhaps an earthly example might suffice to reveal the difference in what Linda and others are trying to convey? In this life, if one is convicted of the crime of murder and sentenced to "life" imprisonment, that is "separation" from society and thus it is considered to be punishment. However, in the heavenly court, the crime of being a sinner and/or to have committed sin against the eternal and most holy God is guilty of eternal punishment. This punishment, although it includes "separation" is far more than that. The Lord Christ described hell as a place where the inhabitants will experience torment, gnashing of teeth, etc., where they will eternally cry out for relief from the pangs of suffering. Does that help clarify things for you? [img]http://www.the-highway.com/w3timages/icons/grin.gif" alt="grin" title="grin[/img]<br><br>In His Grace,

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simul iustus et peccator

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