Theorem VII. The eternity of punishments is established by those testimonies which demonstrate that a ransom of infinite price was necessary, so that men might be delivered from sins and from the punishment due to sins.

32. Demonstration. The price of payment ought to correspond to the burden contracted, so that a proportion is preserved between the debt and the price. Therefore, if a price of infinite value was paid so that men might be liberated from sins and their punishments, there can be no doubt that there inheres in sins a desert which must be expiated by none but eternal punishments. But it is established that a price of infinite value truly was paid, and that a price of such dignity was necessary in order that the deserts of sins might be expiated.

This is established first, negatively, from those testimonies by which we are taught that all creatures, to the last one, were unequal to paying this price.¹

The same is confirmed positively by those testimonies in which the fruit of the price paid is extended unto eternity. Such are those in which it is said that eternal justice was acquired by Christ,² eternal redemption was found,³ those who are sanctified were perfected forever,⁴ and by which the dignity of Christ’s priesthood is made to consist in this: that he exercises an eternal priesthood,⁵ by virtue of which σώζειν εἰς τὸ παντελὲς δύναται τοὺς προσερχομένους δι’ αὐτοῦ τῷ θεῷ, “he is able to save perpetually those who approach God through him.”

Such, therefore, is the guilt of sin, for which satisfaction is made only by an infinite price. But the reprobate are strangers to the price paid through Christ;⁶ therefore they remain subject to a guilt which is never to be blotted out and for which they must pay everlasting punishments.

Corollary

33. Of the three hypotheses—concerning the absolute eternity of punishments, the absolute future restoration of all, and a conditioned restoration which depends upon the free determination of creatures⁷—the second and third are refuted by the authority of the Scriptures; but the first is so established that it must be numbered among the ascertained truths contained in the Scriptures.