What does eternal death mean? (re-post)

This is also a re-post from my old blog app (http://apps.facebook.com/liveblog/entry/261752)...

What does eternal death mean?
12:11am July 3rd, 2008

I’ve encountered many who *try* to explain away the eternal nature of the just punishment of eternal death. Have you ever heard the term, “living death”? Although the phrase “living death” is *not* a Bible phrase and it relates to *this* life, it helps provide insight into the lake of burning fire/second death, eternal death:

living death
n : a state of constant misery (http://dictionary.die.net/living death)

living death
noun; a life of unrelieved misery (http://www.yourdictionary.com/living-death)

living death
n.; A situation or period of time [i.e. eternal] characterized by unremitting pain and suffering. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/living+death)

liv•ing death
noun; Definition: period of unrelieved misery: a life or period of time that is full of misery or pain (http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/dictionary/DictionaryResults.aspx?refid=1861699140)

liv•ing death • n. [in sing.] a state of existence that is very difficult; a life of hopeless and unbroken misery. (http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-livingdeath.html)

living death - a state of constant misery
--1 is a kind of misery, wretchedness (http://wordnet-online.com/living_death.shtml)

*IF* eternal death is NOT a literal, eternal state of punishment, constant & unrelieved, hopeless & unbroken misery & pain, unremitting pain & suffering, then we are wasting our time preaching the gospel; we may as well “eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we [simply] die [cease to exist]. Jesus’ warnings of the place where “the fire is not quenched” must also be disregarded! However, if the place is real, the threat is real, and the warning real, then we must be faithful and live for Him by reaching out to the condemned with the gospel.

“His will is to reach the lost. He said, ‘Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.’ All around you people are dying. Time is short. What are you waiting for? There goes another minute. Gone forever. Go share your faith while you still have time.”