Not sure if I understand exactly what you're saying here about those who are sent away at the Judgment. It is interesting that you bring up the idea of a furnace of fire. A word search turns up a lot of Scriptural references, as I'm sure you would imagine. I would offer these verses from the ESV) and ask how you would reconcile them.Perhaps you will agree with what I say here.
First thanks for your reply.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Tim.3:v.16-17
In my understanding, the material things are figures of spiritual things. The parables of our Lord JESUS are good examples.
Quote: You said: "Nebuchadnezzar's furnace (and the fire therein) was very literal, a literal furnace, with literal fire:"
What does the Holy Spirit teach us about that scenario? Firstly he shows us there was a great challenge.
The challenge that was made to GOD
Satan made a great challenge through Nebuchadnezar to GOD. Would GOD had power and would be able to save His servants from the burning fiery furnace of the idolater Nebuchadnezzar, and of Satan?
The challenge made to the servants of GOD
Satan through Nebuchadnezzar said to the three servants of GOD if they were ready to fall down and worship the image that he had made, if so, it would be well and good, said the Devil.
The hour of the test of GOD's servants
Satan prepared a variety of instruments and sounds to test the servants of GOD: horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music. The servants of GOD would hear that mess of sounds, and should fall down and worship the image.
What do these instruments and distincts sounds mean for us today? They signify the proliferation of denominations and devilish sects, and pseudo-Christians movements called gospel, and satanic religions, and all kind of doctrines and teachings, even doctrines of demons, and a flood of apostasies, among others devilish things.
Satan challenges, and will challeng us saying:
Now if you hear the sounds I have prepared, and fall down and worship the image that I will still make, well and good, the contrary all will be killed -
Revelation 13 -
, and who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands? ... If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us out of your hand, O Satan.
THE DELIEVER OF GOD'S PEOPLE IN THE CURRENT TIME
Daniel 12:v.1-3 and 11-12
1 At that time shall Michael stand up -Revelation 12:v.7-17 and 1 Thes. 4:v.16-, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time-Matthew 24:v.15-25- : and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
2 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.
3 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.
11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.
12 Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.
Quote: You said: >>>But God's "furnace" (His "fire") is very different. It is most certainly not woodenly literal, but rather figurative, and symbolic of a greater reality:<<<
I cannot imagine how will be not only the despair, but also the torment that they will suffer in the outer darkness and fiery furnace, them which rejected the Truth of GOD, and will be separated and cast out of God's kingdom that will be established from now on, day after day.
Until now the grace, goodness, and love of God has been manifested to all creatures or all humanity in these last 2,000 years, this is the image of God revealed by His Word, but they do not know nor imagine the image of God such as a devouring or consuming fire. They will know from now on.
Much was preached about eternal punishment, but no one ever understood at what time or when it would begin. Now, now, the eternal punishment has already begun but the people have not realized it yet, knowing that a time has been preordained to begin. But the people did not take into account yet, that the current punishments that are being poured on the nations it will NEVER end, it will be forever, because there is no more, nor will there be sacrifices for salvation beyond those made, at last the sacrifice of JESUS.
We are living in the last decade of the Devil's world, and the last week or the 7 years of the week 70th are within this last decade. THE END of all things arrived.
Isaiah 33:v. 10-14
10 Now will I rise, saith the Lord; now will I be exalted; now will I lift up myself.
11 Ye shall conceive chaff, ye shall bring forth stubble: your breath, as fire, shall devour you.
12 And the people shall be as the burnings of lime: as thorns cut up shall they be burned in the fire.
13 Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done; and, ye that are near, acknowledge my might.
14 The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?
God Bless