=16. The Duration of Punishment.=--As to the duration of such punishment, we may take assurance that it will be graded according to the sin; and that the popular interpretation of scriptural passages to the effect that every sentence for misdeeds is interminable, is entirely false.[156] Great as is the effect of this life upon the hereafter, and terrible as is the responsibility of opportunities lost for repentance, God holds the power to pardon beyond the grave. And yet the scriptures speak of eternal and endless punishment. Any punishment ordained of God is eternal, for He is eternal.[157] His is a system of endless punishment, for it will always exist as a place or condition prepared for disobedient spirits; yet the infliction of the penalty will have an end in every case of willing repentance and attempted reparation. And repentance is not impossible in the spirit world.[158] Yet, as seen, there are some sins so terrible that their consequent punishments are not made known to man;[159] these extreme penalties are reserved for the "Sons of Perdition." [156] Doc. and Cov. xix, 6-12; lxxvi, 36, 44. [157] Doc. and Cov. xix, 10-12. [158] I Peter iii, 18-20; iv, 6; Doc. and Cov. lxxvi, 73. See p. 119. [159] Doc. and Cov. lxxvi, 44. =17.= The false doctrine that the punishment to be visited upon the erring souls is endless, that every sentence for sin is of interminable duration, must be regarded as one of the most pernicious results of unenlightened sectarianism. It is but a dogma of unauthorized and erring churches, at once unscriptural, unreasonable, and revolting to one who loves mercy and honors justice. True, the scriptures speak of everlasting burnings, eternal damnation, and the vengeance of eternal fire,[160] as characteristics of the judgment provided for the wicked; yet in no instance is there justification for the inference that the individual sinner will have to suffer the wrath of offended justice forever and ever. The punishment in any case is sufficiently severe without the added and supreme horror of unending continuation. Justice must have her due; but when "the uttermost farthing" is paid, the prison doors shall open and the captive be free. But the prison remains, and the law prescribing punishment for offences will not be repealed. [160] Matt. xviii, 8; xxv, 41, 46; II Thess. i, 9; Mark iii, 29; Jude 7.