What Happens to Those Who Receive the Mark of the Beast?

The warnings given in the Bible against receiving the mark of the beast are some of the most solemn and fearful ever sent by God to man. The Bible sets them forth in plain and direct language: “If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, ...and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: and the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever.” Rev. 14:9–11.

This text is often used to prove that God punishes sinners forever in an eternally burning hell. The doctrine of eternal torment has led vast numbers to hate and fear God—or to give up their belief in God altogether. But is this doctrine biblical