Does annihilationism conflict with pentecostal doctrine? Do you feel embracing annihilationism is heretical? A very good and strong argument could be made for such…..I am specifically talking about those who reject Christ, their spirit ceases to exist versus spending forever and ever in torment after passing from this life.
If I was going to argue
I am a firm believer in conditionalism. Does the soul live forever? Who has eternal life? Would God, in all of His love and mercy and the one who taught us to love our enemies keep a soul alive for the purpose of torture? What does John 3:16mean? There is so much more but I am convinced that the way we were taught about eternal punishment is wrong. I am NOT going to debate it here, it’s how I believe and I respect the beliefs of others. I will direct you to the ministry of Edward Fudge. I have come to know this man who has studied it as much or more than anyone I know. Check out the videos on his website at http://www.edwardfudge.com.
Do we discount it simply because the JW’s teach it? Even a stopped clock is right twice a day________________
Do we discount it simply because the JW’s teach it? Even a stopped clock is right twice a day. I discount it because it isn’t biblical, the reference to the JW’s is how a few extra-biblical teachings can produce a cult.
Well said Dave________________
If annihilationism is true then what practical difference does it really make if one chooses to live in sin, to deny the existence of God, etc.???If the end result is simply ceasing to exist why wouldn’t an unregenerate person want to gratify themselves and their desires all they could? What compulsion to deny themselves and turn from sin does believing in God, Jesus, and eternal life really give them without an experiential consequence in the afterlife? Of what use is the warning of coming judgment if the ultimate sentence is merely nonexistence________________
I had a loved one who once believed something similar. Sinners suffered only enough in the afterlife for their sins to be sufficiently punished and then they were let into Heaven. So, according to them, eventually everyone goes to heaven.Again, as Dave pointed out, this is a gross misunderstanding of just how serious sin is to a holy God. Also, it indicates that Christ’s atonement isn’t really necessary. One can indeed atone for their own sins by suffering sufficiently in the afterlife________________
Poimen,
I should rephrase that to say that they typically teach that annihilation is part of the penalty for sin, along with however long and severe the fiery punishment might be which God deems appropriate to their case.
Here is an excellent article examining the question of annihilationism and eternal torment:www.bible-researcher.com/hell4.html
traditionally been taught. What does the bible say? We have interpreted in time past the spiritual death means being alive but in sin…..really?I have been under the weather the past few days and will check out some links. I remember Eddie posting something a few years ago…..would you have 5 children if you knew 3 of them would go to hell? Will we know there’s another set of the populations that is burning forever and ever in torment?
I remember as a child thinking I wanted to live right so I would not go to Hell. As I grew older and learned to WORSHIP our Lord, I wanted to live right so I could go to be with my Lord and God forever.I can remember the time folks seemed to have joy to think that their adversaries would ‘burn in Hell forever’ while they feasted at Jesus’s Table. I don’t think for a minute they pictured their family, sons and daughters there also.I worship a True God, a Just God, and KNOW his wisdom is infinitely above this mind of mine. His judgement will be just and honorable. I can only leave it to Him and work to get more folk in contact with Him. This soul will not complain at who is heaven with me, I just want to be there. ________________Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/
Amen. How can we hope for otherwise but that sinners should be saved? I am of such in need of salvation myself.However, doctrinally speaking, the idea of annihilationism undermines the sufficiency of the atoning life and work of Christ as well as the, exceeding sinfulness of sin.If men will be saved they must be saved through the gospel. It is the power of God unto salvation. Jesus — nothing less, nothing more, nothing else________________
No, they don’t.’Life’ in its biblical sense, means so much more than mere existence. And ‘eternal’ refers to quality as well as quantity________________Senior Pastor, Solid Rock Church, DroghedaNational Overseer, Church of God, IrelandExecutive Director, Evangelical Alliance Irelandeaiseanchai.wordpress.com/
No, they don’t.’Life’ in its biblical sense, means so much more than mere existence. And ‘eternal’ refers to quality as well as quantity. Yes, they do have ongoing existence, awareness, feeling, understanding, etc., so in that sense they life as we know it in the physical (or even metaphysical); however, they do not have