What is Annihilationism?
Question
What is Annihilationism?
Answer
Annihilationism teaches that when a person dies they are annihilated (destroyed). Normally this doctrine is applied to the wicked attempting to negate the biblical doctrine of eternal punishment. But Matthew 25:46 says, "And these [referring to the wicked] will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." Moreover, degrees of punishment will be given on the Day of Judgment ("each person was judged according to what he had done," Rev. 20:10-15; c.f. Matt. 11:21-24; Luke 12:42-48; Heb. 10:29; Jam. 3:1). However, if the wicked are annihilated, then why would there be degrees of punishment?
In addition, as Paul states, "the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God" (Rom. 8:7-8). The wicked CANNOT submit to the law of God and therefore will necessarily continue to sin. Since, all sin is punished (Rom. 6:23) and the wicked NEVER stop sinning (2 Pet. 2:14; 1 John 3:8), then punishment in Hell must be perpetual — because the wicked cannot stop sinning.
Answer by: Joseph R. Nally, Theological Editor, on behalf of the staff at IIIM. The opinions expressed by the author are not necessarily the "official position" of Third Millennium Ministries.
In addition, as Paul states, "the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God" (Rom. 8:7-8). The wicked CANNOT submit to the law of God and therefore will necessarily continue to sin. Since, all sin is punished (Rom. 6:23) and the wicked NEVER stop sinning (2 Pet. 2:14; 1 John 3:8), then punishment in Hell must be perpetual — because the wicked cannot stop sinning.
Answer by: Joseph R. Nally, Theological Editor, on behalf of the staff at IIIM. The opinions expressed by the author are not necessarily the "official position" of Third Millennium Ministries.
