THE DOCTRINE OF THE ANNIHILATION OF THE WICKED

“Everlasting torment is intolerable from a moral point of view because it makes God into a bloodthirsty monster who maintains an everlasting Auschwitz for victims whom he does not even allow to die. How can Christians possibly project a deity of such cruelty and vindictiveness whose ways include inflicting everlasting torture upon his creatures, however sinful they may have been? Surely a God who would do such a thing is more nearly like Satan than like God, at least by any ordinary moral standards, and by the gospel itself.” — Clark Pinnock, Professor and Noted Evangelical Author

“Well, emotionally, I find the concept intolerable and do not understand how people can live with it without either cauterizing their feelings or cracking under the strain.” — John R. W. Stott, Rector of All Soul’s church in London

And now, who is responsible for this God-dishonoring doctrine? And what is his purpose? The promulgator of it is Satan himself; and his purpose in introducing it has been to frighten the people away from studying the Bible and to make them hate God. — Joseph Franklin Rutherford, Watchtower Society’s Second President

It is precisely feelings such as these that have led many good Christian believers to reject the fundamentalist’s teaching concerning everlasting punishment in hell, and rightfully so! The desire for a kinder, gentler theology has driven many to seek refuge elsewhere. The doctrine of the annihilation of the wicked provides a satisfactory explanation to those who wish to see God as a merciful Father, and at the same time as a stern Executioner of justice.

The doctrine of annihilation teaches that all who have either rejected Christ, or who have not had the opportunity to make a decision for Christ, who is admittedly the only Savior of the world, will eventually be blotted out of existence. Groups that teach this doctrine in one form or another include Seventh-Day Adventists, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christadelphians, Mormons, and Herbert Armstrong’s Worldwide Church of God. Although I will wholeheartedly agree that this form of “punishment” is a billion times more merciful than the doctrine of eternal torment, there is nothing in Scripture to support its validity. In order to clearly show this, I can do no better than to post the following excerpt from Andrew Jukes’ The Restitution of All Things.

Scripture Use of the Words “Death” and “Destruction.”

The opinion of the annihilation of the wicked, which has at different times been held by some as a refuge from the doctrine of never-ending punishment, is not only opposed to the whole analogy of our regeneration which shows how death and judgment are the only way of life and deliverance for a fallen creature, but also so directly contradicts what is said of “death” in Scripture that it is difficult to conceive how it could ever have been accepted by believers. Even before the reason of the Cross is seen, the very letter of Scripture, one might have thought, would have kept men from concluding that the “death,” “destruction,” and “perishing,” of the wicked means their non-existence or annihilation. For what is “death”? What is “destruction”? How are these words invariably used in Holy Scripture?

First, as to “death,” are any of the varied deaths, which Scripture speaks of as incident to man, his non-existence or annihilation? Take as examples the deaths referred to by St. Paul, in the sixth, seventh, and eighth chapters of the Epistle to the Romans. We read (Romans 6:7): “He that is dead is freed from sin.” Is this “death,” which is freedom from sin, non-existence or annihilation? Again, where the Apostle says (Romans 7:9): “I was alive without the law once, but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died,” was this “death,” wrought in him by the law, annihilation? Again, where he says (Romans 8:6): “To be carnally minded is death,” is this death non-existence or annihilation? And again, when he says (Romans 8:38): “Neither death nor life shall separate us,” is the “death” here referred to annihilation? When Adam died on the day he sinned (Genesis 2:17), was this annihilation? When his body died and turned to dust (Genesis 5:5), was this annihilation? Is our “death in trespasses and sins,” (Ephesians 2:1,2) annihilation? Is our “death to sin,” (Romans 6:11) annihilation? When the “corn of wheat falls into the ground and dies,” (John 12:24) is it annihilated; or is St. Paul right in saying (I Corinthians 15:37): “That which thou sowest is not quickened except it die?” Do not these and similar uses of the word prove beyond all question, that whatever else these deaths may be, not one of them is non-existence or annihilation? On what grounds, I ask, are we to assign a sense to this particular death which admittedly the word “death” has not and cannot have elsewhere? Where is the proof that there is and can be no resurrection from the second death?

The truth is, death for man is simply an end to, and separation from, some given form of life in which he has lived. Death to God is separation from His world of light, by the destruction, through the lie of the serpent, of the divine life of light and love in us. Death to sin, the exact converse of this, is the separation from the world of darkness, by the destruction, through the truth, of the dark life of unbelief and self-love. The death wrought by the law is the end of, and separation from, our fallen carnal life of self-sufficiency; while what is commonly called death, namely the death of the body, is simply our separation from the outward world, in which we live, as partakers of its outward life, while we are in the body.

Once let us see that there are three worlds, each having its own life — a light world, a dark world, and this outward seen world — and then what is said in Scripture of the new birth, or of the varied deaths we pass through, becomes at once self-evident. For the only way into any world is by a birth into it, even as the only way out of any world is by a death to it. We have by sin died to God’s light-world, to fall into and live in a spirit-world of darkness. We must by the truth, that is by Christ, die to this dark spirit-world, to return to live in God’s light-world. The outward birth and death of the body, and its life, have only to do with the outward seen world.

For this reason it is that the word “destruction,” as used in Scripture, never means annihilation. Take for instance the words of the 90th Psalm, “Thou turnest man to destruction: again Thou sayest, Come again, ye children of men.” Can “destruction” here be annihilation? Is it not rather that dissolution which must take place if fallen creatures are ever to be brought back perfectly to God’s kingdom? So again, Job says (Job 19:10): “He hath destroyed me on every side, and I am gone”; and again, (Job 9: 22): “This one thing I said, He destroyeth the perfect and the wicked.” But does he mean to say that he is brought to non-existence, or that the “perfect” will be so destroyed, that they will exist no longer? So, again, St. Peter says (2 Peter 3:6): “The world that then was perished.” So, again, of the present heavens and earth it is said (Hebrews 1:11,12): “They shall perish, . . . and be changed.” So, again, both of Israel and Jerusalem it is said (Deuteronomy 30:18; Jeremiah 12:17, 15:6) that they shall be “destroyed” and “perish.” But does any one suppose that therefore they will be annihilated? So, again, as to the expression, “them that perish,” sometimes translated “the lost” (see I Corinthians 1:18; II Corinthians 2:15, 4:3); do we not know that these “lost,” though they “perish,” still exist, and exist both as “lost” ones and “saved” ones, as text upon text will abundantly testify? So as to the righteous, in the well-known passage of Isaiah 57:1: “The righteous “perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart”– is this “perishing” non-existence? So, again, where we read in Psalm 83:13-18:

“O my God, make them like the whirling dust; as stubble before the wind. As the fire that burneth the forest, and as the flame that setteth the mountains on fire. So pursue them with thy tempest, and terrify them with thy storm. Fill their faces with confusion, THAT THEY MAY SEEK THY NAME, O Jehovah. Let them be put to shame and dismayed for ever (Septuagint: aion); yea, let them be confounded and perish, THAT THEY MAY KNOW that thou alone, whose name is Jehovah, art the Most High over all the earth.” (Psalm 83:13-18; 1901 American Standard Version)

[Judgment in the lake of fire, which I strongly believe is vividly described here in Psalm 83, awaits all of those who have not been judged while yet in this body of sin. But God’s righteous judgment will accomplish the purpose: “THAT THEY MAY KNOW that Thou alone, whose Name is the Lord. And at that Name EVERY knee shall bow, and EVERY tongue WILL CONFESS that Jesus Christ is LORD, to the GLORY of God the Father!” – GC]

So as to the question (Psalm 88:10,11): “Wilt Thou shew wonders to the dead? Shall the dead arise and praise Thee? Shall thy loving-kindness be declared in the grave, or Thy faithfulness in destruction?” is the true answer Yes, or No? Is not the “losing” or “destruction” of our fallen life the only way to a better one? Does not our Lord Himself say more than once (Matthew 10:39, 16:25; John 12:25) that the way to “save our life,” or “soul,” is to “lose it,” or “have it destroyed,” in its fallen form, that it may be re-created?

These last words should of themselves settle this question, for in one place (Matthew 10:39) they occur in immediate connection (see verse 28) with those other well-known words, as to “fearing him who can destroy both body and soul in hell,” which are constantly quoted by some to prove, as they think, that “destruction” must be non-existence. And yet, in the very closest connection with these words, our Lord repeats the self-same word “destroy” (in our Authorized Version translated “lose” it is the word apollumi, on which some build so much) to express that death and dissolution of the soul, which, so far from bringing it to non-existence, is the appointed way to save it. Christ saves it, as we have seen, by death; for being fallen into sin, what is needed is “that the body of sin should be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin” (Romans 6:6). The elect, that is the first-fruits, are the living proof of this. A “new man” is created in them, and the “old man” dies and is destroyed, while yet he in whom all this is done remains through all the same person. It may be, and is, a riddle, like “dying, and behold we live: having nothing, and yet possessing all things”; yet it is only the riddle of the Cross, that “by death God destroys him that has the power of death.” Therefore, though destruction, like death, may be, and is, a ceasing from some particular form of life in which man has lived, yet it is never non-existence absolutely; rather it is the means to bring the fallen creature into a new life, a chaos being ever the necessary condition for a new creation.

As for the argument, founded by some on the word apollumi, that because it is one of the strongest in the Greek language to express destruction, therefore that destruction must be irremediable, the simple answer is, that the question is not whether the destruction is great, but whether God is not still greater, and therefore whether He is not able even out of the destruction to bring forth better things. It is certain that in the New Testament, the word in question is used of those who though “destroyed” are yet “saved.”

“The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)

[Now, which segment of mankind was lost and in need of salvation? Was it the Baptists? Pentecostals? Methodists? Mormons? Jehovah’s Witnesses? Buddhists? Muslims? Atheists? Agnostics? Don’t the Scriptures declare that “ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God?” Therefore, ALL mankind was in fact LOST and in need of a Savior. And according to Christ, His work on the cross was complete when He triumphantly exclaimed, “It is finished!” Will Christ prove to be an utter failure in His attempt to save that which was lost? – GC]

The New Testament use of the word apollumi proves that it describes, not so much preservation from future or threatened judgment (in which case tereo would be used, as in John 17:15, I Thessalonians 5:23, Jude 1:1, Revelation 3:10, etc.), but rather deliverance out of some present and oppressing evil. So we read (Matthew 9:21,22) “And the woman said within herself, if I may but touch His garment, I shall be made whole,” that is restored to health; “and the woman was made whole,” that is restored to health, “from that hour.” So again (Mark 5:23): “And Jairus besought Him greatly, saying, I pray Thee, lay Thy hands upon her, that she may be healed.” So too (Mark 6:56): “And as many as touched Him were made whole.” So too, in reference to Lazarus (John 11:12): “Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well,” that is, he shall be restored to health (See also Luke 8:36, 18:42; Acts 4:9, James 5:15 etc). See also what is said of our Lord (Hebrews 5:7) that “in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers unto Him that was able to save Him from death” (literally “out of death”), “He was heard in that He feared.” But He was not preserved from death, but delivered out of it. Our salvation, like our Lord’s, for we are His members, is not from death, but by it, and out of it.

[I will close now with a couple of excerpts from J. Preston Eby’s insightful article: The Wages of Sin is Death.]

Here is a fact. The Word says, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Wherever one goes he finds someone quoting that plain declaration of fact. But the remarkable thing is that no one believes it; not even the ones who continually preach it. The hell-fire-and-brimstone enthusiast loudly proclaims that verse of Scripture to be true, and then abruptly and shamefully contradicts himself by maintaining that the wages of sin is ETERNAL TORMENT! But if eternal torment were the penalty for sin, then Jesus never atoned for sin. He did not suffer eternal torment. And if that is the price that God demands as punishment for sin, then Jesus paid nothing at all. If my punishment were eternal torment, and Jesus took my place, receiving the full judgment for my sin, then it should be clear to any thinking person that He would have had to suffer eternally in hell. That is the only way the debt could be paid!

In like manner, if the wages of sin were utter annihilation, or eternal death, then there is no hope for anyone. For Jesus was not annihilated! He did not stay dead for ever! If annihilation is the penalty for sin, then every son of Adam, saved or lost, must yet suffer his own penalty and be blotted out of existence forevermore. Then Jesus never saved anyone from anything. And then we all might as well enjoy this world to the full; for it is the only life and existence that any of us will ever know!

To the annihilationist the wages of sin is ETERNAL DEATH. But that is not what the Word says! The Bible nowhere speaks of “eternal death.” Oh, that men might begin to read, and to heed what is written! “The wages of sin is death,” says the Lord. And it is true, even though the majority of men [Christians] still think that the wages of sin is eternal torment, one of the most abominable and notorious lies ever told, a product of popish fraud and deception and greed. The wages of sin is actually death. And Jesus died! He met the full demands of law. He paid the debt of sin in full, blessed be His wonderful name!

*****

Comments/Questions?

Part 1 | Part 2

PART II

APOLEIA = PERDITION

The English word perdition was derived from the Latin word perdere, meaning “to destroy.” According to Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition, the word perdition can either mean: a) utter destruction, b) loss, c) eternal damnation, or d) hell. The New Combined Bible Dictionary and Concordance (Baker Book House, 1961) gives the meaning of this word as either: damnation, loss, or destruction. And Smith’s Bible Dictionary simply renders the word perdition as damnation.

Now get out your dictionary and look up the word damn. You will soon learn that this word was derived from the Latin word damnare, or damnum, which was a legal term meaning a damage, loss, or a fine, and had NOTHING to do with the concept of eternal punishment in hell. Time does indeed change things.

1.      “While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.” (John 17:12 – KJV)

The term “son of perdition” in this instance is obviously speaking of Judas Iscariot, who was an eyewitness to the many miraculous works of our Lord, and may have even loved and admired Christ as much as the other disciples. If it had been left up to him, he quite possibly would have remained loyal to Jesus. But there is absolutely no way on God’s green earth that Judas could have chosen of his own “free will” to remain loyal to Christ, for his destiny was already foretold (Psalm 41:9; 109:8). Therefore, he became “lost” in this present wicked age to fulfill God’s plan.

FREE WILL or CAUSE AND EFFECT?

Most scientists today agree with Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity, and will attest to the “cause and effect” relationship in the universe. And even those who believe in the “big bang” theory will have to admit that something (or someone) caused that “big bang.” There are no known exceptions to this rule. So the question we must ask ourselves is this: Does mankind really have “free will,” or are all of his thoughts and actions in reality “caused” by outside forces?

“Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.” (Psalm 139:16)

“A man’s steps are of the Lord; how then can a man understand his own way?” (Proverbs 20:24)

“And whatever His soul desires, that He does. For He performs what is appointed for me.” (Job 23:13-14)

The decisions we all make in our daily lives are in reality caused or influenced by unseen forces. In fact, this false concept that we all have “free will” is undoubtedly the most stubbornly persistent illusion in the world today. According to my dictionary, the term “free will” means

• voluntary choice or decision < I do this of my own free will >
• freedom of humans to make choices that are not determined by prior causes or divine intervention

In the case of Judas Iscariot his destiny was foretold in the Scriptures; therefore, an outside force (The LORD!) had to influence his decision making process in order to bring to fruition the ancient prophecies concerning him.

“Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition [or instruction], upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” (I Corinthians 10:11)

Therefore, this idea that a loving God would “cause” something to happen (A man’s steps ARE of the LORD) that was beyond Judas’ control (How could he have understood his own way?), and end up torturing him in eternal hellfire because of it is abominable, to say the very least. You may recall that Jesus’ dying plea to His Father was “Father, forgive them, for they know NOT what they do!” Do you believe that our heavenly Father will answer this most heartfelt prayer by His Son? I do!

“And the LORD said, ‘Who will persuade Ahab king of Israel to go up, that he may fall at Ramoth Gilead?’ So one spoke in this manner, and another in that manner. Then a spirit came forward and stood up before the LORD and said, ‘I will persuade him.’ The LORD said to him, ‘In what way?’ So he said, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ And the LORD said, ‘You shall persuade him and also prevail; go out and do so. Therefore look! The LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouth of these prophets of yours, and the LORD has declared disaster against you.” (II Chronicles 18:19-22)

Here we have an excellent example, written for our instruction, of how God’s celestial agents influence mankind. A lying spirit persuaded Judas in much the same way that King Ahab was persuaded, and the end result was disaster. And the discerning eye that watches the news today can also see that God put lying spirits upon the mouths of President Bush’s advisors, or “prophets,” encouraging him to go to war in Iraq with statements such as, “They will welcome us as liberators!” Although many of the Iraqi people undoubtedly have welcomed us, a substantial number of insurgents obviously have not, resulting in the quagmire that we are all witnessing today.

“They gathered to do everything that you, by your power and will, had already decided would take place.” (Acts 4:28 – Today’s English Version)

“Known unto God are ALL His works from the beginning of the world.” (Acts 15:18 – KJV)

“Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure.’” (Isaiah 46:10)

For many years I was led to believe that we have all been given the freedom to either choose Christ or to reject Him, and this “free will choice” of ours would seal our eternal fate. And on top of this, the church also teaches that God already knows beforehand what choice everyone will make. Now please stop and think about this for a moment. If God really has given man free will to choose his own destiny, then there is no way that He could declare the end from the beginning, for He would have to wait and see what choice each individual makes before He could declare the end of things. I’m sorry, but that’s just the way it is. You can’t have it both ways. However, if God already knows ahead of time what “choice” you are going to make with your supposed “free will,” then is this truly a “free will choice,” or is this more correctly defined as “destiny?” I will let our Savior address this:

“For many are called, but few chosen.” (Matthew 20:16; 22:14)

“But for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen…” (Mark 13:20 – KJV)

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you…” (John 15:16 – KJV)

“I have chosen you out of the world…” (John 15:19 – KJV)

According to the Scriptures, everything that happens under the sun is following a prescribed course.

“They gathered to do EVERYTHING that you, by your power and will, had already decided would take place.” (Acts 4:28 – Today’s English Version)

The saga of human history is literally just that – His Story! And like Judas Iscariot, most have been led astray in this present wicked age of deception. But there will come a time when our loving heavenly Father will welcome ALL of His prodigal sons into the kingdom, “for this my son was dead and is alive again, he was lost and is found.” (Luke 15:24)

“When your sisters, Sodom and her daughters, return to their former state, and Samaria and her daughters return to their former state, then you and your daughters will return to your former state.” (Ezekiel 16:55)

2. “Let the lives you live be worthy of the Good News of the Christ, in order that, whether I come and see you or, being absent, only hear of you, I may know that you are standing fast in one spirit and with one mind, fighting shoulder to shoulder for the faith of the Good News. Never for a moment quail before your antagonists. Your fearlessness will be to them a sure token of impending destruction (perdition), but to you it will be a sure token of your salvation, a token coming from God.” (Philippians 1:27,28 – Richard Weymouth’s New Testament in Modern Speech)

There can be no greater witness for God than the one willing to give his own life for what he believes. The account of Stephen (Acts 6 & 7) provides us with a beautiful example of how one man fearlessly stood for the Truth in the face of violent opposition. Although it cost him his life, he received his assurance of God’s salvation right before his death, forgiving his enemies in the process.

“In most solemn truth I tell you that unless the grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains what it was – a single grain; but that if it dies, it yields a rich harvest. He who holds his life dear, is destroying it; and he who makes his life of no account in this world shall keep it to the Life of the Ages. If a man wishes to be my servant, let him follow me; and where I am, there too shall my servant be. If a man wishes to be my servant, the Father will honour him.” (John 12:24-26 – Weymouth’s New Testament in Modern Speech)

Many of us will never be required to give up our physical lives for Christ in the way that Stephen was, but we ARE required to give up our worldly lives. Jesus said

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.” (Luke 9:23,24)

Defending the real gospel in this age of delusion will not be an easy thing to do, for we will find ourselves at odds with an established religious system that will swiftly label us as brainwashed members of some deranged cult. But we can take comfort in Jesus’ words:

“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11,12)

It is important to note here that Jesus was never at odds with worldly people; rather, it was the religious authorities, the scribes and the Pharisees, who persecuted Jesus and His followers.

“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (II Timothy 3:12)

Now what percentage of people who attend the average mega-church in the United States today would you say are actively suffering persecution for their faith? I would be willing to bet that it is less than 1/10^th of one percent. This alone should tell us that most who are in the churches are really not concerned with living godly lives; they just want their fire insurance (In fact, I can honestly say that this was my attitude for many years). And on Judgment Day, all of their wrong attitudes and motives shall be  revealed before the assembly (Proverbs 26:26), which will be the proof of their impending ruin, or perdition.

3.      “Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition.” (II Thessalonians 2:3)

Most of fundamental Christianity puts this section of Scripture into an “end times” context, declaring that “the man of sin” or “son of perdition” is speaking of a coming world leader known as the antichrist. Although I will not necessarily disagree that one day this prophecy will indeed be fulfilled in the physical realm, the ones who have been given “eyes to see” will identify with this passage on a very personal level as well.

Many years ago I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior and was baptized in the local church where I was brought up. As I grew older, though, I fell away from my childhood faith when “the cares of the world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desire for other things (Mark 4:19)” came in and darkened my heart. It was here during this life of sin and debauchery that I became aware of my woeful condition. In other words, “the falling away [came] first, and the man of sin [was] revealed! It was then and only then that I was able to see a need for a change, a need to repent.

On the other hand, there are many that will go through this life and never see a need for repentance. Many are brought up in church, accept Jesus at an early age (just like I did), but remain steadfast in their faith. They go to church every Sunday, sing their songs and pay their “tithes and offerings.” In fact, they do many wonderful works in our Lord’s Name. But Jesus clearly stated that

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your Name, cast out demons in Your Name, and done many wonders in Your Name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.” (Matthew 7:21-23)

This group of people will never experience the trials and tribulations during this life which are necessary to truly destroy “the man of sin.” They are NOT being judged now. But when Jesus tells them to “depart from Him,” contrary to fundamentalist doctrine, this is NOT an eternal death sentence; rather, it only means that they have not been found worthy to inherit the blessings of the kingdom during this present age. They are still under the law of sin and death (Please read Romans 8:1-18). For them, there is still a refining process that needs to take place in the lake of fire. But the ones who WILL be found worthy are God’s elect. They ARE being judged now, during this present wicked age, and are the same ones of whom John spoke: 

“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things that are written therein: for the time is at hand.” (Revelation 1:3 – KJV)

The book of Revelation is written on three levels: past, present, and future. Jesus says

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8)

And He tells John to

“Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.” (Revelation 1:19)

• So is the book of Revelation speaking of past events? YES!
• Is the book of Revelation speaking of future events? YES!
• Is the book of Revelation speaking of current events? ABSOLUTELY!

If you are being conformed into the image of Christ NOW, then you WILL experience all of the trials and tribulations that are mentioned in this book during your current lifetime. This is why John tells you that you are BLESSED; for you have been chosen to “keep those things that are written therein!” Your time IS at hand!

You will give your heart to Jesus Christ, who sits upon the white horse (Revelation 6:2; 19:11). Then the rider on the fiery red horse will come along and take your peace from you (Revelation 6:4) when the cares of this world resume control of your life. You WILL fall away and leave your first love, just like all of the disciples did when they fled and left Jesus to suffer His fate alone. But no matter what you do in life, you will never find fulfillment (Revelation 6:5,6), and will experience a severe famine in your life as a result (Revelation 6:8).

I know for me, there eventually came a time in my life when I suddenly realized that most everything I had ever believed and taken for granted as being true turned out to be false. It was here when I experienced a great “earthquake,” and (my) sun became darkened, and (my) moon became as blood, and all of (my) stars, (my system of belief), fell from the heavens to the earth (Revelation 6:12). It was at this point when I truly crashed and burned. After several attempts during my lifetime of trying to do what I thought God would have me to do, and always failing, I finally gave up. I wanted nothing more to do with God. Why wouldn’t God finish that good work He had begun in me at such an early age (Philippians 1:6)? Where was the “peace that passes all understanding” (Philippians 4:7) that He had promised? Why did I feel the weight of the world upon my shoulders when Jesus had promised that “[His] yoke [was] easy, and [His] burden [was] light?” (Matthew 11:30) God was apparently a liar, so I reasoned within myself.

“Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and power was given to him to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory. Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues because of the pain.” (Revelation 16:8-10)

Yes indeed, I (the beast) had reassumed my position upon the throne of my life (or so I thought).

“Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God [WE are the temple of God (I Corinthians 3:16,17), NOT some ungodly structure in Israel], showing himself that he is God.” (II Thessalonians 2:4)

And my “kingdom” (life) became filled with darkness as a result. I became convinced that this life was a cruel hoax, and that God was the ultimate hypocrite. Why would a loving God make the way of life so narrow that only a few would ever find it, and end up burning all others in hell for all eternity? I finally became convinced that there   was no way I could ever walk the “straight and narrow,” and if He wanted to burn me in hell for all eternity, then there was nothing I could do about it anyway. Besides, I had come to the conclusion that any so-called “god” who would do that to his children didn’t deserve MY affection, neither the time of day.

“They blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and did not repent of their deeds.” (Revelation 16:11)

It was when I was perhaps at the lowest point of my life that the Unveiling, or the Revelation of Jesus Christ, finally took place in my life. And it came at a time when I least expected it!

“Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not!” (Luke 12:40 – KJV)

“Behold, I am coming as a thief! Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.” (Revelation 16:15)

Yes, Jesus Christ came as a thief and stole my heart, and I haven’t looked back since! In an instant, that heavy burden was lifted; I have now ceased from my own labors (Hebrews 4:9,10), and have begun to do those good works of Him which were prepared for me from the foundation of the world (Ephesians 2:10). I have now begun to build upon the sure foundation of the True Rock, which is Christ.

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and DOES THEM, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the Rock [Jesus is ‘THE Rock’]. And the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house [yes, it is through MUCH tribulation that we enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, Acts 14:22]; and it did not fall, for it was founded on The Rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine and does not do them, will be like  a foolish man [yes, there are ‘foolish saints’] who built his house on the sand. And the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, and IT FELL. And GREAT was its fall.” (Matt. 7:24-27)

For a number of years, whenever I would begin to “build” my spiritual house, it would always come crashing down, no matter how hard I tried. This is now evidence to me that my faith had no sure foundation; rather, it was founded upon lies. Since then, I have come to the knowledge that Jesus Christ is the Savior of ALL men, and that He will indeed SAVE all men. This is the SURE foundation of God’s Truth that I had been searching for my entire life. May it stand the test of time!

4. “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.” (I Timothy 6:9)

Here we have two different words that very closely resemble one another in meaning being used in conjunction with one another. It would probably take an etymologist that has been trained in the ancient Greek language (which I am not) to decipher the exact differences between these two words.

The word that has been rendered by the English word destruction is the Greek word olethros (Strong’s G#3639), and is used a total of four times in the New Testament (See also I Corinthians 5:5; I Thessalonians 5:3; II Thessalonians 1:9). According to Strong’s, olethros means to destroy, ruin, death, punishment. My pocket lexicon says that this word means ruin, doom, or destruction. And Young’s simply renders the meaning as destruction. Vine’s Concise Dictionary of Bible Words says that this word

“… is used in I Cor. 5:5, of the effect upon the physical condition of an erring believer for the purpose of his spiritual profit; in I Thess. 5:3 and II Thess. 1:9, of the effect of the divine judgments upon men at the ushering in of the Day of the Lord and the revelation of the Lord Jesus; in I Tim. 6:9, of the consequences of the indulgence of the flesh, referring to physical “ruin” and possibly that of the whole being, the following word apoleia stressing the final, eternal and irrevocable character of the ruin.”

It must be remembered that modern resource books such as Strong’s and Vine’s have all been written with “the leaven of the Pharisees” from an “eternal torment in hell” viewpoint. That being said, however, the explanation that Vine’s gives us may offer some helpful insight. Those who see this life’s journey as God’s wholesome discipline to prepare us for eternity understand that “the consequences of the indulgence of the flesh” will turn out to be “the proof of our perdition,” the word apoleia “stressing the final, eternal and irrevocable character of [that] ruin.” The old man, or the “first Adam” must die and be replaced by one that is fit to enter the kingdom of God (Please read I Corinthians 15:35-57).

5. “Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.” (Hebrews 10:38,39)

Contrary to the popular “once saved always saved” teaching in many denominations, this passage provides a stern reminder that we can draw back to perdition, or ruin. The apostle Paul knew that he had to “press forward” and “endure to the end” in order to attain to the resurrection of life (which is separate, or apart from) the resurrection of the dead (Philippians 3). Jesus tells us in Luke 9:62 that “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

It is important to understand that Jesus came to this earth for two main purposes. First of all, He came to die for the sins of the WHOLE world, and accomplished that purpose when He triumphantly declared from the cross, “It is finished!” (John 19:30) ALL men (Yes, this includes women, too!) have been redeemed by Christ’s precious blood, and will eventually be brought back to a right relationship with their Creator (I Corinthians 15:20-28; Colossians 1:19,20; Revelation 21:3,4; etc). Secondly, He came to call out a special people for His Name; His elect, His chosen, His Bride, who will rule and reign with Him. There can be no greater calling.

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (I Peter 2:9)

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to ALL men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age; looking for that blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:11-14)

Jesus’ words were primarily spoken to anyone “having an ear to hear,” knowing that “His sheep would hear His voice.” That is why every letter that is addressed to the seven churches in Revelation 2 & 3 ends with the statement “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Do you have ears to hear?

6. “But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the Day of Judgment and perdition of ungodly men.” (II Peter 3:7)

It has already shown that the word “fire” is used all throughout the Scriptures as a symbol for the refining process that will be used to purify ungodly men, as well as the rest of creation.

“For by fire and by His sword the LORD will judge all flesh; and the slain of the LORD shall be many.” (Isaiah 66:16)

“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem as a rejoicing, and her people a joy. I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in My people; the voice of weeping shall no longer be heard in her, nor the voice of crying.” (Isaiah 65:17-19)

It is obvious that these prophecies are yet to be fulfilled, for there is still much heartache in Israel today. Those who look at the return of the Jews to their homeland as the fulfillment of these ancient prophecies are only seeing the “shadow” of greater promises. Contrary to what much of Christianity teaches, especially on what is called Christian television, the physical seed of Abraham ARE NOT the rightful heirs of God’s promises.

“And IF you are Christ’s, THEN you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:29)

In Israel today we have what is predominately a secular society that is still in unbelief! So how is it that these people have been called “heirs of God’s promises?” God is no respecter of persons; He does not judge men according to their nationality. The true (spiritual) seed of Abraham are those who belong to Christ, His elect. It is they who are the rightful heirs of the blessings of the kingdom of God!

7. “The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to perdition. And those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.” (Revelation 17:8)

8. “The beast that was, and is not, is himself also the eighth, and is of the seven, and is going to perdition.” (Revelation 17:11)

The 17^th and 18^th chapters of Revelation describe “the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters” (Revelation 17:1). At the conclusion of God’s judgment, in Revelation 19, we are given a vision of a great multitude in heaven praising God:

“For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her.” (Revelation 19:2)

The entire book of Revelation is written in symbolic language. The very first verse tells us that God “sent and signified (by signs and symbols) it by His angel (literally: messenger) to His servant John. That being said, we should now be able to determine the identity of this “great harlot” that is spoken of in Revelation 17 & 18 by searching the Scriptures for the meanings of these symbols. The following passage provides us with a clue:

“The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore, and the voice of the bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore.” (Revelation 18:23)

Jesus IS the light of the world (John 8:12, 9:5, 12:35, etc.), as well as the light of His Holy Spirit that is in men as a testimony to others (Matthew 5:14-16). A lamp is symbolic of something (or someone) that gives this light. The body of Christ, or the church, has been commissioned to be the giver of this light (Matthew 28:19,20) to the world. And Jesus identifies Himself as the bridegroom (See Matthew 9:15; Mark 2:19,20; or Luke 5:34,35) who comes to earth seeking a bride.

According to Jewish wedding tradition, after the bride has accepted the invitation of the bridegroom to be married, he goes back to his father’s house to prepare a bridal chamber in which to consummate the marriage. Jesus is away right now preparing that place for us (John 14:1-3). While the bridegroom is away, it is the responsibility of the bride to be ready, for at a moment’s notice her bridegroom may come and steal her away like a thief, usually in the middle of the night. In ancient Israel, they didn’t have streetlights and paved roads, so she had to keep her lamp lit, and make sure she had plenty of oil for what may be a long journey to her bridegroom’s estate.

If you will recall the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), however, not all who were called to be a part of the bride of Christ were ready when the time came. The story tells us that some ran out of oil, and therefore their lights went out. It can be awfully difficult at times to find someone at night without a light to show the way. Hence when the Bridegroom cometh, may He find your lamp burning bright with the Holy Spirit of Truth; otherwise, He will not recognize you! (Matthew 25:12)

“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23,24)

The marriage between Christ and His chosen bride, all of those who DO worship God in spirit and in truth, is consummated:

“Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife [No longer a bride, but a WIFE!] has made herself ready. And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.” (Revelation 19:7,8)

Here we are told that the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints, who have “been found in Him, not having their own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith” (Philippians 3:9).

By applying the principle of comparing spiritual things with spiritual (I Corinthians 2:13), I am reminded here of the parable of the wedding feast in Matthew 22, where one man is apparently mistaken for one of the invited guests, but was later found standing there without the proper attire. Now compare the state of that man with the condition of those who are of the Church at Laodicea:

“Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’ – and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.” (Revelation 3:17)

In the parable of the wedding feast, the “man” is apparently a symbol for the harlot, one who thought she was rich and in need of nothing. She obviously thought that she was “saved,” and therefore had earned her invitation to this great feast. But in God’s eyes she was wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked! Please take note of what happens to this “man.”

“Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:13,14)

“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” (Revelation 3:15,16)

“For she did not know that I gave her grain, new wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold – which they prepared for Baal. Therefore I will return and take away My grain in its time [Mark 4:29; Revelation 14:14-16], and My new wine in its season, and take back My wool and My linen, given to cover her nakedness. Now I will uncover her lewdness in the sight of her lovers, and no one shall deliver her from My hand.” (Hosea 2:8-10)

“The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved!” (Jeremiah 8:20)

We have already learned that the “linen” is the righteous acts of the saints. The “wool” (From what animal do we get wool?) is symbolic of our sin covering which is provided by none other than the Lamb of God Himself, Jesus Christ! Her “covering” will be removed and her nakedness will be revealed in the sight of her lovers.

“The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come. The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore, and the voice of the bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived.” (Revelation 18:9,10,17)

The word polis (Strong’s #G4172), which comprises one-half of our modern word metropolis, is used here to describe this mighty city. A Pocket Lexicon to the Greek New Testament says that “this word is used rather of the citizens than of the locality (Matthew 8:34, 12:25; Mark 1:33),” in much the same way that the word church more accurately defines the people rather than the place of worship.

“How the faithful city [people] has become a harlot! It was full of justice; righteousness lodged in it, but now murderers.” (Isaiah 1:21)

“You built your high places (literally: places for pagan worship) at the head of every road (there is a church building on every corner), and made your beauty to be abhorred (The nations blaspheme God because of them – Romans 2:24). You offered yourself to everyone who passed by, (all are welcome) and multiplied your acts of harlotry.” (Ezekiel 16:25)

A harlot is defined as “a prostitute or an unprincipled or immoral woman,” according to my dictionary. The Hebrew word for “harlot” is zanah (Strong’s H#2181), and is used in a figurative sense to describe the act of committing spiritual fornication, or idolatry. In other words, all of those who are NOT worshipping God in spirit and in truth are in reality harlots, for God IS Spirit, and Jesus IS the Truth! Those who are teaching doctrines of demons and commandments of men, either knowingly or unknowingly, are harlots. And all of those who are caught up in this false system of worship are in reality idolaters and are committing spiritual fornication, whether they know it or not.

I know that this information is disturbing to say the very least. I am also well aware of the fact that the majority of those who read this material for the first time will recoil in disgust. Most will get very defensive and say, “Why there is NO WAY that this can possibly be true!” In most cases, human pride will not allow room for repentance.

“One of the saddest lessons of history is this: If we’ve been bamboozled long enough, we tend to reject any evidence of the bamboozle. We’re no longer interested in finding out the truth. The bamboozle has captured us. It is simply too painful to acknowledge — even to ourselves — that we’ve been so credulous (So the old bamboozles tend to persist as the new bamboozles rise). Finding the occasional straw of truth awash in a great ocean of confusion and bamboozle requires intelligence, vigilance, dedication and courage.” –  Carl Sagan

In the article “Hell: Biblical Truth or Pagan Myth?” it was clearly shown that the doctrine of eternal torment was of pagan origins, and that it has been used by the powers that be to control people via fear and superstition. [For a more in-depth study be sure to read The Origin and History of the Doctrine of Endless Punishment, by Thomas B. Thayer, D.D.] Most churches these days, especially the huge mega-churches, no longer spend much time openly teaching about hell, for they don’t want to frighten away their members. Many instead concentrate on promoting family values and financial well being. But the doctrine of eternal punishment has so permeated today’s society that it no longer needs to be shouted from the rooftops. Most are already very cognizant of it. The “leaven of the Pharisees” has indeed worked its way through “the whole batch of dough.”

As good stewards of God’s Word, we are all required to be diligent with our assets (Matthew 5:14-16; 25:14-30; Luke 12:42-48; etc). If you belong to an organized church, then it would be prudent of you to find out exactly what it is that they believe in regards to eternal punishment. Most all churches have a “statement of faith” that can be made available to you upon request.

If the Spirit has been inwardly bearing witness to you that the material you have been reading on this site is true, then you are expected to share these truths with others, especially with those who are of the household of faith. A word of warning: those who are (especially) in leadership positions within the religious establishment will most likely not listen to you, for they have the most to lose: their lofty position, their salary, etc. But you are still required to warn them to turn from their wicked ways (Ezekiel 3:17-21) and repent of teaching these doctrines of demons. Those of us who worship the True God can attest to the fact that God has not given us a spirit of fear, for His perfect Love has cast out this “fear” which has been taught not by God, but by the commandments of men.

Finally, and this is the most important point that I wish to make. Don’t take my word for any of this; be like the Bereans (Acts 17:10,11) and do your own research in order to “prove all things” (I Thessalonians 5:21).

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (II Timothy 2:15 – KJV)

I pray that you will have no need to be ashamed on that Day! And if you should decide to take the time to study these things, and if you are able to confirm them as being true, then it would be prudent of you to

“Come out of her [the harlot church], my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.” (Revelation 18:4)

And attempt to find fellowship with a group of believers that do not believe in or teach these pagan myths, which, in this day and age can often prove to be difficult.

“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:

‘I will dwell with them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.’ Therefore ‘Come out from among them and be separate, says the LORD. Do not tough what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters,’ says the LORD almighty.” (II Corinthians 6:14-18)

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OTHER EXAMPLES

(Proving that apoleia <perdition> cannot mean eternal damnation)

Matthew 26:8

“But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, ‘Why this waste?’”

Mark 14:4

“But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said, ‘Why was this fragrant oil wasted?’”

In the story of the woman who used the expensive oil to anoint Jesus’ feet shortly before his crucifixion, we will note that his disciples objected to what they considered a waste (or loss) of money. Can money or expensive perfume be damned to hell?

Acts 8:20

“But Peter said to him, ‘Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!”

In this story we are told that Simon the sorcerer’s money would perish with him. Does this mean that his money will also be suffering in the flames of hell?

Acts 25:16

“It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have license to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.”  (KJV)

Although the Roman government indeed had the authority to deliver a man unto physical death, they in no way possessed the authority to deliver a man unto eternal damnation.

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Comments/Questions?

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