As you can see by the following Scripture that the Tree of Knowledge was not one that came from the ground but was listed separate and in the mist of the garden. Yes, I think the only way to Heaven is through The Son of God and the Tree of Knowledge gave eternal life therefore I accept it as Christ,
Very good, then you have no problem with interpreting Genesis in a symbolic way. Wonder what our fellow Baptist brethren think of that?
Rev 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
I guess this is also Jesus?
Jesus said I am the Bread that came down from Heaven that a man may eat thereof and never die, never means never and God felt strong enough about it to cast them out of the Garden. I strongly believe there is only ONE way to get eternal life/live forever and that is Jesus. I am a Jesus man all the way.
Yes, I agree with you. Then how does a lost man live forever in hell if Jesus is the only way to live forever?
Annihilationist arguments have been firmly refuted -- even in books.
I’m more concerned with Scripture.
I don't think Luke 16 is a parable.
Many, many scholars disagree. Many who agree with the traditional view.
The words translated as "perish" do not mean annihilation, but separation from God.
Where do you get this definition? Can we just make up definitions as we go?
apollumi
Thayer Definition:
1) to destroy
1a) to put out of the way entirely, abolish, put an end to ruin
1b) render useless
1c) to kill
1d) to declare that one must be put to death
1e)
metaphorically to devote or give over to eternal misery in hell
1f) to perish, to be lost, ruined, destroyed
2) to destroy
2a) to lose
Part of Speech: verb
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G575 and the base of G3639
Citing in TDNT: 1:394, 67
Strongs:
G622
ἀπόλλυμι
apollumi
ap-ol'-loo-mee
From G575 and the base of G3639; to destroy fully (reflexively to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively: - destroy, die, lose, mar, perish.
So where do you get your interpretation? If separation was what was meant, “death” would have been a much better word.
If there is eternal life with God for the saved, then there is eternal separation from God for the unsaved. Sin against an eternal God merits eternal separation.
You can’t get much more eternal separation than being annihilated.
If annihilation is true, then atheists, materialists, agnostics, Satanists, many Neo-pagans, and others see no problem in rejecting Christ!
Dumb argument since they have no problem rejecting Christ now. They seemingly don’t believe in your view either.
They believe that after death, that's it! So what's so bad about annihilation? It's not a consequence for them at all.
Is that what you would believe if you thought annihilation was true? Is eternal life with God not good enough? Besides only God is worthy to judge what is a just consequence.
"And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be
tormented day and night for ever and ever." Rev. 20:10
So are you taking the stand that whenever the Bible says for ever and ever it means never ending? I would be very careful building a doctrine around a verse found in a very symbolic book. However since you seem to take a “literal” approach perhaps you would like to answer the question Brother Bob didn’t want to deal with.
Is the fire of Jer. 27:17 still burning?
Jer 17:27 But if ye will not hearken unto me to hallow the sabbath day, and not to bear a burden, even entering in at the gates of Jerusalem on the sabbath day; then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem,
and it shall not be quenched.
If people are annihilated then Romans 2:5-6 do not stand.
Rom 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
Rom 2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
How does annihilation fall under these two verses? But let’s look at the next verse shall we?
Rom 2:7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and
immortality, eternal life :
Immortality for those who obey. I thought immortality meant to exist forever. How does the lost man gain immortality? Perhaps we need a definition for immortality.
If every non-believer is burned up when tossed into the lake of fire, then how are the more wicked that receive "the greater damnation" punished more?
Why do you assume everyone receives the same punishment? Annihilation is the final punishment but there may be plenty of time to burn those who are lost before the final end.
Well just common sense tells you by reading the Scripture that it is the opposite of everlasting life. (die and never die, God's words)
Yea, the opposite of everlasting life is life that has an end. Common sense says the opposite of everlasting life is life that is not everlasting.
You said you didn't care what the Baptist believe and I understand why.
You now understand I prefer to go to scripture than Baptist tradition. Which Baptist do you believe? Those of the 21st century or those of the 17th and 18th century? There are big differences in alot of areas.
