Annihilationsm: Is It Biblical?

Gary Tomiuck

The doctrine of Hell is a subject that many think should be reserved for the fanatics, the superstitious, or those on the lunatic fringe.

People screaming while engulfed in flames or stoking the furnace while the devil gleefully looks on are distortions we might expect from worldly people. But when some outstanding and world-renowned leaders alter this doctrine to suit their personal tastes, we ought to sit up and take notice.

I am speaking in particular of annihilationism. Proponents of this view are Dr. Philip Hughes, Steven Travis, Dr. Fudge, Clark Pinnock, Michael Green, and even saintly John Stott. The later claims that there is a lot of evidence for annihilationism and that we must remain open to the possibility of its biblical truth.

The Prophesy of Fire

His main thesis is that the purpose of fire is not to punish or to cause pain, but simply to destroy. The weeds are pulled up at the end of the age and will be thrown into the fiery furnace (Matthew 13:42). But the rest of verse 42 says that there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. This bespeaks untold pain. Lazarus was in agony in this fire (Luke 16:19-31). John Stott interprets the smoke that rises for ever and ever as a testimony of a person consumed forever but not tormented forever. But how can one be consumed forever and not feel eternal suffering? Once the body is consumed, the fire would go out. Revelation 14:11 says that there is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast in his image.

Is it Eternal?

The word translated eternal comes from the Greek word aionios and can mean "age long," but it should be translated as "eternal" when speaking of final destinies. "And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever." (Revelation 20:10)

The Reason of Sentiment

The final reason for believing in annihilationism is the appeal to our own personal feelings and sentiment. How can a loving God punish sinful man forever? How could anyone enjoy the glory of Heaven knowing that friends and loved ones are enduring the full intensity of God’s wrath for ever and ever? Maybe that is one reason that God will wipe away all of our tears. Though we do not understand now, we shall then realize that the Lord’s enemies are getting the justice they rightly deserve.

If you are a Christian, you have received His undeserved mercy. Mercy is never deserved, or it would not be mercy. Unbelievers get justice that is deserved. No one gets injustice. In reality, infinite punishment must be exacted against sinners because it is committed against the infinitely Holy and Eternal God.

The reality of God’s amazing grace should motivate us out of gratitude for our own salvation to obey the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). We should all pray unceasingly that God would have mercy on many and that they would no longer be sinners in the hands of an angry God, but saints in the hands of a loving Saviour. Amen.

Gary Tomiuck is a member of Grace Community Church in Thorold, Ontario, and a local preacher, M.T.S.