If you’ve ever heard of annihilationism, then you probably have heard Matthew 10:28 referenced. That is not to say that annihilationism stands or falls on this verse. On the contrary, one of annihilationism’s strengths is that multiple different passages and kinds of arguments demonstrate the doctrine independently from each other. This is true of the view broadly and of the specifically evangelical form that we hold to at Rethinking Hell.
Nevertheless, this passage is significant because it conveniently and concisely spells out the doctrine in one place. Annihilationism as a whole is basically just Matthew 10:28 when taken at face value:
And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 1 Unless otherwise noted: Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org.
In the following, I will address this verse, explain why annihilationists consider it such compelling evidence for our view, and broadly address some of the objections to the annihilationist case from this verse (and why they fall short). Resources for further study will be noted throughout and can be found in the endnotes.
Continue reading “Introduction to Evangelical Conditionalism – Matthew 10:28”
| ￪1 | Unless otherwise noted: Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org. |
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