The Kingdom of God, Student Workbook, SW02

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T H E K I N G D O M O F G O D

Annihilation Versus Eternal Judgment

In a striking sermon on sin, forgiveness, and reconciliation, the pastor of a church suggests that he no longer believes that judgment is eternal, that is, that the lost will be tormented forever and ever. While he is certain that God’s judgment will be final, and that only those who believe in Christ will live in the forever Kingdom of God, he is adamant in suggesting that all of the citations in the Bible on the eternal judgment of the lost are not that people will be tormented eternally, but only that their judgment will never be able to be overturned eternally. He now believes that the lost will be annihilated, never to return to earth or enjoy the blessings of God. This so-called “new view” has disturbed many in the church, and even some of the elders are thinking about calling a special meeting to deal with the pastor’s perspective on hell. What should the church do now with their pastor’s new view regarding eternal damnation? You have been asked to give a word of eulogy at the funeral of a dear acquaintance at work, whose family know you to be a minister, or at the very least, a “religious person.” From conversations with the deceased, you are fairly certain that she did not know the Lord; as a matter of fact, in the last exchange you had about the Lord with her, she was very hostile and aggressive. They are hoping you can offer them some comforting words about their loved one at the service. What do you believe, in light of what you know about the consummation of the Kingdom, should be the “word of the Lord” for the family of this dear sister? The Kingdom of God will be consummated at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Eschatology, the study of last things, deals with the notion of the Kingdom’s consummation. The consummation of the Kingdom of God will occur at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, who is soon to be revealed and will establish his rule on earth. Parousia is the term associated with Jesus’ return, which shall be personal, bodily, visible, glorious, and is imminent. The Kingdom’s consummation is integrally tied into what the Bible teaches about death, the resurrection, and the final judgment. When all enemies have been placed under Jesus’ feet, he will deliver the Kingdom over to God his Father in order that God may become All-in-all. The Right Word for the Right Time

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Restatement of the Lesson’s Thesis