Conditional Immortality - Biblical Proof of Annihaliation in Hell by Douglas B. - HTML preview

Chapter 12

Actual comments left by previous readers Page 77

Further Reading Page 85

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* It is clear that PLATO and many Greek philosophers taught the soul was indestructible.

* ..."The belief in the immortality of the soul came to the Jews from

contact with Greek thought and chiefly through the philosophy of

Plato, its principal exponent…" The Jewish Encyclopedia

( www.jewishencyclopedia.com - searched "immortality" )

* ..."Among major schools of Greek thought, only Epicureans

denied the soul's immortality." (Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible

Background Commentary New Testament, Downers Grove, Inter

Varsity Press, 1993, p.374)

* ..."immortality of the soul, as normally understood, is not a

Biblical doctrine…" (The International Bible Commentary, second

edition, Grand Rapids, MI, Zondervan Publishing House, 1986,

p.60 column 2)

* ..."It is a truism that Plato's teaching has profoundly influenced

Christian anthropology." (Forward by F.F. Bruce, The Fire that

Consumes, Edward Fudge .)

*Summary of above:

Except for the Epicureans, Greek philosophers taught of the soul's natural immortality - without God.

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* However, the scriptures teach the soul is destructible and

immortality is part of the gospel.

*....."Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and

body….." (Matthew 10:28)

*....."There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy…"

(James 4:12)

*....."....who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and

immortality to light through the gospel:" (2 Tim 1:10)

*Summary of above:

Jesus and James taught the soul was destructible. Paul taught that immortality is brought through the gospel.

Greek Philosophers or

Jewish Biblical Authors

Whom do you believe and why?

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