Page:The Annihilation Theory Compared with Holy Scripture.pdf/4

4 is made to a state of punishment allotted to the wicked, for “weeping and gnashing of teeth" can not be predicated of those annihilated.

In Matt. viii. 11, 12, “Many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven: but the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” We have mention made of two conditions or states or places of existence, one for the good and one for the wicked. The same truth is plainly taught in the parable of the sheep and the goats. It may be said, however, that being “cast out into outer darkness” means annihilation. This, however, can scarcely be a correct view of the matter when that state is described as one “where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.” If the wicked are annihilated, what can be the meaning of Rev. xxii. 11–15, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. 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. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.”