God's Word Teaches Annihilationism

"The debate topic is not whether I have a rational reason for refusing to debate the topic but is whether "Gods Word Teaches Annihilationism"." You are absolutely right, and I will be sure to debate that topic alone for the remainder of this debate. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ My opponent has refused to agree to a definition of annihilationism. Even in the debate he has referenced, he is only alluding to a definition of annihilationism. The crux of his argument is equal to the definition I have previously posted. Annihilationism is the teaching that, rather than eternal torment, the "wicked" will be immediately "non-existent" upon death, or after judgment (in any case, the wicked will not be tormented eternally). I will not continue to debate the definition, and if readers disagree with how I perceive my opponent's definition, please reference his other debate and decide for yourself if my definition is consistent with his belief. [A] I would also like to point out that if immortality is conditional, then so is mortality. Whether the concept is called "conditional immortality" or "conditional mortality," it can be refuted. In any case, it is part of this philosophy taught by Seventh Day Adventists, Jehova's Witnesses, and other fringe groups that support the concept of annihilationism. My opponent has also argued that the ESV (English Standard Version) is somehow different... more accurate, better translated than the KJV. I would point out that the English Standard Version is simply a later revision of the King James Version, and a different name has been applied due to the many revisions. As such, I will gladly use the ESV using the same standards. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Now to my arguments. ___________________________________ Matt. 25:46- "And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." (ESV) This passage does two things. It establishes, in Christ's own words, that the unbelievers will be punished eternally, while the righteous are given eternal life. It also makes clear that the opposite of eternal life is not annihilation, rather eternal punishment. Christ does not equate eternal punishment with immortality. Revelation 20:10-15- "10 And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever." Here, John of Patmos makes clear that punishment of the devil, and the false prophet are eternal. Let's see what he says about the "Lake of Fire" and death: "13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." Here we see clearly that "death" is not equated with annihilation. Neither is the "second death," or final place of torment for eternity- the Lake of Fire. This concept presented by John of Patmos was not new. Here, Christ explains literally the same scenario: Matt. 25:41- "Then he will say to those on his left, "Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels." I believe these passages make it very clear that the bible does not teach annihilationism, rather eternal punishment of the wicked. Hopefully my opponent will present a rebuttal which should give me more material to respond to, as the burden of proof is on him. Thank you. [A] http://www.debate.org...