Tertiary? In “Tertiary?” Jefferson Vann explores the idea that the doctrines of conditionalism are less important than others. The terms secondary and tertiary, when applied to doctrines, help Christians think carefully about the relative importance of various biblical teachings. All Christian doctrine matters because all truth revealed by God is significant, yet not all … [Read more...]
Exploring Conditional Immortality
Here are the archive of articles exploring conditional immortality:
Discussing the belief that human beings are mortal, and can only receive immortality on the condition that God gives it to them as a gift through faith in Jesus Christ.
Articles in this subcategory are key entries which explain conditional immortality as a theological position, and deal with key texts given as evidence for the view.
Abel’s Lamb
In "Abel's Lamb," Jefferson Vann shows how Abel's offering was a symbol of the second chance humanity has at permanent life. “And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering” (Genesis 4:4). Abel’s brief appearance in Scripture opens a window into one of the most foundational doctrines of biblical theology: humanity’s mortality and God’s promise of eternal life only … [Read more...]
kenosis
kenosis Jefferson Vann explains what it meant for Jesus to empty himself for us. Philippians 2:6-10 Philippians 2:6 who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. Philippians 2:7 Instead, he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of a human.[1] And when he had come as a man, … [Read more...]
Reading Philippians 1 as a Conditionalist
Reading Philippians 1 as a Conditionalist In “Reading Philippians 1 as a Conditionalist,” Jefferson Vann shares some thoughts about two passages in that chapter. As I revise my translation of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, I want to comment on two particularly important sections of that chapter for those teaching conditional immortality. The First section is often used as … [Read more...]
Reading Ephesians 5-6 as a Conditionalist
Jefferson Vann shares his thoughts on Ephesians 5-6. Reading Ephesians 5-6 as a Conditionalist The letter to the Ephesians presents a sweeping vision of God’s cosmic purpose in Christ: the uniting of all things in heaven and on earth, the creation of a new humanity, and the triumph of God’s kingdom over the powers of darkness. Within this grand theological … [Read more...]
Reading Ephesians 3-4 as a Conditionalist
Jefferson Vann shares his thoughts on some passages in Ephesians 3-4. Reading Ephesians 3-4 as a Conditionalist The letter to the Ephesians contains some of the most elevated theological language in the New Testament. Paul writes with sweeping cosmic vision, portraying God’s eternal purpose, the reconciling work of Christ, and the Spirit’s role in forming a new humanity. … [Read more...]
Reading Ephesians 1 as a Conditionalist
Reading Ephesians 1 as a Conditionalist Jefferson Vann shares some ideas he had while translating Ephesians 1. As I am working on a revision of my translation of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, I cannot help but notice a few passages of special interest to me as a believer in Conditional Immortality. Today, I will highlight two passages from Ephesians 1. Ephesians … [Read more...]
The Conditionalist Voice (Genesis to Psalms)
The Conditionalist Voice (Genesis to Psalms) In The Conditionalist Voice (Genesis to Psalms), Jefferson Vann reviews the teaching of these Scriptures concerning human nature and destiny. My congregation has bravely decided to do something new. I challenged them to join me in an eighteen-month experiment. We started on 1 January this year. Every day, we would read two chapters … [Read more...]
The Age of Accountability
John C writes: “Can you tell me how CI relates to the doctrine of The Age of Accountability (which seems like partial Universalism to me)?” Proponents of Conditional Immortality have not consistently treated this subject. Here are some of my thoughts: Saying that immortality is conditional means only those who meet specific criteria will receive it. … [Read more...]
removing the blue glasses
In "removing the blue glasses" Jefferson Vann discusses what it will take to remove traditionalist presuppositions and give an audience to conditionalist theology. removing the blue glasses In an interview defending conditional immortality, Chris Date suggested an analogy that helps explain why so many committed Christians cannot see the view in Scripture. He talked about a … [Read more...]