Annihilation
Charles Buck Theological Dictionary [1]
The act of reducing any created being into nothing. The sentiments of mankind have differed widely as to the possibility and impossibility of annihilation. According to some, nothing is so difficult; it requires the infinite power of God to effect it: according to others, nothing so easy. Existence, say they, is a state of violence; all things are continually endeavoring to return to their primitive nothing: it requires no power at all; it will do it itself: nay, more, it requires an infinite power to prevent it. With respect to human beings, it appears probable from reason; but it is confirmed by Scripture that they will not be annihilated, but exist in a future state, Matthew 10:28 . Ecclesiastes 12:7 . John 5:24 . 1 Thessalonians 5:10 . Matthew 25:1-46; Luke 16:22; Luke 16:28 . Luke 20:37-38 . 1 Corinthians 15:1-58 :
See 158, &c. vol. 1: Massilon's Ser. Eng. Trans.; No. 129, Guardian; Blair's Ser. vol. 1: p. 461; and articles Destructionists, Resurrection, Soul
Webster's Dictionary [2]
(1): (n.) The state of being annihilated.
(2): (n.) The act of reducing to nothing, or nonexistence; or the act of destroying the form or combination of parts under which a thing exists, so that the name can no longer be applied to it; as, the annihilation of a corporation.
Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament [3]
See Eschatology.
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature [4]
the act of reducing any thing to nothing. Whether matter can be utterly destroyed or not, is a question that has been much agitated in the schools. According to some, nothing is so difficult; according to others, nothing is so easy. Existence, say the last, is a state of violence; all things are continually endeavoring to return to their primitive nothing; no power is required to effect it; it would be accomplished of itself; nay more, an infinite power is required to prevent it. As to human beings, the majority of the Greek philosophers opposed the doctrine; the Brahmins held that at stated intervals all created things are annihilated; the Siamese hold annihilation to be the greatest reward of virtue (Buck, Theol. Dictionary, s.v.). The theory of the annihilation of the wicked has been set on foot at different periods, and has recently been revived. (See Annihilationists).
