[xjcsa]

The whole concept of hell is also going trough a complete new phase of scrutiny. A LOT of people are switching from the traditional “Eternal Conscious Torment” (ECT) position to “Conditional Immortality” (CI). CI basically states that only the saved receive immortality, and what they are saved from is the second death. And that death is, in fact annihilation - death. They cease to exist.

I have more or less made this very switch, although I wouldn't say I'm sure of it yet.

I’ll have to read up on this one...

LouieFisk has a good point upthread about "friends."

[LouieFisk]

“I have more or less made this very switch, although I wouldn’t say I’m sure of it yet.”
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To my thinkin’ it has more biblical support. Others mileage on the idea will vary, of course.

“LouieFisk has a good point upthread about “friends.”
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Thanks, here’s the Greek entry for the term “friend” used in that instance (from Strong’s Greek Lexicon):

“phílos – a friend; someone dearly loved (prized) in a personal, intimate way; a trusted confidant, held dear in a close bond of personal affection.

Note: The root (phil-) conveys experiential, personal affection – indicating 5384 (phílos) expresses experience-based love.”

Like I sez, sounds personal enough to me.