Did the first death eliminate consciousness? No. Then why do we assume the second death will? We can't, unless we read into it what we wish to see there.
In Christ,
Eric
I understand your point... but the fact remains that eternal life is a gift from God!!! It is not a right we are born with ... I have not read nor heard it taught that man was created with an eternal soul. So, if we agree that eternal life is God's gift then it is easy to understand that hell is destruction. Obviously if life is not eternal it must come to an end i.e. the destructive fires of hell... what did Jesus say... do not fear man but fear God who can destroy both the body and soul in hell!!!
As for the first death eliminating consciousness... yes it does. Why do you think it is likened to sleep?
but these issues aren't salvation issues.. they are merely theological... sometimes we waste too much time nit picking these theological points which cause division among us... the people outside of God's Kingdom are the immoral, the thieves, adulteres, fornicators... not people with different theology!
I don't wish to labour the point but if it's not a salvation issue lets just agree to disagree... whilst praying our loved ones and ourselves avoid the fires of hell... whether they're eternal or not!
Gods peace to you all
YBIC Elswado Pancho