What is Annihilationism?

Annihilationism, otherwise known as Conditional Immortality, is the belief that the condemned, at some point, cease to exist, as opposed to the eternal conscious torment described in Scripture. Based on a misunderstanding of what constitutes life and death in Scripture, Annihilationists argue that only those who are in Christ can have immortal souls, whereas those who die in their sins will never receive such immortality. Thus, at some point, they must logically cease to exist. References to the everlasting nature of Hell in Scripture are explained away as either being metaphorical, or referring to the irreversible result of the punishment. Although strongly opposed by Scripture, Annihilationism is not a fatal heresy, and can be safely believed without the loss of salvation, or the need to disfellowship believers.