Reference

2 Corinthians 2:15

Annihilation / Destruction Destruction / Perishing Language

“For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:”

I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:

To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?

For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

Counter-Arguments

The strongest case that this verse does not belong in this theme.

Annihilation / Destruction

The verse states that "we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ... in them that perish," implying that even in the context of those who perish, there is a continued existence or state for them to be "in" for this savor to be perceived by God. The term "perish" here does not inherently define the *manner* of their perishing as ceasing to exist, but rather their spiritual state or ultimate fate.

Destruction / Perishing Language

The verse states that "we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ" in both those who are saved and those who perish. While "perish" is present, the verse's primary focus is on the "sweet savour" (a positive, sacrificial aroma) that the believers are to God, not on the act or nature of perishing itself, nor does it describe the fate of the wicked in detail. The word "perish" here simply denotes a group of people, rather than describing the process or outcome of their destruction.

Annihilation / Destruction

Related Verses

2 Corinthians 2:16

“To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?”

2 Corinthians 2:14

“Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.”

1 Corinthians 1:18

“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”

2 Corinthians 2:17

“For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.”

2 Corinthians 1:21

“Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;”

Thematic Connections

Annihilation / Destruction Destruction / Perishing Language

Private Study Note

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