Jim Cronfel believes "conversion comes from the awareness of eternal conscious torment," that [Christianity] is about fleeing hell and sin." Annihilationists believe that even the consideration of a literal, eternal hell is intolerable and "the fire and brimstone school of theology" not to be "biblical Christianity." Yet there are many that promote this belief like Dr. John Stott who was named Time magazine's "100 most influential people in the world" and was recognized by Rev. Billy Graham as "the most respected clergyman in the world today."
Stott recently died unrepentantly. But Cronfel's worthy goal in his book, “Eternal Christianity” is not to condemn honored gentlemen but to boldly exalt the name of Jesus Christ and proclaim what He eternally accomplished for us on Calvary. Cronfel urges his readers to carefully examine the Scriptures that show the eternal fear of God must precede an authentic gospel conversion. He finds it troubling that annihilationism pervades bestsellers like "Basic Christianity" and "The Cross of Christ." he includes the sermons "Lama Sabchthani?" By C.H. Spurgeon and "Life After Death Pt. 2" By Pastor Bill Mencarow for supporting argument.
Annihilationism, soul sleep, purgatory, and reincarnation alike contradict that God punished Jesus for our sins. However, evangelical Christians believe Christ's substitutionary punishment for sins is the central tenant of their faith. Cronfel goes on in his book to address other issues like the deity of Christ and forgiveness as it relates to annihilationism and proves that people still need to repent in fear of the true hell.
Jim Cronfel was saved while delivering a pizza listening to WMBI Chicago radio, during which God showed him His wrath and Gospel. He progressed unto Calvinism and then Charismata. He studied at Augustana College, Judson Baptist College, and Trinty Evangelical Divinity School. He attended Willow Creek Community Church, First Baptist of Elk Grove IL, Bethel Protestant Reformed Church, the Third Wave Evangelical Vineyard Church; and he is now at a Word of Faith Pentecostal Church. Yet, this book proves that the bad news is essential for true Historical Orthodoxy.
