The Conditionalist Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 2

II. Nonconformist Hallett: If “No Resurrection, No Future State”

Archdeacon Blackburne likewise refers to “innumerable” tractates on the immortality issue, written back and forth over the first quarter of the eighteenth century. But many of these, he also states, were mere “repetitions of what had been said an hundred times before.” ⁶ We therefore pass them by. But we now pause to note the “learned” JOSEPH HALLETT, JR. (1691-1744), of Exeter, classmate of John Foxe, the martyrologist. Of “excellent reputation,” a keen student and widely read, Hallett was ordained as a Nonconformist minister in 1715, serving the Independent congregation of Exeter. CFF2 227.2

In 1729 he published A Free and Impartial Study of the Holy Scripture recommended .... VII. Of the Soul ... with the Impossibility of proving a Future State by the Light of Nature. In this treatise he insisted that the Scriptures never speak of the natural immortality of the soul. And he likewise taught the paralleling Conditionalist doctrine of the ultimate destruction of the impenitent wicked. ⁷ The treatise is described by Blackburne as sufficient to convince those not governed by blind prejudice. ⁸ CFF2 227.3

The gist of Hallett’s teaching was simply this: If there is no resurrection, there will be no future life even for the soul. ⁹ However, the anger of various antagonists was aroused, and there was much acrimony and frenzied probing for weak spots. Nevertheless, his was a recognized contribution. This was followed in 1731 by a Defence of his previous work, with An Answer to the Reverend Mr. Grove’s Thoughts on the same Subject. Grove had charged a contradiction in Hallett’s arguments, and had invoked the weight of “tradition” concerning the future state. ¹⁰ The essence of Hallett’s reply is given here: CFF2 227.4

1. LOST IMMORTALITY RESTORED THROUGH CHRIST

“Christ came to repair the damage that had been done by the fall, and that as in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive, i. e. that as all mankind have lost their immortality by the first sin of Adam, so all mankind shall be raised from the dead by Christ; and being thus freed from the evil they suffered for Adam’s sin, they shall be set upon their own legs, and plead their own righteousness if they have any to plead, in order to be restored to immortal happiness.” ¹¹ CFF2 228.1

2. RESURRECTION FOR ALL; IMMORTALITY ONLY FOR SAINTS

“If Mr. Grovel would carry this matter farther he must produce his proofs. He says, indeed, p. 133, that this immortality which all men lost in Adam, was regained by Christ. But the Scriptures, as far as I can perceive, does not say, that Christ purchased immortality for all men, but only that he purchased [procured] a resurrection for them. And after all men are raised, they shall be judged, and afterward disposed of accordingly as they were righteous or not. So that some may be condemned to eternal sleep, while others shall be made immortal .... The promise was made to all nations upon condition of their believing the gospel, and so is fulfilled only to them that believe.” ¹² CFF2 228.2

Thus the searching debate continued to swing back and forth between men of high training and deep conviction. But notable champions of Conditionalism were on the increase. CFF2 228.3