Aionian Life is not Eternal
Dear Mike
I just recently talked with a friend about Universal Salvation and he is really excited. After talking with him about certain scriptural and philosophical aspects, I directed him to sites such as J Preston Eby, and of course, your site to understand the doctrine and other subjects that surround it. I was hoping you could explain to me Mat 25:46 and how the word aion is used in that passage. I understand it to a degree but my friend says it is the only thing he cannot reconcile to fully grasp the Universal Salvation Doctrine. If aion is an age (as I believe it is), then our eternal life that is spoken of is not really eternal. I know that salvation is a process throughout our lives, so being saved should be termed as a duration of being saved, a process of saved if you will. I hope I am making sense. Any thoughts you have on this subject will be greatly appreciated.
Thanx
K____
Hi K____,
You say:
If aion is an age (as I believe it is) then our eternal life that is spoken of is not really eternal.
This is the reasoning of every mind that has been reared with the doctrine that teaches that the Greek word ‘aion’ means ‘eternal.’ I asked this same question when I was first learning that God is a loving Father.
Okay, Let’s look at this verse:
Mat 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting [166- aionian] punishment: but the righteous into life eternal [166- aionian].
Now I am going to assume that you and your friend are both aware of the scriptures that prove conclusively that this word aion cannot mean eternity:
Mat 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? [165- aion-“of the ‘aion.'”]
2Ti 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began [165- aion- ‘Before the aion began.’]
Now with that fact firmly in mind, let me point out that being resurrected and given life during the aions is what separates the ‘overcomers,’ the ‘few who are chosen,’ from those who do not overcome while still in the flesh. Those who hear the gospel and do not overcome, are what Christ refers to as the ‘many are called.’ The ‘many called’ are not in the first resurrection and are not given rulership while the aions continue. But they are judged and reconciled to God in the ‘lake of fire’ by those who are ruling over them at that time.
Oba 1:21 And saviours [ The ‘overcomers’ who will “judge the world … and angels” (1Co 6:2-3)] shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD’S.
Rev 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection [ the “overcomers”]: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
But this will all be done during these ‘aions.’
Any connection between our immortality and the end of the aions has to be read into the text by our misinformed doctrines, which have pre- conditioned us to think that aion means eternal. It does not!
If I were to tell you that “God owns the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psa 50:10), am I telling you that God does not own the cattle on hill one thousand one? No, I am not! “The earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof.” If I tell you that God is “the God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob,” am I denying that He is not the God of Job, David, all the prophets, and you and me? No, of course not! That is absurd.
Likewise, when Christ tells us that the righteous “shall depart into life aionian,” it is absurd to suggest that He is denying them of their promised “incorruption,” or their promised “immortality,” their ‘deathlessness.’ ‘Incorruption’ means ‘not subject to corruption.’ ‘Immortality’ means ‘not subject to death.’ This is the common lot of all men because of the sacrifice of Christ.
1Co 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
1Co 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
The second ‘all’ is the same ‘all’ as the first ‘all.’ Immortality, not aionian life, is the common lot of all men whether or not they are “counted worthy” of rulership in Christ’s “aionian kingdom.” Those who receive ‘aionian punishment’ are certainly alive during their punishment. But this is contrasted in the gospels with the “abundant life” given to those who receive “aionian life.” “Aionian life” is opposed to “aionian punishment.”
Joh 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
1Co 15:25 For he must reign, [ only] until he hath put all enemies under his feet.
1Co 15:26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
1Co 15:27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
1Co 15:28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
I hope this helps you and your friend.
Mike
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