In conclusion, let’s look at some more usages of the word aion or age many of which are from the writings of the apostle Paul. As previously explained examining how words are used in context will help our understanding of individually studied words. This will result in an overall increased understanding of the truth of God's Word as researched in biblical versions. Let’s examine scripturally the fundamental truth that when age refers to the workings of man or the God of this world, Satan it comes with a time limit. In contrast, when age refers to the workings of God the creator of the heavens and the earth it is often referred to as eternal.
First let’s see some of the other usages of aion or age showing a limited time period. When using the more recent New King James Version, the English word age is now used for the Greek word aion. In the older King James Version for these verses the word world was used for the Greek word aion. Some of these verses are as follows: 1 Corinthians 1:20, 1 Corinthians 2:6-8, 1 Corinthians 3:18, 1 Corinthians 10:11, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Ephesians 1:21, Ephesians 3:9, Ephesians 6:12, Colossians 1:26, 1 Timothy 6:17, Titus 2:12 and Hebrews 9:26.
1 Corinthians 2:6-9
6 However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age (aion), nor of the rulers of this age (aion), who are coming to nothing. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages (aion) for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age (aion) knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written:
Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.
NKJV
2 Corinthians 4:3-4
3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age (aion) has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
NKJV
Ephesians 6:12
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age (aion), against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
NKJV
1 Timothy 6:17
17 Command those who are rich in this present age (aion) not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
NKJV
Here are some of the many verses using the Greek word aion as it relates to God or his Son Jesus Christ as eternal also referred to as forever. In these verses the word aion is translated forever 13 times, eternal 3 times and ever 6 times. Romans 1:25, Romans 11:36, Romans 16:27, 2 Corinthians 9:9, 2 Corinthians 11:31, Ephesians 3:11, Ephesians 3:21, Philippians 4:20, 1 Timothy 1:17, 2 Timothy 4:18, Hebrews 1:8, Hebrews 6:20, Hebrews 7:28, Hebrews 13:8 and Hebrews 13:21.
Ephesians 3:11
11 according to the eternal (aion) purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,
NKJV
Philippians 4:20
20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever (aion) and ever (aion). Amen.
NKJV
1 Timothy 1:17
17 Now to the King eternal (aion), immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever (aion) and ever (aion). Amen.
NKJV
Hebrews 13:8
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (aion).
NKJV
In the next verses we see the two primary usages of age or aion with one usage showing a limited time period, followed by the next usages showing God as eternal. This is interesting because it shows the two different usages together. The first usage in verse 4 is this present evil age (aion), which has an ending. The next two usages of age (aion) in verse 5 we can see multiple ages and because they relate to God can result in forever or eternal. In looking at the verses as we have seen in this teaching, our hope is that mankind is delivered from this present evil age, which would mean that it is no longer in existence. This deliverance is through our Lord Jesus Christ and is according to the will of our God and Father. For this our God and Father and his Son Jesus Christ would get the glory forever (aion) and ever (aion). As a result we could have eternal salvation for all of mankind through our Lord Jesus Christ. Since God is a God of love, as stated in John 3:16, this would please God the highest and most.
Gal 1:3-5
3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age (aion), according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be glory forever (aion) and ever (aion). Amen.
I don't believe that the meaning or translation of the αἰών (aiōn) is in dispute. Clearly it refers to a time period which is limited in time, although it appears to refer to a long period of time. I think we derive our English word "eon" from it. You have, in detailed fashion, made your case that αἰών does not necessarily refer to a time period without end. However, no one was arguing the other side of this argument.
I do not have time this morning to list individual verses with uses of αἰώνιος, (aiōnios) translated "eternal", however, in all but three of its 70 occurences, it is translated either "eternal" or "everlasting". Many, if not most, of these occurences refer to eternal life.
There are a few options:
1. The translators got it completely wrong and "eternal" is a wrong translation and it should have been translated "long, but ultimately limited, life"
2. The adjective αἰώνιος has nuances beyond the strict, literal, meaning of αἰών and came to mean "unending" while the root word only meant "really, really long
The implications of pinning a meaning of "limited time period" onto the word translated "eternal" when referring to punishment is that eternal life isn't really eternal life
Another Greek word that is misunderstood is the related and descriptive adjective used word aionios. A definition of aionios is of or belonging to the age or ages. Since aion or age is often seen with a time limit then aionios can also mean enduring through or pertaining to a period of time. This related word could also simply refer to that which comes from God and relate to His purposes over a period of time or a number of periods of time. Certainly, God is eternal and this is part of God's characteristics and description and as the word aionis relates to God it can be viewed as eternal. However, as used with the word torment should not relate to eternal. It should relate to eternal only when associated with God. As an example, there are only 2 usages of this word (aionios) a descriptive adjective used in the book of Revelation. The book of Revelation teaches us about a future age or ages, and in the book of Revelation there are 25 usages of the noun aion, which is clearly used in a number of usages as we saw with a time limit. Also 24 of these usages in the book of Revelation for aion, are grouped together in pairs with aionas (plural) and aion (singular), with only one usage that is not. This one additional usage for the plural aionas is grouped with aionios, the adjective as seen below from the book of Revelation 1:18. Here is the scripture, which gives us the words of Jesus Christ our Lord, which shows that He has the keys to death and has eternal life.
Revelation 1:18
18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever (aionas) and ever (aionios)! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.
NIV
The above verse should be positive to any true believer in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ alive for ever and ever. Next is the only other usage of aionios in the book of Revelation shown in 14:6. Clearly this is also not promoting eternal torment for mankind. Rather it is promoting the worship of God, which thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ will result in salvation for all who believe in Him. And here we see the gospel, which is the goods news of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior offered to mankind. This gospel preached here is as eternal as God is Himself. This tells us that the gospel of Jesus Christ will continue to be preached in future ages and even eternally.
Revelation 14:6-7
6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting (aionios) gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
KJV
The verses that combine aionas (plural) with aion (singular) are Revelation 1:6, 4:9, 4:10, 5:13, 7:12, 10:6, 11:15, 14:11, 15:7, 19:3, 20:10, and 22:5. These verses are showing multiple ages or time periods. Here is an example of one of these verses, which shows the reign and Lordship of Jesus Christ over the kingdoms of this world. As we have seen and will continue to see this future reign of Jesus Christ as Lord is what ultimately will be eternal.
Revelation 11:15
15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever (aionas) and ever (aion)!"
NKJV
As previously explained when taken literally, how can there be multiple ages that are all eternal? And with multiple ages, one following the next, only the last one could be eternal. Additionally, pertaining to the biblical usages of the words involving torment, only two of these usages in the New Testament are used in context with the Greek words aion, aionas or aionios. These words for torment when using the Strong’s Greek word numbering system are found with 928, 929, 930 and 931. One of these two I have already covered is found in Revelation 14:10. The only other usage is in Revelation 20:10. Shall be tormented here only deals with the devil and with the symbolic and figurative beast and false prophet. This evil symbolizes religious and political power trying to destroy God's people as seen in Revelation 13:1-18.
Revelation 20:10
10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire (pur) and brimstone (theion), where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever (aion) and ever (aion).
KJV
And even used here pertaining to the devil's future torment we see the same Greek words for fire and brimstone that we saw in Revelation 14:10, with burning brimstone regarded as having power to purify, and to ward off contagion. Hence, even for the evil sinister devil, God has a goal of purification, although the devil will not like it and experience painful torment.
Thanks for the effort, but I do not think that you have demonstrated that aionios/eternal means different things when describing God and his works or describing Satan and his works. It appears to require an assumption about what God would or would not do to ignore the fact that the same word is used to describe eternal life and eternal punishment.
Regarding aion, aionas and aionios a biased and errant understanding of these three words deals with so called eternal torment or punishment for most of mankind for a lifetime of sin with no salvation possible. First of all let's examine a scripture that shows just the opposite. Yes, there is a form of punishment for mankind as seen in 1 Corinthians 5:5, but from this scripture it does not include eternal torment. Instead it includes the opposite which is salvation.
1 Corinthians 5:5
5 hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord.
New International Version (NIV)
First of all in context this man's sins were large and even worse than what was preached or practiced by people in pagan religions, a man having sexual relations with the wife of his father, as clearly written in 1 Corinthians 5:1.
1 Corinthians 5:1
1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans: A man has his father's wife.
NIV
Perhaps this was actually his mother by birth or his adopted mother. Which of these two is not stated here. However, clearly this is an example of man's sinful nature. When a person has such a sinful nature that cannot be corrected through truthful teaching to the individual the only other option for correction is for that person to reap what he has sewn or receive the harmful effects of his sin nature. In verse 5:5 this is through Satan, the God of man's sin nature with this man being handed over to Satan. The goal of God is the purification of man's sin nature or seeing this sin nature being destroyed as we see here and in other biblical verses. The goal is not punishment as this verse clearly states even this especially sinful man also will receive spiritual salvation on the day of the Lord or as the above verse states, "his spirit saved on the day of the Lord." Read in the same church epistle written by Paul 1 Corinthians chapter 15. This chapter tells us about natural bodies that all humanity has with its weakness and ultimate death and spiritual bodies raised in glory and power that we will receive thanks to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
1 Corinthians 15:42-44
42 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.
NIV
After this man in 1 Corinthians 5:5 experiences what Satan is here to do, which according to John 10:10 is steal, kill and destroy. Then perhaps when our loving God presents Himself to this man again he will finally accept it and not reject the truthful God, thereby avoiding more of the harmful and painful effects and nature of the deceiving and lying God of this world, Satan. This at least is God's goal so that at the end God will "be all in all". Otherwise what is the point of turning someone over to Satan? Does God or God's Son ever promote following Satan? No and Jesus Christ even cast out from people many demons which are spiritual beings under the authority of Satan. Jesus did this as part of the healing of people. See this in a number of verses, for example, Matthew 8:16, Matthew 9:33, Mark 1:34, Mark 1:39, and Luke 13:32. Jesus also taught and instructed his disciples so that they also cast out demons from people. See Matthew 10:8, Mark 6:13, and Mark 16:17. Here is the goal of Jesus Christ which is completed in verse 28 with, "so that God may be all in all".
1 Corinthians 15:20-28
20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For he "has put everything under his feet." Now when it says that "everything" has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. 28 When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.
NIV
God has delegated all things pertaining to the church for the salvation of mankind under Jesus Christ his Son. We see in the above verses in Adam all die and in Christ all will be made alive. Since we have death for all of humanity, even Jesus Christ, we have in or through Christ all in the future made alive. This order of life after death is Christ first being raised from the dead. Then when He comes those who belong to him or the followers of Jesus Christ being raised from the dead. For an explanation of this see 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Next we see all dominion, authority and power destroyed with Jesus Christ reigning as King or ruler until He has put all, and this includes even his enemies, under his feet or rulership. Then the last enemy to be destroyed is death. In the original Greek the word for destroyed (katargeoo) means "to render idle, unemployed, inoperative, to cause to cease, put an end to, do away with, annul, abolish". Death cannot be destroyed by there only being no further death. Death can only be destroyed and put to an end with the addition of a general resurrection. When death is finally destroyed this means no more death for humanity with all being made alive. When Jesus Christ finally reaches his goal of all or everything under His lordship or rulership, then Jesus Christ will turn back this authority to God his Father, so that God will or "may be all in all". This means all of humanity under God's commandments and with God's character, the foundation of which according to Jesus Christ as seen in Matthew 22:36-40 is to love God with all your heart and soul and love your neighbor as yourself.
Priest says Hell is an invention of the church to control people with fear.
I agree with the priest on this. And for this usage of church this would be organizations that want to mix their religion with politics in order to try to control people. We see that much historically with the Scribes and Pharisees of the 1st century church.
Well Roy my friend, there is certainly some disagreement regarding your thread topic, but it's evident that the church didn't have to invent hell, since a place of eternal punishment is mentioned in the gospels, by none other than Jesus. Whether it's correctly translated or interpreted seems to be an open question. Jesus evidently thought that certain sins would be punished by a "firey" eternal punishment, while Paul had a different view, a "sleep" culminating in a resurrection of all at some future time. The question of whether the church used the threat of hell/eternal punishment/torment to control by fear is a separate question that can best be answered by looking at history, rather than the bible, but I don't think you'd have to dig too deep to see that the threat of damnation was used extensively to control by fear.
Regarding the false concept of eternal torment for a life time of sin, here is another scriptural usage of the Greek word aionios, the adjective usage relating to age, which has been misunderstood.
Mark 3:28-29
28 I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. 29 But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal (aionios) sin."
NIV
First of all let’s look at the context or the situation of the above message as stated by Jesus Christ.
Mark 3:22-30
22 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, "He is possessed by Beelzebub! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons."
23 So Jesus called them and spoke to them in parables: "How can Satan drive out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. 27 In fact, no one can enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can rob his house. 28 I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. 29 But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal (aionios) sin."
30 He said this because they were saying, "He has an evil spirit."
NIV
First of all in Jesus’ explanation to the teachers of the law, known as scribes, and their false, arrogant and ignorant accusation against Jesus himself, he lets them and others know that they show no sense whatsoever with their false statement. Namely, their false statement that Jesus is only casting out demons, also called evil spirits, from people by using other demons and not via the power of the Holy Spirit through God the creator, who is Jesus’ Father by birth. As if an evil spirit would want to cast out another evil spirit and thereby only divide one group against another group. When this is done politically this will only result in a declining or falling nation. The same is true spiritually. The majority of people that heard about Jesus casting out evil spirits from people were very thankful of the healing effect that occurred for the individual people. However, the teachers of the Old Testament law who were given political power were not only, not thankful, they opposed Jesus and his desire to help and heal others.
Jesus, states clearly in verse 28 that all the sins of man will be forgiven. However, when combined with the ignorance that the arrogant teachers of the law, referred to as scribes were showing in not being able to even see the difference spiritually between the Holy Spirit and evil spirits this would result in sin as long as this ignorance continued. Stated another way as seen from 1 Corinthians chapter 15, we only have eternal life through our future new spiritual body given to us through Jesus Christ and not through our natural physical bodies. If we are opposed to the Holy Spirit or have confused the Holy Spirit with evil spirits why should we get or want a needed new spiritual body. Instead we would only have a desire for our old sinful body and nature and would not see the need for a new spiritual body, which is covered in detail in 1 Corinthians 15. Also this attitude of the teachers of the law shows a hard heart with them not showing any desire to repent and admit they were wrong about anything pertaining to godliness. What these verses show is that religious or political leaders that are false in their arrogance may be in the Future Lake of Fire the longest and maybe even for what are considered multiple ages. However, let's hope that God and his son Jesus Christ in the future age or ages can even smarten up the religious leaders so that even they will accept the Lordship of Jesus Christ. For similar verses, see Matthew 12:22-32
Matthew 12:22-32 from the New King James Version (NKJV)
A House Divided Cannot Stand
22 Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and[a] mute man both spoke and saw. 23 And all the multitudes were amazed and said, “Could this be the Son of David?”
24 Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, “This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.”
25 But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. 26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 27 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. 28 But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29 Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. 30 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.
The Unpardonable Sin
31 “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. 32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.
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Mark Sanguinetti
Age is only eternal as it relates to God the Creator of Life
In conclusion, let’s look at some more usages of the word aion or age many of which are from the writings of the apostle Paul. As previously explained examining how words are used in context will help our understanding of individually studied words. This will result in an overall increased understanding of the truth of God's Word as researched in biblical versions. Let’s examine scripturally the fundamental truth that when age refers to the workings of man or the God of this world, Satan it comes with a time limit. In contrast, when age refers to the workings of God the creator of the heavens and the earth it is often referred to as eternal.
First let’s see some of the other usages of aion or age showing a limited time period. When using the more recent New King James Version, the English word age is now used for the Greek word aion. In the older King James Version for these verses the word world was used for the Greek word aion. Some of these verses are as follows: 1 Corinthians 1:20, 1 Corinthians 2:6-8, 1 Corinthians 3:18, 1 Corinthians 10:11, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Ephesians 1:21, Ephesians 3:9, Ephesians 6:12, Colossians 1:26, 1 Timothy 6:17, Titus 2:12 and Hebrews 9:26.
1 Corinthians 2:6-9
6 However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age (aion), nor of the rulers of this age (aion), who are coming to nothing. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages (aion) for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age (aion) knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written:
Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.
NKJV
2 Corinthians 4:3-4
3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age (aion) has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
NKJV
Ephesians 6:12
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age (aion), against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
NKJV
1 Timothy 6:17
17 Command those who are rich in this present age (aion) not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
NKJV
Here are some of the many verses using the Greek word aion as it relates to God or his Son Jesus Christ as eternal also referred to as forever. In these verses the word aion is translated forever 13 times, eternal 3 times and ever 6 times. Romans 1:25, Romans 11:36, Romans 16:27, 2 Corinthians 9:9, 2 Corinthians 11:31, Ephesians 3:11, Ephesians 3:21, Philippians 4:20, 1 Timothy 1:17, 2 Timothy 4:18, Hebrews 1:8, Hebrews 6:20, Hebrews 7:28, Hebrews 13:8 and Hebrews 13:21.
Ephesians 3:11
11 according to the eternal (aion) purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,
NKJV
Philippians 4:20
20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever (aion) and ever (aion). Amen.
NKJV
1 Timothy 1:17
17 Now to the King eternal (aion), immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever (aion) and ever (aion). Amen.
NKJV
Hebrews 13:8
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (aion).
NKJV
In the next verses we see the two primary usages of age or aion with one usage showing a limited time period, followed by the next usages showing God as eternal. This is interesting because it shows the two different usages together. The first usage in verse 4 is this present evil age (aion), which has an ending. The next two usages of age (aion) in verse 5 we can see multiple ages and because they relate to God can result in forever or eternal. In looking at the verses as we have seen in this teaching, our hope is that mankind is delivered from this present evil age, which would mean that it is no longer in existence. This deliverance is through our Lord Jesus Christ and is according to the will of our God and Father. For this our God and Father and his Son Jesus Christ would get the glory forever (aion) and ever (aion). As a result we could have eternal salvation for all of mankind through our Lord Jesus Christ. Since God is a God of love, as stated in John 3:16, this would please God the highest and most.
Gal 1:3-5
3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age (aion), according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be glory forever (aion) and ever (aion). Amen.
NKJV
Edited by Mark SanguinettiLink to comment
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Oakspear
I don't believe that the meaning or translation of the αἰών (aiōn) is in dispute. Clearly it refers to a time period which is limited in time, although it appears to refer to a long period of time. I think we derive our English word "eon" from it. You have, in detailed fashion, made your case that αἰών does not necessarily refer to a time period without end. However, no one was arguing the other side of this argument.
I do not have time this morning to list individual verses with uses of αἰώνιος, (aiōnios) translated "eternal", however, in all but three of its 70 occurences, it is translated either "eternal" or "everlasting". Many, if not most, of these occurences refer to eternal life.
There are a few options:
1. The translators got it completely wrong and "eternal" is a wrong translation and it should have been translated "long, but ultimately limited, life"
2. The adjective αἰώνιος has nuances beyond the strict, literal, meaning of αἰών and came to mean "unending" while the root word only meant "really, really long
The implications of pinning a meaning of "limited time period" onto the word translated "eternal" when referring to punishment is that eternal life isn't really eternal life
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Mark Sanguinetti
Aionios, the descriptive word related to Aion or Age
Another Greek word that is misunderstood is the related and descriptive adjective used word aionios. A definition of aionios is of or belonging to the age or ages. Since aion or age is often seen with a time limit then aionios can also mean enduring through or pertaining to a period of time. This related word could also simply refer to that which comes from God and relate to His purposes over a period of time or a number of periods of time. Certainly, God is eternal and this is part of God's characteristics and description and as the word aionis relates to God it can be viewed as eternal. However, as used with the word torment should not relate to eternal. It should relate to eternal only when associated with God. As an example, there are only 2 usages of this word (aionios) a descriptive adjective used in the book of Revelation. The book of Revelation teaches us about a future age or ages, and in the book of Revelation there are 25 usages of the noun aion, which is clearly used in a number of usages as we saw with a time limit. Also 24 of these usages in the book of Revelation for aion, are grouped together in pairs with aionas (plural) and aion (singular), with only one usage that is not. This one additional usage for the plural aionas is grouped with aionios, the adjective as seen below from the book of Revelation 1:18. Here is the scripture, which gives us the words of Jesus Christ our Lord, which shows that He has the keys to death and has eternal life.
Revelation 1:18
18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever (aionas) and ever (aionios)! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.
NIV
The above verse should be positive to any true believer in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ alive for ever and ever. Next is the only other usage of aionios in the book of Revelation shown in 14:6. Clearly this is also not promoting eternal torment for mankind. Rather it is promoting the worship of God, which thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ will result in salvation for all who believe in Him. And here we see the gospel, which is the goods news of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior offered to mankind. This gospel preached here is as eternal as God is Himself. This tells us that the gospel of Jesus Christ will continue to be preached in future ages and even eternally.
Revelation 14:6-7
6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting (aionios) gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
KJV
The verses that combine aionas (plural) with aion (singular) are Revelation 1:6, 4:9, 4:10, 5:13, 7:12, 10:6, 11:15, 14:11, 15:7, 19:3, 20:10, and 22:5. These verses are showing multiple ages or time periods. Here is an example of one of these verses, which shows the reign and Lordship of Jesus Christ over the kingdoms of this world. As we have seen and will continue to see this future reign of Jesus Christ as Lord is what ultimately will be eternal.
Revelation 11:15
15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever (aionas) and ever (aion)!"
NKJV
As previously explained when taken literally, how can there be multiple ages that are all eternal? And with multiple ages, one following the next, only the last one could be eternal. Additionally, pertaining to the biblical usages of the words involving torment, only two of these usages in the New Testament are used in context with the Greek words aion, aionas or aionios. These words for torment when using the Strong’s Greek word numbering system are found with 928, 929, 930 and 931. One of these two I have already covered is found in Revelation 14:10. The only other usage is in Revelation 20:10. Shall be tormented here only deals with the devil and with the symbolic and figurative beast and false prophet. This evil symbolizes religious and political power trying to destroy God's people as seen in Revelation 13:1-18.
Revelation 20:10
10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire (pur) and brimstone (theion), where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever (aion) and ever (aion).
KJV
And even used here pertaining to the devil's future torment we see the same Greek words for fire and brimstone that we saw in Revelation 14:10, with burning brimstone regarded as having power to purify, and to ward off contagion. Hence, even for the evil sinister devil, God has a goal of purification, although the devil will not like it and experience painful torment.
Edited by Mark SanguinettiLink to comment
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Oakspear
Thanks for the effort, but I do not think that you have demonstrated that aionios/eternal means different things when describing God and his works or describing Satan and his works. It appears to require an assumption about what God would or would not do to ignore the fact that the same word is used to describe eternal life and eternal punishment.
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Mark Sanguinetti
Sinful nature destroyed
Regarding aion, aionas and aionios a biased and errant understanding of these three words deals with so called eternal torment or punishment for most of mankind for a lifetime of sin with no salvation possible. First of all let's examine a scripture that shows just the opposite. Yes, there is a form of punishment for mankind as seen in 1 Corinthians 5:5, but from this scripture it does not include eternal torment. Instead it includes the opposite which is salvation.
1 Corinthians 5:5
5 hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord.
New International Version (NIV)
First of all in context this man's sins were large and even worse than what was preached or practiced by people in pagan religions, a man having sexual relations with the wife of his father, as clearly written in 1 Corinthians 5:1.
1 Corinthians 5:1
1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans: A man has his father's wife.
NIV
Perhaps this was actually his mother by birth or his adopted mother. Which of these two is not stated here. However, clearly this is an example of man's sinful nature. When a person has such a sinful nature that cannot be corrected through truthful teaching to the individual the only other option for correction is for that person to reap what he has sewn or receive the harmful effects of his sin nature. In verse 5:5 this is through Satan, the God of man's sin nature with this man being handed over to Satan. The goal of God is the purification of man's sin nature or seeing this sin nature being destroyed as we see here and in other biblical verses. The goal is not punishment as this verse clearly states even this especially sinful man also will receive spiritual salvation on the day of the Lord or as the above verse states, "his spirit saved on the day of the Lord." Read in the same church epistle written by Paul 1 Corinthians chapter 15. This chapter tells us about natural bodies that all humanity has with its weakness and ultimate death and spiritual bodies raised in glory and power that we will receive thanks to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
1 Corinthians 15:42-44
42 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.
NIV
After this man in 1 Corinthians 5:5 experiences what Satan is here to do, which according to John 10:10 is steal, kill and destroy. Then perhaps when our loving God presents Himself to this man again he will finally accept it and not reject the truthful God, thereby avoiding more of the harmful and painful effects and nature of the deceiving and lying God of this world, Satan. This at least is God's goal so that at the end God will "be all in all". Otherwise what is the point of turning someone over to Satan? Does God or God's Son ever promote following Satan? No and Jesus Christ even cast out from people many demons which are spiritual beings under the authority of Satan. Jesus did this as part of the healing of people. See this in a number of verses, for example, Matthew 8:16, Matthew 9:33, Mark 1:34, Mark 1:39, and Luke 13:32. Jesus also taught and instructed his disciples so that they also cast out demons from people. See Matthew 10:8, Mark 6:13, and Mark 16:17. Here is the goal of Jesus Christ which is completed in verse 28 with, "so that God may be all in all".
1 Corinthians 15:20-28
20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For he "has put everything under his feet." Now when it says that "everything" has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. 28 When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.
NIV
God has delegated all things pertaining to the church for the salvation of mankind under Jesus Christ his Son. We see in the above verses in Adam all die and in Christ all will be made alive. Since we have death for all of humanity, even Jesus Christ, we have in or through Christ all in the future made alive. This order of life after death is Christ first being raised from the dead. Then when He comes those who belong to him or the followers of Jesus Christ being raised from the dead. For an explanation of this see 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Next we see all dominion, authority and power destroyed with Jesus Christ reigning as King or ruler until He has put all, and this includes even his enemies, under his feet or rulership. Then the last enemy to be destroyed is death. In the original Greek the word for destroyed (katargeoo) means "to render idle, unemployed, inoperative, to cause to cease, put an end to, do away with, annul, abolish". Death cannot be destroyed by there only being no further death. Death can only be destroyed and put to an end with the addition of a general resurrection. When death is finally destroyed this means no more death for humanity with all being made alive. When Jesus Christ finally reaches his goal of all or everything under His lordship or rulership, then Jesus Christ will turn back this authority to God his Father, so that God will or "may be all in all". This means all of humanity under God's commandments and with God's character, the foundation of which according to Jesus Christ as seen in Matthew 22:36-40 is to love God with all your heart and soul and love your neighbor as yourself.
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Mark Sanguinetti
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Edited by Mark SanguinettiLink to comment
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Mark Sanguinetti
Priest says Hell is an invention of the church to control people with fear.
I agree with the priest on this. And for this usage of church this would be organizations that want to mix their religion with politics in order to try to control people. We see that much historically with the Scribes and Pharisees of the 1st century church.
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Oakspear
Well Roy my friend, there is certainly some disagreement regarding your thread topic, but it's evident that the church didn't have to invent hell, since a place of eternal punishment is mentioned in the gospels, by none other than Jesus. Whether it's correctly translated or interpreted seems to be an open question. Jesus evidently thought that certain sins would be punished by a "firey" eternal punishment, while Paul had a different view, a "sleep" culminating in a resurrection of all at some future time. The question of whether the church used the threat of hell/eternal punishment/torment to control by fear is a separate question that can best be answered by looking at history, rather than the bible, but I don't think you'd have to dig too deep to see that the threat of damnation was used extensively to control by fear.
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Mark Sanguinetti
Eternal sin or seeing the need of the Holy Spirit
Regarding the false concept of eternal torment for a life time of sin, here is another scriptural usage of the Greek word aionios, the adjective usage relating to age, which has been misunderstood.
Mark 3:28-29
28 I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. 29 But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal (aionios) sin."
NIV
First of all let’s look at the context or the situation of the above message as stated by Jesus Christ.
Mark 3:22-30
22 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, "He is possessed by Beelzebub! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons."
23 So Jesus called them and spoke to them in parables: "How can Satan drive out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. 27 In fact, no one can enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can rob his house. 28 I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. 29 But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal (aionios) sin."
30 He said this because they were saying, "He has an evil spirit."
NIV
First of all in Jesus’ explanation to the teachers of the law, known as scribes, and their false, arrogant and ignorant accusation against Jesus himself, he lets them and others know that they show no sense whatsoever with their false statement. Namely, their false statement that Jesus is only casting out demons, also called evil spirits, from people by using other demons and not via the power of the Holy Spirit through God the creator, who is Jesus’ Father by birth. As if an evil spirit would want to cast out another evil spirit and thereby only divide one group against another group. When this is done politically this will only result in a declining or falling nation. The same is true spiritually. The majority of people that heard about Jesus casting out evil spirits from people were very thankful of the healing effect that occurred for the individual people. However, the teachers of the Old Testament law who were given political power were not only, not thankful, they opposed Jesus and his desire to help and heal others.
Jesus, states clearly in verse 28 that all the sins of man will be forgiven. However, when combined with the ignorance that the arrogant teachers of the law, referred to as scribes were showing in not being able to even see the difference spiritually between the Holy Spirit and evil spirits this would result in sin as long as this ignorance continued. Stated another way as seen from 1 Corinthians chapter 15, we only have eternal life through our future new spiritual body given to us through Jesus Christ and not through our natural physical bodies. If we are opposed to the Holy Spirit or have confused the Holy Spirit with evil spirits why should we get or want a needed new spiritual body. Instead we would only have a desire for our old sinful body and nature and would not see the need for a new spiritual body, which is covered in detail in 1 Corinthians 15. Also this attitude of the teachers of the law shows a hard heart with them not showing any desire to repent and admit they were wrong about anything pertaining to godliness. What these verses show is that religious or political leaders that are false in their arrogance may be in the Future Lake of Fire the longest and maybe even for what are considered multiple ages. However, let's hope that God and his son Jesus Christ in the future age or ages can even smarten up the religious leaders so that even they will accept the Lordship of Jesus Christ. For similar verses, see Matthew 12:22-32
Matthew 12:22-32 from the New King James Version (NKJV)
A House Divided Cannot Stand
22 Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and[a] mute man both spoke and saw. 23 And all the multitudes were amazed and said, “Could this be the Son of David?”
24 Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, “This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.”
25 But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. 26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 27 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. 28 But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29 Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. 30 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.
The Unpardonable Sin
31 “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. 32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.
Edited by Mark SanguinettiLink to comment
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