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| Viewing Page 1 of 1 (Total Posts: 9) |
| Author | Comment |
Matt
Aug 28, 06 - 1:24 PM |
Eons and the Lake of Fire
We Universalists know about the correct translations for aionian punishment and aionian life from the original Greek texts. But just how long is an eon; the term is pretty vague. Also; what will the Lake of Fire experience be like? When does it stop? Does it end at the same time for everyone or does it vary by the individual? What is the "Fire?" I haven't found any conclusive answers to these questions...and I might not here either. But any opinions are welcome. Thanks, Matt |
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Ed
Aug 29th, 2006 - 10:38 AM |
Re: Eons and the Lake of Fire
"We Universalists know about the correct translations for aionian punishment and aionian life from the original Greek texts. But just how long is an eon; the term is pretty vague." That's right, I think it is pretty vague. I think it has been described here as, "beyond the horizon." Many experts on Greek feel that it does sometimes represent the eternal, depending on context. "Also; what will the Lake of Fire experience be like? When does it stop? Does it end at the same time for everyone or does it vary by the individual? What is the "Fire?"" I don't quite know what it will be like or when it will stop, if ever, but I'm convinced it will vary for the individual as is appropriate for their needs. I think it is also spoken of in Hebrews 12: ""Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heaven." This expression, "Yet once more," denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain...for our God is a consuming fire." Hebrews 12:26,27,29 If our God is a consuming fire, He is surely also an eternal fire. The burning which we each experience from Him feels differently based on our condition. When we are pure, that fire goes on burning as a source of life and joy. Ed |
Mike Burke
 Aug 29th, 2006 - 10:53 AM |
Re: Eons and the Lake of Fire
Thank you Ed. God Bless. |
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Eystein
Aug 29th, 2006 - 10:54 AM |
Re: Eons and the Lake of Fire
An eon might not always be a fixed period at all but a really long period of time. When Jonah was in the belly of the fish for the eon, this certainly must have felt like ages of time although it was just three days and three nights. Similarly, the eons of the eons connected with the lake of fire might be an idiomatic expression for an even longer period of time (perhaps even eternity when connected with God and Christ) but not necessarily for ever and ever. Just as when both Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2, 37), Artaxerxes (Ezra 7, 12) and Christ (1 Timothy 6, 15; Revelation 17, 14; 19, 16) is called King of kings it is in all cases an idiomatic expression for a great potentate and not necessarily the greatest potentate (which is only the triune God) conceivable. One could argue (as does Gregory McDonald) that even if the phrase the eons of the eons does mean forever and ever it is only connected with the demonic trinity (the devil, the beast and the false prophet) and even if the devil is redeemed as a reborn angel and the beast and the false prophet as redeemed men, one could still speak of the eternal defeat of those three as opposing powers. But how does one then explain that they are tormented day and night forever and ever? The word for torment is used also of Babylon to symbolize defeat (Revelation 18) although it is clear that a city cannot be conscious of such torment. I am not saying that there will be no form of torment in the lake of fire, but it is not necessarily this that lasts for ever. Will the period in the lake of fire be the same for everyone? That depends on how one sees the purpose of it. If its purpose is to purge away sin one would presume that the period would be different for each sinner. If it serves (also) as a prison until the fullness of the times (Ephesians 1, 10) they will perhaps all be released at the same time. Some Christian Universalists understand by the description of the New Jerusalem that there will be a constant flow into it from the lake of fire until it is completely empty. Peace, Eystein |
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Mike Burke
Aug 29th, 2006 - 10:02 PM |
Re: Eons and the Lake of Fire
[quote] An eon might not always be a fixed period at all but a really long period of time. When Jonah was in the belly of the fish for the eon, this certainly must have felt like ages of time although it was just three days and three nights. Similarly, the eons of the eons connected with the lake of fire might be an idiomatic expression for an even longer period of time (perhaps even eternity when connected with God and Christ) but not necessarily for ever and ever. Just as when both Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2, 37), Artaxerxes (Ezra 7, 12) and Christ (1 Timothy 6, 15; Revelation 17, 14; 19, 16) is called King of kings it is in all cases an idiomatic expression for a great potentate and not necessarily the greatest potentate (which is only the triune God) [unquote] I think you made a very good point here Eystein. Thank you (and God Bless.) |
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Eystein
Aug 30th, 2006 - 11:29 AM |
Re: Eons and the Lake of Fire
"I think you made a very good point here Eystein. Thank you (and God Bless.)" And thank you (and God bless.) Glad to help! |
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Mike Burke
Aug 30th, 2006 - 11:34 AM |
Re: Eons and the Lake of Fire
I thank you, Ed, and Matt. Grace and Peace to all of you. |
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Maribel
Jun 24th, 2007 - 7:49 PM |
Re: Eons and the Lake of Fire
When I first started believin eternal torment, I was like I should have died years ago when I got ran over by a car, but then believed an annihilation, but it was more difficult to bear, then I believed in Inclusivism, which is truly good news. |
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Mike Burke
Jun 24th, 2007 - 9:07 PM |
Re: Eons and the Lake of Fire
Thanks for sharing that Maribel. G-d Bless. |
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