It also says that all are saved. What, are we back to one verse overriding another?
I ignore nothing in scripture. From the verse you quoted, Some will be saved and be with Christ during the rest of the aions. and many will most assuredly fall away for the rest of the aions. That's the word used in the greek. Not "eternal" or "forever" or "forever and ever"(whatever that means).
If getting to the bottom of specific words is wrangling about words, so be it. I think it's important what was originally said in the greek. Translations are not inspired. The originals were.
Salvation, except in 1 Corinthians 15(where Paul takes us beyond the aions or ages when God the Father is All in all), is always with a view to "the ages" or "the aions". And they shall reign with Christ for the aions of the aions.
Same with punishment and judgment. And they shall go into aionian (or age during or eonian) punishment. But again, the aions or ages will end. Aionian punishment is not eternal.
Words are important Sidney. In all the many verses you refer to (and I've looked at all of them) none in the greek say they are for eternity. Which means those that say Christ will save all will happen eventually. Remember Christ is said be the Savior of all "to be testified in due time" and all will be vivified but "each in his own order" These verses don't oppose or contradict the ones that say many will fall away, they are in complete harmony with each other if we keep the timing of them in the correct order.
When you say over and over "I subscribe to what Jesus said Himself" that tells me you ignore scripture that, in your view, appears to conflict with the words of Jesus. Paul does not contradict Jesus. The risen Jesus, afterall, gave Paul his gospel to the uncircumcision. Scripture, in it's original penning, is the inerrant Word of God. All of it. Not just the parts you agree with. You can't "subscribe" to part of it and disregard other parts.
Sorry.
:-)
alan w |
