Luke 22:19-20 KJVS
And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. [20] Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

Hebrews 9:17 KJVS
For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.

Most of the scriptures with the word testament, or covenant in it in the KJV New Testament is referring to a devisory will.

Strong’s Number
G1242
Original Word
διαθήκη
Transliterated Word
diathēkē
Phonetic Spelling
dee-ath-ay’-kay
Parts of Speech
Noun Feminine
Strong’s Definition
From G1303; properly a disposition that is (specifically) a contract (especially a devisory will): – covenant testament.

To use language that most people will understand, a devisory will, is a last will and testament. After my father died, the will was read and the terms of the will regarding his bank accounts,, house and property was carried out and divided among his children. So what exactly did Jesus Christ leave to his brethren? Let me explain. Apostle Paul, who was Pharisee and was tutored by a renowned expert in the law of Moses, wrote the following, making a very important distinction regarding God’s covenants. Pay very close attention to verse 24 and 25.

Galatians 4:22-26 KJVS
For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. [23] But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
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[24] Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. [25] For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
**********
[26] But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

Galatians 3:14,16-18,28-29 KJVS
That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. [16] Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. [17] And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. [18] For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. [28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Part of my confusion in the past was that the Greek word G1242, is translated into the English words, covenant covenants and testament in the KJV. The words seemed interchangeable to me. And I always viewed the words “new testament” and associated it with replacing the law of Moses in the Old Testament. But the word testament is often used to describe a divisory will. The key to understanding this is given in the above verses. There are two covenants, covenant of the law and covenant of promise. That promise that God made to Abraham, extends to his seed. Not to many seeds, but to our seed Jesus Christ. Now that promise, that was made to Jesus Christ, could only be extended to his brethren, He 2:10-13, through a devisory will.

Hebrews 9:15-17 KJVS
And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. [16] For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. [17] For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.

The promise of eternal inheritance, to be heirs of the world with Abraham, Ro 4:13, is made to his seed, Jesus Christ, and those that he bequeaths that promise to. This eternal inheritance, is to rule and reign with Jesus Christ for 1000 years, Re 20:4&6. And part of that promise/blessing is to receive the Spirit. Both of which can only be acquired through the covenant of promise, Ga 3:18. Not through the law of Moses.

John 6:56 KJVS
He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
Romans 4:13 KJVS
For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
Galatians 3:29 KJVS
And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Acts 13:48 KJVS
And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

Ephesians 1:5 KJVS
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Romans 8:29-30 KJVS
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. [30] Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Many different church theologians take different views on the above verses in regards to pre-destination. There are many doctrinal position by these institutions that reminds me of a verse later on in the epistle of Ephesians.

Ephesians 4:14 KJVS
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Let me show you something they don’t want you to know. Some sleight of hand practiced by Christian institutions down through the centuries..

1 Timothy 4:9-11 KJVS
This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. [10] For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. [11] These things command and teach.

Do the Christian denominational institutions of today or in the past teach that God is going to save all men as apostle Paul commanded the church to do? That’s a rhetorical question by the way. So then one has to ask why don’t they. Greed, kingdom’s of this world, individual power and prestige. It just occurred to me that most do not teach sound doctrine due to the lack of ability in understanding sound doctrine, because God did not permit them to.

Hebrews 6:1-3 KJVS
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, [2] Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. [3] And this will we do, if God permit.

Let us take a little closer look at the doctrine of eternal judgment.

1 Timothy 2:4-6 KJVS
Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. [5] For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; [6] Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Many play a lot of word games chipping away at the sovereignty of God, 2 Ti 2:14. Take for instance the word “will” in verse four. They will say he desires all men to be saved. But the very same Greek word translated into “will” in that verse, appears in this verse, Ro 9:18.

Romans 9:18 KJVS
Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. 19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?

Who has resisted God’s will when he exerts it? No one. A different Greek word was used for the translation of the word “will” in verse 19, by the way. The problem with most if not all mainstream denominational theology with regards to God saving all men, Is the impact it has on the collection basket. If you take away the fear of eternal hell, and on the other hand question free will, many churches would go out of business. If you convince a person there is a eternal hell, and on the other hand convince him that he made the choice that Jesus Christ is his savior, the Pews in the church start to fill up. God doesn’t save everyone at the same time.

Ephesians 1:10-12 KJVS
That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: [11] In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: [12] That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

The inheritance that is mentioned in verse 11 is to rule and reign with Jesus Christ for 1000 years as priests and kings, Re 1:6. The 20th chapter of Revelation has many details about how God goes about saving humanity.

Revelation 20:4-6 KJVS
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. [5] But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. [6] Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: 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.

The second death, is death to the lust of the flesh, which is sanctification.

Hebrews 10:10,14 KJVS
By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. [14] For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

1 Peter 4:1-5 ESV
Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, [2] so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. [3] For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. [4] With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; [5] but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

Those who are going to rule and reign with Jesus Christ have already been judged by God while they lived.

1 Peter 4:17 ESV
For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

Let’s circle back to a verse that was mentioned earlier.

Revelation 20:5 KJVS
But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.

The rest of the dead who did not reign with Jesus Christ will pass through the white throne judgment. Resurrection of the just and the unjust mentioned by our Lord in Matthew 25:31-46, specifically the just, live during the thousand years reign and are part of the first resurrection. The unjust will be spending a thousand years in fire.

Matthew 25:41 KJVS
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

Matthew 25:46 KJVS
And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Definition for the Greek word that is translated into the English word punishment in this previous verse.

Thayer’s Definition
correction, punishment, penalty 1.

I prefer Matthew 25:46 from literal bible translations.

Matthew 25:46 YLT
And these shall go away to punishment age-during, but the righteous to life age-during.’
Matthew 25:46 Concordant Literal New Testament
And these shall be coming away into chastening eonian, yet the just into life eonian.”

This is a example of the cunning craftiness apostle Paul wrote about in Ephesians 4:14. In order to support a concept of a eternal hell, certain words when translated were given definitions that indicated a eternal hell.

Strong’s Number
G165
Original Word
αἰών
Transliterated Word
aiōn
Phonetic Spelling
ahee-ohn’
Parts of Speech
Noun Masculine
Strong’s Definition
From the same as G104; properly an age; by extension perpetuity (also past); by implication the world; specifically (Jewish) a Messianic period (present or future): – age course eternal (for) ever (-more) [n-]ever (beginning of the while the) world (began without end). Compare G5550 .

This word also is in adjective form as aionios, G166.

Strong’s Number
G166
Original Word
αἰώνιος
Transliterated Word
aiōnios
Phonetic Spelling
ahee-o’-nee-os
Parts of Speech
Adjective
Strong’s Definition
From G165; perpetual (also used of past time or past and future as well): – eternal for ever everlasting world (began).

The definitions for both Greek words are rather ambiguous. G166 is often translated into everlasting or eternal. G165 is often translated into “for ever”. When I first was called by the Lord and receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit over 40 years ago I bought a hard copy of Strongs concordance. G165 definition was eternal. I noticed years back the word definition had changed “properly an age” given as the first definition listed. That being said let’s examine the verses concerning white throne judgment.

Revelation 20:11-15 KJVS
And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. [12] And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. [13] And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. [14] And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. [15] And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Revelation 21:8 KJVS
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Definition of the word brimstone in the above verse.

Thayer’s Definition
1. brimstone
a. divine incense, because burning brimstone was regarded as having power to purify, and to ward off disease

Now remember those who rule and reign with Jesus Christ for a 1000 years do not take part in the second death. Because they have already died to the flesh, Ro 6:6 and then go through the baptism of fire.

Luke 3:16-17 KJVS
John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: [17] Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.

The metaphor in verse 17, the chaff represents the flesh.

Hebrews 13:9-13 KJVS
Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. [10] We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. [11] For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. [12] Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. [13] Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his

The fire of that altar is fiery trial and suffering.

1 Peter 4:12-13 KJVS
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: [13] But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

I notice this verse years ago and believe it has bearing on the judgment of all mankind.

1 John 4:16 KJVS
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

1 Corinthians 15:28 KJVS
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.

If God is going to be all in all then all men have to dwell in love. The body of Christ has a role in accomplishing this.

1 Corinthians 6:2 KJVS
Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

Romans 9:26 KJVS
[26] And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.

It is extremely important to understand who the children of God are in context with Israel of the Old Testament. What follows will hopefully be a clear cut exercise of rightly dividing the word of the truth, 2 Ti 2:15. The bulk of the verses used, will be from the book of Romans and Galatians. Paul previously in chapter 9 of Romans, makes clear the difference between Israel of the flesh and Israel of the promise seed, in regards to who are the children of God.

Romans 9:6-8 KJVS
[6] Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: [7] Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. [8] That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

In Isaac shall thy seed be called is a reference to the actual words spoken by God to Abraham, Gen 21:12. In the book of Galatians Apostle Paul adds more information regarding Israel of the flesh and Israel of the promise. But introduces another bit of information that took quite a bit of study for me to understand fully.

Galatians 4:22-26,28,30-31 KJVS
[22] For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. [23] But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. [24] Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. [25] For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. [26] But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. [28] Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. [30] Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. [31] So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

Mount Sinai in verse 25, and the mention of Jerusalem that now is, clearly points to the law of Moses and the religious institution of the Temple in Apostle Paul’s day. You will notice there is only two covenants. The covenant of the law and covenant of promise. The promised seed is Jesus Christ, which Apostle Paul makes clear in the previous chapter in Galatians.

Galatians 3:16-18,29 KJVS
[16] Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. [17] And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. [18] For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. [29] And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

These two sets of verses from Galatians are important divisions in the word of God. Only the children of promise, those who are in Christ, are children of God, and those of the covenant of the law can not be heirs of the world, Ro 4:13, with the children of promise. Our Lord demonstrates this distinction when talking with the Pharisees, who were under bondage to the law.

John 8:39,42,44 KJVS
[39] They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham. [42] Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. [44] Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

A verse I just recently took note of in the book Galatians points to the importance of the indwelling Holy Spirit/Holy Ghost in all of this.

Galatians 3:14 KJVS
[14] That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

We of course received the Spirit of adoption that places us in the body of Christ.

Romans 8:14-16 KJVS
[14] For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. [15] For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. [16] The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

Notice the word bondage in verse 15, that refers to bondage under the law. And receiving the Spirit of adoption, makes it possible for us to become citizens of the Commonwealth of Israel of the promise.

Ephesians 2:12-13 KJVS
[12] That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: [13] But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Becoming heirs in the Commonwealth of Israel is predicated on our being conformed to the image of Christ, part of which involves suffering. A prevalent and recurring theme of this website.

Romans 8:17-18 KJVS
[17] And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him , that we may be also glorified together. [18] For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

1 Corinthians 15:20 KJVS
[20] But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

There is a common misconception shared by a large portion of Christianity regarding death and the disposition of souls after death. First of all dead means just that, you are dead and lack any conscious awareness, Eccl 9:5&6. There is a specific order assigned to those who are to be resurrected from the dead.

1 Corinthians 15:22-26 KJVS
[22] For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. [23] But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. [24] Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. [25] For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. [26] The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

The order of resurrections, which involves large groups of people, are the body of Christ, the resurrection of the just and unjust, Mt 25:34, 41, and the second general resurrection of the white throne judgment, Re 20:11-14. The dead know nothing and their souls are in a sleep state, Eccl 9:5&6, Job 17-13-16, until resurrected into a body. In Revelation it mentions souls under the altar in heaven.

Revelation 6:11 KJVS
[11] And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were , should be Revelation 6:9-11 KJVS
[9] And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: [10] And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? [11] And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were , should be fulfilled.

The term asleep is used in place of dead in Christ by Apostle Paul.

1 Thessalonians 4:14-16 KJVS
[14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. [15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. [16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

A good deal of the Christian peoples of the world think that when they die, they do not pass go, and they either go directly to heaven or hell. If you do a word study on the word “resurrection” in the bible you will see the word is only used in the New Testament. That is because the resurrection is completely dependent upon the messiah, Jesus Christ, 1 Co 15:22-25, who is Abraham’s seed, Gal 2:29. You can ascertain some of what Jewish people believed in, while Jesus walked the earth, from the different accounts given in the gospels. Of course what Jesus states presents sound doctrine. The Sadducees presented Jesus a question trying to trip him up if you will, Lk 20:27-35. It is a rather a involved question regarding seven brothers marrying the same woman in succession following each one’s death and not producing a child during their various union. This invented situation was geared to ask just one question. In the resurrection whose wife would the woman be. Jesus answer is as follows.

Luke 20:34-35 KJVS
[34] And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: [35] But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:

Let us take a look at verse 35 using a literal translation of the bible. Bear with me as this is relevant to the next point I am about to make.

Lk 20:35 Yet those deemed worthy to happen upon that eon and the resurrection from among the dead are neither marrying nor taking out in marriage. CLV

This scripture agrees in part with Col 1:12, and it is referring to the first resurrection of those, who will partake of the inheritance of Abraham. Those who are resurrected, will take part of the Kingdom of God, and rule and reign with Jesus Christ as priest and kings for a thousand years, Re 20:6. Just before Jesus was going to resurrect Lazarus, his sister Martha affirms her belief that her brother would be resurrected at the last day, Jn 11:24&25. The last day is a day of thousand years and Lazarus would be resurrected during or at the start of that day. I don’t want to get too bogged down in this, but in Lk 20:35, and in other verses in the New Testament, most bible translations will use a number of different words when translating the Greek noun G165.

Strong’s Number
G165
Original Word
αἰών
Transliterated Word
aiōn
Phonetic Spelling
ahee-ohn’
Parts of Speech
Noun Masculine
Definition
for ever, an unbroken age, perpetuity of time, eternity
the worlds, universe
period of time, age
Usage by Word
ever (50), world (32), never (7), began (3), evermore (3), ages (2), eternal (2), worlds (2), course (1), end (1), standeth (1)

The whole point of language is to communicate thoughts and ideas in as precise and clear fashion. Now granted, there is going to be a new heavens and earth, 2Pe 3:12&13, at the beginning of the Kingdom of God. So I suppose for the sake of argument, “world” could be used in Lk 20:35. But in all cases where G165 is used should be translated into the words age or eon, as it more accurately presents the different ages of God’s unfolding purpose in the earth. For a more expansive coverage of this see this article. http://www.justifiedfreely.com/?p=269. I read a article over a decade ago on the Internet, that gave me insight in regards to a reason behind the wind of doctrine of man in this case, Eph 4:14. Most of the early religions and the mythologies of early civilizations were designed towards controlling people within those societies. The belief and fear of eternal torment does have a significant restraining influence on people’s who live in societies, past and present. Laws are effective because there are penalties involved if one breaks the law. Fines, imprisonment and in extreme cases the death penalty. I once stated to a man at a certain church that I believed God was going to save all men, and that hell or torment was finite not eternal. He said if that were true, then why should he go to church. And I said because your called by God and are a slave to righteousness. It was clear that the man’s mindset was on not spending eternity in fire. Fear of a eternal torment, and the preaching of it, is also a big money maker. Which is why you see so many different denominations and sects of Christianity in the world today. Almost all of which preach and uphold the doctrine of eternal hell. God’s main characteristic is love, 1 Jn 4:16. It is also written that no one can resist God’s will, Ro 9:19, and that He justifies the ungodly, Ro 4:5. So why would God save some on the one hand and consign a good deal of humanity to a eternal torment on the other hand? But that is not the scope of this post. The important thing that a person needs to understands, is what is taking place in regards to doctrine. In order to teach and maintain the concept of eternal damnation, the New Testament scriptures needed to be translated in a certain way to hide the truth of the matter in regards to death. So the major religious institutions over the centuries, printed translations which obfuscated certain words to hide the truth of the gospel. Jesus came preaching the kingdom of God. That kingdom is a thousand year kingdom. If you are found worthy of that great calling, and God is able to make you worthy, you will take part of the first resurrection of the just, Re 20,4-6. If not, you sleep in the grave until the white throne judgment. Those who are resurrected in the first resurrection of the unjust will suffer torment for apparently a thousand years.

Re 14:11 And the fumes of their torment are ascending for the eons of the eons. And they are having no rest day and night, those worshiping the wild beast and its image, and if anyone is getting the emblem of its name CLV

Eons of the eons is a superlative. Just as Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lord. So to his thousand year reign will be the greatest eon of all eons. But in most all other translations of the bible Re 14:11 will read similar to this.

Revelation 14:11 KJVS
[11] And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

So, in order to use religion and fear as a control mechanism, early Christianity was infused with the Greek and Roman mythologies of the immortality of the soul and eternal torment by fire. The Old English word hell actually means under the ground. You would put your potatoes in hell for the winter. And if you look in The Strong’s Concordance, at the usage of the Hebrew word sometimes translated into the English word “hell”, you will see this:

Usage by Word
hell (31), grave (28), pit (3), grave’s (1)

The trouble with the mistranslation of words in the bible, is a mistranslation does not hold true in all the verses where the Hebrew and Greek words are used. So you have to expand the definition of the word to support the doctrines of man and their religious institutions. With study, the truth of the scripture becomes clear and the indoctrination we were subjected to as we grew up, looses the grip it has on us. Religious institutions and even the media reinforce the indoctrination of the immortality of the soul and of either going to hell or heaven or some place in between after you die. Many of the major denominations have forgotten they are not of this world, and they do not presently reign, as the kingdom of God is slated for the age to come, Ro 12:2, 1 Co 4:8, Re 20:6. So they have no business in assisting governments in controlling and governing the people in the world. Their primary function is clearly outlined Ephesians.

Ephesians 4:12 KJVS
[12] For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

I would suppose there is no sense in going on and on about it. As stated before, religious indoctrination is hard to break free from. The 15th chapter of 1 Corinthians is devoted to the subject of death, and our hope in Christ, of the resurrection from the dead, and should be carefully read. The whole point of the law was it imparted the knowledge of what sin was, and the penalty of sin is death, Eze 18:20. Our hope is in Christ and the resurrection from the dead.

Eph 4:14  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

The Apostle Paul exhorted and taught the church of God in order to perfect/mature the body of Christ. He desired that each member of the body, would eventually come into the unity of faith in love and grow up into the head, which is Christ. But before that happened they, as children, would be tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive. The scope of this article is to point out one way that the doctrine of man lie in wait to deceive and hinder those children, who are being brought into maturity by God. Through the Holy Spirit, Apostle Paul informs us that the love of money is the root of all evil, 1Ti 6:10. I would maintain that money and the love of money was and is behind the Apostasy of the early church and has corrupted the gospel of Christ since. One of the biggest money makers for the various religious denominations over the centuries is the doctrine of eternal hell/damnation. Fear of that outcome has prompted many a man to make donations to religious institution during his life and on his death bed. The cunning craftiness used to support this belief, is how the word of God is translated and appears in modern day translations. Over the centuries, major publishing houses, hand and hand with major religious institutions have deceived their members. Part of the rational behind the deception, is that the major church denominations historically sought to help civil governments maintain a ordered society. The fear of a eternal torment did just that as a cradle to grave indoctrination. Consequently publishing houses and major religious denominations have exerted much control over the words used in bible translation and the doctrines those words support. It is stated six times in the New Testament that all things are of God, 2Co 5:18, and our present day situation we find ourselves in, regarding doctrine, was prophesied by Paul.

2Ti 4:3  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

So at this time it behooves us to take to heart what the Apostle Paul urged Timothy to do.

2Ti 1:13 Have a pattern of sound words, which you hear from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.CLV

The definition for the Greek word translated into the English word “pattern” from the Strong’s Concordance.

G5296  hupotuposis  hoop-ot-oop’-o-sis

from a compound of G5259 and a derivative of G5179;

typification under (after), i.e. (concretely) a sketch (figuratively) for imitation.

Clearly, the meaning of the word, is to imitate or reproduce precisely from the original words or letters spoken by Paul, regarding the gospel of salvation. If you read 2Ti 1:13 in context you will see that the above verse is talking about the gospel of Jesus Christ and what that gospel has brought to light. And Paul urging Timothy to hold fast a pattern of sound words that Timothy had heard from Paul.

2 Timothy 1:9-10,13 KJVS
[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, [10] But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: [13] Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

I love the gospel of Jesus Christ, in which the truth is self contained and very difficult to hide or obscure from those who would study to show themselves approved, 2Ti 2:15. So let us take a look at a particular word in regards to how most modern translators, translate a specific Greek word. One of the subtlest mistranslations of words that profoundly changes doctrine is the mistranslation of the Greek words aion and aionios. G165 and G166, as these words appear in the Strong’s Concordance. G165 in the Greek is often mistranslated into English as “for ever” and G166 often appears as the English word “eternal” or “everlasting”. Hence the notion of eternal hell or eternal punishment. Let us look at one such scripture verse where aion, G165 is used and how it is translated.

Jn 8:51 . Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. AV

Most all modern bible translations will read similar to the Authorized Version in regards to this verse. A daily reader of bible verses will know this verse is at odds with other bible verses, a few of which appear below.

Heb 9:27  And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
1Co 15:22  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

Context is one method of understanding the meaning of a word, and since a derivative of the Greek word aion appears in Jn 8:51 as “never”, this presents a problem in terms of consistent translation practices for the men that are translating from the original manuscripts. If aion means “for ever” it can hardly mean “never” as the two words are nearly opposite in meaning. But to support a widely held doctrine, eternal hell, that is what the translators are forced to do, mistranslate the very words of our Lord and savior. Back again to 2Ti 1:13, where Paul urges Timothy to have a pattern of sound words. Words have meanings, precise meanings, otherwise language is not a useful tool. I have looked at how Jn 8:51 reads in the Greek language using a Greek and Hebrew interlinear and very few bible versions have captured the meaning of this verse as it appears in original manuscripts as well as the Concordant Literal NT.

Jn 8:51 Verily, Verily, I am saying to you, If ever anyone should be keeping My word, he should under no circumstances be beholding death for the eon.”

So, it is not that a person who keeps Jesus word will never die, as that is contrary to other bible verses. It is that if a person keeps his word, he will not be seeing death for the aion or eon. That eon or age being referred to is the thousand year Kingdom of God. Often you will see for ever and ever in the King James Version and most all other modern versions, which if properly translated, should appear as ages of the ages. One verse in particular is Re 11:15.

Re 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

Let us compare this verse with a literal translation.

CLV Re 11:15 And the seventh messenger trumpets. And loud voices occurred~ in *heaven, saying, “The kingdom of *this world became~ our *Lord’s and His *Christ’s, and He shall be reigning intofor the eons of the eons! Amen!”

In terms of context and in agreement with other scriptures, we see in the scriptures that Jesus’s reign is limited, and lasts a thousand years because of 1Co 15:25 and Re 20:6. So his reign is described as the age of the ages which is a superlative. Just as Jesus is Lord of Lords and King of Kings, so to the age he reigns, will be the greatest of all ages. I cannot undo years of indoctrination by religious institutions, and their cunning wind of doctrine in one fell swoop in your minds. It took me years of reading the scriptures and studying them, and praying for wisdom and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, before the scripture verses fell together into a interlocking, unified whole. The New Testament and the gospel of salvation, started coming into focus for me, when I came to accept that the definition for G165 was  “age”. The various and conflicting words used, instead of age, leads a person to much confusion and likely that is the intent. I have come to prefer a literal bible translation where the translator endeavors to use only one English word for any Greek word. Notice below the varied words used in the King James Version for the Greek word aion.

G165  aion  ahee-ohn’

from the same as G104;

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (Jewish) a Messianic period (present or future). Compare G5550.

KJV: age, course, eternal, (for) ever(-more), (n-)ever, (beginning of the , while the) world (began, without end).

Most modern translations use the same English words, in the various scripture verses, for the Greek word aion. Is that because these translators of the various bible versions are upholding the doctrine of a eternal hell? Keep in mind that G166, aionios, translated as eternal or everlasting, has the root word of G165 and it is used as a adjective, like in the following verse.

Mt 25:46  And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Now read this verse from three other bible versions which I personally favor.

Mt 25:46  And, these, shall go away, into, age-abiding, correction, but, the righteous, into, age-abiding, life. Rotherham
Mt 25:46  And these shall go away to punishment age-during, but the righteous to life age-during.’ Young’s
Mt 25:46 And these shall be coming~ away into chastening eonian, yet the just into life eonian.” CLV

Several points should be made. God is love, so why would He save some and not all men? If all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, Ro 3:23, and God Himself justifies the ungodly, Ro 4:5, and no one resists His will, Ro 9:19. Then why would God throw some of mankind into a eternal hell? If you read a couple of the above versions of Mt 25:46, you get the impression from the language that those who are being punished are being punished in light of correction. The Greek word used is kolasis and the Strong’s definition is “penal infliction”. This Greek word is only used one other time in the New Testament, 1 Jn 4:18. In the AV it is translated into the English word “torment”. I prefer the Concordant Literal New Testament rendering of this verse. A penal institution is also known as a correctional institution whose goal is correct a man or woman to make them fit for life in society.

1Jn 4:18 Fear is not in *love, but *perfect love is casting out *fear, thatfor *fear |has chastening. Now he *who is fearing~ is not perfected~ in *love.

You don’t punish a child for no reason and to no end. You punish a child in light of correction, in light of maturing them, in light of preparing them to be productive and peaceful members of society. Why do you suppose God is referred to as, the Father, Mt 6:9? And if God scourges the sons and daughters He receives, Heb 12:6.  Is He wrong for inflicting wrath on the unrighteous, Ro 2:8? No, because wrong behavior deserves discipline which is going to ultimately lead to correcting that which is wrong in the unrighteous person. Just like those sons and daughters, who are also being chastised, in light of judgment and correction , 1Co 11:32. The whole point of the New Covenant is that God is going to write His laws on the hearts and minds of mankind. The body of Christ first, then the rest of humanity, 1Ti 2:6. A thousand years in the lake of fire that burns with brimstone is mentioned several times in the book of Revelation. The Strong’s Concordance definition of the Greek word translated into the English word “brimstone” offers insight.

Strong’s Number
G2303
Original Word
θεῖον
Transliterated Word
theion
Phonetic Spelling
thi’-on
Parts of Speech
Noun Neuter
Definition
1. brimstone
a.divine incense, because burning brimstone was regarded as having power to purify, and to ward off disease
Usage by Word
brimstone (7)
Usage by Book
Luke, Revelation