Butch5
Member
The result of the punishment is eternal, the duration is not. I submit that the word "aionios" does not mean eternal even though many dictionaries translate it as such. In translating "aionion" as forever they create contradictions in the Scripture. Consider this passage,
35 This is the portion of the anointing of Aaron, and of the anointing of his sons, out of the offerings of the LORD made by fire, in the day when he presented them to minister unto the LORD in the priest's office;
36 Which the LORD commanded to be given them of the children of Israel, in the day that he anointed them, by a statute for ever throughout their generations. (Lev 7:35-36 KJV)
The words "for ever" are translated from the Greek word "aionion" which is a form of "aion". "Aionios" also is a form of the word "aion". They're all the same word, the spelling is different because the Greek language is inflected. It's like the English word run, in the present and future tense it is spelled "run" in the past tense it is spelled "ran", yet it means the same thing.
In this passage from Leviticus the commandment given is part of the Mosaic Law is said to be forever. That is not possible since both Jesus and Paul said that the Law came to an end. This passage is a reference to the Aronic priesthood, yet Paul states plainly that the priesthood was changed, therefore, the ordinances of the Aronic priesthood cannot be eternal. There are quite a few passages like this in the Scriptures.
11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. (Heb 7:11-12 KJV)
Jesus said the Law and the prophets were until John, since then the kingdom of God is preached.
16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. (Luk 16:16 KJV)
Additionally, that Gehenna is not a place of eternal burning can be seen from Jeremiah who indicates that Gehenna will one day again be holy to the Lord.
38 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the city shall be built to the LORD from the tower of Hananeel unto the gate of the corner.
39 And the measuring line shall yet go forth over against it upon the hill Gareb, and shall compass about to Goath.
40 And the whole valley of the dead bodies, and of the ashes, and all the fields unto the brook of Kidron, unto the corner of the horse gate toward the east, shall be holy unto the LORD; it shall not be plucked up, nor thrown down any more for ever. (Jer 31:38-40 KJV)
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