ages of Ages – First Christianity – Purgatorial Hell Universalism
The actual reflection of the Greek phrase “ages of Ages” (e. g. Which occurs in Revelation 20:10) is seen in last line of Prayer in Image too.
Where
“ages” (Subset – limited) out of the larger “Ages” (Universal Set – Could be limited or unlimited).
His Glory is Highlighted (and NOT limited) to the “ages” because of Him Fulfilling the Will of God especially regarding “His KINDNESS (or His MERCY) – please read Ephesians 2:7 carefully”.
Example Translations of Ephesians 2:7
New American Standard Bible
so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
King James Bible
That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His Grace in His Hindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
But isn’t that toward “us” (believers)?
Yes, it is “His Church (Bride, Sheepfold1, believers of faith)” who will ask God for the ‘Salvation of the Damned from the Lake of Fire Itself’ as quoted below:
1) Salvation from Hades & Death
Hosea 13:14 (Saving those bound to ‘Hades & Death’ after both Hades & Death are thrown into the Lake of Fire – Correlate with Revelation 20:14 – 15).
From Pages 211 – 212 of the ‘Lost Orthodoxy’ Book:
Keys’ are for ‘Unlocking’ Verses:
“I will give you the KEYS of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you BIND on earth shall have been BOUND in heaven, and whatever you LOOSE on earth shall have been LOOSED in heaven.” – Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:19, NASB)
“and He Who is Living, and I did become Dead, and, lo, I am Living to the ages of the Ages. Amen! and I have the KEYS of the HADES and of the DEATH.” – Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:18,YLT)
The time frame of “ages of the Ages” is highlighted in the above to show that HE will use the KEYS to SAVE from those Bound to HADES and DEATH in the LAKE OF FIRE too (e.g. Revelation 14:11, Revelation 20:10 with Revelation 20:14) – Can you see it? (the phrase ‘ages of Ages’ occurs in some of these Verses quoted connecting these together)
“From the hand of Sheol I do ransom them, From death I redeem them, Where is thy plague, O death? Where thy destruction, O Sheol? Repentance is hid from Mine Eyes.” – God Speaks (in Hosea 13:14, YLT)
Repentance is hid from Mine eyes = God Will NOT Change His Mind from Saving in the afterlife from both SHEOL (HADES) or DEATH as Hosea 13:14 Reveals Majestically even if when these are cast into the LAKE of FIRE for the Final SECOND DEATH (as Revelation 20:14 clearly mentions causing the Mysterious Reconciliation from the Lake of Fire toward these “thirsty ones” as Prophesied Majestically in Revelation 22:17 as well – His Bride and the Spirit calls out to these thirsty ones and only the Lake of Fire makes someone to still be thirsty, right? His Bride or Church, believers are NOT the thirsty ones for we NEVER thirst again after our Resurrection – Isn’t it obvious? Revelation 20:4 – 6, John 4:14, Luke 20:35 – 36).
If the time frame of “ages of Ages” is NOT highlighted in Verse above, God knows that some men will ‘add’ to His Holy Word by Claiming that the KEYS to UNLOCK ‘time period is only in the dispensation of Grace now or other man made limits’ which are all REFUTED by this WRITTEN phrase.
2) Reconciliation from the Lake of Fire
From Pages 154 – 155 of the ‘Lost Orthodoxy’ Book:
“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will NOT INHERIT the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals,” – apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 6:9, NASB)
“OUTSIDE are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying.” (Revelation 22:15, NASB)
The wicked being Saved from the Lake of Fire itself is Beautifully Prophesied in Verse below where both His Spirit (God) and His Bride (“believers”, Church) call out to “thirsty ones from the Lake of Fire (implied)” to partake of the “Water of Life” freely:
“The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.” (Revelation 22:17, NASB)
ONLY the CHRISTIAN RIGHTEOUS both ENTER (Acts 14:22) and INHERIT His Kingdom as KINGS and PRIESTS (Revelation 1:6, Revelation 5:10) toward those from the first resurrection, (sheepfold 1, Revelation 20:4 – 6) while the righteous from other nations (sheepfold2, Matthew 25:33, Acts 10:35, Revelation 22:12) inherit other lower positions or possessions as God Wills (Matthew 25:34).
So ‘combining’ these ‘Verses’, it’s clear that the wicked may thus drink of the river of life [after their part in the Lake of Fire first, Revelation 21:8 to make them to be BORN again as part of the Process of God Making ALL things NEW in SINLESS-NESS eventually – Revelation 21:5] but these will remain OUTSIDE the Kingdom of God (the Great City of Zion) and will NOT ENTER it as long as God Wills (the River of Life must thus flow OUTSIDE the Great City where the Wicked may ‘drink’ from it post-Judgment in the Lake of Fire):
“And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, … And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. And there shall in NO wise ENTER into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” – apostle John’s Vision (Revelation 21:10, 25 – 27, KJV)
Did First Christianity understand the ‘Kingdom of the Heavens’ to contain such Regions of Separations?
From Pages 67 – 68 of the ‘Lost Orthodoxy’ Book:
- i) Heavens = Inner Part of the ‘Kingdom of the Heavens’ (Matthew 5:19 toward ‘Law Keepers’)
“… And as the presbyters say, Then those who are deemed worthy of an abode in heaven shall go there, others shall enjoy the delights of paradise, and others shall possess the splendour of the city; for everywhere the Saviour shall be seen according as they who see Him shall be worthy. [They say, moreover], that there is this distinction between the habitation of those who produce an hundred-fold, and that of those who produce sixty-fold, and that of those who produce thirty-fold: for the first will be taken up into the heavens, the second will dwell in paradise, the last will inhabit the city; and that was on this account the Lord declared, “In My Father’s house are many mansions.” For all things belong to God, who supplies all with a suitable dwelling-place; even as His Word says, that a share is allotted to all by the Father, according as each person is or shall be worthy. And this is the couch on which the guests shall recline, having been invited to the wedding. The presbyters, the disciples of the apostles, affirm that this is the gradation and arrangement of those who are saved, and that they advance through steps of this nature; also that they ascend through the Spirit to the Son, and through the Son to the Father,” (Iraneous, ‘Against Heresies’, Book 5, Chapter 36: 1 – 2)
- ii) OUTSIDE of the Heavens = OUTER part of the ‘Kingdom of the Heavens’ (Matthew 5:19 toward ‘Law Breakers’)
Thus, the Verse in Matthew 5:19 may be seen as including all men including the ‘ones who break His Commands too to be in His Kingdom of the Heavens – eventually by His Mercy which is Promised to ALL the Disobedient/Unbelieving too, Romans 11:32, applying post [afterlife Judgment Sentencing first] – James 2:13’ (in the Context of breaking any Law & Prophets, as Matthew 5:17 – 18 mentions first) towards being in ‘a part of heaven designated for the formerly-wicked vs the righteous’ (making sense of the ‘plural-heavens’ found in this Verse in actual Biblical Koine Greek which is OUTSIDE the Holy City – Revelation 22:15 & them NOT inheriting the Kingdom of God which is the ‘Inner Heavens’, you may say that this is only for the ‘Hundrendfold ones’ explained prior – 1 Corinthians 6:9 – 11) where this region of the heavens where the formerly-wicked dwell after being reconciled from the Lake of Fire (‘the thirsty or failed ones’- Revelation 21:6) toward whom the Immortal-non-Thirsty-Perfected Bride (His Church – Overcomers, Revelation 21:7) also calls out too (in Revelation 22:17) to be Reconciled and Drink of the River of Life FREELY (unmerited, unearned favour) which flows OUTSIDE the Holy City itself agreeing to both the Details found in both the Shepherd of Hermas and the Sibyline Oracles as it is.
P/S: First Christianity – Did they Understand that Lord Jesus Christ Saves the Wicked Finally from the Lake of Fire?
Did First Christianity (if possible the First Christian Writings on a Topic within 30AD to 300 AD) understand Scripture that Way?
3) First Christianity Proof as no prophecy is of any private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20)
- i) Coptic Apocalypse of Elias & the Epistle of the Apostles
From Page 535 of the ‘Lost Orthodoxy’ Book:
“The passage in the Coptic Apocalypse of Elias is guarded and obscure in expression, but significant. It begins with a sentence which has a parallel in Peter. The righteous will behold the sinners in their punishment, and those who have persecuted them and delivered them up. Then will the sinners on their part behold the place of the righteous and be partakers of grace. In that Day will that for which the (righteous) shall often pray, be granted to them.
That is, as I take it, the salvation of sinners will be granted at the prayer of the righteous. Compare also the Epistle of the Apostles, 40: ‘the righteous are sorry for the sinners, and pray for them…. And I will hearken unto the prayer of the righteous which they make for them.'”
- ii) Apocalypse of Peter
From Page 535 of the ‘Lost Orthodoxy’ Book:
To Quote from the ‘Apocalypse of Peter’ itself regarding these Rarely Known Truths, please consider:
“There is a great deal more of the Ethiopic text, but it is very evidently of later date; the next words are: Next: ‘ The Father hath committed all judgement unto the Son.’ The destiny of sinners -their eternal [AGE-DURING] doom- is more than Peter can endure: he appeals to Christ to have pity on them.
And my Lord answered me and said to me: ‘Hast thou understood that which I said unto thee before? It is permitted unto thee to know that concerning which thou askest: but thou must not tell that which thou hearest unto the sinners lest they transgress the more, and sin.’
Peter weeps many hours, and is at last consoled by an answer which, though exceedingly diffuse and vague does seem to promise ultimate pardon for all: ‘My Father will give unto them all the life, the glory, and the kingdom that passeth not away,’ . . . ‘It is because of them that have believed in Me that I am come. It is also because of them that have believed in Me, that, at their word, I shall have pity on men.’
The doctrine that sinners will be saved at last by the prayers of the righteous is, rather obscurely, enunciated in the Second Book of the Sibylline Oracles (a paraphrase, in this part, of the Apocalypse), and in the (Coptic) Apocalypse of Elias (see post).
Ultimately Peter orders Clement to hide this revelation in a box, that foolish men may not see it. The passage in the Second Book of the Sibylline Oracles which seems to point to the ultimate salvation of all sinners will be found in the last lines of the translation given below.
iii) Sibyline Oracles
From Page 277 of the ‘Lost Orthodoxy’ Book:
“… for a long day will God make.
And to the pious will the Almighty God
405 Imperishable grant another thing,
When they shall ask the imperishable God:
That He [God] will suffer [SAVE] men from RAGING FIRE
And ENDLESS GNAWING ANGUISH to be SAVED;
And THIS WILL HE [God] DO. For hereafter He [God]
410 Will PLUCK THEM [Wicked] from the RESTLESS FLAME, elsewhere REMOVE THEM [Wicked, the ‘thirsty’ from the ‘Lake of Fire’], and for His own people’s sake [His Bride, Revelation 22:17] Send them to OTHER [Outside Regions of the Kingdom of the Heavens, Matthew 5:19] and eternal [AGE -DURING, Fulfilling John 17:2 toward ALL MEN or ALL FLESH or ALL HUMANITY] life With the Immortals [Revelation 20:4 – 6], in Elysian field,” (Sibyline Oracles, Book II, 297-322, p. 51)
4) How about the Wisdom of the Magi among Zoroaster who visited Christ during His Birth & the Bible calls them “Wise”?
From Pages 281 – 282 of the ‘Lost Orthodoxy’ Book:
The final savior of the world, Saoshyant, will be born to a virgin impregnated by the seed of Zoroaster while bathing in a lake. Saoshyant will raise the dead – including those in both heaven and hell – for final judgment, returning the wicked to hell to be purged of bodily sin. Next, all will wade through a river of molten metal in which the righteous will not burn. Heavenly forces will ultimately triumph over evil, rendering it forever impotent. Saoshyant and Ahura Mazda will offer a bull as a final sacrifice for all time, and all humans will become immortal. Mountains will again flatten and valleys will rise; heaven will descend to the moon, and the earth will rise to meet them both.
Humanity requires two judgments because there are as many aspects to our being: spiritual (menog) and physical (getig).”
Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroastrianism#Renovation_and_judgment
Please don’t take the above Belief ‘word to word’ (for it is NOT Inspired Writing) but it is obvious that it Speaks in the Context of Universal Salvation in Lord Jesus Christ in the End where some of the concepts Described therein (e.g. the ‘Resurrection of the Dead’ is clearly Biblical). Let us be Wise.
In the above.
“Saoshyant” = Lord Jesus Christ (The Resemblance is Incredible isn’t it?)
Conclusion
Lord Jesus Christ is Truly the ‘Magic of Christmas’.
Please remember that the Bible called them WISE meaning that ‘something they believed in about Lord Jesus Christ’ must be TRUE.
The part where Christ’s Purpose of being BORN in the FLESH (His Incarnation) to SAVE the WORLD (John 3:17, 1 John 4:14) by eventually ENDING ALL SIN (1 John 2:2) till SIN CEASES to EXIST (John 1:29) from ALL CREATION (Romans 8:20 – 22) but ‘believers are more special’ (Romans 8:19) is Identical in the Zoroaster Religion’s view of UNIVERSAL SALVATION through HIM (as Point 2 above correlates to HIS BIRTH) where GOOD wins over EVIL (till EVIL is NON-EXISTENT) in the END. Can you see it?
The other parts of the Zoroaster’s Religion is Immaterial to the Christian View simply because the Bible Calls them WISE for only one aspect, in that they Recognized the SAVIOR of the WORLD’s BIRTH —> and this part of the Zoroastrianism’s Prophecy PROVES UNIVERSAL SALVATION too IRREFUTABLY through LORD JESUS CHRIST [whom they didn’t know prior] but knew that HE was to be BORN as the KING of the JEWS at that TIME. Isn’t the Correlation AMAZING?
“It is the Glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter. As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, So the heart of kings is unsearchable.” (Proverbs 25:2 – 3, NASB)
5) Universal Salvation Quotes by the First Apologists after Christ’s Apostles & their Disciples
- i) St. Justin Martyr
From Page 105 of the ‘Lost Orthodoxy’ Book:
Did Justin Martyr write the above by knowing a Larger Hope which is inclusive of ALL MEN Generally?
Yes, please consider the write up below from Justin regarding the “Resurrection” which seems to point to this ‘Larger Hope’ of ‘being clothed in an incorruptible body’ (hence sinless body) as the Final Effect of Lord Jesus Christ’s Resurrection toward ‘all men Generally’ agreeing to this exegesis with ‘his own words’:
” then the Saviour said this, and proclaimed salvation to the soul alone, what new thing, beyond what we heard from Pythagoras and Plato and all their band, did He bring us? But now He has come proclaiming the GLAD TIDINGS of a NEW and strange HOPE to MEN.
For indeed it was a STRANGE and NEW thing for GOD to PROMISE that He would NOT keep INCORRUPTION in INCORRUPTION, but would make CORRUPTION INCORRUPTION.
But because the prince of wickedness could in no other way corrupt the truth, he sent forth his apostles (evil men who introduced pestilent doctrines), choosing them from among those who crucified our Saviour; and these men bore the name of the Saviour, but did the works of him that sent them, through whom the name itself has been spoken against.” – Justin Martyr (CHAPTER X.–THE BODY SAVED, AND WILL THEREFORE RISE, FRAGMENTS OF THE LOST WORK OF JUSTIN ON THE RESURRECTION)
From Pages 46 to 47 of the ‘Lost Orthodoxy’ Book:
Did Justin understand Universal Salvation?
Yes (example quote):
“For it had its SALVATION from itself; so that in SAVING the SOUL, God does no great thing. For to be saved is its natural destiny, because it is a part of Himself, being His inspiration. But no thanks are due to one who saves what is his own; for this is to save himself.
For he who SAVES a part himself, saves himself by his own means, lest he become defective in that part; and this is not the act of a good man. For not even when a man does good to HIS CHILDREN and offspring, does one call him a good man; for even the most savage of the wild beasts do so, and indeed willingly endure death, if need be, for the sake of their cubs.
But if a man were to perform the SAME ACTS in behalf of his SLAVES, that man would justly be called good. Wherefore the Saviour also taught us to LOVE our ENEMIES, since, says He, what thank have ye? So that He has shown us that it is a GOOD work not only to love THOSE that are BEGOTTEN of Him, but also THOSE that are WITHOUT [i.e. ‘not’ Begotten of Him, implied]. And what He enjoins upon us, He Himself FIRST of ALL DOES.” (St. Justin Martyr, CHAPTER VIII.–DOES THE BODY CAUSE THE SOUL TO SIN? FRAGMENTS OF THE LOST WORK OF JUSTIN ON THE RESURRECTION)
Please note ‘carefully’ that Justin implies that God Saving ‘His Own Begotten or Children is NOT a big deal’. Justin then proceeds to argue that Christ is above ALL because He Promises to Perform the SAME ACTS toward ‘His Slaves’ too and lastly toward HIS ENEMIES as well in the Beautifully Analogy above —> as the only Context of this Passage is ‘where the SOUL is SAVED eventually in its EXISTENCE’ —-> toward becoming “RESURRECTED in the FLESH’ again —-> in the Context of LOVE and GOODNESS, and ‘not Judgment’ —> toward His ENEMIES too —-> yes, the Context of the passage above proves that the SAME RESURRECTION to SINLESS-NESS being Promised thus in LOVE toward —-> BOTH ‘THOSE that are BEGOTTEN of Him’ —-> and ‘also THOSE that are WITHOUT [i.e. ‘not’ Begotten of Him, implied] —> proving that this must refer to the ‘not explicitly mentioned (though implied) second resurrection of the wicked’ toward ‘sinless-ness’ —> post the Lake of Fire Judgment (which follows after their ‘first resurrection for Judgment’, John 5:28 – 29 —-> and this GOOD and LOVE toward His ENEMIES, in saving ‘their souls to exist’ eventually in a ‘resurrected sinless body’ —> will certainly come to pass, as Justin remarks in faith, ‘He Himself FIRST of ALL DOES’.
From Pages 48 – 49 of the ‘Lost Orthodoxy’ Book:
“Yet is it not absurd, that that which has been produced with such circumstance, and which is beyond all else valuable, should be so neglected by its Maker, as to pass to NONENTITY? Then the sculptor and painter, if they wish the works they have made to endure, that they may win glory by them, RENEW THEM when they begin to DECAY; but God would so neglect His own possession and work, that it becomes ANNIHILATED, and NO longer EXISTS. Should we not call this labour in vain? As if a man who has built a house should forthwith DESTROY it, or should NEGLECT it, though he sees it falling into DECAY, and is ABLE to REPAIR it: we would blame him for labouring in vain; and should we not so blame God? But not such an one is the INCORRUPTIBLE,–NOT SENSELESS is the INTELLIGENCE of the universe. Let the unbelieving be silent, even though they themselves do not believe.” (St. Justin Martyr, CHAPTER VIII.–DOES THE BODY CAUSE THE SOUL TO SIN? FRAGMENTS OF THE LOST WORK OF JUSTIN ON THE RESURRECTION)
It is clear in the above that Justin is using the analogy of an earthly painter where if he is able, he will RENEW that which DECAYS and likewise a man who sees his house falling into DECAY would also REPAIR it —> in the Context of explaining the ‘Salvation of the Soul’ (Topic here as the paragraphs surrounding it prove – Justin is amazingly WISE, isn’t it?).
Hence Justin Concludes that the Incorruptible God would likewise NOT Destroy the Soul into NONENTITY or NONEXISTENCE till it is ANNIHILATED and NO LONGER EXISTS (Disproving the ‘Annihilation View of Hell Theory’) —> and NEITHER would God, Justin implies Who being INTELLIGENT and ABLE to both RENEW and REPAIR would cause any of His Work toward ‘all souls’ which are His (Ezekiel 18:4) to continue in DECAY of SIN FOREVER (Disproving the ‘Eternal View of Hell Theory) —> but rather goes on to Imply the only Rational Conclusion from Justin’s Own Words in that He believes in a God Who WILL both RENEW and REPAIR ALL SOULS (be it wicked or righteous, as ‘all souls truly belongs to Him’, Ezekiel 18:4) despite ‘death or decay’ in which some must endure first (Approving the Universal Salvation View of Purgatorial Hell as it was held by St. Clement of Alexandria or even St. Gregory of Nyssa too).
- ii) St. Irenaeous of Lyons
From Pages 47 – 48 of the ‘Lost Orthodoxy’ Book:
Yes (example quote):
“… Mercy Triumphs over Judgment” – apostle James (James 2:13, NASB)
How did Irenaeous Understand apostle Paul’s Last Word on Judgment – which is ‘MERCY to ALL eventually (in Romans 11:32)?’
Irenaeous does NOT speak of ‘any availability’ NOR does he refer to the ‘all’ in Romans 11:32 to refer to ‘believers only or the sheep only’ but also INCLUSIVE of the DISOBEDIENT too – Shocked? So was I when I read the following (which PROVES the CONTEXT of UNIVERSAL SALVATION for ALL MEN true when Romans 11:32 is quoted), as Irenaeous himself APPROVES it as follows:
“… Just as the physician is proved by his patients, so is God also revealed through MEN. And therefore Paul declares, “For God hath concluded ALL in UNBELIEF, that He [God] may have MERCY upon ALL; ” not saying this in reference to spiritual Aeons, but to MAN, who had been DISOBEDIENT to God, and being CAST OFF from IMMORTALITY, then OBTAINED MERCY, receiving through the Son of God that adoption which is [ACCOMPLISHED] by Himself… ” (St. Irenaeous of Lyons, ‘Against Heresies’, Book III, Chapter XX, second part of Point 3)
Please note carefully that Irenaeous speaks of MEN (who are sick generally being SINNERS, as the Context of the Great Physician is set forth first).
Next, Irenaeous Speaks of the ‘Mercy to All’ —> not as an offer, nor as an availability or any part on the ‘will of men’ (agreeing to Romans 9:15 – 16) though popular theology errs otherwise greatly in this – Can you see it? —-> but as an ACCOMPLISHED Fact evidenced by the phrase ‘OBTAINED MERCY’ toward those ‘CAST OFF from IMMORTALITY’ due to His Work Alone.
In other words, Irenaeous does NOT discuss any ‘availability or the will of man’ when quoting Romans 11:32 proving that these are irrelevant to the context of MERCY which depends on GOD’s WILL ALONE (Romans 9:15 – 16).
From Page 49 of the ‘Lost Orthodoxy’ Book:
Another Quote by Irenaeous affirming this:
Context of Colossians 1:16 – 20.
Christ Centered Universalists claim that Salvation is by Lord Jesus Christ’s Work Alone toward ‘All Created things’ eventually (Colossians 1:16) where through His Blood on His Cross He will cause the Final Two Way Reconciliation Prophesied Majestically in Scripture toward this same ‘All [Created] things’ (in Colossians 1:20).
Did Irenaeous Understand Colossians 1:16 – 20 in the SAME way?
Yes, to quote:
It is self explanatory in the below, with Emphasis:
“Christ, who was called the Son of God BEFORE the AGES [Aeons], was manifested in the fulness of time, in order that He might cleanse us through His blood, who were under the power of sin, presenting us as pure sons to His Father, if we yield ourselves obediently to the chastisement of the Spirit. And in the END of TIME He shall come to DO AWAY with ALL EVIL, and to RECONCILE ALL [Created] THINGS in order that there may be an END of ALL IMPURITIES.” (Fragment XXXIX, FRAGMENTS FROM THE LOST WRITINGS OF IRENAEUS)
*Please take note that there are plenty more Universal Salvation supporting as discussed in detail in the ‘Lost Orthodoxy’ Book (free PDF download below):
iii) St. Clement of Alexandria
From Page 350 of the ‘Lost Orthodoxy’ Book:
“We will certainly DIE and be like water poured out on the ground, which can’t be recovered. But God would not take away a life; He would DEVISE PLANS so that the one BANISHED from him does NOT REMAIN BANISHED.” (2 Samuel 14:14, CSB)
“Wherefore also he drove him out of paradise and removed him far from the tree of life, not because He envied him the tree of life, as some dare assert, but because He pitied him and desired that he should not be immortal and the evil interminable and irremediable.” St. Iraneaus of Lyons – author of the infamous treatise, “Against Heresies” (182 AD)
“He, indeed, saves ALL; but some [He saves], converting them by punishments; others, however, who follow voluntarily [He saves] with dignity of honour; so “that every knee should bow to Him, of things in heaven, and things on earth, and things UNDER the EARTH;” Philippians 2:10 that is, angels, men, and souls that before His advent have departed from this temporal life.” – Clement of Alexandria (150 – 215 AD)
6) A Reliable Modern Christian’s Visions of Heaven and Hell agreeing to this Biblical Truth – Sadhu Sundar Singh
From Page 183 of the ‘Lost Orthodoxy’ Book:
A Notable Vision of Hell agreeing to all these – Sadhu Sundar Singh
https://www.anonymouschristian.org/blog/secrets-beyond-hell-sadhu-sundar-singh/
https://www.anonymouschristian.org/blog/deep-secrets-visions-of-hell-being-not-eternal/
https://www.anonymouschristian.org/blog/sadhu-sundar-singh-on-hell/
https://www.anonymouschristian.org/blog/the-truth-on-hell-by-the-vision-of-sadhu-sundar-singh/
Example: Sadhu Sundar Singh’s Visions of Heaven and Hells (plural – refers to the many afterlife punishment regions) agrees to all this (for example: he mentioned that ‘hindu saints’ have accepted Him as Lord and Saviour in the afterlife – afterlife repentance, an example of sheepfold2 as claimed).
Please don’t forget that the infamous eternal hell preacher, brother DGS Dhinakaran wrote that he saw Sadhu Sundar Singh (the Christian Universalist) in heaven too. Can you see it?
For example, in post below Sadhu Sundar Singh clearly proves the existence of Sheepfold2 in his visions agreeing to Swedenborg’s Visions that ‘Good people from non-Christian religions are also shown MERCY by God & SAVED AFTER they endure AFTERLIFE JUDGMENT according to their sins’:
https://www.anonymouschristian.org/blog/heart-judgment-of-hearts-hope-for-non-christians/
7) Church History Fallacy
A Common Fallacy: If you can quote ‘earlier & more authoritative writings from First Christianity’ to support your eternal Hell claim, I would listen.
Translating the Bible as eternal when the word means age (singular), ages (plural) or word compounds (e.g. ‘ages of Ages’) & claiming the meaning is ‘forever’ is Childish and NOT scholarly at all.
No point in quoting St. Augustine who came in later (after 300 AD) who didn’t even get the 1000 years Millennial Reign of Christ Doctrine right.
Don’t you know that even ‘Augustine & Basil’ both quoted that the ‘Majority (if not many) of Christians in their own areas believed in the Ultimate Universal Salvation in Christ?’
Here are ‘their own well known words’:
- i) St. Augustine of Hippo
From Page 351 of the ‘Lost Orthodoxy’ Book:
Augustine (354-430 A.D.), ‘one of the four great Latin Church Fathers (Augustine, Ambrose, Jerome and Gregory the Great), wrote:
“There are very many in our day, who though not denying the Holy Scriptures, do not believe in endless torments.”
- ii) St. Basil the Great
From Page 351 of the ‘Lost Orthodoxy’ Book:
St. Basil the Great (329-379 AD) in his De Asceticis wrote: “The mass of men (Christians) say that there is to be an end of punishment to those who are punished.” I point out that he is not classified as a Universalist.
iii) St. Gregory of Nyssa
Let’s not forget that ‘St. Basil’s brother, St. Gregory of Nyssa’ was probably more Orthodox & Authoritative in Doctrine as explained below:
Please bear in mind that St. Gregory of Nyssa understood that Lord Jesus Christ will eventually Reconcile ALL CREATED THINGS (including Satan) back to Him as Colossians 1:16, 20 literally means, to quote:
Satan will be saved:
“Gregory of Nyssa ( 330-394) said Satan will be saved, “A certain deception was indeed practised upon the Evil one, by concealing the Divine nature within the human; but for the latter, as himself a deceiver, it was only a just recompense that he should be deceived himself: the great adversary must himself at last find that what has been done is just and salutary, when he also shall experience the benefit of the Incarnation. He, as well as humanity, will be purged.” (The Great Catechism, 26, newadvent.org/fathers/2908.htm )
Source: https://carm.org/early-church-fathers-misc
(ii) How Influential, Orthodox and Respectable was St. Gregory of Nyssa even among his ‘eternal Hell’ rivals?
“But also four hundred years after his death the Seventh Ecumenical Council gave him (St. Gregory of Nyssa) the one and only title which it has given to theologians in the Church, naming him ‘father of fathers’.”
Source:
https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2011/01/saint-gregory-of-nyssa-father-of.html
I’m not in favour of the term ‘father of fathers’ (in reference to Matthew 23:9) but it is better to be worded ‘leader of leaders’ among the Church Leaders but I am quoting it to point to the Orthodoxy of this Saint.
Source:
https://www.anonymouschristian.org/blog/testimony-overcomers-tree-of-life/
From Page 182 of the ‘Lost Orthodoxy’ Book:
Yes, St, Gregory of Nyssa even Said that the Devil will be Saved in the End (part of All Creation or All things Mystery in Holy Scripture – 1 Corinthians 15:24 – 28, Ephesians 1:9 – 11, Acts 3:21, Ecclesiastes 3:11, 1 John 4:14, Romans 8:20 – 22, Colossians 1:16, 20).
“Our Lord is the One who delivers man [all men], and who heals the inventor of evil himself. — Gregory of Nyssa (332-398 A.D.), leading theologian of the Eastern Church
“and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.” – First Christianity (1 John 2:2, NASB)
“For this cause, yea and for all things, I praise Thee, I bless Thee, I glorify Thee, through the eternal (age-during) and heavenly High-priest, Jesus Christ, Thy beloved Son, through whom with Him and the Holy Spirit be glory both now [and ever, age-during?] and for the AGES to COME. Amen.’.” (Polycarp 14:3, The Martyrdom of Polycarp)
From Page 30 of the ‘Lost Orhodoxy’ Book:
Majority of Christian Universalists from Earliest Christianity believed in Purgatorial Universalism (just like me) which includes Retributive Judgment followed by Restorative Judgment. The usual historians will ‘claim’ that Justin & Irenaeous taught ‘eternal Hell’ or ‘annihilation’ which we will address those quotes later in full and realize that they actually taught Purgatorial Universalism.
Here’s a ‘reliable’ proof, to quote (Purgatorial Hell):
“Purgatorial Universalism was the belief of some of the early church fathers such as Clement of Alexandria, Origen, and Gregory of Nyssa. It asserts that the UNSAVED will UNDERGO HELL, but that HELL is remedial (NEITHER EVERLASTING NOR PURELY RETRIBUTIVE) according to key scriptures and THAT AFTER PURIFICATION or conversion all will enter Heaven. Fourth-century Christian theologian and Bishop Diodorus of Tarsus wrote: “For the wicked there are punishments, not perpetual, however, lest the immortality prepared for them should be a disadvantage, but they are to be purified for a brief period according to the amount of malice in their works. They shall therefore suffer punishment for a short space, but immortal blessedness having no end awaits them…the penalties to be inflicted for their many and grave sins are very far surpassed by the magnitude of the mercy to be shown to them.”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_universalism
Please note this Part carefully as attested by Scholars who study their work ‘carefully’ to ‘realize’ that I believe in the ‘same way’ —> the UNSAVED will UNDERGO HELL, —> HELL is remedial (NEITHER EVERLASTING NOR PURELY RETRIBUTIVE) —-> according to key scriptures and THAT AFTER PURIFICATION or conversion all will enter [the Kingdom of] Heaven (Matthew 5:19). Christ’s Cross is at the CENTER for us though some ‘self seeking universalists put it off the center’ in the ‘image’ in the link above (we REJECT their act in this).
All Glory to Lord Jesus Christ, our Most Blessed Saviour of the World!
A Beautiful Truth in Image
Here’s Proof that all human being (including babies that have died at birth) are ‘not Good’ (i.e. are NOT perfectly sinless)?
Simple: If they were born, they would surely commit some type of sin (Sin is contained when they are created from a mother & father’s sinful parts itself – Psalm 51:5) —> All Men except God in Flesh (Whose Flesh remained Sinless by the Power of the Holy Spirit – Luke 1:35), Lord Jesus Christ Example Proof Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:21 with Romans 3:23).
Impossible?
To this Truth archangel Gabriel replied Majestically (please note – a Consecutive Verse to the one quoted above, below):
“For nothing will be impossible with God.” – archangel Gabriel (Luke 1:37, NASB)
All Kings – Why Would All Kings Fall Down before Him?
It’s an Honor to do so (Verse in Image).
A Beautiful Prophecy Indeed.
Please note the phrase “All Kings”, yes “All” Gladly & Willingly because it is He Alone Who Saves ‘all their people too eventually’:
“Thus He will sprinkle many nations, Kings will shut their mouths on account of Him; For what had not been told them they will see, And what they had not heard they will understand.” (Isaiah 52:15, NASB)
Hence, He is called ‘KING of kings’:
“which He will bring about at the proper time– He Who is the Blessed and only Sovereign, the KING of kings and Lord of lords,” (1 Timothy 6:15, NASB)
“And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a White Horse, and He Who Sat on it is called Faithful and True …
And on His Robe and on His Thigh He has a Name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelation 19:11, 16, NASB)
Lord Jesus Christ, All Generations will call You Blessed, Amen.
P/S: These are ‘Kingly Doctrine’ to Believe in Regarding our Most Selfless God:
“It is the Glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.” (Proverbs 25:2 – 3, KJV)
God’s Anger vs Human Anger
God’s Wrath cannot be understood by ‘human anger analogy’ & the Verse in Image is an Infamous proof of it.
What’s the Difference?
“Righteousness”.
God’s Wrath Produces Righteousness as its End Result, how?
To Quote:
“Therefore wait for Me,” declares the LORD,
“For the Day when I rise up as a witness.
Indeed, My decision is to gather nations,
To assemble kingdoms,
To pour out on them My indignation,
All My burning anger;
For all the earth will be devoured
By the fire of My zeal.
“For then I will give to the peoples purified lips,
That all of them may call on the name of the LORD,
To serve Him shoulder to shoulder.” (Zephaniah 3:8 – 9, NASB)
Indeed, God’s FULL Burning Anger (God’s Hate) as mentioned in Zephaniah 3:8 SAVES ALL upon whom that ANGER is Poured upon first since these SAME end up being as follows —-> “all of them may call on the name of the LORD” and “serve Him shoulder to shoulder” as mentioned in (Context) of the next verse, Zephaniah 3:9.
So, who says that God’s Anger cannot Save?
Source:
https://www.anonymouschristian.org/blog/hate-god-saves-all-men-eventually/
P/S: Did First Christianity understand it that Way?
Yes, to quote:
Here’s an infamous explanation by Origen of Alexandria regarding this same set of verses too for edification (to quote from Gary Amirault):
Listen to the words of Origen as he battles with a Greek philosopher named Celsus:
“The Stoics, indeed, hold that, when the strongest of the elements prevails, all things shall be turned into fire. But our belief is, that the Word shall prevail over the entire rational creation, and change every soul into his own perfection…for although in the diseases and wounds of the body, there are some which no medical skill can cure, yet we hold that in the mind there is no evil so strong that it may not be overcome by the Supreme Word and God. For stronger than all the evils in the soul is the Word, and the healing power that swells in Him, and the healing He applies, according to the will of God to every man. The consummation of all things is the destruction of evil…to quote Zephaniah: ‘My determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kings, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger, for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy. For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve Him with one consent’…consider carefully the promise, that all shall call upon the name of the Lord, and serve Him with one consent; also that all contemptuous reproach shall be taken away, and there shall be no longer any injustice, or vain speech, or a deceitful tongue” (Celsus, 6k8, ch. 72, ANF, v.4, p. 667).
Source:
https://www.anonymouschristian.org/blog/all-saviour-of-all-men-knowing-him/
Meditation – How do we meditate Biblically?
Believers must NOT meditate on an ’empty mind’ NOR on ‘their opinions’.
We ought to Meditate on the ‘Law of God’ (“His Most Blessed Words”) to be ‘Blessed Within with His Un-explainable Peace’, to quote:
“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in HIS LAW he MEDITATES DAY and NIGHT.” (Psalm 1:1 – 2, NASB)
“And the PEACE of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your MINDS in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7, NASB)
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” – Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:27, NASB)
“that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.” – Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:17, NASB)
“As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.” (1 John 2:27, NASB)
Peace to you
Free Choice – Gratefulness – Even in Evil?
Verse:
“in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – apostle Paul (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NASB)
A Classic Example (agreeing to Quote in Image):
When Job lost almost everything (his property, the lives of his sons & daughters etc. due to “Satan’s Act”), instead of ‘blaming God’, this is what he said:
“He [Job] said,
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
And naked I shall return there.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away.
BLESSED be the NAME of the LORD.”
Through all this Job did NOT SIN NOR did he BLAME God.” (Job 1:21 – 22, NASB)
Why?
Job Clearly knows that ‘God does NO Evil’ but that ‘Satan is Responsible for Evil by his own will & temporal authority’ as the Verse goes:
“Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.” (Job 2:7, NASB)
Satan even caused ‘fire from heaven’ (Job 1:12, 16).
Example:
“So the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your power, only spare his life.” (Job 2:6, NASB)
The phrase “Behold, he is in your power” —-> only determines that God has given Job over to Satan’s authority and NOT that God is Instructing Job’s Ruin —> giving Satan a “CHOICE by his OWN WILL” to decide what to do next toward Job —> where we know by the next Verse (Job 2:7), Satan decides to do EVIL toward Job by his own will —-> Going against God’s Will (as God Mentioned First to Satan in Job 2:3) —> where this PERMISSION is BOUNDED by God in that He limits Satan’s will to NOT harm ‘Job’s life’ (in Job 2:6).
Conclusion
If we want to blame someone, let’s blame the one who actually does the evil deed (a.k.a. Satan) & ‘the human being who actually does that evil act by his own free choice’ (if applicable) and NOT the One Who gave him Free Choice (i.e. “God”).
Why would a Benevolent God allow that?
The Same Reason a Benevolent God allows ‘you’ or even ‘an evil person whom you know’ to ‘live, exist & exercise their choice according to their appointed time’ where Judgment Will follow accordingly to all the Unrepentant with Fair Measure Accordingly (Galatians 6:7, Isaiah 3:11).
Why Should we be Grateful for ‘evil done to us’?
Because we will be Rewarded beyond measure in His Kingdom:
“For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.” – apostle Peter (1 Peter 3:17, NASB)
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” – apostle Paul (Romans 8:18, NASB)
P/S: Did First Christianity understand ‘Free Choice’ in that Way?
Yes. Please consider:
(i) St. Justin Martyr
To Quote:
“And the holy Spirit of prophecy taught us this, telling us by Moses that God spoke thus to the man first created: “Behold, before thy face are good and evil: choose the good.” … And if ye be willing and obey Me, ye shall eat the good of the land; but if ye do not obey Me, the sword shall devour you: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” And that expression, “The sword shall devour you,” does not mean that the disobedient shall be slain by the sword, but the sword of God is fire, of which they who choose to do wickedly become the fuel. …
And so, too, Plato, when he says, “The blame is his who chooses, and God is blameless,” took this from the prophet Moses and uttered it. For Moses is more ancient than all the Greek writers…
So that what we say about future events being foretold, we do not say it as if they came about by a fatal necessity; but God foreknowing all that shall be done by all men, and it being His decree that the future actions of men shall all be recompensed according to their several value, He foretells by the Spirit of prophecy that He will bestow meet rewards according to the merit of the actions done, always urging the human race to effort and recollection, showing that He cares and provides for men.
But by the agency of the devils death has been decreed against those who read the books of Hystaspes, or of the Sibyl, or of the prophets, that through fear they may prevent men who read them from receiving the knowledge of the good, and may retain them in slavery to themselves; which, however, they could not always effect.
For not only do we fearlessly read them, but, as you see, bring them for your inspection, knowing that their contents will be pleasing to all. And if we persuade even a few, our gain will be very great; for, as good husbandmen, we shall receive the reward from the Master.” (St. Justin Martyr, First Apology, CHAPTER XLIV — NOT NULLIFIED BY PROPHECY.)
Translation Source:
http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/justinmartyr-firstapology.html
(ii) St. Irenaeous of Lyons
In Page 523 (in Book ‘Lost Orthodoxy’) we find Irenaeous FIGHTING AGAINST this ‘ancient Gnostic Pagan error of ascribing to God the act of evil’, as follows:
That God is not the Author of Evil, for Florinus seemed to be defending this opinion. —-> some among the ‘Calvinists or Universalists’ also ERR LIKEWISE in ‘falsely’ attributing God to Doing Evil instead of realizing the TRUTH that ‘God does NOT Influence or DO EVIL AT ALL’ (James 1:13) and He only JUDGES EVIL by RETURNING the SAME EVIL back to the Perpetrators in this life or next (Galatians 6:7, Isaiah 3:11) as ancient Christianity CORRECTLY taught say regarding the meaning of Isaiah 45:7.
Please see Page 367 in that same Book ‘Lost Orthodoxy’ for an accurate Scriptural Exegesis with NO contradictions (and agrees to Irenaeous’) instead of the one you proposed (which is contradicted by the Verses above).
(iii) Does Free Choice lead to Universal Salvation?
How does ‘Free Will’ or better worded ‘Free Choice’ due to Pollution of its Intended Definition with ‘limits & influence’ lead to Universal Salvation?
From Pages 524 o 525, to quote:
How about St. Irenaeous himself explaining the ‘God Worketh ALL things after the Counsel of His Will part in regards to FREE WILL which by HIS INTERVENTION causes UNIVERSAL SALVATION eventually’?
Please consider Irenaeous’ own words HIGHLIGHTED below to UNDERSTAND this TRUTH of CHRIST CENTERED UNIVERSALISM in regards to FREE WILL too:
“This expression [of our Lord], “How often would I have gathered thy children together, and thou wouldest not,” set forth the ANCIENT LAW of HUMAN LIBERTY, because God made man a FREE [agent] from the beginning, possessing his own power, even as he does his own soul, to obey the behests (ad utendum sententia) of God VOLUNTARILY, and NOT by COMPULSION of God. For there is NO COERCION with God, but a good will [towards us] is present with Him continually. And therefore does He give good counsel to all…
No doubt, if any one is UNWILLING to follow the Gospel itself, it is in his power [to reject it], but it is NOT expedient. For it is in MAN’s POWER to DISOBEY God, and to FORFEIT what is GOOD; but [such conduct] brings NO small amount of injury and mischief…
But because MAN is possessed of FREE WILL from the beginning, and God is possessed of FREE WILL, in whose LIKENESS man was created, advice is always given to him to keep fast the good, which thing is done by means of obedience to God…
In the same manner therefore the Lord, both showing His own goodness, and indicating that MAN is in HIS OWN FREE WILL and his own power, said to Jerusalem, “How often have I wished to gather thy children together, as a hen [gathereth] her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Wherefore your house shall be left unto you desolate…
The Lord has therefore endured all these things on our behalf, in order that we, having been instructed by means of them all, may be in all respects circumspect for the TIME TO COME and that, having been RATIONALLY taught to love God, we may continue in His perfect love:
for God has displayed LONG-SUFFERING in the case of MAN’s APOSTASY; while man has been instructed by means of it, as also the prophet says, “THINE OWN APOSTASY shall HEAL THEE; ”
God thus DETERMINING ALL THINGS BEFOREHAND [Ephesians 1:11] for the BRINGING of MAN to PERFECTION [Ephesians 1:9 – 10], for his edification, and for the revelation of His DISPENSATIONS, that goodness may both be made apparent, and righteousness perfected, and that the CHURCH may be FASHIONED after the IMAGE of His Son, and that MAN may FINALLY be brought to MATURITY at SOME FUTURE TIME, becoming ripe through such privileges to see and comprehend God.”
(St. Irenaeous of Lyons, ‘Against Heresies’, Book 4, Chapter XXXVII.-Men are Possessed of Free Will, and Endowed with the Faculty of Making a Choice. It is Not True, Therefore, that Some are by Nature Good, and Others Bad)
Highlight, how does this FREE WILL part eventually leads to UNIVERSAL SALVATION for ALL MEN in Irenaeous’ own words above?
God has displayed LONG-SUFFERING in the case of MAN’s APOSTASY [This is how Irenaeous understands 2 Peter 3:15] —> “THINE OWN APOSTASY shall HEAL THEE” —-> God thus DETERMINING ALL THINGS BEFOREHAND [Ephesians 1:11] —> for the BRINGING of MAN to PERFECTION [Ephesians 1:9 – 10] —> for the revelation of His DISPENSATIONS [‘times’, Acts 3:21, 1 Timothy 2:6, Ephesians 1:9] —> MAN [All Men, Collectively Spoken] may FINALLY be brought to MATURITY [Saved, Restored to Perfection] at SOME FUTURE TIME [in the “Ages or AEONS to come” – Ephesians 2:7].
Please note the reason why God allowed Apostasy —> namely to HEAL ALL who are held in Apostasy first –> so, there is NO ETERNAL APOSTASY in an ETERNAL HELL or ANNIHILATION without RESTORATION of HEALING type of APOSTASY —> Can you REALLY SEE this ONLY BIBLICAL TRUTH? —> as Irenaeous’ Phrase ‘THINE OWN APOSTASY shall HEAL THEE’ means IRREFUTABLY. Isn’t God Alone Good? Yes, (Mark 10:18).
Isn’t it Amazingly Crisp Clear?
Peace to you
Evil brought forth in Judgment
Why does God Judge by bringing “Evil” (e.g. Amos 3:6)?
Please read say Isaiah 10:1 – 2 (Verse in Image)
Logic?
If we didn’t care about the ‘poor & oppressed from among us as a nation’, God ‘Will not care either’ allowing “Judgment” as ‘we reap what we sow collectively as well’ (Galatians 6:7).
Judgment Principles are the same be it in this life or in the afterlife (Hebrews 9:27).
The Quest for Christ’s Light
‘From within or from behind, a light
shines through us upon things,
and makes us aware that we
are nothing, but the light is all.’
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~
Christ’s Light ‘upon ALL Men’ is the Source of Hope:
“In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.” (John 1:4, NASB)
This is the ‘Original Apostles Creed’ (In Image).
‘Life Everlasting = Life Age-during’ = Aeonian Life
Please also Notice:
“He Descended into Hell (Hades)”
Also, the Word “Catholic” Means “Universal” & ‘not only the Roman Catholic Church’ as it’s portrayed these days.
The Nicene Creed
NOT life in the ‘world to come’ but ‘age to come’.
What is the life in the ‘age to come’?
‘Age during life’.
Verse:
“who may not receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brothers, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and fields, with persecutions, and in the age that is coming, life age-during;” – Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 10:30, YLT)
The Next age is NOT eternal as there are “ages” to come (plural – all same root Greek Word, AEON) as Ephesians 2:7 mentions.
What is a Logical Fallacy?
Shallow Logic sounds like this (in Image).
When we consider ‘more factors’, only then we are able to make a ‘reasonable deduction’.
So it is with Theology & the Importance of Considering First Christianity Writings before Deducing ‘an Explanation’.
Mercy – Salvation
God’s Choice Alone.
Example: “the thief on the Cross”
Christ Said to that thief,
“Today, you will be with Me in Paradise…” (Luke 23:43)
(This is A Clear Irrefutable Proof of Afterlife in One’s Soul as Christ Himself hasn’t Resurrected which only occured Three Days Later —> This was Declared on the Same Day He Died, by Lord Jesus Christ Himself & not ‘Soul Sleep’ is Uttered – sorry, William Tyndale & Martin Luther, Sola Scriptura Only)
Good vs Evil
Question 1
I’m keeping away from that sinful friend of yours because the Bible says “fear the Lord and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:7).
Reply 1
Indeed, we are to keep away from the ‘places of sin’ or ‘where sin occurs’ (congregation of sinners, Psalm 1:1, Psalm 26:5).
Now, that doesn’t mean that we don’t ‘help someone who has fallen especially when they have repented’ (Galatians 6:10).
In fact, we are Commanded to help the needs of our enemies too even (Matthew 5:44, Romans 12:20).
Question 2
What is doing good vs doing evil? We must be wise.
Reply 2
Indeed, we must be Scripturally wise.
Here’s ‘what the Bible defines a good person vs a bad person’ will be on “Judgment Day” as our Most Blessed Savior Himself Speaks (please note ‘carefully’ that ‘no church attendance is pointed out as a mandatory requirement’ – let’s learn to Preach what is ‘Written only’ in the Context of this ‘Judgment Day’):
1) Good
Traits of a Relatively-Good Person as God’s Word Defines it as follows on “Judgment Day” (Matthew 25:31)
“For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink;
I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’
“Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink?
‘And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You?
‘When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’
“The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.” – Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:35 – 40, NASB)
2) Evil
Traits of a Relatively-Evil Person as God’s Word Defines it as follows on “Judgment Day” (Matthew 25:31)
“Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal [age-during] fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels;
for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink;
I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.’
“Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’
“Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’
“These will go away into eternal [age-during] punishment, but the righteous into eternal [age-during] life.” – Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:41 – 46, NASB)
Conclusion
So when you “refuse” to accept the “stranger” or ‘depart from helping them’, which Verse are you fulfilling? (e. g. Matthew 25:43)
Aren’t we to do that toward our ‘enemies’ too “if we are able”? (e. g. Romans 12:20 and James 4:17)
If we can’t do it, why be a stumbling block to those who try instead of being an encourager to fulfill these “Verses”?
(Why take the side of ‘cruel cultural opinions’ which teach against these Verses which have “no” value on Judgment Day)?
How are you righteous based on Verses above?
Is it by giving money to ‘your church, a family member & some good people orphanages only’?
(Isn’t that “loving those who love you only” – What’s so Great? – I didn’t imply that but the Lord Himself in “Verse” below – please read ‘carefully’ to be ‘wise Biblically’):
“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.” – Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 6:32, NASB)
P/S: Deep Theology
Yes, we must help if we are able even toward a hungry LGBT as that’s what is Commanded in the Bible toward a believer if the Verses above are Properly Understood in ‘Depth’ despite the Fact that we disagree with their sins.
Last but not least, Giving is measured based on the “Percentage you have” as the case of the ‘Poor Widow with 2 Cents Proves’ (in Mark 12:41 – 44 quoted below).
“And He [Lord Jesus Christ] sat down opposite the treasury, and began observing how the people were putting money into the treasury; and many rich people were putting in large sums.
A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent.
Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury;
for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:41 – 44, NASB)
So, have we really “Given that much”?
God Alone Knows.
This does NOT mean that anyone is saved by works. It demonstrates upon whom God chooses to have Mercy (His Choice Alone to Save them) as the Verses below agree:
“For He [God] saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” (Romans 9:15, KJV)
“So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.” (Romans 9:16, NASB)
“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” – Lord Jesus Christ, the Merciful One (Matthew 5:7, KJV)
Universal Salvation is Promised by the Absolute Limitless Only Free Will of God (Romans 9:15 – 16, with Romans 11:30 – 32).
Context: Please note the phrase “knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” carefully in the Concluding Verse (in Image).
*Old English Alert: The word “Charity” in translation here is more accurately “Love” in modern English.
Importance of Wisdom Example: Speaking “Blessing Loudly”?
A Good Counter Verse (in Image) for ‘early morning’ LOUD Blessing Messages on WhatsApp & SMS or Calls ‘Directly to a Friend’.
Best Place to Post your messages?
Example: ‘your Facebook wall or page’ (within your enclosure) & not ‘stuff it on your friend’s face blessing him but actually hoping some blessing from God in return’ (the ‘real motivation’ – “self gain”)
Please read the WARNING in Verse in Image ‘Carefully’.
That’s why ‘Biblical Wisdom’ is Very Important before doing something ‘religious’.
Love is the Greatest Command.
Hence, Let us be careful when we teach ‘against’ Christ’s Commands of Love due to our own ‘limitedness & selfishness’ because the ‘Judgment against us in such cases could be greatest’ too as it was with the Pharisees, right?
All Things New – Water of Life – Salvation from the Lake of Fire
One Day, God (in “Spirit”) and His Beloved “Church” (“Bride”) will call out to all the “thirsty” (“Biblical Phrase – “ANYONE who is thirsty” from the Lake of Fire, implied) to offer them the “Water of Life” FREELY.
Which Verse says this in the Bible literally? Revelation 22:17 (Verse in Image too).
Yes, it’s after their Judgment or “part” in the Lake of Fire (Revelation 21:8) accordingly till His MERCY which is Promised to all (both the obedient & disobedient too, Romans 11:30 – 32) TRIUMPHS OVER (and ENDS) any AFTERLIFE JUDGMENT eventually (as Promised Prophetically in James 2:13).
The Unfathomable Mercy of God in Flesh & Saviour of the World, Lord Jesus Christ (1 John 4:14, John 1:29).
P/S: Translations
Here are two good translations of Revelation 22:17 for edification.
New American Standard Bible
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.
King James Bible
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
“It is Written”
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” – KING of kings, Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:35, NASB)
Did ‘First Christianity’ understand it that way?
Yes, for example:
1) ages of Ages – First Christianity – Purgatorial Hell Universalism
2) Sibyline Oracles Mystery Match with Bible Verses Perfectly – Last Prophecies
Peace to you
The All Things Meaning in Context
“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Revelation 4:11, KJV)
He Created “All Things” (Colossians 1:16) and will “Reconcile All things” back to Him eventually (Colossians 1:20).
What Context?
The Irrefutable Context of ‘Consecutive Verses’:
“because in Him were created all things in the heavens and upon the earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or lordships or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and unto Him. “and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace by the blood of His cross through Him, whether the things on the earth or the things in the heavens.” (Colossians 1:16, 20, BLB)
Source:
https://www.anonymouschristian.org/blog/reconcile-all-created-things-how-about-plants-and-animals/