Annihilationist S and Universalist Sdoctrinal Objections to the Teaching of Eternal Torment

Annihilationist’s And Universalist’sDoctrinal Objections To The Teaching Of Eternal Torment

By pastor Tony Butler

Lesson Four

Is Everlasting, Everlasting?

In our last lesson we looked at the objection of the Uniiversalists concerning the translation of the word “basanos” to mean “torment”. We learned that Universalists say that it merely means a “touchstone” which is used to examine the quality of precious metals. Thus they reduce “torment” to God merely testing and purifing lost souls so they can be saved. I tried to show how the word is used consistently throughout the New Testament as a means to produce punishment and pain in order to disprove the Universalist use of the word. I believe I showed by context and it’s consistent use within the New Testament that the Universalist view is false and inconsistent with scriptural use of the word.

In this lesson it is important that we take another serious look at another Greek word “αἰών/aiŌn” which is used by U&A’s (From now on I will use this abbreviation for Univeralists and Annhilationists) to prove theconcept of eternal or everlasting punishment is unbiblical and hinges primarily on a mistranslation of the adjective form of “aiŌnion” which isused by evangelicals to prove the doctrine of eternal torment as found inMatthew 25:31-46. As always, the U&A’s are quick to say, “Not so fast”.

Personally I love it when our beliefs are challenged because it makes me think about what I really believe. Sometimes I find myself believing something is true simply because I hear so many saying it within the evangelical community. However, I am learning the importance of self discovery concerning the scripture. There is no doubt there is bias in bible translations as well as translation problems.

When a person or group challenges perceived errors or biases it is incumbent upon us to examine thouroughly what they are saying. In continuing lessons we are going to look at three Greek words that are found in connection with the doctrine of eternal torment; aion, damnation, punishment and destruction. Perhaps you haven’t given these words much thought in the past or just took the translations for granted that there is no controversy concerning them. I pray this will be a very educational and eye opening study for you so you can better understand the Word of God and have more informed conversations with people to whom you share Christ.

U&A ObjectionNumber Two

The use of the word “everlasting” is a false translation.

1.There is "the coming aiŌn" (Matt.10:30, Luke 18:30)

2.There the is "the present wicked aiŌn" (Gal.1:4)

3.There is "the oncoming aiŌns (future)(Eph.2:7)

4.There is "the conclusion of the aiŌn (present) (Mt.13:39,40)

5.There is "the secret concealed from the aiŌns (past) (Eph.3:9)

U&A’s say because of the use of aiŌn in the above scriptures, plainly, the Greek word "αἰῶν" transliterated "eon/ aiŌn " cannot mean "eternal."

Also, U&A’s believe a Greek adjective CANNOT take on a greater force than its noun and CANNOT possibly mean "everlasting". For example, "hourly" cannot mean "pertaining to days, weeks, months, or years. The word MUST mean"pertaining to an hour." Therefore, "aiŌnion," the adjective form of the noun "aiŌn" which clearly means a period of indeterminate time, can’t mean "forever and ever, eternal, everlasting, or eternity or any other words which denote unending time. Bibles which do NOT contain the teaching of everlasting punishment or hell are true to the original languages of Greek and Hebrew. Those which teach everlasting punishment or Hell are false.

To listen to this view on youtube, go to or you can read L.Ray Smith a prolific writer (Annihilationist) on the internet speak to the subject:

A Biblical Response To The U&A’s Objection

In the KJV,aiŌn has been translated mostly as the “world”. Mt. 13:22;40;49; 24:3; 28;20;Mk. 4:19;Lk. 1:70;16:8;20:34,35; Jn. 9:32; Acts 3:21; Acts 15:8; I Cor. 1:20; 2:6,8; 4:4; Gal. 1:4; Eph. 6:12; Heb. 6:5
The context of the scriptures plainly reveal that translating the word to world or worlds is appropriate in certain contexts. One can’t see an age but one can see worlds. (Heb. 11:3)
The KJV has translated the word aiŌnas “age” in a few places. Eph. 2:7; 3:5;21; Col. 1:2
The actual Greek word for the actual physical worlds/universe/or the things contained in them is “κόσμοσ/Cosmos”.
Another form of aiŌn is used in the scripture as αἰῶνος/ aiŌnos which also is translated as “world”Mt. 13:22,40,49; 24:3; 28:20; Mk. 4:19; Lk. 1:70; 16:8; 20:34.35; Jn.9:32; Ac ts 3:21;15:18; I Cor. 1:20; 2:6,8: II Cor. 4:4; Gal. 1:4; Eph. 3;21; 6:12; Heb. 1:8; 6:5
And one time as “forever” II Pet. 3:18

To correct the inconsistencies, many modern bible translations have removed the words “world” and “forever” and replaced them with “age” and ‘ages”. However, having said that, does that make the U&A’s correct that torment cannot endure forever because there is no Greek word for “forever”? The question isn’t about the use of the noun “aiŌn” but rather the use of the adjective form of “aiŌn” such as “aiŌnios,aiŌnias and aiŌniou”.

Did the Greeks have a way to express eternity without having a specific word for eternity?

I looked up the Greek word “aiŌnion”everywhere it is used in the KJV. The U&A’s are correct that it is used as an adjective form of aiŌn. In every address listed below the words are translated as “eternal, forever, and everlasting”.

Mt. 18:8; 19:16; 19;29; 25:41,46; Mk. 10;17,30; Lk. 10:25; 18;18,30; Jn. 3:15,16,36; 4:14,36; Jn. 5;24,39; Jn. 6:27,40,47,54; 10;28; 12:25; Jn. 17;2; Acts 13:48; Rom. 2:7; 5:21; 6:22; II Cor. 4:17; 5:1; Gal. 6:8; II Thess. 1:9; I Tim. 1:16; 6:16; Philemon. 1:15; I Pet. 5;10; II Pet. 1:11; I Jn. 1:2; 2:25; 3:15; 5:11; 5:13; Jude 1:21; Rev. 14:6

I also looked up every place the word “aiŌniou” is used which is also used in the KJV as “eternal and everlasting”:

Mk. 3:29; Lk. 16:9; Jn. 6:68; Acts 16:46; Rom. 16:26; I Tim. 6:12,19; II Tim. 2:10; Tit. 1:2; 3:7; Heb. 5;9; 6:2; 9:14,15; 13:20; Jude 1:7

I also looked up every place αἰῶνας/aiŌnas is used in the KJV: Forever - Mt. 6:13; Lk. 1:23; Rom. 1:25; 9:5; 11:36; 16:27; Gal. 1:5; Phil. 4:20; I Tim. 1:17; II Tim. 4:18; Heb. 13:8,21; I Pet. 4:11; 5:11; Jude 1:25; Rev. 1:6; 4:9,10; 5:13; 7;12; 10:6; 11:15; 14:11; 15:7; 19:3; 20:10

Forever more - II Cor. 11:31; Rev. 1:18

Worlds - Heb. 1:2; 11:3

It is common sense that words have no meanings in themselves, but the meaning is in people. One man could share with another that it took “forever” for the mechanic to fix his car. The context of the word and statement determined the meaning within the listener. The Greek terms for perpituity are used in the same way. It is an abstract term that can only be understood within the context. We will see through various examples below how the word “aiŌn” and it various forms can be used to describe continual perpituity which is described as “forever” in the western mind..

The real question:

is it true that the Greek adjective CANNOT take on a greater force than its noun and CANNOT possibly mean "everlasting".

As already acknowedged “aiŌn” can be translated into a temporal sense as it is in Rom. 16:25: Rom 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, (aiŌnios) But the reason it is translated that way is because of context, and that is extremely important. Context always determinesthe meaning of various forms of a word.

With the U&A claim that "aiŌnion" can also be translated into something temporal and that its root means "age," the universalist then says that any reference to "eternal fire," "eternal torment," or "eternal punishment" is not really eternal. Instead of "eternal torment," it is "aiŌnion torment." Instead of "eternal punishment," it is "aiŌnion punishment." That way, to the U&A’s, there is no eternal hell, no eternal punishment, no eternal damnation but only an indefinite period of time.

To illustrate this, U&A’s will point out some verses very quickly whereaiŌniou (an adjective form of aiŌn)is used as a temporary and indefinite period of time:

Jud 1:7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal/aiŌniou fire.
For perhaps because of this he was separated from you for an hour, that you should receive him forever/aiŌnion, (Philemon 1:15)

The scriptures does use “ages” to describe the western concept of eternal.

It is true that the root "aiŌn" means age. But just because a root noun means “age” does not mean that every word derived from that root means a limited duration of time. There are forms of the word that convey eternal perpituity. For example, consider this verse which is speaking about God:

1Ti 6:16 who alone has immortality, dwelling in light which cannot be approached, whom no one of men have seen, nor can see; to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen.

1Ti 6:16 ὁμόνοςἔχωνἀθανασίαν, φῶςοἰκῶνἀπρόσιτον, ὃνεἶδενοὐδεὶςἀνθρώπωνοὐδὲἰδεῖνδύναται·ᾧτιμὴκαὶκράτοςαἰώνιον·ἀμήν.(kratosaiŌnion )

The whole context of this verse has to do with the absolute eternal nature of God on two levels.

First, He is called “immortal” which comes from the Greek word "athanatos". Noice the “alpha prefix” before the word “thanatos” The Greek word for death is "thanatos." The "a" in front of the word is the negator just like we have the word “theist” one who belives in God and we also have the “atheist” one who doesn’t believe in God. “Athanatos” means that God is without death and is therefore immortal.

Secondly, the verse states that God has “eternal/of the ages”power. The Greek word translated "eternal" is "aiŌnion" which is derived from the Greek root "aiŌn" which means “age” but, common sense lets us know that God is immortal for more than just a period of time called an "age".He surpasses any and all ages. He is sovereign and self existent during them all throught them all. His immortality isn’t temporal nor is His power.

The word "eternal" is absolutely a legitimate way to translate the Greek "aiŌnion" because God is “immortal” and is “of all the ages”. Therefore, it is perfectly proper to use the english word eternal to relate to readers the eternal quality of God’s immortality and power.
To me this gets into semantics rather than substance. God is aiŌniou (of the ages) To me the idea of“aiŌnion”is that He is timeless and continual. If “of the ages” satisfies the mind rather than an English word, “Eternal, Everlasting, or Forever” I have little problem with that. It is the false applications that bother me.

Below is a good example where context allows the translation to be “eternal” because the adjective is modifying the word “God” who is immortal and always has been. To translate the word as “of the age God”,though a more strict translation, it could in the western mind reduce God to an indefinite period of time. Universalist deny this because because they say it is more keeping to the original Greek and the idea of “of the age” doesn’t take away the ongoing existence of God or His attributes.

φανερωθέντοςδὲνῦν, διάτεγραφῶνπροφητικῶνκατ᾿ἐπιταγὴντοῦαἰωνίουΘεοῦεἰςὑπακοὴνπίστεωςεἰςπάντατὰἔθνηγνωρισθέντος,Rom 16:26

…but now has been made plain, and by the prophetic Scriptures, according to the commandment of the everlasting/aiŌniou God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith; (Romans 16:26)

Not only is God eternal but His attributes and titles are eternal/of the ages.

Is Jesus only the same, yesterday, today, and for an indefinite period of time? Of course not, His attributes follow His person throughout the ages.

Jesus Christ the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) tous

Is Jesus is a part time Priest and King ?

As He says also in another place, "You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." (Hebrews 5:6)

But to the Son He says, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. (Hebrews 1:8

Not only is God eternal/ of the ages but His Word is “eternal/of the ages” in its duration. Would we say God’s Word is only good for an indefinite period of time?

but the Word of the Lord endures forever. And this is the Word preached as gospel to you. (1 Peter 1:25)

By the sacrifice of Jesus on the Christ we are eternally brought into a position of perfect sanctification. Would we say that God only sanctifies us for an indefinite period of time?

For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are sanctified. (Hebrews 10:14)

Another Greek way of saying eternal.

By U&A’s own admission the noun “aiŌn” is an indefinite period of time. It can be a few hundred years or trillions of years. The highest number the Greeks used was ten thousand. They didn’t have a a word for billion. When they wanted to use the idea of a countless amount of people they would use the term, ten thousandstimes ten thousands and thousands and thousands. ( See Rev. 5:11) It is the same with eternity. Though the Greeks didn’t have an exact word for eternity as we do, they did have a way to express it through the phrase “unto the ages of the ages” as seen below:

Greek - Eph 3:21 αὐτῷἡδόξαἐντῇἐκκλησίᾳκαὶἐνΧριστῷ᾿Ιησοῦεἰςπάσας τὰςγενεὰςτοῦαἰῶνοςτῶν αἰώνων·ἀμήν. Tou aiŌnos tŌn αἰŌνŌν

to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, forever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:21) MKJ
unto him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus unto all generations for ever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:21) ASV
Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (Ephesians 3:21) KJV

Another example:

Rev 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Rev 1:6 καὶἐποίησενἡμᾶςβασιλείαν, ἱερεῖςτῷΘεῷκαὶπατρὶαὐτοῦ, αὐτῷἡδόξακαὶτὸκράτοςεἰς τοὺςαἰῶναςτῶναἰώνων·ἀμήν. Tous aiŌnas tŌnαἰŌνŌν = to the ages of the ages

The idea here is one of perpituity of countless ages.Universalist teach that “to the ages of the ages” is like saying “The Mother of all mothers”. It isn’t speaking of eternity but rather the highest and best age as found in the millenial rule of Christ. Afterwards the Son will relenquish all authority back to His Father. (See II Cor. 15:26,27)They teach at the end of the milleniaum “the age of all the ages” is when all lost people and angels will be saved by the purification of the lake of fire.

Read the following with the Universalist interpretation in mind:

And the seventh angel sounded. And there were great voices in Heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ. And He will reign forever and ever. (Revelation 11:15)
And the Devil who deceived them was cast into the Lake of Fire and Brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet were And he will be tormented day and night forever and ever. (Revelation 20:10)
Rev 19:3 And secondly they said, Hallelujah! And her smoke rose up forever and ever (Speaking of the whore of Babylon)
And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever. And they have no rest day or night, those who worship the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name. (Revelation 14:11)
And the seventh angel sounded. And there were great voices in Heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ. And He will reign forever and ever. (Revelation 11:15)

The Problem with that interpretation:

We rule with God after the millenium

Rev 22:5 And there will be no night there. And they need no lamp, or light of the sun; for the Lord God gives them light. And they will reign forever and ever.

It limits His worship to the millenium

saying, Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever. Amen. (II Tim. 4:18; I pet. 4:11; Heb. 13:21; Revelation 1;6; 4;9; 5:13; 7:12)

Because this is a Sunday School lesson, it is impossible to go into great depth concerning the word aiŌn. I have tried to cover the main issues concerning the word. As you share your faith with others this subject is going to come up more and more. Even today, some modern day evangelicals are now using some of the same U&A arguments to promote doctrinal arguments aginst the doctrine of eternal torment.

In our next lesson we will look at some more words connected with eternal torment that are denied by U&As and some liberal evangelicals. I encourage you to look up and study the usage of the words for punishment, destroyed, perish, and damnation/judgment.