Romans 2:7 – Eonian life (1)

… those indeed, who by endurance in good acts are seeking glory and honor and incorruption, life eonian…

Few terms in Scripture have been so misunderstood as “eternal life.” Especially because of what is understood by “eternal”. They invariably think of “everlasting”, but that is not what “eon” means. Consider, the Scriptures speak of “before the eons” (1 Cor. 2: 7) and of “before eonian times” (16:25) and also of “the consummation of the eons” (Heb. 9:26). Short and sweet, eons in Scripture have both a beginning and an end.

Thus the “eonian life” is the life of “the coming eon” (Luke 18:30). This coming eon refers to the time when Christ will reign in “the thousand years” (Rev. 20). A rule that he will continue in the eon that follows (Rev. 21/22). In order to, finally, when death will be abolished, hand over the Kingdom to GOD the Father who will then become “all in all” (1 Cor.15: 22-28). From then on no one is dead and every human child will be made alive (1 Cor.15: 22). At Christ’s second coming, there will be no “endless eternity” but “eons to come” (Ephesians 2: 6). World eras that will surpass each other in glory until the ultimate is reached. What a fascinating future!

Delen: