Eonian Life

[fullarmor2]

Hi
  I'm part of a small bible study group here in the Quad Cities and I've been discussing a certain topic with another member of our group. The question of whether or not the Body of Christ are the only ones who have eonian life in the current administration or not. My friend thinks this is the case.  So, essentially I'm being told that only people who believe like we do are the Body of Christ, for now in the current administration? I'm being told this by people who subscribe to the Concordant theology perspective. But, I'm being told by others in this message, that this is incorrect. That people who only believe the basic message about Jesus' death and resurrection have eonian life, and are just not in the Body(evidenced by the fact that they don't have truth above and beyond the basic evangel, like salvation of all or just believing Paul's evangel and writings the right way). They have other callings. Also, I tend to think this is correct. I think that many people throughout Christendom who are believers have eonian life, even though they don't know much truth. Because they still believe the evangel.  So who has eonian life? How does one get it? Is there a difference between just having it,  and being a member of the Body of Christ? Can a person receive eonian life today by believing the evangel? Are they then a part of the Body of Christ? Or, do they have to have a calling, evidenced by knowing truth about the Word, particularly Paul's writings? 

[ded2daworld]

IMO, Some have aeonian life now. Others (the rest) will recieve it after cleansing and purification in the lake of fire. :dontknow:

[Tom]

Hi
  I'm part of a small bible study group here in the Quad Cities and I've been discussing a certain topic with another member of our group. The question of whether or not the Body of Christ are the only ones who have eonian life in the current administration or not. My friend thinks this is the case.  So, essentially I'm being told that only people who believe like we do are the Body of Christ, for now in the current administration? I'm being told this by people who subscribe to the Concordant theology perspective. But, I'm being told by others in this message, that this is incorrect. That people who only believe the basic message about Jesus' death and resurrection have eonian life, and are just not in the Body(evidenced by the fact that they don't have truth above and beyond the basic evangel, like salvation of all or just believing Paul's evangel and writings the right way). They have other callings. Also, I tend to think this is correct. I think that many people throughout Christendom who are believers have eonian life, even though they don't know much truth. Because they still believe the evangel.  So who has eonian life? How does one get it? Is there a difference between just having it,  and being a member of the Body of Christ? Can a person receive eonian life today by believing the evangel? Are they then a part of the Body of Christ? Or, do they have to have a calling, evidenced by knowing truth about the Word, particularly Paul's writings?

http://concordant.org/expohtml/TheEvangel/BelievingAndUnderstanding.html

[watchman1706]

IMO, Some have aeonian life now. Others (the rest) will recieve it after cleansing and purification in the lake of fire. :dontknow:

Well said  :thumbsup: :banana: :iagree:

[VineBranch]

Personally, and this is just a personal statement, I think anyone who walks with their father, or hangs out with their dad has everything.  Even if I don't know any theology, or philosophy, and haven't a clue about what constitute truth, or covenant, or salvation, and yet accept Christ in my heart and walk around with my father, I have the truth, and all theology, and philosophy and a covenant and salvation and everything God intends me to have.  Once I get it ain't about me, but it's about Him, all those things which tend to separate us fall away and everyone is equal before God. 

This is just my observation, but I've come to understand a very simple truth over the years:  God unites, people separate.  Both usages (transitive and intransitive) of that verb are correct.

[rjohnson741]

Every one will not receive eonian life. Only believers in Christ will receive eonian life(John 3:16). Eon means age or a period of time. That means by definition the eonian life of believers comes to an end. Eonian life is the special life God give to believers now to enjoy(John 17:3 1Timothy 4:10). Believers get to enjoy a life of spiritual blessings and a personal relationship with God now and in the eons to come(Ephesians 1:3-9). Believers living forever is not contingent on eonian[G166 aionios] life. Believers and everyone else will live forever because they will be made alive or vivified[G2227 zoopoieo] and put on immortality[G110 athanasia] at the Consummnation of the eons(1Corinthians 15:22-23; 1Corinthian 15:53-55).

[VineBranch]

Every one will not receive eonian life. Only believers in Christ will receive eonian life(John 3:16). Eon means age or a period of time. That means by definition the eonian life of believers comes to an end. Eonian life is the special life God give to believers now to enjoy(John 17:3 1Timothy 4:10). Believers get to enjoy a life of spiritual blessings and a personal relationship with God now and in the eons to come(Ephesians 1:3-9). Believers living forever is not contingent on eonian[G166 aionios] life. Believers and everyone else will live forever because they will be made alive or vivified[G2227 zoopoieo] and put on immortality[G110 athanasia] at the Consummnation of the eons(1Corinthians 15:22-23; 1Corinthian 15:53-55).

And non-believers get what?  I mean, how will they be spending this forever?  Or does it life for Christians for an age and nothingness for non-believers for an age and then we all come together in the hot tub of forever?

[rjohnson741]

Believers have eonian or age lasting life, which by definition means that life comes to an end. Believers and non believers alike will put on immortality at the Consummation of the eons---''So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be bought to pass the saying that is written, DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP IN VICTORY'' 1Corinthians 15:54.

[VineBranch]

Believers have eonian or age lasting life, which by definition means that life comes to an end. Believers and non believers alike will put on immortality at the Consummation of the eons---"So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be bought to pass the saying that is written, DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP IN VICTORY" 1Corinthians 15:54.

Ah, I see thank you.

So, the end result when the eons have ended is that it didn't make a difference: we all end in the same place regardless of who was a Christian in the eons.  The only reason Christ came was so the Christians could have a party for couple of eons, and then we'ld wake the dead and everyone lives on?

[rjohnson741]

Believers have eonian or age lasting life, which by definition means that life comes to an end. Believers and non believers alike will put on immortality at the Consummation of the eons---"So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be bought to pass the saying that is written, DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP IN VICTORY" 1Corinthians 15:54.

Ah, I see thank you.

So, the end result when the eons have ended is that it didn't make a difference: we all end in the same place regardless of who was a Christian in the eons.  The only reason Christ came was so the Christians could have a party for couple of eons, and then we'ld wake the dead and everyone lives on?

Believers are the elect of God, and they have a wonderful purpose in the eons to come.
Believers are the first fruits of the harvest. And as with any harvest, if there are first fruit there is the remaining fruits--The Ingathering or Fall Harverst, which are unbelievers. This is the purpose the elect will have with Jesus Christ in the eons to come---"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" Ephesians 1:10.

[VineBranch]

Believers are the elect of God, and they have a wonderful purpose in the eons to come.
Believers are the first fruits of the harvest. And as with any harvest, if there are first fruit there is the remaining fruits--The Ingathering or Fall Harverst, which are unbelievers. This is the purpose the elect will have with Jesus Christ in the eons to come---"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" Ephesians 1:10.

Is the fullness of time then the end of the eons?  I ask because it says, HE MIGHT GATHER TOGETHER IN ONE ALL THINGS IN CHRIST.  If it is the end of the eons you said even non-believers will be gathered, but this sounds like only believers will go on after the eons.  If it is not the end of the eons, how can it be the fullness of time?  I'm kinda confused here.

[rjohnson741]

Believers are the elect of God, and they have a wonderful purpose in the eons to come.
Believers are the first fruits of the harvest. And as with any harvest, if there are first fruit there is the remaining fruits--The Ingathering or Fall Harverst, which are unbelievers. This is the purpose the elect will have with Jesus Christ in the eons to come---"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" Ephesians 1:10.

Is the fullness of time then the end of the eons?  I ask because it says, HE MIGHT GATHER TOGETHER IN ONE ALL THINGS IN CHRIST.  If it is the end of the eons you said even non-believers will be gathered, but this sounds like only believers will go on after the eons.  If it is not the end of the eons, how can it be the fullness of time?  I'm kinda confused here.

I'm sorry. I don't understand your question. Maybe this will help a little:
Jesus Christ and the elect gathering the rest of humanity occurs during the administration of the complement of the eras, and after that is completed or fufilled, the Consummation comes.

[Tom]

http://concordant.org/expohtml/HisAchievement/HisAchievement015.html

http://concordant.org/expohtml/TheProblemOfEvil/evil030.html

http://concordant.org/expohtml/TheEons/index.html

http://www.saviourofall.org/charts/ChartOfJudgments.html

[VineBranch]

the administration of the complement of the eras, and after that is completed or fufilled, the Consummation comes.

Sorry rj, I must have the tiniest mind in creation.  What does the 'complement of the eras' mean, and what is the 'Consummation'? 

[Tom]

Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary

"Definition of COMPLEMENT

1
a : something that fills up, completes, or makes perfect"

"to have an administration of the complement of the eras, to head up all in the Christ -- both that in the heavens and that on the earth --" (Ephesians 1:10)

Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary

"Definition of CONSUMMATION

1
: the act of consummating <the consummation of a contract by mutual signature>; specifically : the consummating of a marriage
2
: the ultimate end : finish"

"22 For even as, in Adam, all are dying, thus also, in Christ, shall all be vivified.
23 Yet each in his own class: the Firstfruit, Christ; thereupon those who are Christ's in His presence;
24 thereafter the consummation, whenever He may be giving up the kingdom to His God and Father, whenever He should be nullifying all sovereignty and all authority and power." (1 Corinthians 15:22-24)

"22 The words "even as'' mark a close parallel. The universality of death, through Adam, is beyond question. "Thus also" we are told, "in Christ, shall all be vivified." This will not occur simultaneously but in three distinct classes at widely separated intervals of time. Christ, the First fruit, is already alive at God's right hand. We who are Christ's will be made alive at His presence. This includes His coming to the air for the believers of this economy (1Thes.4:16; 1Cor.15:52; Phil.3:21) and His coming to Israel before the thousand years. The rest, who are not included in "those who are Christ's," must wait until the consummation, when death, the last enemy, is abolished. This will not occur until the eons have run their course and Christ hands over the kingdom to the Father. At the great white throne judgment no one is vivified or made alive. Hence it is passed over. Authority and power are still in exercise in the new earth. The throne of the Lamb is there. The consummation must be later, for sovereignty is abolished before death, the last enemy. The consummation is at the close of the eonian times, at the close of the last eon which is presented to our view in the final vision of the Unveiling." (Concordant Commentary on the New Testament page 263)

[rjohnson741]

the administration of the complement of the eras, and after that is completed or fufilled, the Consummation comes.

Sorry rj, I must have the tiniest mind in creation.  What does the 'complement of the eras' mean, and what is the 'Consummation'?

Sorry I am having a hard time explaining this. These things are rather new to me and I am sure there are others here who can do a much better job of explaining these things than I can.
I will try again: The complement of the eras simply means the completion or end of the eons. And the word consummation means the end, completion, to finish accomplish and perfect.
Jesus Christ does not reign forever and ever, Jesus Christ reigns for the eons of the eons.
Jesus Christ is reigning right now over the church or believers. That's why this age is called the church age or eon(Age of Pentecost);
Next, Jesus Christ along with His elect(the church) will reign over the earth during the Thousand year reign(Millennial Age or Eon).
Next, Jesus Christ reigns over the New Heavens and earth(Revelation 21). During these two eons, the reign of Jesus Christ is so perfect, there is no longer any need for rulership. It is also during Christ reign over the new heavens and earth that Jesus Christ begins the process of abolishing death. Jesus Christ does this by making everyone alive(vivification), and giving everyone immortality(1Corinthians 15:22-23; 1Corinthians 15:53-55). With everyone made alive and given immortality, death no longer exist. So what happens after these eons?---"Then cometh the end[Consummation], 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" 1Corinthians 15:24.
Reading verses 25-28 we see Jesus Christ overcoming His remaining enemies. Jesus Christ will overcomes His remaining enemies the same way he overcame us while we were his enemies. Jesus Christ will overcome His remaining enemies by reconciling them(Romans 5:10-11; John 16:33).
With everyone reconciled, subjected to God and death abolished, there is no longer any separation between God and His creation. The result---Universal Reconciliation.
God can now become All in all.

As I stated earlier, others on this forum can probably explain this better. Blessings.         

[Tom]

I think Ephesians 1:10 is self-explanatory.

"to have an administration of the complement of the eras, to head up all in the Christ -- both that in the heavens and that on the earth --" (Ephesians 1:10)

1 Corinthians 15:24 refers to "the consummation" which is the end of the eons when all will be justified, reconciled, vivified, and subjected to God.

http://www.saviourofall.org/charts/ChartOfJudgments.html

[Tom]

Hi
  I'm part of a small bible study group here in the Quad Cities and I've been discussing a certain topic with another member of our group. The question of whether or not the Body of Christ are the only ones who have eonian life in the current administration or not. My friend thinks this is the case.  So, essentially I'm being told that only people who believe like we do are the Body of Christ, for now in the current administration? I'm being told this by people who subscribe to the Concordant theology perspective. But, I'm being told by others in this message, that this is incorrect. That people who only believe the basic message about Jesus' death and resurrection have eonian life, and are just not in the Body(evidenced by the fact that they don't have truth above and beyond the basic evangel, like salvation of all or just believing Paul's evangel and writings the right way). They have other callings. Also, I tend to think this is correct. I think that many people throughout Christendom who are believers have eonian life, even though they don't know much truth. Because they still believe the evangel.  So who has eonian life? How does one get it? Is there a difference between just having it,  and being a member of the Body of Christ? Can a person receive eonian life today by believing the evangel? Are they then a part of the Body of Christ? Or, do they have to have a calling, evidenced by knowing truth about the Word, particularly Paul's writings?

"if ever you should be avowing with your mouth the declaration that Jesus is Lord, and should be believing in your heart that God rouses Him from among the dead, you shall be saved" (Romans 10:9)

[Tom]

See the attached file for "The Eons And Administrations."

http://www.saviourofall.org/charts/ChartOfJudgments.html

[attachment deleted by admin]

[eaglesway]

Hi
  I'm part of a small bible study group here in the Quad Cities and I've been discussing a certain topic with another member of our group. The question of whether or not the Body of Christ are the only ones who have eonian life in the current administration or not. My friend thinks this is the case.  So, essentially I'm being told that only people who believe like we do are the Body of Christ, for now in the current administration? I'm being told this by people who subscribe to the Concordant theology perspective. But, I'm being told by others in this message, that this is incorrect. That people who only believe the basic message about Jesus' death and resurrection have eonian life, and are just not in the Body(evidenced by the fact that they don't have truth above and beyond the basic evangel, like salvation of all or just believing Paul's evangel and writings the right way). They have other callings. Also, I tend to think this is correct. I think that many people throughout Christendom who are believers have eonian life, even though they don't know much truth. Because they still believe the evangel.  So who has eonian life? How does one get it? Is there a difference between just having it,  and being a member of the Body of Christ? Can a person receive eonian life today by believing the evangel? Are they then a part of the Body of Christ? Or, do they have to have a calling, evidenced by knowing truth about the Word, particularly Paul's writings?

John 5:24
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

IMO, anyone who has the evangel has aionian life-but only God knows the secrets of the heart. Hearing His word and believing on God is defined by Paul briefly in Romans 10.

Rom 10:6-11 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

As I read it, anyone who believes Jesus is Lord and is raised from the dead is saved. To me saved means reconciled, healed, delivered.

Jesus said, If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me.

He was, in my opinion, referring to this:

John 3:14-18 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Anyone who sees Jesus lifted up on the cross as atonement for their sins is delivered from the snakebite, death(he will bruise your heel but you will crush his head). Anyone recognizing the sacrifice of Christ receives grace unto salvation through faith. The simple testimony from the heart(in sincerity) that one knows that Jesus died for their sins, rose from the dead and lives as Lord of all- is sufficient.

Eph 1:9-11  Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 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: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

We who are the first to believe are incorporated in Christ and members of His body by grace through faith, which is the gft of God lest any man should boast.

WHOEVER believes on Him shall not be ashamed.

All those who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

The "gathering into one of all things in Christ" is being accomplished by His blood applied to the doorpost of the heart whereupon the applicant is free to leave Egypt and begin marching towards the promised land(partaking of the divine nature and the inheritance of the children of God).


Colossians 1:13-21 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

  For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

    And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—  if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.

I think it is all there in Colossians 1. It is not how much you know that incorporates a person into Christ. It is the simple faith of the heart that leads to the hope of the resurrection of the dead, because death cannot hold us, because it cannot hold Him, and we are in Him, reconciled to God, blameless. An overcomer is anyone who has this hope in their heart.

[VineBranch]

Sorry I am having a hard time explaining this. These things are rather new to me and I am sure there are others here who can do a much better job of explaining these things than I can.
I will try again: The complement of the eras simply means the completion or end of the eons. And the word consummation means the end, completion, to finish accomplish and perfect.
Jesus Christ does not reign forever and ever, Jesus Christ reigns for the eons of the eons.
Jesus Christ is reigning right now over the church or believers. That's why this age is called the church age or eon(Age of Pentecost);
Next, Jesus Christ along with His elect(the church) will reign over the earth during the Thousand year reign(Millennial Age or Eon).
Next, Jesus Christ reigns over the New Heavens and earth(Revelation 21). During these two eons, the reign of Jesus Christ is so perfect, there is no longer any need for rulership. It is also during Christ reign over the new heavens and earth that Jesus Christ begins the process of abolishing death. Jesus Christ does this by making everyone alive(vivification), and giving everyone immortality(1Corinthians 15:22-23; 1Corinthians 15:53-55). With everyone made alive and given immortality, death no longer exist. So what happens after these eons?---"Then cometh the end[Consummation], 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" 1Corinthians 15:24.
Reading verses 25-28 we see Jesus Christ overcoming His remaining enemies. Jesus Christ will overcomes His remaining enemies the same way he overcame us while we were his enemies. Jesus Christ will overcome His remaining enemies by reconciling them(Romans 5:10-11; John 16:33).
With everyone reconciled, subjected to God and death abolished, there is no longer any separation between God and His creation. The result---Universal Reconciliation.
God can now become all in all.

As I stated earlier, others on this forum can probably explain this better. Blessings.       

Actually rj, that was excellent.  I get it now.  I've never seen a better explanation.  Thank you.  I really see the chronology.  I am in you debt.  Your explanation is quite brilliant.