THEOCRACY/THEARCHY - Past And Future

[Maria Billingsley]

What would be the difference between God’s rulership in the past with the physical Israel here on earth and the spiritual Israel that is to come. God will still be ruling from His holy city of Jerusalem.

While I ponder this in my spirit, I honestly think we will be perfectly able to keep the complete instructions of God in the kingdom that is to come, the same which the physical Israel failed at. And it is for this reason God made a way for us through His Son.

My humble understanding:
Spiritual Israel is already here and has been here since Jesus Christ of Nazareth ascended to heaven and sent His Holy Spirit to dwell in each and every believer. This is the Body of Christ. The New Jerusalem is our afterlife where we dwell with Jesus Christ of Nazareth, God in the Flesh, permanently in our resurrected bodies and in perfection.
Be blessed and stay healthy!

 

[Scott Husted]

Why don't you just read the verse before it? Read it and tell me how you think it applies to v.15. I won't do your work for you. Give me your explanation if you have one and I'll give you mine.

It's the new Jerusalem, the old one is a harlot ... and what is outside of the new was in the old.

 

[1213]

...I honestly think we will be perfectly able to keep the complete instructions of God in the kingdom that is to come, ...

I agree with that and I believe it can happen when person is born anew from God and has Holy Spirit.

But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God's children, to those who believe in his name: who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
John 1:12-13

It is the spirit who gives life. The flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and are life.
John 6:63

…Whoever is born of God doesn't commit sin, because his seed remains in him; and he can't sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are revealed, and the children of the devil. Whoever doesn't do righteousness is not of God, neither is he who doesn't love his brother.
1 John 3:7-10

 

[Oldmantook]

What part of this question do you not understand? Scripture for this statement "The Millennial kingdom is inaugurated at Jesus' return and lasts for 1,000 years - NOT for an eternity as you allege." Your accusation is meaningless because you fail to explain this. I have asked it more than once and you have avoided it every time. I'll understand if you don't have an answer.
I don't copy/paste dood. That implies using another's work as my own without identifying the source. Everything I post is my own work after more than 2 decades here responding to the same questions/arguments over and over and over etc.

You overestimate yourself. 2 decades wasted. Too bad for you. I pointedly asked you since the sheep nations enter the Millennial age which lasts for 1,000 years, how can aionion in Matt 25:46 be translated as eternal. FYI 1,000 years is not eternal is it? Still waiting for your answer Der Alter.

 

[Oldmantook]

It's the new Jerusalem, the old one is a harlot ... and what is outside of the new was in the old.

Incorrect. What's outside is the lake of fire.

 

[Der Alte]

You overestimate yourself. 2 decades wasted. Too bad for you. I pointedly asked you since the sheep nations enter the Millennial age which lasts for 1,000 years, how can aionion in Matt 25:46 be translated as eternal. FYI 1,000 years is not eternal is it? Still waiting for your answer Der Alter.

I can't answer a question about a nonexistent millennial age. In all your blustering and posturing you have failed miserably in providing scriptural support for your claim about millennial age although I have asked you several times. Where is your scripture for a millennial age? You can't do it because there is no such scripture.
Greek is and has always been the language of the Eastern Greek Orthodox church. Who better than the native Greek speaking EOB translators know the correct meaning of, e.g. “aionios” and “kolasis?”
Note, in the EOB, Paul uses “αιωνιως/aionios” and “αιδιος/aidios” as synonyms, see Rom 1:20 and 1 Tim 1:17, below.

The Eastern/Greek Orthodox Bible EOB—New Testament 96
Matthew 25:46 Then he will answer them saying ‘Amen. I tell you: as much as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.' “These [[ones on the left]] will go away into eternal punishment.[κολασιν αιονιον/kolasin aiōnion] but the righteous into eternal life.
Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world, his invisible things are clearly seen. They perceived through created things, even his everlasting [τε αιδιος/te aidios] power and divinity.
1 Timothy 1:17 Now, to the eternal [των αιωνων/tōn aiōnōn] King. immortal. invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory unto ages of ages. Amen.
https://azbyka.ru/otechnik/books/or...tament-(The-Eastern-Greek-Orthodox-Bible).pdf​

The Eastern/Greek Orthodox Bible EOB—New Testament 96 can be D/L at the link above. If anyone chooses to consult the EOB version I suggest they read the preface which summarizes the extensive Greek scholarship supporting this translation.
In 1 Tim 1:17, see above, Paul not only uses "aionios" synonymous with "aidios" in Rom 1:20 but defines it by pairing it with "immortal" in the same verse.

 

[Oldmantook]

I can't answer a question about a nonexistent millennial age. In all your blustering and posturing you have failed miserably in providing scriptural support for your claim about millennial age although I have asked you several times. Where is your scripture for a millennial age? You can't do it because there is no such scripture.
Greek is and has always been the language of the Eastern Greek Orthodox church. Who better than the native Greek speaking EOB translators know the correct meaning of, e.g. “aionios” and “kolasis?”
Note, in the EOB, Paul uses “αιωνιως/aionios” and “αιδιος/aidios” as synonyms, see Rom 1:20 and 1 Tim 1:17, below.

The Eastern/Greek Orthodox Bible EOB—New Testament 96
Matthew 25:46 Then he will answer them saying ‘Amen. I tell you: as much as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.' “These [[ones on the left]] will go away into eternal punishment.[κολασιν αιονιον/kolasin aiōnion] but the righteous into eternal life.
Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world, his invisible things are clearly seen. They perceived through created things, even his everlasting [τε αιδιος/te aidios] power and divinity.
1 Timothy 1:17 Now, to the eternal [των αιωνων/tōn aiōnōn] King. immortal. invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory unto ages of ages. Amen.
https://azbyka.ru/otechnik/books/or...tament-(The-Eastern-Greek-Orthodox-Bible).pdf​

The Eastern/Greek Orthodox Bible EOB—New Testament 96 can be D/L at the link above. If anyone chooses to consult the EOB version I suggest they read the preface which summarizes the extensive Greek scholarship supporting this translation.
In 1 Tim 1:17, see above, Paul not only uses "aionios" synonymous with "aidios" in Rom 1:20 but defines it by pairing it with "immortal" in the same verse.

So now you deny a Millennium! That says it all. So since you cited Rev 20:6 - is the 1,000 years cited there make-believe too?? Inquiring minds want to know.

 

[Der Alte]

So now you deny a Millennium! That says it all. So since you cited Rev 20:6 - is the 1,000 years cited there make-believe too?? Inquiring minds want to know.

Is that your proof text? How does it refute Matthew 25:46? Matt 25:46 involves "all nations." Read Rev 20:6, see if you can figure out why it does not prove anything about Matt 25:46.

Revelation 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.​

 

[Oldmantook]

Is that your proof text? How does it refute Matthew 25:46? Matt 25:46 involves "all nations." Read Rev 20:6, see if you can figure out why it does not prove anything about Matt 25:46.

Revelation 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.​

Apparently your 2 decades of study only proves you can't read the text closely and are bereft of understanding. Rev 20:4,6 DOES NOT refute Matt 25:46 but instead confirms it. You are the one who denies the Millennial age - not me. Upon Jesus' second coming those alive at his coming are judged. The sheep nations alive at his coming are told to enter into the kingdom (v.34). You deny that this kingdom which the sheep enter into is the Millennial age. If it is not the Millennial age as you allege, then what kingdom exactly is Jesus referring to? Since he commands the sheep to go there, it must refer to a physical place and time. Secondly, in Rev 20:6 what period is the 1,000 years in that verse referring to? I believe it is the Millennial age - the same age that the sheep enter into. That is why Rev 20:6 confirms Matt 25:46. You must see things differently so explain yourself.

 

[Der Alte]

Apparently your 2 decades of study only proves you can't read the text closely and are bereft of understanding. Rev 20:4,6 DOES NOT refute Matt 25:46 but instead confirms it. You are the one who denies the Millennial age - not me. Upon Jesus' second coming those alive at his coming are judged. The sheep nations alive at his coming are told to enter into the kingdom (v.34). You deny that this kingdom which the sheep enter into is the Millennial age. If it is not the Millennial age as you allege, then what kingdom exactly is Jesus referring to? Since he commands the sheep to go there, it must refer to a physical place and time. Secondly, in Rev 20:6 what period is the 1,000 years in that verse referring to? I believe it is the Millennial age - the same age that the sheep enter into. That is why Rev 20:6 confirms Matt 25:46. You must see things differently so explain yourself.

As I assumed you apparently cannot read and comprehend.

Revelation 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.​

This verse does refer to a millennial period but this is NOT the judgement in Matt 25:46.
Rev 20:4 does NOT include all nations it only involves "them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God etc." And there is resurrection following.
In this verse there are multiple thrones and multiple people sitting on them. Who can this be?

Revelation 4:4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. ​

Rev, 20:11-12 more closely matches Matt 25:46.

Revelation 20:11-12
11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.​

 

[Scott Husted]

Incorrect. What's outside is the lake of fire.

So I assume you believe that there is no earth, just the city ...

 

[Oldmantook]

As I assumed you apparently cannot read and comprehend.

Revelation 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.​

This verse does refer to a millennial period but this is NOT the judgement in Matt 25:46.
Rev 20:4 does NOT include all nations it only involves "them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God etc." And there is resurrection following.
In this verse there are multiple thrones and multiple people sitting on them. Who can this be?

Revelation 4:4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. ​

Rev, 20:11-12 more closely matches Matt 25:46.

Revelation 20:11-12
11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.​

Must I repeat my question to you? If Matt 25:46 is not the Millennium (which you claim doesn't exist) what kingdom do the sheep enter into? If the Millennium is "nonexistent" as you allege, what does the 1,000 year time period in Rev 20:4 refer to? Your reply raises more questions than answers.

Of course Rev 20:4 does not refer to all the nations. It refers to the resurrected beheaded saints. What you fail to distinguish is that Jesus deals with these separate groups at the same time which is at his second coming. Furthermore, Matt 25:46 cannot refer to the great white throne judgment in Rev 20:11-12 as you suppose. How can that be? Matt 25:46 refers to the judgment of the sheep - goat nations WHO ARE ALIVE at Jesus' second coming. Rev 20:11-12 by contrast refers to the judgment of the RESURRECTED DEAD after the 1,000 years have expired.

 

[Oldmantook]

So I assume you believe that there is no earth, just the city ...

No. Rev 21:1 states there is a new heaven and new earth. The very next verse describes the city, The new Jerusalem is on the new earth.

 

[Scott Husted]

No. Rev 21:1 states there is a new heaven and new earth. The very next verse describes the city, The new Jerusalem is on the new earth.

But according to you, the lake of fire is outside the city, which would make it on the earth where the city supposedly now would be resting, not to mention the gates of this city do not shut, and the kings bring their glory into it which denotes they are coming from outside of the city ...

 

[Oldmantook]

But according to you, the lake of fire is outside the city, which would make it on the earth where the city supposedly now would be resting, not to mention the gates of this city do not shut, and the kings bring their glory into it which denotes they are coming from outside of the city ...

Bingo! You got it; good job. I do not believe in the doctrine of eternal torment part of which is because according the scriptures, the new heaven and earth are formed, then the new Jerusalem comes down from heaven (Rev 21:1-2). As you noted, in Rev 22:14 we find that the gates of the city are not shut and there are still people entering it. We also know that v.15 states that the sinners are outside the city. So the germane question is: If the saints are already in the city and the sinners are outside in the lake of fire, who are the people who still enter into its gates? We know that sinners are not allowed into the new Jerusalem. The only answer I can come up with is that the sinners in the lake of fire do not remain there to be punished forever. Instead they are the ones referred to in Rev 22:14:
Blessed are those washing their robes, that their right will be to the tree of life, and they shall enter into the city by the gates.
The saints in the city have already washed their robes and made them clean. This leaves the sinners in the lake of fire who have yet to wash their robes. Once they wash their robes (however long that takes) their right will be to the tree of life and they shall enter the city.

 

[Scott Husted]

Bingo! You got it; good job. I do not believe in the doctrine of eternal torment part of which is because according the scriptures, the new heaven and earth are formed, then the new Jerusalem comes down from heaven (Rev 21:1-2). As you noted, in Rev 22:14 we find that the gates of the city are not shut and there are still people entering it. We also know that v.15 states that the sinners are outside the city. So the germane question is: If the saints are already in the city and the sinners are outside in the lake of fire, who are the people who still enter into its gates? We know that sinners are not allowed into the new Jerusalem. The only answer I can come up with is that the sinners in the lake of fire do not remain there to be punished forever. Instead they are the ones referred to in Rev 22:14:
Blessed are those washing their robes, that their right will be to the tree of life, and they shall enter into the city by the gates.
The saints in the city have already washed their robes and made them clean. This leaves the sinners in the lake of fire who have yet to wash their robes. Once they wash their robes (however long that takes) their right will be to the tree of life and they shall enter the city.

In one way this works, interesting view ...

 

[Der Alte]

Must I repeat my question to you? If Matt 25:46 is not the Millennium (which you claim doesn't exist) what kingdom do the sheep enter into? If the Millennium is "nonexistent" as you allege, what does the 1,000 year time period in Rev 20:4 refer to? Your reply raises more questions than answers.
Of course Rev 20:4 does not refer to all the nations. It refers to the resurrected beheaded saints. What you fail to distinguish is that Jesus deals with these separate groups at the same time which is at his second coming. Furthermore, Matt 25:46 cannot refer to the great white throne judgment in Rev 20:11-12 as you suppose. How can that be? Matt 25:46 refers to the judgment of the sheep - goat nations WHO ARE ALIVE at Jesus' second coming. Rev 20:11-12 by contrast refers to the judgment of the RESURRECTED DEAD after the 1,000 years have expired.

Now you are contradicting yourself. Before you claimed that Matt 25:46 could not mean "eternal punishment" because of the millennial reign. You now claim Matt 25:46 cannot refer to the great white throne judgment in Rev 20:11-12.
.....Where is the millennial age/reign for the sheep in Matt 25:46 since the Rev 20:11-12 only involves resurrected people?
So your proof text proves absolutely nothing about "aionios" in Matt 25:46 or any other verse.
Do you have any more proof texts you want to throw at me, vainly trying to prove that "aionios" does not mean eternal?
These ECF define “aionion” as eternal

Ignatius [A.D. 30-107.] The Epistle to the RomansChap VII
David and Abraham; and I desire the drink of God, namely His blood, which is incorruptible love and eternal life.​

Eternal life is paired with incorruptible love.

Justin The First Apology. Chap XIII
For they proclaim our madness to consist in this, that we give to a crucified man a place second to the unchangeable and eternal God, the Creator of all; for they do not discern the mystery that is herein, to which, as we make it plain to you, we pray you to give heed. ​

“Eternal” is paired with unchangeable

Irenaeus Against Heresies. Book II. Chap V
3. The [immediate] Creator, then, is not the [real] Author of this work, thinking, as He did, that He formed it very good, but He who allows and approves of the productions of defect, and the works of error having a place among his own possessions, and that temporal things should be mixed up with eternal, corruptible with incorruptible, and those which partake of error with those which belong to truth. ​

“eternal” is contrasted with temporal/temporary.

Athenagoras A Plea for the Christians.
Chap. X. - The Christians Worship the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
That we are not atheists, therefore, seeing that we acknowledge one God, uncreated, eternal, invisible, impassible, incomprehensible, illimitable, who is apprehended by the understanding only and the reason, who is encompassed by light, and beauty, and spirit, and power ineffable, by whom the universe has been created through His Logos, and set in order, and is kept in being - I have sufficiently demonstrated. [I say “His Logos”], for we acknowledge also a Son of God. ​

“eternal” is paired with “impassible” and “illimitable.”

Fragments of Clemens Alexandrinus. – I. - From the Latin Translation of Cassiodorus.
“For he that will love life, and see good days;” (1Pe_3:10) that is, who wishes to become eternal and immortal. And He calls the Lord life, and the days good, that is holy.​

“eternal” is paired with immortal.

Tertullian Part first Apology Chap. XLV
No doubt about it, we, who receive our awards under the judgment of an all-seeing God, and who look forward to eternal punishment from Him for sin, — we alone make real effort to attain a blameless life, under the influence of our ampler knowledge, the impossibility of concealment, and the greatness of the threatened torment, not merely long-enduring but everlasting, fearing Him, whom he too should fear who the fearing judges, — even God, I mean, and not the proconsul. ​

“everlasting” is contrasted with long-enduring.

Origen De Principiis. Book I. Chap II
I11. That is properly termed everlasting or eternal which neither had a beginning of existence, nor can ever cease to be what it is. And this is the idea conveyed by John when he says that “God is light.” Now His wisdom is the splendour of that light, not only in respect of its being light, but also of being everlasting light, so that His wisdom is eternal and everlasting splendour. ​

“everlasting” and “eternal” are described as “neither had a beginning of existence, nor can ever cease to be what it is.”

The Epistles of Cyprian. Epistle LXXX
2. Let no one think of death, but of immortality; nor of temporary punishment, but of eternal glory; since it is written, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints;” (Psa_116:15) and again, “A broken spirit is a sacrifice to God: a contrite and humble heart God doth not despise.” ​

“eternal” is paired with immortality and contrasted with temporary.

Novatian Treatise Concerning the Trinity. Chap. XXXI.
Thus God the Father, the Founder and Creator of all things, who only knows no beginning, invisible, infinite, immortal, eternal, is one God;. ​

“eternal” is described as “knows no beginning, … infinite, immortal”

Gregory Thaumututgus A Declaration of Faith Part 1
There is one Lord, Only of the Only,3 God of God, Image and Likeness of Deity, Efficient Word,4 Wisdom comprehensive5 of the constitution of all things, and Power formative6 of the whole creation, true Son of true Father, Invisible of Invisible, and Incorruptible of Incorruptible, and Immortal of Immortal and Eternal of Eternal.​

“eternal” is paired with Incorruptible and Immortal.

Origen Commentary on the Gospel according to John, Books 13—32
Book 13
p. 80 (60) And he has explained the statement, “But he shall not thirst forever,” as follows with these very words: For the life he gives is eternal and never perishes, as, indeed, does the first life which comes from the well; the life he gives remains. For the grace and the gift of our Savior is not to be taken away, nor is it consumed, nor does it perish, when one partakes of it.[2]
[2] Origen. (1993). Commentary on the Gospel according to John Books 13–32. (T. P. Halton, Ed., R. E. Heine, Trans.) (Vol. 89, pp. 81–82). Washington, DC: The Catholic University of America Press.​

Eternal life never perishes, remains, not taken away, not consumed,

​

 

[Der Alte]

Bingo! You got it; good job. I do not believe in the doctrine of eternal torment part of which is because according the scriptures, the new heaven and earth are formed, then the new Jerusalem comes down from heaven (Rev 21:1-2). As you noted, in Rev 22:14 we find that the gates of the city are not shut and there are still people entering it. We also know that v.15 states that the sinners are outside the city. So the germane question is: If the saints are already in the city and the sinners are outside in the lake of fire, who are the people who still enter into its gates? We know that sinners are not allowed into the new Jerusalem. The only answer I can come up with is that the sinners in the lake of fire do not remain there to be punished forever. Instead they are the ones referred to in Rev 22:14:
Blessed are those washing their robes, that their right will be to the tree of life, and they shall enter into the city by the gates.
The saints in the city have already washed their robes and made them clean. This leaves the sinners in the lake of fire who have yet to wash their robes. Once they wash their robes (however long that takes) their right will be to the tree of life and they shall enter the city.

Revelation 22:11
11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.​

Didn't the spirit who is speaking know that everyone is going to be saved?

Revelation 22:14
14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.​

There is that pesky old condition again. Then those that do not do his commandments do not have the right to the tree of life, they cannot enter the gates.

Revelation 22:15
15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
Revelation 22:18
18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
Rev 22:19
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.​

Two more verses then The End. Where does God put them back in the book of life and let them enter the holy city?

 

[Oldmantook]

Now you are contradicting yourself. Before you claimed that Matt 25:46 could not mean "eternal punishment" because of the millennial reign. You now claim Matt 25:46 cannot refer to the great white throne judgment in Rev 20:11-12.
.....Where is the millennial age/reign for the sheep in Matt 25:46 since the Rev 20:11-12 only involves resurrected people?
So your proof text proves absolutely nothing about "aionios" in Matt 25:46 or any other verse.
Do you have any more proof texts you want to throw at me, vainly trying to prove that "aionios" does not mean eternal?
These ECF define “aionion” as eternal

Ignatius [A.D. 30-107.] The Epistle to the RomansChap VII
David and Abraham; and I desire the drink of God, namely His blood, which is incorruptible love and eternal life.​

Eternal life is paired with incorruptible love.

Justin The First Apology. Chap XIII
For they proclaim our madness to consist in this, that we give to a crucified man a place second to the unchangeable and eternal God, the Creator of all; for they do not discern the mystery that is herein, to which, as we make it plain to you, we pray you to give heed. ​

“Eternal” is paired with unchangeable

Irenaeus Against Heresies. Book II. Chap V
3. The [immediate] Creator, then, is not the [real] Author of this work, thinking, as He did, that He formed it very good, but He who allows and approves of the productions of defect, and the works of error having a place among his own possessions, and that temporal things should be mixed up with eternal, corruptible with incorruptible, and those which partake of error with those which belong to truth. ​

“eternal” is contrasted with temporal/temporary.

Athenagoras A Plea for the Christians.
Chap. X. - The Christians Worship the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
That we are not atheists, therefore, seeing that we acknowledge one God, uncreated, eternal, invisible, impassible, incomprehensible, illimitable, who is apprehended by the understanding only and the reason, who is encompassed by light, and beauty, and spirit, and power ineffable, by whom the universe has been created through His Logos, and set in order, and is kept in being - I have sufficiently demonstrated. [I say “His Logos”], for we acknowledge also a Son of God. ​

“eternal” is paired with “impassible” and “illimitable.”

Fragments of Clemens Alexandrinus. – I. - From the Latin Translation of Cassiodorus.
“For he that will love life, and see good days;” (1Pe_3:10) that is, who wishes to become eternal and immortal. And He calls the Lord life, and the days good, that is holy.​

“eternal” is paired with immortal.

Tertullian Part first Apology Chap. XLV
No doubt about it, we, who receive our awards under the judgment of an all-seeing God, and who look forward to eternal punishment from Him for sin, — we alone make real effort to attain a blameless life, under the influence of our ampler knowledge, the impossibility of concealment, and the greatness of the threatened torment, not merely long-enduring but everlasting, fearing Him, whom he too should fear who the fearing judges, — even God, I mean, and not the proconsul. ​

“everlasting” is contrasted with long-enduring.

Origen De Principiis. Book I. Chap II
I11. That is properly termed everlasting or eternal which neither had a beginning of existence, nor can ever cease to be what it is. And this is the idea conveyed by John when he says that “God is light.” Now His wisdom is the splendour of that light, not only in respect of its being light, but also of being everlasting light, so that His wisdom is eternal and everlasting splendour. ​

“everlasting” and “eternal” are described as “neither had a beginning of existence, nor can ever cease to be what it is.”

The Epistles of Cyprian. Epistle LXXX
2. Let no one think of death, but of immortality; nor of temporary punishment, but of eternal glory; since it is written, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints;” (Psa_116:15) and again, “A broken spirit is a sacrifice to God: a contrite and humble heart God doth not despise.” ​

“eternal” is paired with immortality and contrasted with temporary.

Novatian Treatise Concerning the Trinity. Chap. XXXI.
Thus God the Father, the Founder and Creator of all things, who only knows no beginning, invisible, infinite, immortal, eternal, is one God;. ​

“eternal” is described as “knows no beginning, … infinite, immortal”

Gregory Thaumututgus A Declaration of Faith Part 1
There is one Lord, Only of the Only,3 God of God, Image and Likeness of Deity, Efficient Word,4 Wisdom comprehensive5 of the constitution of all things, and Power formative6 of the whole creation, true Son of true Father, Invisible of Invisible, and Incorruptible of Incorruptible, and Immortal of Immortal and Eternal of Eternal.​

“eternal” is paired with Incorruptible and Immortal.

Origen Commentary on the Gospel according to John, Books 13—32
Book 13
p. 80 (60) And he has explained the statement, “But he shall not thirst forever,” as follows with these very words: For the life he gives is eternal and never perishes, as, indeed, does the first life which comes from the well; the life he gives remains. For the grace and the gift of our Savior is not to be taken away, nor is it consumed, nor does it perish, when one partakes of it.[2]
[2] Origen. (1993). Commentary on the Gospel according to John Books 13–32. (T. P. Halton, Ed., R. E. Heine, Trans.) (Vol. 89, pp. 81–82). Washington, DC: The Catholic University of America Press.​

Eternal life never perishes, remains, not taken away, not consumed,

​

What in the world are you referring to Der Alter? I thought that you had at least had some rudimentary knowledge of eschatological matters. I have always stated that Matt 25:46 cannot refer to eternal punishment because of the millennial reign. Millennium by definition means 1,000 years so aionion life in Matt 25:46 cannot mean "eternal life." Instead it means life in the kingdom age which lasts for 1,000 years - not eternity.

The millennial reign has nothing at all to do with the great which throne judgment as these two events are separated by 1,000 years. The millennium comes first initiated by Jesus' coming where the sheep who are still alive at his second coming enter into the kingdom on earth for 1,000 years. These sheep are "flesh and blood" people who populate the millennial kingdom on the earth. At the same time of Jesus' second coming, the dead in Christ are resurrected including those who were beheaded for their faith during the tribulation as described in Rev 20:4. This verse states that they reign with Christ for 1,000 years. The resurrected saints rule with Jesus during the millennial age. They rule over the sheep nations who populate the earth during the 1,000 years. The sheep do not reign - get it? They are reigned over by the resurrected saints. They are mere mortals who are alive at Jesus' return. They are not saved either as Matt 25 states that they did righteous works to THESE BROTHERS OF MINE (v.40). If the sheep were brethren/saints, the verse would state YOUR BROTHERS. Thus the sheep are unsaved people who performed good works to the afflicted saints during the tribulation. They are rewarded for their kind deeds by being allowed to live mortal lives in the millennial kingdom. The resurrected saints will rule with Jesus over them. And that is exactly why aionion life in Matt 25:46 cannot refer to eternal life in that verse as it relates to age-during mortal life on earth during the millennium; not eternity.

After the 1,000 years is completed, Satan is loosed per Rev 20:7. And after that the devil is thrown into the lake of fire (Rev 20:10) and the great white throne judgment ensues in the very next verse (Rev 20:11). This is where/when the rest of the dead are resurrected and judged (Rev 20:5). "The rest of the dead" refers to those mortals who died during the millennium; are resurrected from their graves and judged at the great white throne. Thus I see no contradiction in what I wrote.

 

[Oldmantook]

Revelation 22:11
11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.​

Didn't the spirit who is speaking know that everyone is going to be saved?

Revelation 22:14
14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.​

There is that pesky old condition again. Then those that do not do his commandments do not have the right to the tree of life, they cannot enter the gates.

Revelation 22:15
15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
Revelation 22:18
18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
Rev 22:19
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.​

Two more verses then The End. Where does God put them back in the book of life and let them enter the holy city?

You know your Greek don't you? I suggest you utilize it. If you had bothered to do so you would have discovered that πλύνοντες in Rev 22:14 is a present tense participle thus more accurately rendering the verse as "washing" robes. The saints in the city have already done his commandments/washed their robes. Who else is left to be doing his commandments Der Alter? V.14 does not state that they did not do his commandments nor does it state that they are not doing his commandments. It plainly states that they are washing their robes. This can only refer to unsaved sinners outside the city in the lake of fire. Sinners in the lake of fire have to wash their robes and make themselves clean in order to enter the gates of the city. V.14 states that as a result of doing his commandments they will [future, indicative] have the right to the tree of life. Thus that "pesky old condition" will in fact be met.