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Problem with Matthew (25:46)

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TheRysta:
"And these shall go away into everlasting (aionios) punishment, but the righteous into life eternal (aionios)".

John defines eternal life as follows in John (17:3): "And this is life eternal (aionios): that they might know you, the one true God, and Him whom You did send, Jesus Christ."

So, eternal life is the knowledge of Christ in this life, distinguished from immortality which everybody recieves. But see here, the context used in Matthew (25:46) is reffering to judgement day, is it not? How can you have a NEW 'life aionios' AFTER the original 'life aionios' in your mortal lifetime! This hints immortality. So how can eternal life in this context possibly mean simply the knowledge of Jesus Christ?

I'm very confuddled  :(

- Ryan

ericsteven:
Hi Ryan,

First, I think that there is a difference between having knowledge of someone and actually knowing them.  All those who are called may have knowledge of Jesus and the truths of the Scriptures.  They may even believe many of the truths expounded upon by Ray here at bibletruths.  However, unless one comes to really know Jesus, to truly have a relationship with Him, not only as our elder brother and our King, but also as a true friend, then the knowledge of all these truths doesn't amount to a hill of beans.

That said -- many certainly have a knowledge of God and Christ in this mortal flesh.  There are some, like Ray, who have been given more knowledge than others.  However, whatever knowledge of Jesus we may have now pales in comparison to what we will know when we see Him face to face.  Perhaps this verse can give you more insight into your question.

1 Corinthians 13:12      for we see now through a mirror obscurely, and then face to face; now I know in part, and then I shall fully know, as also I was known;  

Even if Jesus, who is one with the Father, says one has life aionios now, it is only because He already knows those who are His and can call those things which be not as though they were.

Romans 4:17  ...even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

God knows who his chosen are, and He will make sure that they keep their eyes only on Him and listen only to His voice.  In that sense, they already have life aionios, because they are truly alive in the Spirit, even though their flesh will most likely die.

Hopefully that makes sense.  Perhaps others can give you a better answer.

Eric

cjwood:
eric,
your post response was enlightening to me. your words and Scriptures used were spot on as far as my understanding goes.

thanks for your help.

claudia

p.s.

happy birthday ryan!!! wow, to be 17 and have your eyes and ears open to the Truths is a gift better than anything one could give you as a gift on your special day.

TheRysta:
 ;D

TheRysta:
In response to Eric's post.

I understand that life aionios is being alive in the spirit, but I assume in this lifetime. On judgement day we are dead, presumably, so our life aionios must end as we enter a completely seperate state of being. How then, can we 'GO INTO another life aionios'?

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