BEN F. VICK, JR.
In that sobering scene of separation of the righteous from the wicked, we hear the words of our Savior and the Judge of all men, “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal” (Matt. 25:46). From the lips of the Lord these words have echoed down through the ages and shall reverberate throughout eternity: “everlasting punishment...life eternal.” Which shall it be for me? Which shall it be for you? Which shall it be for your parents? Which shall it be for your siblings? Which shall it be for your children? Which shall it be for your friends and neighbors? How we answer the first question may well have some bearing on how the other questions are answered, because we have an influence over others.
The words “everlasting” and “eternal” are translated from the same Greek word, “aionios,” the root of which is aion. Alexander Campbell, in his published debate with the infidel, Dolphus Skinner, said:
10. But I fear I shall soon tread on your toes: for I am here obliged to observe that the only word that expresses simple duration without end in the New Testament is aion, the roots of which are aei, and oon, being, always existing. The adjective formed from it, more naturally than any other word in Greek, expresses the always being or duration of the substantive with which it stands in construction. While other adnouns or epithets speak of other qualities of the things defined, this word regards simple existence, being, or duration alone. Thus immoral, incorruptible, indissoluble, indestructible, imperishable, are associated with the elements of things, their peculiar organization, constitution of composition; while aionios, enduring, always being, has respect to their existence itself, or simple duration. Immortal, incorruptible, indissoluble, indestructible, imperishable, denote two or more ideas, and only figuratively and secondarily or inferentially express eternal being, while this epithet regards simple duration, and literally expresses endless existence. When speaking of deified dead men, or of corruptible beasts and their images, an Apostle would say, “The immortal God,” “the incorruptible God;” but when he speaks of God with regard to his eternal being, as in Romans xvi:26, he calls him the aionion, “the everlasting God.” Nay, indeed, when he conceives of him in reference to mortal and corruptible creatures, and speaks of his absolute eternity, he places this before all other epithets, as in I Tim. i:17. “Now to the King eternal, (aionios,) immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor,” etc. This places the true meaning of this most lofty of all adjectives, in its proper relation. For the self-existence, the always being, the eternity of God, is, of all conceptions which we can form of him, the most sublime. Incorruptible, indissoluble, immortal, etc., are taken from things of yesterday, as it were; but this admirably corresponds with him whose incommunicable name is I AM.
Debate on Everlasting Punishment, p. 131.
Just as God is everlasting so will life be everlasting for the righteous, and punishment will be duration without end for the wicked.
Some have erroneously concluded that we have eternal life in reality in this life. This is based on the false doctrine of once saved; always saved. Those who hold to this view will quote, “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God” (I John 5:13). But in the same book the inspired writer said, “And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life (I John 2:25). Eternal life cannot be simultaneously to the same person a present possession and a promise. Therefore, to “have eternal life,” according to I John 5:13, must mean in prospect. It is referred to as a present possession because it is so certain to be ours based upon our obedience to the Lord’s will. To illustrate, Jericho was referred to as having been given to Israel; yet, it was not theirs until they met the conditions that were laid down by the Lord (Josh. 6:1-5).
The disciples of the Lord who have left all to follow him receive a double blessing. They enjoy a wonderful life here with spiritual blessings; and in the world to come, they shall enjoy eternal life. “Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life” (Mark 10:28-30).
It is in this life that we must strive for eternal life (Matt. 7:13-14). Paul wrote that “God will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life” (Rom. 2:6-7). “Patient continuance” means cheerful endurance. We must persevere. The Greek word for “seek” means “to seek after, to seek for, to aim at, to strive after.” Thus, effort must be put forth in order to one day enjoy eternal life.
I am afraid too many, even in the church, are seeking after the wrong things. One is not seeking after eternal life if he misses Sunday night services in order to go camping. One is not aiming for eternal life if he or she skips Wednesday night Bible classes in order to go to a ball game. One certainly is not looking after the best interest of his children if he puts these things in front of the services of the church. These same people will complain because they are not growing as they ought. But as one older brother said to me years ago, “You can’t feed the cows if they do not come to the barn.” Likewise, one will not grow spiritually if he does not meet regularly with the saints.
Are you headed for eternal destruction? Why not repent, and seek eternal life?
A WORD TO THE WISE
There is just one way to bring up a child in the way he should go and that is to travel that way yourself. —A. Lincoln