Understanding the Differences Between Eternity and the Ages of Man — Aeonios

The concept of eternity is something that man has attempted to grasp, and yet one must only understand it as it applies to the nature of God, because He is eternal.

The scriptures lay out various accounts that mention the word ἀΐ́διος, aidios, ah-id’-ee-os, “aeonios” which in the Greek documents time periods for accomplishing the purposes of God.

The words “forever” and “everlasting” are oftentimes used as synonyms for the word eternal throughout the bible.

Romans 1:20 describes the Godhead as “eternal,” here translated from the Greek word “aidios.” For He has no beginning or end. God is timeless and immutable; He never changes.

“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead….”

And yet we see that the concept of eternity is not always seen as everlasting.

We see this in the Old Testament where the old covenant of the law is referred to as the “everlasting covenant” (Leviticus 24:8) implying that it was to endure for eternity.

Yet the New Testament records that the first covenant was “done away” and “abolished” (2 Corinthians 3:11,13).

“For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious….. and not as Moses, which put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished…”

Even the Aaronic priesthood is said to be an everlasting priesthood (Exodus 40:15) and yet we know from reading Hebrews 7:14-18 that it declares an end to the Aaronic priesthood and that a new priesthood after the order of Melchizedek would come.

Peter describes the church as “a spiritual house, a holy priesthood” unto the Lord, (1 Peter 2:5).

There are words that express unlimited duration and yet we know that Jonah was not in the belly of the whale forever, (Jonah 2:6)

Also, a bond slave could not serve his master forever, (Exodus 21:6).

The children of Israel were to “observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant” Exodus 31:16, and yet Paul said that there remains yet “another day” or Sabbath rest for God’s people, Hebrews 4:8,9.

The Hebrew word that was translated for the words “forever,” “everlasting,” and “perpetual” that was translated, is עוֹלָם, ‛ôlâm, o-lawm’, “olam.” The actual meaning is ”duration of time which is concealed or hidden.”

The words עוֹלָם, “eternal” and ἀΐ́διος, “aeonios” cannot be used interchangeably for they have two different meanings.

The word “aeonios” refers to our relationship with Christ in this life.

Jesus said, “Now this is aeonios life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent”, John 17:3.

Many translators have mistakenly used the word “eternal” and yet it is derived from the noun “aeon.”

“Aeon” means “age” or “ages,” these ages are being hidden from ages and generations” (Colossians 1:26).

These ages are time periods which have a beginning and an end. They are not timeless as seen in the use of the proper context of the word.

Aeonios life, can only have meaning as it relates to a period of time or ages.

The words we use to describe the concept of eternity fall incredibly short to describe what it actually is.

For the human mind uses concepts and ideas that can only be used from the world around us. And the world around us that we see, touch, feel, taste, and hear, come from the physical world around us.

The eternal cannot be grasped by the human mind, nor can the essence of timelessness be described in mere words.

“For in Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities all things have been created through Him and for Him.
And He is before all things and in Him all things hold together.
He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; so that He Himself might come to have first place in everything.
For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven,” Colossians 1:16-20 NAS Bible.

“And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father, that they may minister unto me in the priest’s office: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations,” Exodus 40:15.

“For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof,” Hebrews 7:14-18.

“Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints…” Colossians 1:26.

 

Selah,
~ Stephen Hanson

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Stephen Hanson of In His Truth Ministries came to the LORD is a special way in 1975 and has prophesied regularly since. In these end-time birthing pangs we are reminded that judgment must first begin with the household of God. Will we be prepared and ready?

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