Thanks for posting Sonia, that was a good read, and very good points. Paidon’s point as well.
I’ve always felt seeing how a particular word is used throughout scripture ( and literature of the day) was a better way to come to understanding of it’s meaning then a strict definition in a lexicon.
The tipping point for me towards Universalism was Seeing how “aion” was used throughout the New Testament. I found the following section of the book “hope beyond hell” to make a very convincing arguement that our English word “Eternity” or “Everlasting” or our idea of “forever” was definitely not any where near the literal meaning of the word “aion”:
“Consider the New Testament
use of aion. Does “eternity” make any sense in the following
passages?
What will be the sign…of the end of [eternity] (Mt. 24:3)?
I am with you…to the end of the [eternity] (Mt. 28:20).
The sons of this [eternity] are more shrewd (Lu. 16:8).
The sons of this [eternity] marry (Lu. 20:34).
Worthy to attain that [eternity] (Lu. 20:35).
Since the [eternity] began (Jn. 9:32; Ac. 3:21).
Conformed to this [eternity] (Ro. 12:2).
Mystery kept secret since the [eternity] began but now
made manifest (Ro. 16:25-26).
Where is the disputer of this [eternity] (1Co. 1:20)?
Wisdom of this [eternity], nor of the rulers of this [eternity]…
ordained before the [eternities]…which none of the
rulers of this [eternity]… (1Co. 2:6-8).
Wise in this [eternity] (1Co. 3:18).
Upon whom the ends of the [eternities] have come
(1Co. 10:11).
God of this [eternity] has blinded (2Co. 4:4).
Deliver us from this present evil [eternity] (Ga. 1:4).
Not only in this [eternity] but also in that which is to come
(Ep. 1:21).
Walked according to the [eternity] of this world (Ep. 2:2).
In the [eternities] to come (Ep. 2:7).
24 Hope Beyond Hell
From the beginnings of the [eternities] (Ep. 3:9).
Hidden from [eternities]…but now…revealed (Col. 1:26).
Loved this present [eternity] (2Ti. 4:10).
Receive him [for eternity] (Phil. 1:15). Forever or until
Onesimus, Philemon’s former slave, dies?
Powers of the [eternity] to come (He. 6:5).
At the end of the [eternities] (He. 9:26).
We understand the [eternities] have been prepared by a
saying of God (He. 11:3).”