2 Thessalonians 1

8 He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
9 They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power


Somehow Paul's words seem to add clarity to that which Jesus has stated...don't they?

So what shall I agree with? 

Let me see Paul and Jesus on the one hand?

or

Sherman, Jiggy and godisuniversal?

This is too easy 

Actually, Paul uses this word, destruction, elsewhere, specifically saying that such "destruction" was for the salvation of the person, "for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit might be saved". (2 Cor.5.5).  "Destruction" is the same word in the Greek text in both places, not just the English.  Yes, Paul too warns of Remedial Punishment in the afterlife. 

And of course, concerning the word "aionian", translated often as "eternal", it, aionian, was used as a means of speaking of the after-life, the age to come. It is likely that Plato actually coined the word "aionian" to reference that which is spiritual as opposed to that which is physical.  It simply does not mean "endless", but that which partains to the age to come, what we'd call today the "after-life."

I realize that it's difficult to shed traditions that one is raised with, but I do encourage you to study what scripture actually says instead of just following the traditional mistranslation of such.

Actually proclaiming that some will be tormented forever in hell is calling Christ a failure and a liar and God a hypocrite.

The good news is for those that have put their trust in Jesus and Him alone for salvation.  

The bad news is for those that put their trust in something else...

I know you don't see it that way...and that is your conviction; however, I have mine  

God only knows what He has in store for those that put their trust in something else or nothing else...

God's Word is clear for those that trust in Him - ETERNAL LIFE!!!!!!!!

Hey gospel did you catch what Paul is actually saying will happen?

Eterna destruction, not eternal torment.  Total and absolute destruction from which there is no return - EVER!  Period!  The END!

The choice is clear for those who will see: eternal life or complete annhilation.

Jesus said that His Father loves His enemies, you say that His Father tortures His enemies forever and ever in hell.

Who should we believe?

Father said that his Word does return without accomplishing what He sent it [Jesus the Word of God] to do. He said He sent Jesus His Son to save the world. You say that Father sent his Son to save the world but He can't do it.

Who should we believe?

John said that Hell will be cast into the lake of fire, you say that hell lasts forever and ever.

Who should we believe?

We have posted time and again the translational errors made in reference to aion, aionios, and olam but you would rather believe those groups who killed others because of religious disagreements all in the name of God, then to  study it yourself.
 Why?

If you would rather believe in second hand info thats up to you. But you may want to do a little research of your own, but then maybe not.

If you'll notice Gospel, I keep pointing back to what scripture actually says, not what it has traditionally been interpreted to say.  Paul in 1 Thes. speaks of "destruction" in the afterlife, and elsewhere in 2 Cor. he clarifies that such "destruction" is actually for salvation - the flesh is destroyed but the Spirit is saved.  

Jesus too spoke of judgment in the afterlife, where our works are judged; the good is celebrated and rewarded, and the bad is burnt up.  Jesus used the common Jewish metaphor of Gehenna to speak of Remedial Punishment in the afterlife, in the eternal, and never did threaten endless torture (Hell) for anyone.

When one looks at what scripture actually says concerning punishment in the afterlife, it's evident that such punishment has a positive purpose - the destruction of our flesh (selfish nature) and the salvation of our spirits.  In fact, I did not come to believe in Universal Reconciliation until I did a detailed study of what scripture actually says concerning punishment in the afterlife.  I came to understand that scripture speaks of Remedial Punishment (punishment meant to effect positive change in the person being punished like a loving father punishing his children).  And what served as my "tipping point", the piece of information that caused me to change my beliefs was finding out that Jesus, in warning of Gehenna, He was warning of Remedial Punishment, NOT endless Vindictive Punishment.

The Good News is that God loves all of humanity, forgives all of humanity of all of our sins, reconciling us all in Christ through His sacrifice.  Even though we were enemies, Christ died for us, the righteous for the unrighteous, redeeming us, purchasing us for His glory and because of His love for us.  Thus, we all are bought with a price, redeemed from the curse, and God will be glorified in and through us all, one way or another!  This is Good News!  For those who believe such, we live in the knowledge, power, and blessing of the Lord.  For those who don't believe, they miss out on such, waisting their lives in selfish pursuits; but one day they will believe, will repent, and will confess Jesus as Lord - to the Glory of God!  As scripture says, God truly is the Savior of all humanity, especially us who believe. (1 Tim. 4.10).  And scripture warns of judgment for us all, remedial judgment, even for believers.  In fact, judgment begins with us!  We have the priviledge of embracing the Judgment of God today - forever changing us and empowering us to live sanctified lives, set apart for God's purposes!