The idea that “forever” does not always literally mean “forever” within the Bible’s promises or covenants has been debated throughout church history. Some argue that the Hebrew and Greek terms translated “forever” (‘olam in Hebrew and aiōn in Greek) can imply a long but limited period, especially based on context. Others hold that God’s covenants and promises labeled “forever” are indeed unending without limit. The discussion hinges on biblical linguistics, covenant theology, and the interpretation of God’s faithfulness.

Scriptures Supporting that “Forever” May Not Mean Literal Eternity

Exodus 21:6 (KJV)
“Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever.”
Interpretation: “For ever” here refers to the servant’s life, not eternal existence.
Theological View: “Forever” in covenant contexts can mean “for life” or “for an age,” not literal eternity.
1 Samuel 1:22 (KJV)
“But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever.”
Interpretation: Samuel served in the temple during his lifetime, not eternally.
Theological View: “Forever” pertains to the subject’s lifespan, not endless time.
1 Samuel 1:28 (KJV)
“Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.”
Interpretation: Clarifies that “forever” meant “as long as he lives.”
Theological View: Context restricts “forever” to a temporal period.
Jonah 2:6 (KJV)
“I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O LORD my God.”
Interpretation: Jonah’s “forever” was only three days in the fish.
Theological View: “Forever” can mean an intense but brief experience.
Genesis 17:13 (KJV)
“He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.”
Interpretation: The New Testament no longer requires circumcision.
Theological View: “Everlasting” covenants can be superseded by new covenants.
Leviticus 16:29, 34 (KJV)
“And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls…”
Interpretation: The Day of Atonement rituals were fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 9–10).
Theological View: “Forever” rituals pointed toward Christ and ended with Him.
2 Chronicles 2:4 (KJV)
“Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to him…for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening…for ever.”
Interpretation: Temple worship ended with the destruction of the temple.
Theological View: “Forever” applied conditionally or contextually.
Hebrews 8:13 (KJV)
“In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.”
Interpretation: Old covenants labeled “forever” were replaced.
Theological View: God’s covenants may end or transition under His authority.

Scriptures Opposing that “Forever” Means Anything Less than Literal Eternity

Psalm 119:89 (KJV)
“For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.”
Interpretation: God’s word is eternally established.
Theological View: “Forever” reflects true unending reality.
Psalm 136:1 (KJV)
“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”
Interpretation: God’s mercy is literally eternal.
Theological View: Divine qualities are unchanging and eternal.
Isaiah 9:7 (KJV)
“Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end…”
Interpretation: Christ’s reign will truly have no end.
Theological View: Messianic promises of “no end” are literal.
Daniel 7:14 (KJV)
“And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away…”
Interpretation: Christ’s kingdom is forever.
Theological View: God’s kingdom is eternal, not temporal.
John 6:51 (KJV)
“I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever…”
Interpretation: Believers receive true eternal life.
Theological View: Salvation promises are genuinely unending.
Revelation 22:5 (KJV)
“And they shall reign for ever and ever…”
Interpretation: Saints will reign with Christ eternally.
Theological View: The reward of the faithful is truly eternal.
2 Samuel 7:16 (KJV)
“And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.”
Interpretation: David’s dynasty, fulfilled in Christ, is eternal.
Theological View: “Forever” conveys true permanence.
Hebrews 13:8 (KJV)
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”
Interpretation: Christ’s nature is immutable and eternal.
Theological View: Christ’s character and existence are truly forever.

Hebrew, Greek, English, and Christian Translation Debates

1. Hebrew: Word Study and Debate

Primary Hebrew word:

‘Olam (עוֹלָם) – Translated as “forever,” “everlasting,” “eternity,” but sometimes meaning “a long duration,” “until the end of a period,” or “concealed/hidden time.”

Examples:

Genesis 17:7 (KJV)
“And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.”
Interpretation: “Everlasting” is from ‘olam, indicating a permanent relationship but interpreted by Christians to be fulfilled spiritually through Christ (Galatians 3:16-29).
Exodus 21:6 (KJV)
“Then his master shall bring him unto the judges… and he shall serve him for ever.”
Interpretation: The servant serves “forever” (olam), but clearly only during his natural life, not eternally.

Problem in Hebrew:
‘Olam can mean “unending,” but it often meant “as far as one can see” or “to the end of a man’s life,” depending on context. This flexibility causes debate:

Does “forever” mean unconditionally eternal?
Or does it mean a “long, indefinite time” that may have an end?

Theological view:
Traditional Judaism and some Christian scholars argue that ‘olam can denote an age, while eternal covenants (like God’s covenant with David or Christ) are unique and truly forever.

2. Greek: Word Study and Debate

Primary Greek words:

Aion (αἰών) – Commonly translated “age,” “world,” “forever,” “eternity.”
Aionios (αἰώνιος) – “Everlasting,” “eternal.”

Examples:

Matthew 25:46 (KJV)
“And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”
Interpretation: “Everlasting” and “eternal” both translate forms of aionios.
2 Corinthians 4:18 (KJV)
“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
Interpretation: “Eternal” translates aionios, contrasted with “temporal” (proskairos), indicating true endlessness.

Problem in Greek:
Aion means “age” or “world,” and aionios derives from it. Debate arose:

Some (early Universalists, e.g., Origen) argued that “aionios punishment” could mean punishment “for an age,” not “forever.”
Most Christian tradition, especially post-Augustine, interprets aionios as true, unending eternity when describing life, salvation, or punishment.

Theological view:
Greek usage supports eternal realities where God’s nature and Christ’s work are involved but permits temporal understanding when applied to created things or periods (e.g., the present evil age).

3. English Translation Issues (KJV Focus)

The King James Version (KJV) renders both ‘olam and aion/aionios as “forever,” “everlasting,” “eternal” depending on context.

Problems and debates:

Consistency: Sometimes “forever” (KJV) is used even when the Hebrew or Greek nuance might better be “a long time.”
Doctrinal influence: The translators’ Reformation-era theology influenced them to emphasize eternal security and eternal punishment.
Word limitations: English lacks a direct word that conveys “a very long but possibly finite time,” causing “forever” to sometimes overstate the text.

Example:

Jonah 2:6 (KJV)
“I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O LORD my God.”
Interpretation: Jonah was only in the fish three days, yet the KJV says “forever”—demonstrating the linguistic limitations.

Theological view:
KJV remains highly respected but needs to be read with an understanding that “forever” could sometimes be understood contextually as “as long as appointed” rather than literally infinite.

4. Christian Translation History and Theological Impact

Early Church Fathers: Some, like Origen, interpreted aionios more flexibly (suggesting that “eternal” punishments could eventually end).
Augustine (4th-5th century): Cemented the idea that aionios meant truly unending, influencing Roman Catholicism and later Protestantism.
Reformation (16th century): Emphasized the eternal nature of God’s covenant with believers, while still recognizing that some Mosaic covenants (like ceremonial laws) were temporal.

Modern Debates:

Universalism: Argues aionios should sometimes be seen as “age-lasting,” suggesting that punishments are corrective, not eternal.
Traditionalists: Hold that “eternal life” and “eternal punishment” must be parallel and equally unending.

Example:

Matthew 25:46 (KJV)
“And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”
Interpretation: The same Greek word (aionios) is applied to both punishment and life, implying equal duration.

Problem:
If one tries to limit the “everlasting punishment” to a temporary state, consistency would also limit “eternal life,” which few Christians are willing to do.

5. How Accurate Are the Greek Translations?

The Greek Septuagint (LXX) often translates ‘olam into aion consistently, which sometimes flattens nuance.
New Testament Greek (koine Greek) usage of aionios usually stresses true eternity when associated with God’s attributes, salvation, or judgment.
Translation into Greek was generally accurate but context-sensitive; not every use of aion or aionios absolutely demands infinite time.

Assessment:

For salvation and eternal life, the Greek is very accurate in teaching unending realities.
For temporal covenants or Old Testament practices, Greek translations sometimes lose the temporal limitation originally implied by Hebrew.

Summary

The doctrine that “forever does not always mean forever” hinges on deep linguistic nuances:

In Hebrew (‘olam), “forever” can mean “long-lasting” but not always endless.
In Greek (aion, aionios), “forever” often means “eternal,” but occasionally may mean “age-lasting” in non-divine contexts.
The KJV, while highly faithful, sometimes renders words as “forever” even where “for an age” or “lifelong” would be more precise.
Theologically, Christian tradition affirms that divine promises of salvation, God’s kingdom, and Christ’s reign are truly eternal, while Old Covenant practices described as “forever” could be provisional and fulfilled in Christ.
Greek translations are largely accurate for theological essentials, particularly for eternal salvation and eternal judgment, but should be read contextually for temporal Old Testament matters.

Conditional vs Eternal based on Hebrew (‘Olam), Greek (Aion/Aionios), and KJV usage:

Category	Scripture (KJV)	Hebrew/Greek Word	Meaning	Conditional or Eternal	Notes
Servant’s Lifetime	Exodus 21:6 (KJV)	עוֹלָם (‘Olam) / εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα (eis ton aiona)	Serve his master “forever” (lifelong)	Conditional	Ends at servant’s death.
Temple Service	1 Chronicles 23:25 (KJV)	עוֹלָם (‘Olam)	“Forever” service in Temple	Conditional	Temple destroyed; not eternal.
Jonah’s Experience	Jonah 2:6 (KJV)	עוֹלָם (‘Olam)	“Bars about me forever”	Conditional	Jonah was delivered after 3 days.
Old Covenant	Genesis 17:13 (KJV)	עוֹלָם (‘Olam)	“Everlasting covenant” of circumcision	Conditional	Fulfilled and superseded in Christ (Galatians 5:6).
Davidic Throne	Psalm 89:29 (KJV)	עוֹלָם (‘Olam)	“His seed will endure forever”	Conditional & Eternal	Physically interrupted, spiritually fulfilled in Christ.
Eternal Life	Matthew 25:46 (KJV)	αἰώνιος (Aionios)	“Life eternal”	Eternal	True everlasting life through Christ.
Eternal Redemption	Hebrews 9:12 (KJV)	αἰώνιος (Aionios)	“Eternal redemption”	Eternal	Permanent effect of Christ’s sacrifice.
Eternal Fire	Revelation 20:10 (KJV)	εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων (eis tous aiōnas tōn aiōnōn)	“Tormented day and night for ever and ever”	Eternal	Unending punishment for the devil and his followers.

Observations:

Conditional Forever happens when related to earthly, human, or covenantal terms (e.g., slavery, temple, national covenants).
Eternal Forever occurs with salvation, judgment, life, and God’s direct acts.
‘Olam can mean “until fulfilled” or “age-long.”
Aionios is much more strictly eternal when describing final states in the New Testament.

Denominational Views

Roman Catholic Church

The Roman Catholic Church views “forever” in Scripture as both conditional and eternal, depending on covenantal fulfillment and divine action. They argue that covenants like circumcision were “everlasting” (Genesis 17:13 KJV) in the sense of being fulfilled, not abolished, through Christ (Galatians 3:16 KJV). They accept “aionios” (αἰώνιος) as meaning true eternity regarding salvation and judgment. The Hebrew ‘olam’ (עוֹלָם) is sometimes seen as flexible in meaning, lasting “for an age” when used in contexts like temple service.

View For: “And they shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” (Matthew 25:46 KJV) — Here, “aionios” (αἰώνιος) is understood as truly eternal.
View Against: “Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door… and he shall serve him for ever.” (Exodus 21:6 KJV) — “Forever” (‘olam) here is seen contextually as the servant’s lifetime.

Theological debate highlights that ‘olam’ can be temporal, but in the New Covenant, promises are viewed as fulfilled permanently in Christ, using the Greek “aionios” as evidence of eternal duration.

Eastern Orthodox Church

The Eastern Orthodox Church heavily emphasizes the Greek text, particularly “aionios” (αἰώνιος), for eternal life and punishment. They acknowledge that “forever” in Hebrew (‘olam) had a flexible meaning under the Old Covenant but claim the New Testament clarifies its eternal meaning. Orthodox theology relies strongly on the Septuagint (LXX), where “eis ton aiona” (εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα) often denotes unending time.

View For: “And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever.” (Revelation 14:11 KJV) — “Eis aionas aionon” (εἰς αἰῶνας αἰώνων) stresses absolute, unending punishment.
View Against: “The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof… therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.” (Isaiah 24:5-6 KJV) — This shows temporal judgments despite strong language.

Their theological debates often focus on how God’s eternal nature is reflected in “aionios,” while earthly covenants tied to ‘olam’ are temporary reflections of heavenly realities.

Evangelical

Evangelicals generally interpret “forever” where tied to God’s actions (e.g., salvation, judgment) as truly eternal and where tied to human acts (e.g., servanthood, earthly temples) as conditional. They argue “aionios” (αἰώνιος) always points to genuine eternity in salvation contexts.

View For: “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.” (John 3:36 KJV) — “Everlasting” is from “aionios” showing eternal security.
View Against: “Then said the LORD unto me, The backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah.” (Jeremiah 3:11 KJV) — Covenantal language here (with ‘olam’ context) shows reversibility based on human failure.

Evangelicals debate internally about the flexibility of ‘olam’ but generally emphasize Greek precision in New Testament use.

Protestant (General)

Protestantism broadly mirrors Evangelical interpretation but adds historical criticism, noting how ancient covenant language adapted to changing theological realities. They highlight the complexity of “forever” as being both fulfilled and redefined.

View For: “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:14 KJV) — “Forever” (διηνεκὲς diēnekes in Greek) emphasizes continual perfection.
View Against: “I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant, Thy seed will I establish for ever.” (Psalm 89:3-4 KJV) — Yet the Davidic line was interrupted before Christ.

They focus theological debates on covenantal versus Christological fulfillment, often examining Hebrew ‘olam’ in its historical and cultural usage.

Baptist (Southern Baptist, Independent Baptist, etc.)

Baptists emphasize the strict literal sense of “forever” when linked to divine salvation and judgment but note human covenants as conditional. They uphold the inerrancy of the KJV while acknowledging nuances in Hebrew ‘olam’ and Greek ‘aionios.’

View For: “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.” (Titus 1:2 KJV) — “Eternal” ties back to “aionios” (αἰώνιος), emphasizing certainty.
View Against: “This is the law of the burnt offering… it shall burn upon the altar all night unto the morning.” (Leviticus 6:9 KJV) — “Continual” (‘olam) sacrifice was abolished with Christ.

Baptists argue that the Greek NT clarifies the eternal promises over the temporary shadow of OT covenants.

Methodist (United Methodist, AME, etc.)

Methodists emphasize covenantal faithfulness but acknowledge that “forever” often reflected a spiritual principle, not an absolute earthly reality. Their Arminian background stresses human cooperation, making some promises conditional.

View For: “Blessed be the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever.” (1 Chronicles 16:36 KJV) — True praise stretches into eternity.
View Against: “And it shall be a statute for ever unto him and his seed after him.” (Exodus 29:9 KJV) — Yet priesthood changed (Hebrews 7:12 KJV).

They interpret ‘olam’ and ‘aionios’ contextually, seeing fulfillment through Christ’s eternal ministry.

Lutheran (Missouri Synod, ELCA, etc.)

Lutherans focus heavily on distinguishing Law from Gospel, viewing “forever” in Law (old covenants) as provisional and “forever” in Gospel (new covenant) as eternal.

View For: “The LORD shall reign for ever and ever.” (Exodus 15:18 KJV) — Reflects true divine eternity (‘olam’ in Hebrew and εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα in Greek).
View Against: “The LORD said to Moses, ‘Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the tent of meeting and wash them with water.'” (Leviticus 8:6 KJV) — Temporal priesthood.

Lutherans highlight the need to read Hebrew and Greek with theological categories in mind rather than wooden literalism.

Pentecostal (Assemblies of God, UPCI, etc.)

Pentecostals emphasize the experiential reality of eternity through the Spirit, claiming that “forever” promises linked to the Spirit (salvation, resurrection) are truly eternal.

View For: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost… that he may abide with you for ever.” (John 14:16 KJV) — Eternal indwelling (αἰώνιον).
View Against: “He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made.” (Psalm 7:15 KJV) — Human acts are temporary even if described with strong terms.

They accept Hebrew ‘olam’ as flexible but see Greek “aionios” as solidly eternal when applied to salvation or the Spirit.

Jehovah’s Witnesses

Jehovah’s Witnesses argue that “forever” often depends on obedience. They teach that even some promises of eternal life are conditional. They deny eternal conscious torment and reinterpret “aionios” (αἰώνιος) accordingly.

View For: “And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads.” (Isaiah 35:10 KJV) — Joy forever for the obedient.
View Against: “The smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever.” (Revelation 14:11 KJV) — They argue this is symbolic, not literal endless torment.

They reframe ‘olam’ and ‘aionios’ contextually, sometimes at odds with traditional Greek scholarship.

Mormonism (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – LDS)

Mormons teach that “eternity” varies by covenantal faithfulness and progression. They emphasize that ‘olam’ and ‘aionios’ refer to “God’s time,” not always endless linear time.

View For: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God.” (John 17:3 KJV) — Eternal life tied to relationship, not merely duration.
View Against: “And ye shall perish among the heathen, and the land of your enemies shall eat you up.” (Leviticus 26:38 KJV) — Earthly punishments, even if described severely, are temporary.

LDS theology adapts ‘aionios’ and ‘olam’ into their own framework of exaltation and eternal progression.

Seventh-day Adventist

Seventh-day Adventists stress conditional immortality: eternal life is a gift, not intrinsic to the soul. Thus, “forever” is eternal only where God grants it.

View For: “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” (1 John 5:11 KJV) — Life is truly eternal in Christ.
View Against: “The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” (Psalm 110:4 KJV) — Typological, fulfilled in Christ, not Aaron.

They emphasize that Hebrew ‘olam’ often meant “long but limited,” while Greek “aionios” is defined by New Testament revelation.

Summary

Across denominations, debates about “forever” turn on whether the Hebrew ‘olam (עוֹלָם) and Greek aionios (αἰώνιος) refer to temporal ages or true eternity. Most Christian groups agree that when applied to God’s nature, salvation, judgment, or resurrection, “forever” means eternal. However, when tied to covenantal roles, temple service, or earthly institutions, “forever” often means conditional or lifelong only.
The Greek New Testament, especially the careful use of “aionios” and phrases like “eis ton aiona” (εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα) and “eis aionas aionon” (εἰς αἰῶνας αἰώνων), gives the strongest foundation for understanding true biblical eternity, clarified beyond the flexible uses of Hebrew ‘olam’.

Conclusion

The interpretation of “forever” (Hebrew olam עוֹלָם, Greek aionios αἰώνιος) across Christian denominations reveals a significant divide between conditional and eternal understandings, especially when comparing earthly covenants (such as the Levitical priesthood or Davidic kingship) with salvation and final judgment.
Traditional branches (Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Evangelical, Protestant, Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Pentecostal) largely affirm that “forever” in relation to salvation and judgment is absolute and eternal, using Greek New Testament interpretations of aionios tied to God’s unchanging nature.
Groups like Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormonism, and Seventh-day Adventists reinterpret “forever” conditionally — meaning duration is linked to obedience, destruction, or progression.

Translation issues in olam and aionios show that Hebrew often uses “forever” in a broader, sometimes temporal sense, while Greek usage (especially in KJV texts) reinforces eternality in matters of salvation and damnation.
The King James Version (KJV) faithfully reflects the Greek’s focus on eternity in key salvation and judgment passages but carries the Hebrew’s conditional sense in Old Testament covenants.

Thus, theologically, “forever” demands context: God’s promises of salvation and eternal life are unbreakable, but earthly institutions and conditions may change despite being called “forever.”

Table 1: Denominations – View, Interpretation, Scripture Basis (KJV For)

Denomination	View	Interpretation	Scripture Basis (KJV)
Roman Catholic	Eternal (for salvation)	Covenants on earth conditional, salvation forever through Christ	“And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” (Matthew 25:46 KJV)
Eastern Orthodox	Eternal (for salvation)	Earthly ‘forever’ sometimes ends, heavenly ‘forever’ unchanging	“For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” (Romans 11:29 KJV)
Evangelical	Eternal (for salvation)	‘Aionios’ confirms unending life and punishment	“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.” (John 3:36 KJV)
Protestant (General)	Eternal (for salvation)	‘Forever’ in promises of God tied to God’s eternal nature	“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” (Hebrews 13:8 KJV)
Baptist (Southern, Independent)	Eternal (for salvation)	Salvation is eternally secured by grace through faith	“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish.” (John 10:28 KJV)
Methodist (United, AME)	Eternal (conditional)	Salvation eternal if one remains in faith	“Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10 KJV)
Lutheran (Missouri Synod, ELCA)	Eternal (for salvation)	Law condemns but Gospel grants eternal life	“The word of the Lord endureth for ever.” (1 Peter 1:25 KJV)
Pentecostal (Assemblies of God, UPCI)	Eternal (for salvation)	Spirit-sealed believers are eternally secure	“In whom ye also trusted… ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.” (Ephesians 1:13 KJV)
Jehovah’s Witnesses	Conditional	Eternal life only if faithful; otherwise extinction	“The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” (Ezekiel 18:20 KJV)
Mormonism (LDS)	Eternal (progressive)	Eternal life depends on progression and obedience	“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God.” (John 17:3 KJV)
Seventh-day Adventist	Conditional	Eternal life granted, not naturally possessed	“The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life.” (Romans 6:23 KJV)

Table 2: Denominations – View, Argument Against Interpretation, Scripture Basis (KJV Against)

Denomination	View	Argument Against Interpretation	Scripture Basis (KJV)
Roman Catholic	Eternal	OT “forever” covenants ended (e.g., Levitical priesthood)	“And this is the law of the priesthood…” (Hebrews 7:12 KJV)
Eastern Orthodox	Eternal	Earthly forever sometimes abolished in Christ	“For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.” (Hebrews 8:7 KJV)
Evangelical	Eternal	Human rebellion can forfeit blessings, though eternal life is secure	“Ye are fallen from grace.” (Galatians 5:4 KJV)
Protestant (General)	Eternal	Apostasy warnings show ‘conditional’ aspect	“Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief.” (Hebrews 3:12 KJV)
Baptist (Southern, Independent)	Eternal	False professors never had eternal life	“They went out from us, but they were not of us.” (1 John 2:19 KJV)
Methodist (United, AME)	Eternal (conditional)	Salvation can be lost through willful sin	“If we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.” (Hebrews 10:26 KJV)
Lutheran (Missouri Synod, ELCA)	Eternal	Warning passages show conditional warnings though promises stand	“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12 KJV)
Pentecostal (Assemblies of God, UPCI)	Eternal	Backsliding can cut off salvation if unrepentant	“Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” (Hebrews 10:38 KJV)
Jehovah’s Witnesses	Conditional	Misinterprets ‘eternal’ life as conditional only on earthly merit	“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us.” (Titus 3:5 KJV)
Mormonism (LDS)	Progressive Eternal	Adds to the meaning of eternal life beyond Scripture	“Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you.” (Deuteronomy 4:2 KJV)
Seventh-day Adventist	Conditional	Denial of eternal torment not supported by all Scriptures	“And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever.” (Revelation 14:11 KJV)

Summary

Traditional Christianity teaches that when applied to salvation and judgment, “forever” (aionios, olam) is eternal, reflecting God’s unchanging promise of life or condemnation.
Hebrew ‘olam’ allows temporal or flexible meaning, but Greek ‘aionios’ in the New Testament, especially in KJV rendering, consistently stresses true eternity, especially concerning salvation and judgment.
Conditional groups (Jehovah’s Witnesses, LDS, Seventh-day Adventists) often redefine “forever” based on obedience, personal progression, or annihilation doctrines, contrasting with eternalist views.
Translation challenges (from Hebrew to Greek to English) affect some interpretations but the KJV generally preserves the intended eternal meanings faithfully, especially in New Testament contexts.