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Eternal damnation, no matter who mentions it, does NOT mean eternal torture while conscious in some fiery lake. Even before I believed in God I knew that to be an outright junk teaching. And misunderstanding of the Bible.I'm now interested to count how many times Jesus mentions "eternal damnation" compared to Paul.
I do not believe that God tortures anyone forever as some would believe about hell (or hellfire).
Eternal damnation, no matter who mentions it, does NOT mean eternal torture while conscious in some fiery lake. Even before I believed in God I knew that to be an outright junk teaching. And misunderstanding of the Bible.
True; God does not torture anyone. God is the Source of life, love, goodness, beauty, joy, etc. The sad reality is that those who choose to reject God and spend eternity separated from God will suffer their own self-inflicted torment. It truly is sad because God offers an eternal life of love and joy to everyone, yet forces no one to live in His Presence against their will.God would NEVER allow anyone to be tortured literally forever in some torture chamber. The idea of the wicked or faithless people being tortured forever literally is not indicative of a God of love. It is a misinterpretation of the scriptures. And a sad one, too. Perhaps at @InChrist also.
On that I agree, since that is a teaching of my religion.And this hell is, fundamentally, separation from God.
it's true, and it's kind of like Paul's experience -- he was accosted with a vision. I did not have a vision, but I realize it was from God that introduced me to something I could latch onto. Unlike Paul, however, I declared before I began to believe, that there was no God, it was all a crock. Paul was a zealous Jew and persecuted those who believed in Jesus. I was not a zealous anything except confused. Now I know better. And I do agree with you that many believe they have the top tier of religious belief -- I also believe that God is going to make the deciding factor about beliefs, also practices.The bible is interpreted thousands of ways and everyone thinks they have the special esoteric knowledge to interpret it correctly.
Again -- when a person is dead he is not alive or conscious of anything. He's dead. Just like God told Adam, you came from the dust (zilch, nothing kind of) and you're going to go back to the dust (nothing, zilch). God never told Adam he would be tortured in some place called hell.True; God does not torture anyone. God is the Source of life, love, goodness, beauty, joy, etc. The sad reality is that those who choose to reject God and spend eternity separated from God will suffer their own self-inflicted torment. It truly is sad because God offers an eternal life of love and joy to everyone, yet forces no one to live in His Presence against their will.
Are you aware that the Bible speaks of dead souls? When alive, we ARE souls, another word for living person.So you are a Christian but don't believe in the soul?
it's true, and it's kind of like Paul's experience -- he was accosted with a vision. I did not have a vision, but I realize it was from God that introduced me to something I could latch onto. Unlike Paul, however, I declared before I began to believe, that there was no God, it was all a crock. Paul was a zealous Jew and persecuted those who believed in Jesus. I was not a zealous anything except confused. Now I know better. And I do agree with you that many believe they have the top tier of religious belief -- I also believe that God is going to make the deciding factor about beliefs, also practices.
I understand. Many that Paul spoke to among his own people didn't believe him either.And I don't believe you any more (or less) than the numerous others who have told me they are the ones who know the real truth.
I understand. Many that Paul spoke to among his own people didn't believe him either.
No, of course not.Recent discussions make me wonder what various persons believe about hell (or hellfire). Do you think a loving person would literally torture anyone forever as some would believe about hell (or hellfire)? (also for @Trailblazer )
That’s not the teaching of the scriptures, which show that though the body dies, the the spirit of the person God has breathed life into lives eternally. Either, with God or separated from God forever. To be separated from God will be awful.Again -- when a person is dead he is not alive or conscious of anything. He's dead. Just like God told Adam, you came from the dust (zilch, nothing kind of) and you're going to go back to the dust (nothing, zilch). God never told Adam he would be tortured in some place called hell.
I'm not sure if some of your "debaters" just like to talk without figuring what's going on. Anyway, have a nice day, etc.You're comparing yourself to Paul?
It was an illustration about those who taught Jesus was NOT the son of God who came from heaven. Yes, well have a nice evening.That’s not the teaching of the scriptures, which show that though the body dies, the the spirit of the person God has breathed life into lives eternally. Either, with God or separated from God forever. To be separated from God will be awful.
…So it was that the beggar died, and was not carried by the angels toAbraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24 “Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.”
Luke 16:22-24
What does it mean that hell is eternal separation from God? | GotQuestions.org
I'm not sure if some of your "debaters" just like to talk without figuring what's going on. Anyway, have a nice day, etc.
ok.I have no idea what that first sentence means.
I do believe the Bible has God's thoughts in it and He can reach the heart of whomever He wants to and those who desire to know Him.Many Buddhist believe there are levels of Hell.
You go to one of the plains of Hell and can work your way up and out of Hell and into the Heavenly realms.
Even at the highest Heavenly Realms you can fall from Grace and slide back down.