That's good...are people here saying they lose sleep over people believing in hell?
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The sick concept of Eternal hell suffering.
- Thread starter mickiel
- Start date
That's good...are people here saying they lose sleep over people believing in hell?
mickiel
Well-Known Member
People are interested in uncovering the lie that christianity has reaped upon this world in the name of God. We no longer accept this horindus doctrine that helps support the faith of perverted believers in God. You use hell as a trump card to support your own self righteous views of the bible, and pat yourselves on the back as you morinically claim it to be something you have escaped. Its goes like this;" I have escaped hell fire, but you have not", because your not as righteous as I am. Thus, in the christian viewpoint, hell is a proof of " THEM" being righteous, because they can say that God willnot send them there.
Scared to death themselves of such a place, escaping it has become more of a reason to believe in God, than the Righteousness of God himself as being enough reason to believe. And then, drastically moreover, it teachs that God himself has based the human imputus on believing in him, on the " Threat of hell", and thus needs that to convert unbelievers.
In the entire old testament, no one was threatened with eternal hell if they didnot believe in God. Thats the foundation of the new covenant. If hell was real, God would have taught it to Adam, to Moses, to Abraham, to Jacob, to ALL the prophets of the old testament, so they could teach the founding fathers of our civilization of this impending doom. God did no such thing.
Hell became relevant when christians took over the church, they NEED it to be righteous themselves, and NEED it to condemn the world that christ has saved. It is really christians who are behind this predicted masserqer of billions, because THEY DESIRE it to occur, which really revels their true nature.
How perverted is this senerio, the very believers in God, teaching, and believing in the damnation of all these humans who really NEED Gods salvation.
THATS how distorted this thing has become. I can't blame the Atheist and unbelievers for not believing in God.
The christians have muddied the waters of Salvation.
Peace.
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Jtartar quote:
The truth is; God will not torture anyone, man or angel!!!
So, exactly what does the Bible indicate as the punishment for unrepentant sinners??
Remember that the wages for sin is death!!! Rom 6:23. This is made very clear at 2Thess 1:6-9, with the emphysis on verse 9, which tells us that the judicial punishment is EVERLASTING DESTRUCTION, not everlasting life in punishment. Consider also what we are told at Rev 20:14,15, where we are told that everyone whose name is not in the Book of Life will be thrown into the Lake of Fire and Sulfur, THE SECOND DEATH!!! The picture of the smoke coming from the Lake of Fire is a symbol that tells us that nothing thrown there will ever come out, because the fare is always burning.
God's purpose is to make this earth a paradise. This cannot happen unless the earth is rid of people who just will not listen, Isa 11:1-9, Isa 26:10, Isa 65:17,25, Rom 3:5,5, 2Pet 3:7, Rev 21:1-4, Luke 23:43.
MY COMMENTS: Hi Jtartar. The key is, by using a complete Bible concordance, such as Young's, you will see that "everlasting" is the scholar''s interpretation of "aionios", which is an adjective describing the destruction as lasting for an "age" or "ages".
It is not "unending."
True, the lake of fire is the second death for all those cast into it. And the smoke rising is, literally, unto ages of ages.
For those who have been judged at the great white throne and not found worthy of life (their names are not written in the book of life), they are cast into the lake of fire, which is their second death.
BUT, before Christ in all his glory, with myriads of angels there, no doubt, don't you think every one judged will confess and believe in Christ? But, for them a time of correction is necessary--death in the lake of fire.
AND, is that all there is for them? NO INDEED! Read carefully 1 Cor. 15:22-28, from which, in the CV, I will quote a couple of verses:
"For even as in Adam, all are dying, thus also, in Christ, shall all be vivified (made alive). vs.22
"For He must be reigning until He should be placing all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy being abolished is death. vs. 27
With Death abolished, done away with, then all the dead everywhere, including the lake of fire, will be made alive.
God's purpose is much more than create a New Earth with beautiful gardens (paradise); His purpose for the ages is that His Son, Christ Jesus will head up all things (humanity and the spirit world), for all will be conciliated to Him making peace throughout the universe. Read Ephesians chapts. 1 through 3, and Colossians 1 and 2.
The truth is; God will not torture anyone, man or angel!!!
So, exactly what does the Bible indicate as the punishment for unrepentant sinners??
Remember that the wages for sin is death!!! Rom 6:23. This is made very clear at 2Thess 1:6-9, with the emphysis on verse 9, which tells us that the judicial punishment is EVERLASTING DESTRUCTION, not everlasting life in punishment. Consider also what we are told at Rev 20:14,15, where we are told that everyone whose name is not in the Book of Life will be thrown into the Lake of Fire and Sulfur, THE SECOND DEATH!!! The picture of the smoke coming from the Lake of Fire is a symbol that tells us that nothing thrown there will ever come out, because the fare is always burning.
God's purpose is to make this earth a paradise. This cannot happen unless the earth is rid of people who just will not listen, Isa 11:1-9, Isa 26:10, Isa 65:17,25, Rom 3:5,5, 2Pet 3:7, Rev 21:1-4, Luke 23:43.
MY COMMENTS: Hi Jtartar. The key is, by using a complete Bible concordance, such as Young's, you will see that "everlasting" is the scholar''s interpretation of "aionios", which is an adjective describing the destruction as lasting for an "age" or "ages".
It is not "unending."
True, the lake of fire is the second death for all those cast into it. And the smoke rising is, literally, unto ages of ages.
For those who have been judged at the great white throne and not found worthy of life (their names are not written in the book of life), they are cast into the lake of fire, which is their second death.
BUT, before Christ in all his glory, with myriads of angels there, no doubt, don't you think every one judged will confess and believe in Christ? But, for them a time of correction is necessary--death in the lake of fire.
AND, is that all there is for them? NO INDEED! Read carefully 1 Cor. 15:22-28, from which, in the CV, I will quote a couple of verses:
"For even as in Adam, all are dying, thus also, in Christ, shall all be vivified (made alive). vs.22
"For He must be reigning until He should be placing all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy being abolished is death. vs. 27
With Death abolished, done away with, then all the dead everywhere, including the lake of fire, will be made alive.
God's purpose is much more than create a New Earth with beautiful gardens (paradise); His purpose for the ages is that His Son, Christ Jesus will head up all things (humanity and the spirit world), for all will be conciliated to Him making peace throughout the universe. Read Ephesians chapts. 1 through 3, and Colossians 1 and 2.
Father Heathen
Veteran Member
Explaining why a particular belief is irrational and unsubstantiated does mean they "worry" about it. I do worry about the mental health of those who hold such beliefs, however. It's just one of those wacky things that man has attributed to god.
Father Heathen
Veteran Member
Well, it might be a good idea to worry if their beliefs affect their actions.
rubbish their is no such thing as everlasting in the bibical language. Everlasting is a concept that was not within the Greeks concept. Those who translated the word Aoin to mean everlasting were in complete error. Aoin simply means a age . This has been a 2000 year debate within the church over the translation. simply put if punishment was only for a time . Then redemption is forever.
Diederick
Active Member
I don't think it really matters what the Christian scriptures actually say. What matters is what many people believe, whether it is true is not even a question.
Since both hell and death are thrown into the lake of fire or second death then death will be no more as will hell be no more.
Take into consideration the unforgivable sin of Matthew (12:32) and Hebrews (6:4-6). These experience the second death or death with no hope of a resurrection ever. Only the first death is what frees or acquits a person from sin. ( Romans 6:7). That first death would be due to inherited imperfection from Adam or Adamic sin. Hebrews (10:26) also shows there is a point an unrepentant person can reach where there is no forgiveness.
Isn't that why Matthew (20:28) says 'many' and not all?
All sin that is not forgiven leads to death. For the wages of sin is death. I really dont get your point. If thier is no death thier is no more punishment. So all your points are moot .From the very beggining the cost of disobediance has been Death. yet is is Christ who frees all mankind. and all creatures. The ressurections are for rewards not for eternal salvation
mickiel
Well-Known Member
Well I certainly disagree with this. The Ressurection is for Eternal Life, I understand no other need to bring humans back to Life, other than to give them a far better Life.
Peace.
There would be no need for any punishment once death is no more as Revelation (21:3-5) brings out.
Isn't it according to Matthew (20:28) that Jesus does not free 'all' but 'many'?
All sin Not forgiven leads to second death (Matt 12:32; Hebrews 6:4-6) which is a death of no resurrection possible but destruction.
Once a wage is paid it does not have to paid again. The wage for our inherited sin from Adam is death because we can not stop sinning. Even when a baby is born we know its leanings will be toward imperfection. Please notice: 1st John 1:7 because the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.
Romans (6:7) shows our death frees or acquits us of our inherited sin.
Yes, resurrections are for rewards and the reward of being resurrected is that one is brought back to life. Acts (24:15) says there is going to be a resurrection for both just and unjust (Not wicked) . So the wicked executed by Jesus words as Isaiah 11:4; Rev 19:15 brings out are dead forever.
Romans (6:7) does not apply to them because they are divinely put to death.
Everlasting death or destruction (2nd Thess 1:9) is the punishment for the wicked. Please notice Psalm (92:7) because there the destruction for the wicked is forever.
Since the Bible is holding out two hopes or two resurrections, one to life in heaven for those ruling with Jesus (Rev 5:9,10), and one to life on earth as Jesus promised that the humble meek would inherit earth (Psalm 37:11,29)
Please notice the people of Revelation (7:9,10,14) are saved or have salvation coming through the coming great tribulation. Jesus makes all things new- (Rev 21:5; Isaiah 42:9) Rev (22:2) shows curing or healing for the nations will be part of that.
Remember the promise to Abraham? Gen 12:3; 22:18
Because of the resurrections, and those coming through the great tribulation, Jesus will fulfill that promise that all families of the earth will be blessed and all nations of the earth will be blessed.
Jesus will usher in lasting peace on earth and peace to men of goodwill.
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]ALL MEN COMMITTED TO CHRIST'S CARE[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 4. God hath given all things to Christ, as the moral Ruler of the world. "Ask of me, and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession." Psalms 2:8 "The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand." John 3:35 "All things," here, means all intelligent beings. So say the best commentators. (The word things is in italics in the KJV which means it is not in the Greek. We are not talking about trees here.) [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 5. God gave all beings to Christ that he might save them. "Thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him." John 17:2 This plainly evinces, that it was God's design, in giving Christ dominion over all flesh, that they should all enjoy eternal life. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 6. It is certain that Christ will save all that the Father hath given him. "All that the Father giveth me, shall come to me, and him that cometh to me I will in nowise cast out." John 6:37 These three propositions are irrefragable evidence of the final happiness of all men. 1st. God hath given all things to Christ. 2d. All that God hath given him shall come to him; and 3d. him that cometh he will in nowise cast out. All are given; all shall come; and none shall be cast out. What is the unavoidable conclusion?
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]THE WILL OF GOD[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 7. It is THE WILL of God that all men shall be saved. "Who will have all men to be saved, and come unto the knowledge of the truth." KJV 1Tim. 2:4 By "all men", in this passage, is undoubtedly to be understood all the human race. Salvation comes through the belief of the truth. God wills that all men should come to the knowledge of the truth, and be saved thereby. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 8. God inspires the hearts of the good to pray for the salvation of all men, and say, as Jesus said, "Thy will be done." Matt. 6:10. Adam Clarke says, "Because he wills the salvation of all men, therefore he wills that all men should be prayed for; as in 1 Tim. 2:1. "I exhort, therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men." Would God inspire the hearts of his saints to pray for the salvation of all mankind, if he knew they would not all be saved? [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 9. Jesus came to do the will of God. "My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work." John 4:34 "Lo, I come to do they will, O God." Heb. 10:9 The will of God is, that all men be saved. This is his will, by way of distinction and preeminence. Jesus came to do this will. He came as the Savior, as the Savior of all men. He came as the good Shepherd, to seek and save that which was lost. He came to save all men, not only those who lived on the earth while he was here, but all who lived before, and all who have since lived, and all who shall live. Jesus gave himself a ransom for all; he tasted death for every man; and unto him, at last, every knee shall bow, and every tongure shall confess him Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Such is the way in which Jesus does the will of God. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 10. The will of God cannot be resisted. "He doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?" Dan. 4:35. Who can resist a being of Almighty power? What God wills to take place, must take place. He wills the salvation of all men because it is right. A God of purity cannot desire endless sin and rebellion. If he wills the salvation of all men, he wills all the means by which it shall be accomplished; it must therefore take place. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 11. God has no other will besides the will to save all men. "He is in one mind, and who can turn him." Job 23:13.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]HE DEATH OF CHRIST[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 31. Because God not only wills the salvation of all men; not only hath purposed to save them all; not only hath promised it; not only hath confirmed that promise by an OATH (see previous issues); but also hath provided the means, in the death of Christ, for the salvation of all men. Jesus died for all. "He gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." (1 Tim. 2:6) "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he, by the grace of God, should taste death for every man." (Heb. 2:9) "And he is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." (1 John 2:2) Here are three expressions: 1st, "ALL;" 2nd, "EVERYMAN;" 3d, "THE WHOLE WORLD." It seems as though the sacred writers took the utmost care to guard against being misunderstood in this important particular. Some would have us believe (see Prof. Stuart's Com. on Heb. 2:9) that these expressions are to be understood only in a general sense, in opposition to the contracted opinions of the Jews, who confined the blessings of God to their own nation only; and that the words are intended to declare, that Jesus died for Gentiles as well as Jews. We cannot so restrict the sense. Look at the connection in which these passages are found, and it will be seen that the terms used, apply to all men, in the widest sense of these terms. Paul instructs Timothy to pray for all men; not for Jews and Gentiles in the general sense, but for kings and all in authority; for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God, who will have all men to be saved. So John says, "if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father." (1 Epistle John 1:1) Is not the language here designed to apply to all men: Who can dispute it? [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 32. The labor of Christ will be efficacious for all for whom He died. "He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied." (Is. 53:2) "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me." (John 12:32) If the Redeemer died for all men, can He be satisfied with the salvation of a part only? Can He look back upon his work and say, it is well done? Will He not rather draw all men unto Him, by the power of His truth, and make them holy and happy forever? Are we not authorized to expect such a result, from the fact, that He gave Himself a ransom for all? And if they are all drawn unto Him, will they not all be saved? [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 33. When Jesus was born, the angel said to the fearful shepherds, "Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." (Luke 2:10) The tidings of the Redeemer's birth, were certainly good tidings to all people. They should all hear these tidings, and to all they should be good tidings. But how can this be, if a part of the human race are never to be benefited by the Redeemer's sacrifice? [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 34. The people who heard Jesus preach said, "we have heard Him ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world." (John 4:42) Jesus cannot be the Savior of the world, if the world will never be saved. What Jesus taught the Samaritans, that induced them to regard Him as the Savior of the world, may be inferred, 1st. from His conversation with the woman at the well of Jacob, (John 4) and 2nd, from the exclamation of the Samaritans, in the 42nd verse. He evidently did not preach to them the doctrine of endless misery; for would they have concluded from the fact of his preaching that doctrine, that he was THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD?" [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 35. John, the beloved disciple of Christ, said, "We have seen, and do testify, that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world." (1 John 4:14) This is the same character that the Samaritans judged the Lord to possess, from his personal instruction. (John 4:42) John says, "We have seen;" i.e. he knew it from his acquaintance with his Master. And do testify. We cannot hide this truth; we will proclaim to men, that Jesus is the Savior of the world. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 4. God hath given all things to Christ, as the moral Ruler of the world. "Ask of me, and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession." Psalms 2:8 "The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand." John 3:35 "All things," here, means all intelligent beings. So say the best commentators. (The word things is in italics in the KJV which means it is not in the Greek. We are not talking about trees here.) [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 5. God gave all beings to Christ that he might save them. "Thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him." John 17:2 This plainly evinces, that it was God's design, in giving Christ dominion over all flesh, that they should all enjoy eternal life. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 6. It is certain that Christ will save all that the Father hath given him. "All that the Father giveth me, shall come to me, and him that cometh to me I will in nowise cast out." John 6:37 These three propositions are irrefragable evidence of the final happiness of all men. 1st. God hath given all things to Christ. 2d. All that God hath given him shall come to him; and 3d. him that cometh he will in nowise cast out. All are given; all shall come; and none shall be cast out. What is the unavoidable conclusion?
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]THE WILL OF GOD[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 7. It is THE WILL of God that all men shall be saved. "Who will have all men to be saved, and come unto the knowledge of the truth." KJV 1Tim. 2:4 By "all men", in this passage, is undoubtedly to be understood all the human race. Salvation comes through the belief of the truth. God wills that all men should come to the knowledge of the truth, and be saved thereby. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 8. God inspires the hearts of the good to pray for the salvation of all men, and say, as Jesus said, "Thy will be done." Matt. 6:10. Adam Clarke says, "Because he wills the salvation of all men, therefore he wills that all men should be prayed for; as in 1 Tim. 2:1. "I exhort, therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men." Would God inspire the hearts of his saints to pray for the salvation of all mankind, if he knew they would not all be saved? [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 9. Jesus came to do the will of God. "My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work." John 4:34 "Lo, I come to do they will, O God." Heb. 10:9 The will of God is, that all men be saved. This is his will, by way of distinction and preeminence. Jesus came to do this will. He came as the Savior, as the Savior of all men. He came as the good Shepherd, to seek and save that which was lost. He came to save all men, not only those who lived on the earth while he was here, but all who lived before, and all who have since lived, and all who shall live. Jesus gave himself a ransom for all; he tasted death for every man; and unto him, at last, every knee shall bow, and every tongure shall confess him Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Such is the way in which Jesus does the will of God. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 10. The will of God cannot be resisted. "He doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?" Dan. 4:35. Who can resist a being of Almighty power? What God wills to take place, must take place. He wills the salvation of all men because it is right. A God of purity cannot desire endless sin and rebellion. If he wills the salvation of all men, he wills all the means by which it shall be accomplished; it must therefore take place. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 11. God has no other will besides the will to save all men. "He is in one mind, and who can turn him." Job 23:13.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]HE DEATH OF CHRIST[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 31. Because God not only wills the salvation of all men; not only hath purposed to save them all; not only hath promised it; not only hath confirmed that promise by an OATH (see previous issues); but also hath provided the means, in the death of Christ, for the salvation of all men. Jesus died for all. "He gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." (1 Tim. 2:6) "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he, by the grace of God, should taste death for every man." (Heb. 2:9) "And he is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." (1 John 2:2) Here are three expressions: 1st, "ALL;" 2nd, "EVERYMAN;" 3d, "THE WHOLE WORLD." It seems as though the sacred writers took the utmost care to guard against being misunderstood in this important particular. Some would have us believe (see Prof. Stuart's Com. on Heb. 2:9) that these expressions are to be understood only in a general sense, in opposition to the contracted opinions of the Jews, who confined the blessings of God to their own nation only; and that the words are intended to declare, that Jesus died for Gentiles as well as Jews. We cannot so restrict the sense. Look at the connection in which these passages are found, and it will be seen that the terms used, apply to all men, in the widest sense of these terms. Paul instructs Timothy to pray for all men; not for Jews and Gentiles in the general sense, but for kings and all in authority; for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God, who will have all men to be saved. So John says, "if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father." (1 Epistle John 1:1) Is not the language here designed to apply to all men: Who can dispute it? [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 32. The labor of Christ will be efficacious for all for whom He died. "He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied." (Is. 53:2) "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me." (John 12:32) If the Redeemer died for all men, can He be satisfied with the salvation of a part only? Can He look back upon his work and say, it is well done? Will He not rather draw all men unto Him, by the power of His truth, and make them holy and happy forever? Are we not authorized to expect such a result, from the fact, that He gave Himself a ransom for all? And if they are all drawn unto Him, will they not all be saved? [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 33. When Jesus was born, the angel said to the fearful shepherds, "Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." (Luke 2:10) The tidings of the Redeemer's birth, were certainly good tidings to all people. They should all hear these tidings, and to all they should be good tidings. But how can this be, if a part of the human race are never to be benefited by the Redeemer's sacrifice? [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 34. The people who heard Jesus preach said, "we have heard Him ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world." (John 4:42) Jesus cannot be the Savior of the world, if the world will never be saved. What Jesus taught the Samaritans, that induced them to regard Him as the Savior of the world, may be inferred, 1st. from His conversation with the woman at the well of Jacob, (John 4) and 2nd, from the exclamation of the Samaritans, in the 42nd verse. He evidently did not preach to them the doctrine of endless misery; for would they have concluded from the fact of his preaching that doctrine, that he was THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD?" [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 35. John, the beloved disciple of Christ, said, "We have seen, and do testify, that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world." (1 John 4:14) This is the same character that the Samaritans judged the Lord to possess, from his personal instruction. (John 4:42) John says, "We have seen;" i.e. he knew it from his acquaintance with his Master. And do testify. We cannot hide this truth; we will proclaim to men, that Jesus is the Savior of the world. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]HE NATURE OF GOD[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 12. God is love and love worketh no ill. "God is love." 1 John 4:8. "Love worketh no ill." Rom. 13:10. This is a very forcible argument. God's nature is the very essence of benevolence, and benevolence cannot be the origin of endless evil. If love worketh no ill, God can work no ill; and, therefore, God cannot be the author of endless evil. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 13. God loves all mankind. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son." John 3:16: and, as Jesus died for all men, so God loves all men. This argument adds great force to the last. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 14. God loves even his enemies. For he requires men to love their enemies, which he could not do if he hated his. (Matt. 5:44) And Jesus declared, "for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil." Luke 6:35. This is but an amplification of the preceding argument. If God loves his enemies, he certainly loves all men; for no one doubts that he loves his friends. And can God cause those to be endlessly miserable whom he loves? [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]THE WISDOM OF GOD[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 15. God is wise; and it cannot be a dictate of wisdom to create beings, and then make their existence a curse by entailing endless suffering to it. God foresaw all the consequences of our creation when he made us. He knew fully what the result would be to each individual. Is it possible, that infinite goodness could breathe life into unoffending dust, when it was clearly foreseen that endless evil would ensue? It was not possible. God must have created only to bless. "Love worketh no ill." [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 16. The wisdom of God is "full of mercy," and "without partiality." James 3:17. "Full of mercy," says Adam Clarke, i.e. "ready to pass by a transgression, and to grant forgiveness to those who offend; and PERFORMING EVERY POSSIBLE ACT OF KINDNESS." Surely, a God of infinite power and skill, who "performs every possible act of kindness," will save his fallen creatures from their sins. "Without partiality," i.e. without making a difference. God is no respecter of persons. He is kind to all men, and he will perform every "possible act of kindness" to all men. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]THE PLEASURE OF GOD[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 17. The pleasure of God is in favor of the salvation of all men; and therefore, neither death, sin, nor pain, can be the ultimate object of God in reference to man. "As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked." Ezek. 33:11. Death and sin and pain may exist for a time; but if God has no pleasure in them of themselves, they are not the end at which he aims, but the means by which he accomplishes that end. The end in which God rests as his pleasure, design, or purpose, must be essentially benevolent, because he is essentially a benevolent God. Neither death, nor sin, nor pain can be his ultimate plan or pleasure; they are the means by which his holy and righteous designs are carried into effect. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 18. God created all men expressly for his pleasure, and, therefore, not for ultimate death. "Thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." Rev. 4:11 Adam Clarke has a fine remark on this passage. He says, "He made all things for his pleasure; and through the same motive he preserves. Hence, it is most evident, that he hateth nothing that he has made; and could have made no intelligent creature with the design to make it eternally miserable. It is strange, that a contrary supposition has ever entered into the heart of man; and it is high time that the benevolent nature of the Supreme God, should be fully vindicated from aspersions of this kind." [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 19. The pleasure of God shall prosper in the hand of Christ. "The pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand." Isaiah 53:10 Clarke says, on Isaiah 53:10, that the pleasure of God is, "to have all men saved, and brought to the knowledge of the truth." Compare this with the 20th section. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 20. God's pleasure shall surely be accomplished. "So shall by word be that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." Isaiah 55:11. "I will do all my pleasure." 46:10 Does not this passage show that God's pleasure shall certainly be accomplished? His word shall not return unto him void: it shall accomplish what he please, and prosper in the object which he sent it to accomplish. God has no pleasure in the death or suffering of the sinner. That was not the object of creation. God created men for his pleasure, and his pleasure shall certainly be accomplished. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 21. God has purposed the salvation of all men. "Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure, which he hath purposed in himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of times, he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in him." (Eph. 1:9,10) It is evident from this passage, that God has purposed to gather together all things in Christ. God's purpose agrees with his will or pleasure. He wills to have all men saved; he has no pleasure in the death of the wicked; and accordingly he has purposed to gather together in one, all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth. This is God's purpose; this is what he has purposed in himself. And this is not the gathering together of those things only which are in Christ, but the gathering together of all things in him. "Unto him shall the gathering of the people be." (Gen. 49:10) And Jesus confirms this: "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." (John 12:32) Thus we see all things are to be gathered into Christ. They are all to have his spirit, and partake of his new creation; for "if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new." (2 Cor. 5:17) By the phrase "all things," as Archbishop Newcome says, it meant, "all persons, all intelligent beings. See the neuter for the masculine, John 6:37,39." See more on this subject under the 78th section. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 22. The purpose of God cannot fail: it must certainly be accomplished. "The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, surely as I have purposed, so shall it stand." (Isaiah 14:24) "For the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? And his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?"( verse 27) "I have purposed it, I will also do it." (46:11) Now, whatever God purposes must take place. God can have no second thoughts; hence, Paul speaks of "the purpose of him who worketh all things according to the counsel (i.e. the previous consultations or deliberations) of his own will." (Eph 1:11) What, then, shall hinder the accomplishment of this purpose? Has he formed a plan which he cannot execute? No; the concurrent testimony of the sacred writers is, that whatever God has purposed, SHALL BE DONE. So let it be, O Lord. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 12. God is love and love worketh no ill. "God is love." 1 John 4:8. "Love worketh no ill." Rom. 13:10. This is a very forcible argument. God's nature is the very essence of benevolence, and benevolence cannot be the origin of endless evil. If love worketh no ill, God can work no ill; and, therefore, God cannot be the author of endless evil. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 13. God loves all mankind. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son." John 3:16: and, as Jesus died for all men, so God loves all men. This argument adds great force to the last. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 14. God loves even his enemies. For he requires men to love their enemies, which he could not do if he hated his. (Matt. 5:44) And Jesus declared, "for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil." Luke 6:35. This is but an amplification of the preceding argument. If God loves his enemies, he certainly loves all men; for no one doubts that he loves his friends. And can God cause those to be endlessly miserable whom he loves? [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]THE WISDOM OF GOD[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 15. God is wise; and it cannot be a dictate of wisdom to create beings, and then make their existence a curse by entailing endless suffering to it. God foresaw all the consequences of our creation when he made us. He knew fully what the result would be to each individual. Is it possible, that infinite goodness could breathe life into unoffending dust, when it was clearly foreseen that endless evil would ensue? It was not possible. God must have created only to bless. "Love worketh no ill." [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 16. The wisdom of God is "full of mercy," and "without partiality." James 3:17. "Full of mercy," says Adam Clarke, i.e. "ready to pass by a transgression, and to grant forgiveness to those who offend; and PERFORMING EVERY POSSIBLE ACT OF KINDNESS." Surely, a God of infinite power and skill, who "performs every possible act of kindness," will save his fallen creatures from their sins. "Without partiality," i.e. without making a difference. God is no respecter of persons. He is kind to all men, and he will perform every "possible act of kindness" to all men. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]THE PLEASURE OF GOD[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 17. The pleasure of God is in favor of the salvation of all men; and therefore, neither death, sin, nor pain, can be the ultimate object of God in reference to man. "As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked." Ezek. 33:11. Death and sin and pain may exist for a time; but if God has no pleasure in them of themselves, they are not the end at which he aims, but the means by which he accomplishes that end. The end in which God rests as his pleasure, design, or purpose, must be essentially benevolent, because he is essentially a benevolent God. Neither death, nor sin, nor pain can be his ultimate plan or pleasure; they are the means by which his holy and righteous designs are carried into effect. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 18. God created all men expressly for his pleasure, and, therefore, not for ultimate death. "Thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." Rev. 4:11 Adam Clarke has a fine remark on this passage. He says, "He made all things for his pleasure; and through the same motive he preserves. Hence, it is most evident, that he hateth nothing that he has made; and could have made no intelligent creature with the design to make it eternally miserable. It is strange, that a contrary supposition has ever entered into the heart of man; and it is high time that the benevolent nature of the Supreme God, should be fully vindicated from aspersions of this kind." [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 19. The pleasure of God shall prosper in the hand of Christ. "The pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand." Isaiah 53:10 Clarke says, on Isaiah 53:10, that the pleasure of God is, "to have all men saved, and brought to the knowledge of the truth." Compare this with the 20th section. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 20. God's pleasure shall surely be accomplished. "So shall by word be that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." Isaiah 55:11. "I will do all my pleasure." 46:10 Does not this passage show that God's pleasure shall certainly be accomplished? His word shall not return unto him void: it shall accomplish what he please, and prosper in the object which he sent it to accomplish. God has no pleasure in the death or suffering of the sinner. That was not the object of creation. God created men for his pleasure, and his pleasure shall certainly be accomplished. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 21. God has purposed the salvation of all men. "Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure, which he hath purposed in himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of times, he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in him." (Eph. 1:9,10) It is evident from this passage, that God has purposed to gather together all things in Christ. God's purpose agrees with his will or pleasure. He wills to have all men saved; he has no pleasure in the death of the wicked; and accordingly he has purposed to gather together in one, all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth. This is God's purpose; this is what he has purposed in himself. And this is not the gathering together of those things only which are in Christ, but the gathering together of all things in him. "Unto him shall the gathering of the people be." (Gen. 49:10) And Jesus confirms this: "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." (John 12:32) Thus we see all things are to be gathered into Christ. They are all to have his spirit, and partake of his new creation; for "if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new." (2 Cor. 5:17) By the phrase "all things," as Archbishop Newcome says, it meant, "all persons, all intelligent beings. See the neuter for the masculine, John 6:37,39." See more on this subject under the 78th section. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 22. The purpose of God cannot fail: it must certainly be accomplished. "The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, surely as I have purposed, so shall it stand." (Isaiah 14:24) "For the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? And his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?"( verse 27) "I have purposed it, I will also do it." (46:11) Now, whatever God purposes must take place. God can have no second thoughts; hence, Paul speaks of "the purpose of him who worketh all things according to the counsel (i.e. the previous consultations or deliberations) of his own will." (Eph 1:11) What, then, shall hinder the accomplishment of this purpose? Has he formed a plan which he cannot execute? No; the concurrent testimony of the sacred writers is, that whatever God has purposed, SHALL BE DONE. So let it be, O Lord. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]THE PROMISES OF GOD[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 23. God promised to Abraham, his servant, that he would bless all mankind, in his seed. "In thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed." (Gen. 12:3) "In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed." (Gen. 22:18) All the nations of the earth, all the families of the earth, according to this promise, are to be blessed in the seed of Abraham. The language is absolute: it is without any condition. "All the nations of the earth shall be blessed." And who is this "seed of Abraham," in whom all the nations and families of the earth shall be blessed? I agree with Dr. Adam Clarke on this matter. He says, in his note on Gen. 12:3, "in thy posterity, in the Messiah, who shall spring from thee, shall all families of the earth be blessed; for as he shall take on him human nature, from the posterity of Abraham, he shall taste death for every man; his gospel shall be preached throughout the world, and innumerable blessings be derived on all mankind, through his death and intercession." [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 24. God made the same promise to Isaac. "I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham they father, and I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed." (Gen. 26:3,4) This passage is precisely of the same import with those quoted under section 23. It refers to precisely the same subject, and asserts the same facts. We repeat it here, because God saw fit to repeat the same promise to Isaac which he had made to his father Abraham; and it forms a distinct argument of itself. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 25. The same promise was repeated to Jacob, the grandson of Abraham. "and in thee, and in thy seed, shall all the families of the earth be blessed." (Gen. 28:14) The apostle Paul (and higher authority we do not wish) fully settles the question in regard to who is meant by the "seed of Abraham." He says, "Now to Abraham and his seed, were the promises made. He saith not, and to seeds, as of many; but as of one, and to thy seed, WHICH IS CHRIST." (Gal. 3:16) Christ, then, is the seed of Abraham; and in him ALL the nations and families of the earth shall be blessed. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 26. Peter, the apostle, understood this promise as referring to the salvation of men from sin, by Jesus Christ. "Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, in thy seed shall all kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first, God, having raised up his son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities." (Acts 3:25,26) Here we have a third term,-kindreds. All nations of the earth, all families of the earth, and all kindreds of the earth, must certainly signify all mankind. The import of this absolute, unconditional promise is, they shall all be blessed in Christ Jesus. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 27. The apostle Paul repeats this promise, and calls it THE GOSPEL. "And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, in thee shall all nations be blessed." (Gal. 3:8) This is a further confirmation, that the blessing promised men in the seed of Abraham, is a spiritual, gospel blessing. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 28. There is no threatening of any kind whatsoever in the Scriptures, no law, no penalty, no punishment denounced, which when rightly understood does not harmonize with this promise, for the law is not against the promises of God. "Is the law, then, against the promises of God? God forbid." (Gal. 3:21) The law mentioned in this verse was undoubtedly the law given to Moses on Mount Sinai. God was specially careful to frame that law in such a manner, that not a single sentence or particle of it should contradict the promises made by him to Abraham. What those promises were, we have seen. It is equally true, that not a single threatening of punishment for sin, or for unbelief, not a denunciation of hell-fire, or condemnation of any kind of sin, is opposed to the promises of God. Now as those promises most explicitly assert, the final blessing of all nations, kindreds, and families of the earth with salvation from sin in Jesus Christ, so no portion of God's law, no threatening of punishment, should be so construed, interpreted, or explained, as to contradict this; and as the doctrine of endless condemnation for sin does explicitly contradict those promises, that doctrine we may be sure is not revealed in any portion of God's word. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]THE OATH OF GOD[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 29. God hath confirmed his promise by an oath. See Gen. 12:16-18. Heb. 6:13. But the most striking passage, perhaps, is this-"I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear, surely shall say, in the Lord have I righteousness and strength." (Isaiah 45:23,24) I think the words of Adam Clarke on the oath of God, are worthy of the deepest consideration. On the words of God, "he sware by himself," Clarke remarks, "He pledged his eternal power and Godhead for the fulfillment of the promise; there was no being superior to himself, to whom he could make appeal, or by whom he could be bound; therefore he appeals to and pledges his immutable truth and godhead." Com. on Heb. 6:13 And again, the same commentator remarks, "The promise pledged his faithfulness and justice; the oath all the infinite perfections of his godhead; for he sware by himself. There is a good saying in Beracoth, on Exodus 32:13. 'Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swearedst by thine own self.' What is the meaning of "thine own self?" Rab Eleazar answered, thus said Moses to the holy blessed God, Lord of all the world, If thou hadst sworn to them by the heavens and the earth, then I should have said, as the heavens and the earth shall pass away, so may thy oath pass away. But now thou hast sworn unto them by thy great Name, which liveth and which endureth forever, and forever, and ever; therefore thy oath shall endure forever and forever and ever." (Com. on Heb. 6:18.) [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]THE POWER OF GOD[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 30. God is almighty; nothing can resist his will; nothing can defeat his purpose; nothing can prevent the fulfillment of his promise. "What he had promised he was able to perform." (Rom. 4:21) If God were not almighty, then the world might not be saved; but he is almighty; "none can stay his hand, or say unto him, what doest thou?" and therefore, in God's own time (and that is the best time), and by his own means, the whole world shall be saved. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 23. God promised to Abraham, his servant, that he would bless all mankind, in his seed. "In thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed." (Gen. 12:3) "In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed." (Gen. 22:18) All the nations of the earth, all the families of the earth, according to this promise, are to be blessed in the seed of Abraham. The language is absolute: it is without any condition. "All the nations of the earth shall be blessed." And who is this "seed of Abraham," in whom all the nations and families of the earth shall be blessed? I agree with Dr. Adam Clarke on this matter. He says, in his note on Gen. 12:3, "in thy posterity, in the Messiah, who shall spring from thee, shall all families of the earth be blessed; for as he shall take on him human nature, from the posterity of Abraham, he shall taste death for every man; his gospel shall be preached throughout the world, and innumerable blessings be derived on all mankind, through his death and intercession." [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 24. God made the same promise to Isaac. "I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham they father, and I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed." (Gen. 26:3,4) This passage is precisely of the same import with those quoted under section 23. It refers to precisely the same subject, and asserts the same facts. We repeat it here, because God saw fit to repeat the same promise to Isaac which he had made to his father Abraham; and it forms a distinct argument of itself. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 25. The same promise was repeated to Jacob, the grandson of Abraham. "and in thee, and in thy seed, shall all the families of the earth be blessed." (Gen. 28:14) The apostle Paul (and higher authority we do not wish) fully settles the question in regard to who is meant by the "seed of Abraham." He says, "Now to Abraham and his seed, were the promises made. He saith not, and to seeds, as of many; but as of one, and to thy seed, WHICH IS CHRIST." (Gal. 3:16) Christ, then, is the seed of Abraham; and in him ALL the nations and families of the earth shall be blessed. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 26. Peter, the apostle, understood this promise as referring to the salvation of men from sin, by Jesus Christ. "Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, in thy seed shall all kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first, God, having raised up his son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities." (Acts 3:25,26) Here we have a third term,-kindreds. All nations of the earth, all families of the earth, and all kindreds of the earth, must certainly signify all mankind. The import of this absolute, unconditional promise is, they shall all be blessed in Christ Jesus. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 27. The apostle Paul repeats this promise, and calls it THE GOSPEL. "And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, in thee shall all nations be blessed." (Gal. 3:8) This is a further confirmation, that the blessing promised men in the seed of Abraham, is a spiritual, gospel blessing. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 28. There is no threatening of any kind whatsoever in the Scriptures, no law, no penalty, no punishment denounced, which when rightly understood does not harmonize with this promise, for the law is not against the promises of God. "Is the law, then, against the promises of God? God forbid." (Gal. 3:21) The law mentioned in this verse was undoubtedly the law given to Moses on Mount Sinai. God was specially careful to frame that law in such a manner, that not a single sentence or particle of it should contradict the promises made by him to Abraham. What those promises were, we have seen. It is equally true, that not a single threatening of punishment for sin, or for unbelief, not a denunciation of hell-fire, or condemnation of any kind of sin, is opposed to the promises of God. Now as those promises most explicitly assert, the final blessing of all nations, kindreds, and families of the earth with salvation from sin in Jesus Christ, so no portion of God's law, no threatening of punishment, should be so construed, interpreted, or explained, as to contradict this; and as the doctrine of endless condemnation for sin does explicitly contradict those promises, that doctrine we may be sure is not revealed in any portion of God's word. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]THE OATH OF GOD[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 29. God hath confirmed his promise by an oath. See Gen. 12:16-18. Heb. 6:13. But the most striking passage, perhaps, is this-"I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear, surely shall say, in the Lord have I righteousness and strength." (Isaiah 45:23,24) I think the words of Adam Clarke on the oath of God, are worthy of the deepest consideration. On the words of God, "he sware by himself," Clarke remarks, "He pledged his eternal power and Godhead for the fulfillment of the promise; there was no being superior to himself, to whom he could make appeal, or by whom he could be bound; therefore he appeals to and pledges his immutable truth and godhead." Com. on Heb. 6:13 And again, the same commentator remarks, "The promise pledged his faithfulness and justice; the oath all the infinite perfections of his godhead; for he sware by himself. There is a good saying in Beracoth, on Exodus 32:13. 'Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swearedst by thine own self.' What is the meaning of "thine own self?" Rab Eleazar answered, thus said Moses to the holy blessed God, Lord of all the world, If thou hadst sworn to them by the heavens and the earth, then I should have said, as the heavens and the earth shall pass away, so may thy oath pass away. But now thou hast sworn unto them by thy great Name, which liveth and which endureth forever, and forever, and ever; therefore thy oath shall endure forever and forever and ever." (Com. on Heb. 6:18.) [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]THE POWER OF GOD[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] 30. God is almighty; nothing can resist his will; nothing can defeat his purpose; nothing can prevent the fulfillment of his promise. "What he had promised he was able to perform." (Rom. 4:21) If God were not almighty, then the world might not be saved; but he is almighty; "none can stay his hand, or say unto him, what doest thou?" and therefore, in God's own time (and that is the best time), and by his own means, the whole world shall be saved. [/FONT]
mickiel
Well-Known Member
The concept of Eternal Hell suffering is sick, also BECAUSE so many people have believed it.
THATS whats really frigthening, that we will accept sick concepts, but yet be personally convinced that they are NOT sick concepts. There are some Whites who still believe they are superior to blacks, mexicans or any other third world race. And they don't think that is sick. There are people who will steal things, and they don't think that is sick. There are men who hit women and they don't think that is sick.
There are people who believe that God is going to gather together all unbelievers, place them into a continual pain amplifier, keep them eternally conscious in constant pain, keep them from passing out, keep them from burning up, let their bodies burn, but just not combust into burnning up, keep their minds from going insane, but give them the ability to live forever without eating or sleeping, in essence create a totally new form of " Superhuman Sufferer." And they don't think this is Sick. They totally accept this, and then have the nerve to try and teach others about God.
Peace.
THATS whats really frigthening, that we will accept sick concepts, but yet be personally convinced that they are NOT sick concepts. There are some Whites who still believe they are superior to blacks, mexicans or any other third world race. And they don't think that is sick. There are people who will steal things, and they don't think that is sick. There are men who hit women and they don't think that is sick.
There are people who believe that God is going to gather together all unbelievers, place them into a continual pain amplifier, keep them eternally conscious in constant pain, keep them from passing out, keep them from burning up, let their bodies burn, but just not combust into burnning up, keep their minds from going insane, but give them the ability to live forever without eating or sleeping, in essence create a totally new form of " Superhuman Sufferer." And they don't think this is Sick. They totally accept this, and then have the nerve to try and teach others about God.
Peace.
Well said I totally agree. A beleif like this is totally sick. Also it is totally untrue.
WhoKnows777
Member
Try looking up "Bishop Carlton Pearson" and the Gospel of Inclusion." I agree with much of what he says and think he has a good grasp on what God is.
mickiel
Well-Known Member
I don't know much about Carlton, but I do know he once was a traditional famous Christian preacher, very popular, who turned away from many traditional Christian beliefs. And many of his friends turned on him because of that. I understand something of what he is going through, I crossed that bridge years ago, and have not looked back.
Its simular to sleepwalking all your life, then you wake up, and are surprised and frigthened at how many are still sleep.
Peace.
WhoKnows777
Member
I like the way put that. For me too it is an ongoing journey and at sometimes I find it rather scary, terrifying even. Still I hope that it will turn out okay for all.)(