Who does God want the Antichrist to be?

[Evangelicalhumanist]

Not even going to bother with what people have posted, but only answer the question that is the thread's subject: "Who does God want the Antichrist to be?"

Who could even answer such a question, except God? Who can answer a question about what I really want except me? Or what you really want except you? So which of us is God, who can answer that question about He really wants?

And if the answer is, "none of us," then it's a ridiculous question, a ridiculous thread, and ought to be abandoned forthwith!

 

[loverofhumanity]

So? Nothing changes without people acting out against the time.

When new laws and teachings are needed because times have changed God sends a new Manifestation.

For this age He sent Baha'u'llah with laws for world peace and word unity because we need a way for the different races, religions and nations to get along.

But in the future when we colonise other planets these laws will be insufficient and become obsolete. God then, will send another Teacher to guide us.

 

[psychoslice]

Literalists do not approach it this way. Baptists, Evangelicals, Pentacostals, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, there are many denomination that firmly believe it will be a literal second coming, with a good enough chunk of them thinking it will happen more-or-less as it does in the Left Behind series.

Yes the road is narrow.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

When new laws and teachings are needed because times have changed God sends a new Manifestation.

God said he doesn't change.

 

[loverofhumanity]

God said he doesn't change.

God is the Unchangeable Essence. God does not change or progress as He is perfect and complete but we are ever evolving and progressing so we require new laws & updated teachings according to our progress and development which He provides us with in each age.

We need to be regularly updated!!

 

[VioletVortex]

If Yahweh exists, I doubt he wants an Antichrist to exist, unless he wants to create an illusion of some sort of "militant mentality" between Christianity and the "darkside" as to gain more followers.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

God is the Unchangeable Essence. God does not change or progress as He is perfect and complete but we are ever evolving and progressing so we require new laws & updated teachings according to our progress and development which He provides us with in each age.

We need to be regularly updated!!

If god is perfect then why does he not give us perfect laws? Why did he allow and even command slavery if he knew how intolerable it would become as people came to view the notion of another human as a piece if property unreasonable?

 

[Janet Waters]

Turning "good men into great men" does not include ordering to them to kill all the men, all the women old enough to have "known a man," keep those who haven't for themselves, kill the kids, kill the cattle, scorch the earth.

The goal of the Mosaic Law was to turn bad men into good men.
The goal of the Gospel Law was to turn good men into great men.

When I said the above idea I was talking about the performances and ordinances of the Mosaic laws (religious law). I was not talking about the combined Secular Law that was added to it (since it was a Theocrasy not just a religious set of rules).

However, there is the idea, that if the Nation of Israel is breaking God's Laws while living upon the Promised Land (which represents the Garden of Eden/Paradise).....those sins could disanul that Nation from being allowed to live there anymore and God would cast-out (or scatter) those people for the combined sins of the Nation. This is what happened to Israel many times over history.

Also when Neighboring Nations (who were also living on Promised Lands) became "ripe in iniquity" that God would also wipe them off the face of the earth by some act of nature (like the flood or "mother-nature") or by another Nation coming in and wiping them off. This is what happened to many Nations getting swallowed up by the sea or burned with fire such as Sodom and Gohmorah. Israel knew that this was the natural consequence of iniquity. And if they did not obey.....the same thing would happen to them.

The next thing to talk about is that the Law of Sacrifice which was a religious requirement---must be observed. This Law is required to receive and keep promised land inheritances. The Law itself is to teach a deeper spiritual meaning---than just addressing that which is temporal in nature.

The Law of Sacrifice was required of Abraham when God personally commanded him that he sacrifice his birthright son Isaac upon the alter. This test of Abraham's obedience to God was a prerequisite for Abraham (and his descendants) to receive certain Promised Blessings (which included both temporal and spiritual blessings).

When Abraham was commanded to "provide that sacrifice"....he rose up early in the morning to take his journey to accomplish what the Lord required of him. Did he question? NO. He accepted the fact that whatever God says is good....it is good and whatever God requires of him, it shall be given of him. Abraham showed that "he was not wise in his own eyes and he feared God" (he reverenced himself) before the Lord. Abraham sacrificed his own will so that God's will would be done.

This is the true test of "trusting in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." (Proverbs 3:1-4). Abraham was already on such an elevated spiritual level---that God himself was tutoring and directing his paths (which sacrifice he accepted for himself and his descendents) and because of this he (and those who followed him) would receive the Promised blessings reserved for the faithful (paradise).

You know there is a grand type and shadow to the things God taught Abraham.....could you imagine the depths of sorrow for a Father to sacrfice his Only Begotten Son so that his descendants could then attain heaven? Abraham learned the mystery of knowing and feeling what God the Father was willing to do and Isaac learned the mystery of knowing and feeling what the Son of God would do for all humanity. They learned these things.....but then because of their complete obedience.....Abraham and Isaac had already proven themselves and God himself sent a "ram caught in a thicket" to use for the sacrifice. Later He would act out this same sacrifice with Jesus Christ who was also willing and obedient to the call.

[QUOTE="Shadow Wolf, post: 5013348, member: 2558"]TThere is nothing great about demanding a parent be the first to cast the first stone in killing their own child, not over anything, not ever.[/QUOTE]

We are so far removed from these Old World cultures and belief systems. We have been given different laws and greater promises (through Jesus Christ) which are more appropriate for our day and time.

The same goes for slavery. Every time the Bible mentions "servants," it's not what we think of as maids, but they are slaves. And slavery is condoned, affirmed, supported, and demanded in this "Higher Law." Moses condemned a man to death for picking up sticks on the sabbath, and their are many other offenses that mandate death. Women are also more-or-less property.

It was not the higher law....it was the lesser cultural laws. Back in those days whenever new lands were developed it took a whole community to do it. Abraham's family caravan consisted of a whole community (in order to survive) as they developed new lands to live. If you weren't part of a large group.....it was certain death....because of the roaming nomads of the day and the lack of food and water. It was about the survival of all parties concerned---women, children, and servants knew the dangers they faced without the protection of the caravan.

That is what is so great about living in our present-day Promised Land.....here in America.....we receive the benefits and sacrifices that the past generations have made---making it possible for us to be living in the most free society that the world has ever known. The question is, do we appreciate their hardships and sacrifices? Do we honor them and the legacy that they gave us? Or do we blame and condemn each other----even though we had nothing to do with "taking" those freedoms away from them?

Slavery was the Old World commodity that was needed to develop new lands. However, with the birthing of America (which promised freedom) it took great labor pains (civil wars) in casting-off Old World ideas and requirements. We still have more labor pains to pass through because we have over-looked our current slavery problem (sex-trafficking) that is still going on because we only focus on the past (victims) and who should be blamed for it.

Liberals of course need to perpetuate this victim mentality (from past offenses) to create civil unrest (so that they can push through their nefarious agendas and take away the personal freedoms that we have gained) stealing it from the very ones who paid the awesome price---to get us where we are today. We are the beneficiaries of their sacrifice and they have given us a great legacy.....but how long will it take for us to honor them for it? And when shall we save the ones---who live in this century who are the true victims of slavery while having the power to do it?

 

[Janet Waters]

God said he doesn't change.

God's character is unchanging.....he will always be all-knowing and all-good.

On the other hand---
Man's character is always changing.....and we need constant direction based upon our current situation.

 

[Kelly of the Phoenix]

Men despise religion. They hate it and are afraid it may be true. Blaise Pascal

Men invented religion in the first place. What if the religions/spiritualities of, say, cavemen are true?

Yes, it was written that the city would be destroyed because it was a wicked city. When the people repented, which was SUPER amazing! God let them live.....of course lol Should God have destroyed them anyway?

Not really. I don't think Jonah should've even been there. Why not make an Assyrian prophet? Why Jonah, who was a bigot? I realize the story is to shame Jonah for being a jerk, but it would've made him even MADDER had God picked someone native to do the message and just ignored him.

The Maker is God. By God saying an antichrist will come GOD HAS TO MAKE HIM/HER/IT.

But ... so what? God makes hurricanes, plagues, asteroids, etc.

I do know that it is written that a false prediction is something which shows the teller as FALSE. I think, you dear lady seem to trust God is not false.

I think God is Truth. However, I find Revelation to be a silly apocalyptic porn written because some high-as-a-kite guy is mad he's stewing in jail instead of saving the planet or something. Indeed, I feel that Jesus taught to judge the tree by its fruit, which sounds really wise, but the problem is that when you use that same standard on the bible ...

Bottom line... never trust a snake... and follow Christ not anti-Christ

Why not trust a snake? What has a snake done?

The book of Genesis was originally written by Moses and rewritten over time by scribes and translated by other actors. The information about the creation of the earth (ect) was known by earlier prophets who also wrote these things down. Moses apparently had possession of these writings (in some form) and included them with his writings.

There is no way this is historically accurate. Moses can be traced, at BEST, to Deuteronomy, but the story of King Josiah (sp?) tells us that there was only one LAW book (which scholars think is referring to Deut) that was found, which necessarily means every other text can only date to the monarchy period, which is long after Moses supposedly died out.

Allah willed the Zamasu arc in DBS to give us an insight into hatonns character and what he will do.

Been watching that on youtube when jerks don't shut down the channels. I loved that arc. Zeno is a blast.

Religion is wrong, Christianity is not.

You know Christianity is a religion, right?

It's like saying, "I hate candy, but gumdrops are awesome."

If the Bible says something that is wrong, it is not from God.

Yet a lot of stuff we now realize are forgeries, for example, are still kept in the bible. Why is this?

We need to be regularly updated!!

The amusing thing is, each Abrahamic religion tends to believe they are the most current (and correct) "update", yet all future "updates" are obviously false.

Abraham's family caravan consisted of a whole community (in order to survive) as they developed new lands to live. If you weren't part of a large group.....it was certain death....because of the roaming nomads of the day and the lack of food and water.

Well, obviously the roaming nomads didn't need entire cities' worth of people to survive.

I mean, if we want to be nitpicky.

That is what is so great about living in our present-day Promised Land.....here in America.....we receive the benefits and sacrifices that the past generations have made---making it possible for us to be living in the most free society that the world has ever known.

We've rested too much on our laurels of false propaganda. Over 200 years and many still aren't enjoying such "freedoms".

 

[loverofhumanity]

If god is perfect then why does he not give us perfect laws? Why did he allow and even command slavery if he knew how intolerable it would become as people came to view the notion of another human as a piece if property unreasonable?

Free will. No matter what law God gives us we are completely free to ignore it and we do.

There are many things God does not approve of that man insists on doing and God does not stop man because He has given man freedom of choice.

Here's some information about slavery and things like racism.

Slavery in the Bible: Does God Approve of It?

Ultimately man's free will reigns and has reigned and unless God wants to create a race of obedient robots then we're not going to change unless we want to regardless of God's laws.

 

[omega2xx]

I remember thinking like that. But, truthfully, then I could not see my own shackles, and the chains weighed me down heavily.

Were those shackles and chains tryin to lied a life good enough to pleas God? That is the guild trip all legaistic churches lay on it members.

What it instructs? Killing a man who picks up sticks on the Sabbath, kill your kids if they worship other gods, kill your wife if she isn't a virgin on your wedding night, kill homosexuals. Your god is angry and jealous.

God is angry about sins that keep us from eternal life with Him.

There are some thing I do not understand abut God, but my bottom like is that He is always loving and compassionate no matter what one has done. Do you know where the man killed for picking up stick, went when he died? Do you know that he did not go to heaven? WE are not sent to hell becaeu of our disobedience. We are sent there for our unbelief.

One thing I can guarantee is that the man's final destination did not change because of what he did.

 

[omega2xx]

Men invented religion in the first place. What if the religions/spiritualities of, say, cavemen are true?

Then I would be wrong and you would be right. You and I both accept what we believe by faith alone. Also there was no such things peole making caves their permanent dwelling.

Not really. I don't think Jonah should've even been there. Why not make an Assyrian prophet? Why Jonah, who was a bigot? I realize the story is to shame Jonah for being a jerk, but it would've made him even MADDER had God picked someone native to do the message and just ignored him.

God did not have any Assyrian prophets. The story is not to show what Jonah is like, it is to show us what we need to be like---obey God and treat all others with respect. God love the sinners also. A bigogt is one who is intolerant of someones religion. Does that show fit anyone yu know peraonally?

But ... so what? God makes hurricanes, plagues, asteroids, etc.

How can someone who does not exist do such things?

I think God is Truth. However, I find Revelation to be a silly apocalyptic porn written because some high-as-a-kite guy is mad he's stewing in jail instead of saving the planet or something. Indeed, I feel that Jesus taught to judge the tree by its fruit, which sounds really wise, but the problem is that when you use that same standard on the bible ...

That Revelation is some kind of porn is not the silliest thing I have ever heard, but it is in the top 5. Make that the top 3. The problem about judging God, is that we don't know his motives for those things YOU find objectionable. Are you going to judge God to try and justify yourself, like Job did?


Why not trust a snake? What has a snake done?


There is no way this is historically accurate. Moses can be traced, at BEST, to Deuteronomy, but the story of King Josiah (sp?) tells us that there was only one LAW book (which scholars think is referring to Deut) that was found, which necessarily means every other text can only date to the monarchy period, which is long after Moses supposedly died out.


Been watching that on youtube when jerks don't shut down the channels. I loved that arc. Zeno is a blast.


You know Christianity is a religion, right?

It's like saying, "I hate candy, but gumdrops are awesome."


Yet a lot of stuff we now realize are forgeries, for example, are still kept in the bible. Why is this?


The amusing thing is, each Abrahamic religion tends to believe they are the most current (and correct) "update", yet all future "updates" are obviously false.


Well, obviously the roaming nomads didn't need entire cities' worth of people to survive.

I mean, if we want to be nitpicky.


We've rested too much on our laurels of false propaganda. Over 200 years and many still aren't enjoying such "freedoms".

 

[Shadow Wolf]

God is angry about sins that keep us from eternal life with Him.

If he is so angry about it, why does he punish us in horrible ways over it and not get rid of sin? Doesn't seem very omnipotent to me.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

Free will. No matter what law God gives us we are completely free to ignore it and we do.

That isn't an excuse or reason. Not even Jesus condemned slavery or stood up for the crappy position held by women. God gave a set of laws that are suitable for barbarians, and god said he doesn't change and Jesus confirmed not a single word of the law is to change. There is nothing Biblical to support this notion that god "updates" the laws. All that position does is refuse to acknowledge that we humans have surpassed god and the Bible when it comes to morality and we're making excuses to cling onto something that has justified the most evil and horrible atrocities ever committed.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

God's character is unchanging.....he will always be all-knowing and all-good.

On the other hand---
Man's character is always changing.....and we need constant direction based upon our current situation.

That doesn't make any sense. Why do we not change our ways to suit god? Why is it that god changes his laws to suit our ways?

 

[Shadow Wolf]

The goal of the Mosaic Law was to turn bad men into good men.

How? By killing your rebellious teenage child instead of learning how to cope with it and help them adjust?

When I said the above idea I was talking about the performances and ordinances of the Mosaic laws (religious law). I was not talking about the combined Secular Law that was added to it (since it was a Theocrasy not just a religious set of rules).

A theocracy is rule by god/religion. There is no secular law in the Torah as it is the law given to Moses by god.

However, there is the idea, that if the Nation of Israel is breaking God's Laws while living upon the Promised Land (which represents the Garden of Eden/Paradise).

Clearly they should neglect and ignore many of those laws. How is it even inconceivable for a all-knowing god to not tell his prophets that "oh, by the way, women don't always bleed when they're virgins, so that 'proof before the elders' nonsense has got to go."

It was not the higher law....it was the lesser cultural laws.

It was god's law. God ordered it. God commanded it. God promised reward for those who followed and punishment for those who didn't.

 

[loverofhumanity]

That isn't an excuse or reason. Not even Jesus condemned slavery or stood up for the crappy position held by women. God gave a set of laws that are suitable for barbarians, and god said he doesn't change and Jesus confirmed not a single word of the law is to change. There is nothing Biblical to support this notion that god "updates" the laws. All that position does is refuse to acknowledge that we humans have surpassed god and the Bible when it comes to morality and we're making excuses to cling onto something that has justified the most evil and horrible atrocities ever committed.

Each age has its own Holy Book and Prophet from God. We have had Krishna, Moses, Buddha, Zoroaster, Christ, Muhammad, the Bab and Baha'u'llah as far as our recorded history goes back.

At the time they appear their laws are relevant and new.

I'll give you an example. Baha'u'llah is the latest Manifestation of God. He has brought laws and teachings for world unity and a world civilisation. Has the world united yet? No it hasn't, yet the Books of Baha'u'llah are full of teachings about the oneness of mankind, the unity of religion, unity in diversity, the equality of men and women none of which we have yet achieved and are in dire need of.

A world language, a world currency and a system for weights and measurements. These are cutting edge teachings.

God has His finger on the pulse of humanity and knows exactly what we need and when we need it.

"The World is but one country and mankind it's citizens" He proclaims. Have we achieved world citizenship yet? In His Teachings He abolishes holy war. abolishes priesthood. Funny about that because as I write priests and leaders of religion are being discredited all around the world for promoting violence and committing child abuse.

He called on all the leaders of the world to come together in an assemblage 100 years before the League of Nations was formed.

Baha'u'llah freed slaves and in His Most Holy Book forbid it

The Baha’i Prayer that Freed the Slaves

If you are fair minded you can't fail to see that these teachings are uncannily meant for our age, ahead of their time, revealed over 100 years ago.

It wasn't a coincidence but the age is ripe for world unity and a world civilisation so God sends a Manifestation to guide us.

 

[savagewind]

Baha'u'llah freed slaves and in His Most Holy Book forbid it

The Baha’i Prayer that Freed the Slaves

I had to read that sentence three times over.

Baha'u'llah freed slaves and in His Most Holy Book forbid it [the freeing of slaves].

LOL

What you meant to say:

Baha'u'llah freed slaves and in His Most Holy Book [he] forbid slavery

 

[Shadow Wolf]

Each age has its own Holy Book and Prophet from God. We have had Krishna, Moses, Buddha, Zoroaster, Christ, Muhammad, the Bab and Baha'u'llah as far as our recorded history goes back.

That is true. But we don't see books being attached to ages, we see them being attached to cultures (if they had any books, that is). The ones you mentioned all came from fairly close geographic location, and with some of them, such as Krishna and Buddha, or Christ and Muhammad, we see some similarities because they are from specific regions such as India. Should we really be surprised that the Abrahamic god is so often associated with the desert, or that the Nile had even religious significance to the Egyptians?

At the time they appear their laws are relevant and new.

Most of such people are not "updating," but establishing new laws and new beliefs for their people. Some have "updated" or "added to," and of course many split and branch off, but that most cultures have established their own religious views is nothing remarkable. We even see it happening today with more mainstream scientists expressing belief-in and having experiences a spiritual experience. But their morality is not coming from a god, but rather from ideas that in some way or another could be described as the principle of lesser harm. Of course we can see a "no harm" being practiced by the most devoted of Jains, but in this developing approach to spirituality it is consideration, thought, and conscience that guide moral decisions rather than a fear of offending god.
But, even that is following this pattern of "new and relevant." For the most part, the only thing it has to do with "the old" is pointing out how abhorrent so many parts are, how inaccurate it is overall, and how far along we've come since then. And that itself often only really comes out when having to defend against absurd claims such as how "atheists can't be moral."