Hi Guys. I have a friend who I think I have mostly convinced about UR, but he's somewhat on the fence still. He has a lot of respect for NT Wright (as do I, in many ways on a number of subjects), and he sent me this article for consideration.
Wright complains that sometimes he is "accused" of being a universalist, but maintains that he is no such thing. Wright talks a bit about his particular view in this article, so I'd like your commentary on it. Pick away! (In particular, the last paragraph of the article, entitled "hell". I actually more or less agreed with Wright up to that point.
http://www.ntwrightpage.com/Wright_Rethinking_Tradition.htm
Perhaps this would be more appropriate in the Judgement and punishments , or "arguments against..." section? :dontknow:
No offence to the writer, but I think he is basically unsure of any conclusion.
It appears he sways more to annhiliation though. But, perhaps he in his own conscience is taking the "better safe than sorry" road by pointing out what he does then saying ultimatly it is up to God. Even then appears to shy away from giving as much credibilioty to the notion that all men will be redeemed.
Hi Doc,
I quickly read the last section on "hell".
It seems that N.T. Wright is assuming we have a free will. I don't want to get into a big free will debate. Let me just quickly state my opinion (which I believe is confirmed by scripture): we have a will and we make choices but those choices are all caused by circumstances, desire, envrionment, and experience. We have a caused will, not a free will.
This is what he presents as the universalist case:
"In fact, I think the universalist case — which normally turns on God having all the time in the world, after the death of unbelievers, to go on putting the gospel to them from different angles until at last they accept it"
This makes it sound like God could be sitting around almost forever thinking up new ways of showing the gospel, hoping against hope until that last hold-out finally converts of their own free will. While he could take all the time in eternity if he wanted to to do this, he doesn't have to.
The fact of the matter is that God knows exactly what makes each of us tick (since he personally created each of us as individuals) - and he knows exactly what it will take for each person to willingly confess and believe. But that will not happen until God's appointed time - each person must go through their own appointed trials and tribulations before God will open their eyes to the truth. And then when God has opened their eyes, they will willingly believe.
Think about what led you to Christ and belief in UR. Usually there are a number of large events (and many smaller events) in your life that ultimately led you to that point. Were those events random chance, or were they preordained by God - all leading up to the moment when God preordained your eyes would open and learn the truth?
IMHO I believe it will work the same way for those in the lake of fire. The lake of fire is spiritual - it may be just another series of trials and tribulations that will ultimately lead to the individual's eyes being opened and then confessing that Jesus is their savior.
Everything will go according to God's plan, right down to the last detail. Everyone has their appointed time to be saved, either in this life or in the lake of fire.
Cheers,
Legoman
Hiya,
I do not see that he unsure in his conclusion.
What I see is perhaps a definition of universalism that is not shared universally.
What I mean by this is, he believes in a hell and loss for the wicked.
We can read much in what he has omitted, and that is why it appears he is unsure of his conclusion.
He does not say that this punishment is infinite in duration, but not everyone will be saved this punishment.
That is a perfectly acceptable conclusion which is what biblical universalism holds to.
For most in biblical universalism, they do not call themselves universalists.
The article opened more doors to question than closed them.
:icon_king: :icon_queen:
Quote from: Paul Hazelwood on January 13, 2009, 11:44:14 PM
No offence to the writer, but I think he is basically unsure of any conclusion.
It appears he sways more to annhiliation though. But, perhaps he in his own conscience is taking the "better safe than sorry" road by pointing out what he does then saying ultimatly it is up to God. Even then appears to shy away from giving as much credibilioty to the notion that all men will be redeemed.
Yeah, I got those impressions as well. It's interesting to note that he seems to be saying that it's both "up to God" and "up to us". It appears that he is some form of conditionalist.
Quote from: legoman on January 13, 2009, 11:46:36 PM
Hi Doc,
I quickly read the last section on "hell".
It seems that N.T. Wright is assuming we have a free will. I don't want to get into a big free will debate. Let me just quickly state my opinion (which I believe is confirmed by scripture): we have a will and we make choices but those choices are all caused by circumstances, desire, envrionment, and experience. We have a caused will, not a free will.
This is what he presents as the universalist case:
"In fact, I think the universalist case — which normally turns on God having all the time in the world, after the death of unbelievers, to go on putting the gospel to them from different angles until at last they accept it"
This makes it sound like God could be sitting around almost forever thinking up new ways of showing the gospel, hoping against hope until that last hold-out finally converts of their own free will. While he could take all the time in eternity if he wanted to to do this, he doesn't have to.
The fact of the matter is that God knows exactly what makes each of us tick (since he personally created each of us as individuals) - and he knows exactly what it will take for each person to willingly confess and believe. But that will not happen until God's appointed time - each person must go through their own appointed trials and tribulations before God will open their eyes to the truth. And then when God has opened their eyes, they will willingly believe.
Think about what led you to Christ and belief in UR. Usually there are a number of large events (and many smaller events) in your life that ultimately led you to that point. Were those events random chance, or were they preordained by God - all leading up to the moment when God preordained your eyes would open and learn the truth?
IMHO I believe it will work the same way for those in the lake of fire. The lake of fire is spiritual - it may be just another series of trials and tribulations that will ultimately lead to the individual's eyes being opened and then confessing that Jesus is their savior.
Everything will go according to God's plan, right down to the last detail. Everyone has their appointed time to be saved, either in this life or in the lake of fire.
Cheers,
Legoman
Good thoughts, legoman; thanks.
For those of you unfamiliar with N.T. Wright, he is in general no lightweight, theologically speaking. He is currently the Bishop of Durham and is the former canon theologian for Westminster Abbey.
Anyone else?
Quote from: YoungYuni on January 13, 2009, 11:51:31 PM
Hiya,
I do not see that he unsure in his conclusion.
What I see is perhaps a definition of universalism that is not shared universally.
What I mean by this is, he believes in a hell and loss for the wicked.
We can read much in what he has omitted, and that is why it appears he is unsure of his conclusion.
He does not say that this punishment is infinite in duration, but not everyone will be saved this punishment.
That is a perfectly acceptable conclusion which is what biblical universalism holds to.
For most in biblical universalism, they do not call themselves universalists.
The article opened more doors to question than closed them.
:icon_king: :icon_queen:
He doesn't say that punishment is infinite in duration, but he does equate punishment with "hell". Which "hell"?
It is clear to me from statements he made in the article, that he is not a universalist of any name or stripe. For example, he claims it is possible for us to lose the image of God to the extent that we no longer bear it, and at some point, in an irrevocable manner. He also claims that universalism is overly optimistic and does not treat the problem of evil seriously enough.
That is not representative of any form of universalism; and sounds like "punishment" of infinite duration to me, even if he does not explicitly state it, and even if it is annihilation (which is infinite in
result).
Thanks for your thoughts.
Keep 'em coming...
Hiya,
Yes, I see the word irrevocable used.
Does he believe demons are souls that have degenerated irrevocably?
:winkgrin: :dontknow:
Quote from: YoungYuni on January 14, 2009, 12:25:59 AM
Hiya,
Yes, I see the word irrevocable used.
Does he believe demons are souls that have degenerated irrevocably?
:winkgrin: :dontknow:
I don't really know the answer to that, but I suspect he might... :dontknow:
Quote from: legoman on January 13, 2009, 11:46:36 PM
Hi Doc,
I quickly read the last section on "hell".
It seems that N.T. Wright is assuming we have a free will. I don't want to get into a big free will debate. Let me just quickly state my opinion (which I believe is confirmed by scripture): we have a will and we make choices but those choices are all caused by circumstances, desire, envrionment, and experience. We have a caused will, not a free will.
This is what he presents as the universalist case:
"In fact, I think the universalist case — which normally turns on God having all the time in the world, after the death of unbelievers, to go on putting the gospel to them from different angles until at last they accept it"
This makes it sound like God could be sitting around almost forever thinking up new ways of showing the gospel, hoping against hope until that last hold-out finally converts of their own free will. While he could take all the time in eternity if he wanted to to do this, he doesn't have to.
The fact of the matter is that God knows exactly what makes each of us tick (since he personally created each of us as individuals) - and he knows exactly what it will take for each person to willingly confess and believe. But that will not happen until God's appointed time - each person must go through their own appointed trials and tribulations before God will open their eyes to the truth. And then when God has opened their eyes, they will willingly believe.
Think about what led you to Christ and belief in UR. Usually there are a number of large events (and many smaller events) in your life that ultimately led you to that point. Were those events random chance, or were they preordained by God - all leading up to the moment when God preordained your eyes would open and learn the truth?
IMHO I believe it will work the same way for those in the lake of fire. The lake of fire is spiritual - it may be just another series of trials and tribulations that will ultimately lead to the individual's eyes being opened and then confessing that Jesus is their savior.
Everything will go according to God's plan, right down to the last detail. Everyone has their appointed time to be saved, either in this life or in the lake of fire.
Cheers,
Legoman
What he said :happygrin:. I also personally wonder if the Lake of Fire may be God's DIRECT presence...which as far I know, no man has of yet been exposed to. My :2c:.
I believe the lake of fire "is" God himself. He "is" never ending and my life in him will be the same. Perhaps those of us who have acknowledged his son experience the lake of fire through the filtering of the cross . .and those that don't are cast into the same lake of fire and the result is the same as is with us, but without the cross, they bear the pain and suffering that Christ took on our behalf.
That has absolutely nothing to do with what I originally intended to say. I'm leaving it though cuz I like what it says.
What I 'wanted' to say was, I think there is to much emphasis this guy puts on the defeated enemy. He wants to raise the awareness of the power of evil and for us to be cautious of it and respect it . . .seems to me Jesus wasn't concerned about evil gettin on him. He could go to the darkest places of death and send demons scattering . . .turning the tables in the temple is a good example of that :laughing7: In the natural, the clean get dirty from that which is dirty . .but in the kingdom of heaven, everything is reversed . .the dirty get clean by that which is clean.
and it passed down to the disciples . . .Peter's shadow . . prayer cloths even that I "think" were either prayed on or something by Paul . .at any rate, evil appears and invokes fear on the hearts of men enough on it's own, it doesn't need our help to inflate it into something even bigger. I think that was the underlying message that came through at the end for me.
Pursue Christ . . walk "in the light" . .let the darkness go where it may. :beach:
Quote from: Nathan on January 14, 2009, 01:25:39 AM
I believe the lake of fire "is" God himself. He "is" never ending and my life in him will be the same. Perhaps those of us who have acknowledged his son experience the lake of fire through the filtering of the cross . .and those that don't are cast into the same lake of fire and the result is the same as is with us, but without the cross, they bear the pain and suffering that Christ took on our behalf.
That has absolutely nothing to do with what I originally intended to say. I'm leaving it though cuz I like what it says.
What I 'wanted' to say was, I think there is to much emphasis this guy puts on the defeated enemy. He wants to raise the awareness of the power of evil and for us to be cautious of it and respect it . . .seems to me Jesus wasn't concerned about evil gettin on him. He could go to the darkest places of death and send demons scattering . . .turning the tables in the temple is a good example of that :laughing7: In the natural, the clean get dirty from that which is dirty . .but in the kingdom of heaven, everything is reversed . .the dirty get clean by that which is clean.
and it passed down to the disciples . . .Peter's shadow . . prayer cloths even that I "think" were either prayed on or something by Paul . .at any rate, evil appears and invokes fear on the hearts of men enough on it's own, it doesn't need our help to inflate it into something even bigger. I think that was the underlying message that came through at the end for me.
Pursue Christ . . walk "in the light" . .let the darkness go where it may. :beach:
I hadn't really though about that aspect, but yeah; it does seem that these guys give evil more power than it really has (at least in the light of the gospel), which is easy to do, because we deal with it daily right now. But somehow, in "treating evil seriously enough" they end up giving it more credit than is due...
Hiya,
Concerning evil, it is not what most believe it to be.
According to Scripture, evil is created and sustained by God.
When I say sustained, I mean that God is the one in control and so it exists only by His will even though it is diametrically opposed to His good.
How then can evil not be as powerful?
I do not see him giving evil more power than it has.
I see he has not answered the question.
:laughing7: :happygrin:
Quote from: YoungYuni on January 14, 2009, 01:53:52 AM
Hiya,
Concerning evil, it is not what most believe it to be.
According to Scripture, evil is created and sustained by God.
When I say sustained, I mean that God is the one in control and so it exists only by His will even though it is diametrically opposed to His good.
How then can evil not be as powerful?
I do not see him giving evil more power than it has.
I see he has not answered the question.
:laughing7: :happygrin:
It invokes fear . .fear is not of God.
Quote from: YoungYuni on January 14, 2009, 01:53:52 AM
Hiya,
Concerning evil, it is not what most believe it to be.
According to Scripture, evil is created and sustained by God.
When I say sustained, I mean that God is the one in control and so it exists only by His will even though it is diametrically opposed to His good.
How then can evil not be as powerful?
I do not see him giving evil more power than it has.
I see he has not answered the question.
:laughing7: :happygrin:
I'm familiar with the Isaiah passage, but be careful you don't drift into dualistic zoroastrianism...
QuoteIt invokes fear . .fear is not of God.
Hiya,
It actually does not, that is a presumption, not a fact.
The fact is, people fear God because they do not know Who He is, and what He does.
That does not mean God is fear or invokes fear.
God's people perish because of their lack of knowledge.
When one understands the Truth, the Truth does set you free.
:icon_queen: :icon_king:
QuoteI'm familiar with the Isaiah passage, but be careful you don't drift into dualistic zoroastrianism...
Hiya,
I am most definitely far from dualistic zoroastianism.
If you thought that from what I wrote, I have much to say to you concerning the reality of good and evil and their purpose in creation.
God is in control of all things, whether a person wants to admit it or not, He purposed evil with a pure intention in mind.
Evil is a real possibility and a danger to all who fall into it's path.
God intended evil to operate in that manner for a purpose.
It is the lack of knowledge of the purpose which invokes fear.
:icon_joker: :icon_jokercolor:
I agree YY.
If God is in control of all things (and we know he is), then he is also in control of evil.
He uses evil for his good purposes.
Eph 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
I actually find it comforting to know there is a purpose for all the evil in the world, even if I don't understand it.
Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
That is humbling.
Legoman
Quote from: Nathan on January 14, 2009, 01:25:39 AM
I believe the lake of fire "is" God himself. He "is" never ending and my life in him will be the same. Perhaps those of us who have acknowledged his son experience the lake of fire through the filtering of the cross . .and those that don't are cast into the same lake of fire and the result is the same as is with us, but without the cross, they bear the pain and suffering that Christ took on our behalf.
That has absolutely nothing to do with what I originally intended to say. I'm leaving it though cuz I like what it says.
What I 'wanted' to say was, I think there is to much emphasis this guy puts on the defeated enemy. He wants to raise the awareness of the power of evil and for us to be cautious of it and respect it . . .seems to me Jesus wasn't concerned about evil gettin on him. He could go to the darkest places of death and send demons scattering . . .turning the tables in the temple is a good example of that :laughing7: In the natural, the clean get dirty from that which is dirty . .but in the kingdom of heaven, everything is reversed . .the dirty get clean by that which is clean.
and it passed down to the disciples . . .Peter's shadow . . prayer cloths even that I "think" were either prayed on or something by Paul . .at any rate, evil appears and invokes fear on the hearts of men enough on it's own, it doesn't need our help to inflate it into something even bigger. I think that was the underlying message that came through at the end for me.
Pursue Christ . . walk "in the light" . .let the darkness go where it may. :beach:
Yes I agree with you guys about the lake of fire - it is probably God's consuming fire. It may also include the "little fire's" of all the priests and kings and lords that reign with Christ during the millenium - though I'm not sure on that yet.
But I think Martin pointed it out in another thread - just what do you think we will be doing in the millenium if we are one of the few righteous ones that gets to reign with Christ? Helping and teaching everyone else of course so that they will become saved too!
Legoman
Quote from: jabcat on January 14, 2009, 12:57:00 AM
Quote from: legoman on January 13, 2009, 11:46:36 PM
Hi Doc,
I quickly read the last section on "hell".
It seems that N.T. Wright is assuming we have a free will. I don't want to get into a big free will debate. Let me just quickly state my opinion (which I believe is confirmed by scripture): we have a will and we make choices but those choices are all caused by circumstances, desire, envrionment, and experience. We have a caused will, not a free will.
This is what he presents as the universalist case:
"In fact, I think the universalist case — which normally turns on God having all the time in the world, after the death of unbelievers, to go on putting the gospel to them from different angles until at last they accept it"
This makes it sound like God could be sitting around almost forever thinking up new ways of showing the gospel, hoping against hope until that last hold-out finally converts of their own free will. While he could take all the time in eternity if he wanted to to do this, he doesn't have to.
The fact of the matter is that God knows exactly what makes each of us tick (since he personally created each of us as individuals) - and he knows exactly what it will take for each person to willingly confess and believe. But that will not happen until God's appointed time - each person must go through their own appointed trials and tribulations before God will open their eyes to the truth. And then when God has opened their eyes, they will willingly believe.
Think about what led you to Christ and belief in UR. Usually there are a number of large events (and many smaller events) in your life that ultimately led you to that point. Were those events random chance, or were they preordained by God - all leading up to the moment when God preordained your eyes would open and learn the truth?
IMHO I believe it will work the same way for those in the lake of fire. The lake of fire is spiritual - it may be just another series of trials and tribulations that will ultimately lead to the individual's eyes being opened and then confessing that Jesus is their savior.
Everything will go according to God's plan, right down to the last detail. Everyone has their appointed time to be saved, either in this life or in the lake of fire.
Cheers,
Legoman
What he said :happygrin:. I also personally wonder if the Lake of Fire may be God's DIRECT presence...which as far I know, no man has of yet been exposed to. My :2c:.
You know after months of posting on another "hostile" Christian board, it is such a relief and a pleasant experience to have someone actually agree and get what you are saying.
Thanks!
Legoman
Hiya Nathan,
I may not have understood what you said invokes fear.
Please clarify.
Thanks!!!!
:cloud9: :mblush:
My response was to the idea that if God created it, then the creation is as powerful as God. I disagree with that on many levels. God created the tree of knowledge . .but Adam was instructed to leave it alone . . . just because it's created by God doesn't mean that we should treat it as "powerful" as God. God created Eve by Adam's rib . .but Adam was to have authority over her.
God created man, but man is not equally powerful as God . . .for me it's the same with evil. Whether God created it or not, it's not anything I really need to be concerned with if I'm pursuing Christ. That was the point I was trying to make with that. Seek ye "first" the kingdom of God . . .make that the "chief" objective and everything else will take care of itself.
Maybe it's just me, I feel sort of a check, like a misplacement of priority when the topic of a person is focussed on the negative of anything. God created night, but the day is to rule over the night. Time is measured with light, speed is measured by light . . . darkness is actually a temporary thing anyway. As is evil and all of that. It's all been defeated, but yet theologians seem to want to resurrect it again by warning everyone of how great it's powers are . . . I just disagree with the concept is all.
Quote from: Doc on January 13, 2009, 11:55:31 PM
Quote from: Paul Hazelwood on January 13, 2009, 11:44:14 PM
No offence to the writer, but I think he is basically unsure of any conclusion.
It appears he sways more to annhiliation though. But, perhaps he in his own conscience is taking the "better safe than sorry" road by pointing out what he does then saying ultimatly it is up to God. Even then appears to shy away from giving as much credibilioty to the notion that all men will be redeemed.
Yeah, I got those impressions as well. It's interesting to note that he seems to be saying that it's both "up to God" and "up to us". It appears that he is some form of conditionalist.
That is one of the difficulities. Technically it is conditional, it does require us to be a part of the equation. What gets lost is that the conditions will always be met due to the fact that the conditions are met, but not "BECAUSE" of us.
It is interesting to me how the word because is so simple in scripture. I was accused by a person for using "because" like a child who is asked why they did that and just answers "because".
The scripture 1 John 4:19 is so simple.
1Jn 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.
The greek word translated to "because" or sometimes "for" means causative.
So to me, what could keep God from causing us to love him?
Quote from: jabcat on January 14, 2009, 12:57:00 AM
Quote from: legoman on January 13, 2009, 11:46:36 PM
Hi Doc,
I quickly read the last section on "hell".
It seems that N.T. Wright is assuming we have a free will. I don't want to get into a big free will debate. Let me just quickly state my opinion (which I believe is confirmed by scripture): we have a will and we make choices but those choices are all caused by circumstances, desire, envrionment, and experience. We have a caused will, not a free will.
This is what he presents as the universalist case:
"In fact, I think the universalist case — which normally turns on God having all the time in the world, after the death of unbelievers, to go on putting the gospel to them from different angles until at last they accept it"
This makes it sound like God could be sitting around almost forever thinking up new ways of showing the gospel, hoping against hope until that last hold-out finally converts of their own free will. While he could take all the time in eternity if he wanted to to do this, he doesn't have to.
The fact of the matter is that God knows exactly what makes each of us tick (since he personally created each of us as individuals) - and he knows exactly what it will take for each person to willingly confess and believe. But that will not happen until God's appointed time - each person must go through their own appointed trials and tribulations before God will open their eyes to the truth. And then when God has opened their eyes, they will willingly believe.
Think about what led you to Christ and belief in UR. Usually there are a number of large events (and many smaller events) in your life that ultimately led you to that point. Were those events random chance, or were they preordained by God - all leading up to the moment when God preordained your eyes would open and learn the truth?
IMHO I believe it will work the same way for those in the lake of fire. The lake of fire is spiritual - it may be just another series of trials and tribulations that will ultimately lead to the individual's eyes being opened and then confessing that Jesus is their savior.
Everything will go according to God's plan, right down to the last detail. Everyone has their appointed time to be saved, either in this life or in the lake of fire.
Cheers,
Legoman
What he said :happygrin:. I also personally wonder if the Lake of Fire may be God's DIRECT presence...which as far I know, no man has of yet been exposed to. My :2c:.
that is profound Jabcat :thumbsup: , Honestly I can see this as being True
what if within God/Fire we are changed ?
And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and
we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth. Deu 5:25 Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any more, then we shall die.
Deu 5:26 For who [is there of] all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we [have], and lived?
Quote from: Nathan on January 14, 2009, 01:58:55 AM
Quote from: YoungYuni on January 14, 2009, 01:53:52 AM
Hiya,
Concerning evil, it is not what most believe it to be.
According to Scripture, evil is created and sustained by God.
When I say sustained, I mean that God is the one in control and so it exists only by His will even though it is diametrically opposed to His good.
How then can evil not be as powerful?
I do not see him giving evil more power than it has.
I see he has not answered the question.
:laughing7: :happygrin:
It invokes fear . .fear is not of God.
Ah but only a fool does not fear the Lord GOD
And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.
Rev 19:6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
FEAR hear is Strong's G5399 - phobeō φοβέω
Transliteration
phobeō
Pronunciation
fo-be'-ō (Key)
Part of Speech
verb
Root Word (Etymology)
from G5401
Outline of Biblical Usage 1) to put to flight by terrifying (to scare away)
a) to put to flight, to flee
b) to fear, be afraid
1) to be struck with fear, to be seized with alarm
a) of those startled by strange sights or occurrences
b) of those struck with amazement
2) to fear, be afraid of one
3) to fear (i.e. hesitate) to do something (for fear of harm)
c) to reverence, venerate, to treat with deference or reverential obedience
I honestly believe many miss out on the Wisdom of God for the lack of fear of the Lord , I have a good healthy fear of the Lord still in a respect and awe of His presence to this day , I am more confident in approach to the Throne of grace , but still I know God can and does all things
it humbles me in so may ways , I can not begin to tell you all of them
Love rose :HeartThrob:
Quote from: Doc on January 13, 2009, 11:55:31 PM
Quote from: Paul Hazelwood on January 13, 2009, 11:44:14 PM
No offence to the writer, but I think he is basically unsure of any conclusion.
It appears he sways more to annhiliation though. But, perhaps he in his own conscience is taking the "better safe than sorry" road by pointing out what he does then saying ultimatly it is up to God. Even then appears to shy away from giving as much credibilioty to the notion that all men will be redeemed.
Yeah, I got those impressions as well. It's interesting to note that he seems to be saying that it's both "up to God" and "up to us". It appears that he is some form of conditionalist.
Hi Doc
this is a great thread and thoughts
and I do agree that there are conditions and standards the Lord God has that must be met
in order to receive of God
I know that He cleans us , we have to be emptied out in order for His to fill us / being taught the Word in Power by His
HOLY SPIRIT Who can claim to be perfect in God ?
and if they Do are they telling the Truth?
I can make no such claims :dontknow:
love rose :HeartThrob:
Quote from: rosered on January 14, 2009, 07:14:35 PM
Quote from: Nathan on January 14, 2009, 01:58:55 AM
Quote from: YoungYuni on January 14, 2009, 01:53:52 AM
Hiya,
Concerning evil, it is not what most believe it to be.
According to Scripture, evil is created and sustained by God.
When I say sustained, I mean that God is the one in control and so it exists only by His will even though it is diametrically opposed to His good.
How then can evil not be as powerful?
I do not see him giving evil more power than it has.
I see he has not answered the question.
:laughing7: :happygrin:
It invokes fear . .fear is not of God.
Ah but only a fool does not fear the Lord GOD
And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.
Rev 19:6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
FEAR hear is Strong's G5399 - phobeō φοβέω
Transliteration
phobeō
Pronunciation
fo-be'-ō (Key)
Part of Speech
verb
Root Word (Etymology)
from G5401
Outline of Biblical Usage 1) to put to flight by terrifying (to scare away)
a) to put to flight, to flee
b) to fear, be afraid
1) to be struck with fear, to be seized with alarm
a) of those startled by strange sights or occurrences
b) of those struck with amazement
2) to fear, be afraid of one
3) to fear (i.e. hesitate) to do something (for fear of harm)
c) to reverence, venerate, to treat with deference or reverential obedience
I honestly believe many miss out on the Wisdom of God for the lack of fear of the Lord , I have a good healthy fear of the Lord still in a respect and awe of His presence to this day , I am more confident in approach to the Throne of grace , but still I know God can and does all things
it humbles me in so may ways , I can not begin to tell you all of them
Love rose :HeartThrob:
Two different fears for me there Rose . . .I was refering to fear as being afraid, when I see one fearing God . . .it's more respect and honor than being afraid.
Quote from: Nathan on January 14, 2009, 07:30:50 PM
Quote from: rosered on January 14, 2009, 07:14:35 PM
Quote from: Nathan on January 14, 2009, 01:58:55 AM
Quote from: YoungYuni on January 14, 2009, 01:53:52 AM
Hiya,
Concerning evil, it is not what most believe it to be.
According to Scripture, evil is created and sustained by God.
When I say sustained, I mean that God is the one in control and so it exists only by His will even though it is diametrically opposed to His good.
How then can evil not be as powerful?
I do not see him giving evil more power than it has.
I see he has not answered the question.
:laughing7: :happygrin:
It invokes fear . .fear is not of God.
Ah but only a fool does not fear the Lord GOD
And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.
Rev 19:6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
FEAR hear is Strong's G5399 - phobeō φοβέω
Transliteration
phobeō
Pronunciation
fo-be'-ō (Key)
Part of Speech
verb
Root Word (Etymology)
from G5401
Outline of Biblical Usage 1) to put to flight by terrifying (to scare away)
a) to put to flight, to flee
b) to fear, be afraid
1) to be struck with fear, to be seized with alarm
a) of those startled by strange sights or occurrences
b) of those struck with amazement
2) to fear, be afraid of one
3) to fear (i.e. hesitate) to do something (for fear of harm)
c) to reverence, venerate, to treat with deference or reverential obedience
I honestly believe many miss out on the Wisdom of God for the lack of fear of the Lord , I have a good healthy fear of the Lord still in a respect and awe of His presence to this day , I am more confident in approach to the Throne of grace , but still I know God can and does all things
it humbles me in so may ways , I can not begin to tell you all of them
Love rose :HeartThrob:
Two different fears for me there Rose . . .I was refering to fear as being afraid, when I see one fearing God . . .it's more respect and honor than being afraid.
I knew you would say that Nate ! :laughing7:
I did , but that greek word for fear is what was used in this verse
we are servants and sons as well , any son who does not repect and honor his Father is in trouble in my book ! Lol
this says it to me bro !
Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. Hbr 12:5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children,
My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: Hbr 12:6 For whom
the Lord loveth he chasteneth,
and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. Hbr 12:7 If
ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
Hbr 12:8
But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Hbr 12:9
Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected [us], and we gave [them] reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? Hbr 12:10 For they verily for
a few days chastened [us] after their own pleasure; but he for [our] profit, that [we] might be partakers of his holiness. Hbr 12:11 Now
no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
love rose :HeartThrob:
Quote from: rosered on January 14, 2009, 07:14:35 PM
Ah but only a fool does not fear the Lord GOD
Could be, lol. My problem is if I am supposed to experience a fear such as being afraid, I do not know how to just do that.
Quote from: rosered on January 14, 2009, 07:03:59 PM
Quote from: jabcat on January 14, 2009, 12:57:00 AM
Quote from: legoman on January 13, 2009, 11:46:36 PM
Hi Doc,
I quickly read the last section on "hell".
It seems that N.T. Wright is assuming we have a free will. I don't want to get into a big free will debate. Let me just quickly state my opinion (which I believe is confirmed by scripture): we have a will and we make choices but those choices are all caused by circumstances, desire, envrionment, and experience. We have a caused will, not a free will.
This is what he presents as the universalist case:
"In fact, I think the universalist case — which normally turns on God having all the time in the world, after the death of unbelievers, to go on putting the gospel to them from different angles until at last they accept it"
This makes it sound like God could be sitting around almost forever thinking up new ways of showing the gospel, hoping against hope until that last hold-out finally converts of their own free will. While he could take all the time in eternity if he wanted to to do this, he doesn't have to.
The fact of the matter is that God knows exactly what makes each of us tick (since he personally created each of us as individuals) - and he knows exactly what it will take for each person to willingly confess and believe. But that will not happen until God's appointed time - each person must go through their own appointed trials and tribulations before God will open their eyes to the truth. And then when God has opened their eyes, they will willingly believe.
Think about what led you to Christ and belief in UR. Usually there are a number of large events (and many smaller events) in your life that ultimately led you to that point. Were those events random chance, or were they preordained by God - all leading up to the moment when God preordained your eyes would open and learn the truth?
IMHO I believe it will work the same way for those in the lake of fire. The lake of fire is spiritual - it may be just another series of trials and tribulations that will ultimately lead to the individual's eyes being opened and then confessing that Jesus is their savior.
Everything will go according to God's plan, right down to the last detail. Everyone has their appointed time to be saved, either in this life or in the lake of fire.
Cheers,
Legoman
What he said :happygrin:. I also personally wonder if the Lake of Fire may be God's DIRECT presence...which as far I know, no man has of yet been exposed to. My :2c:.
that is profound Jabcat :thumbsup: , Honestly I can see this as being True
what if within God/Fire we are changed ?
And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth.
Deu 5:25 Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any more, then we shall die.
Deu 5:26 For who [is there of] all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we [have], and lived?
And don't forget 1 Cor 3:
12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
This fire (which is God's consuming fire) refines and purifies, transforms us for the better, and is part of the process that saves us.
So why would the fire in the Lake of fire be any different? :Sparkletooth:
Notice the key phrasing in 1 Cor 3:
Every man ... every man's work ... tried (judged) by fire
Now look at what happens in the lake of fire in Rev 20:
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
We see again:
Every man ... judged according to their works .. in the lake of fire.Hm, is this giving us a better picture of what the lake of fire will do? :winkgrin:
Cheers,
Legoman
Quote from: Fireinfolding on January 14, 2009, 08:20:37 PM
Quote from: Paul Hazelwood on January 14, 2009, 08:13:52 PM
Quote from: rosered on January 14, 2009, 07:14:35 PM
Ah but only a fool does not fear the Lord GOD
Could be, lol. My problem is if I am supposed to experience a fear such as being afraid, I do not know how to just do that.
aul came in fear and trembling amoung them in the beginning didnt he? It speaks of giving one a "cup of trembling" and we know the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Concerning the cup of trembling Paul does speak of not being given **AGAIN** a Spirit of fear which is consistent with the cup of trembling being removed from them and the words, "Thou shalt no more drink of it AGAIN"... They do appear connect experientially at one time or another both there, in Paul and Pauls words and the beginning of wisdom (though we know thats not the end all).
Mainly what I am saying is I have never felt afraid of God. However I have trembled at the sheer awe of circumstances that I have faced that let me have an understanding that God is there.
Quote from: rosered on January 14, 2009, 07:38:22 PM
Quote from: Nathan on January 14, 2009, 07:30:50 PM
Quote from: rosered on January 14, 2009, 07:14:35 PM
Quote from: Nathan on January 14, 2009, 01:58:55 AM
Quote from: YoungYuni on January 14, 2009, 01:53:52 AM
Hiya,
Concerning evil, it is not what most believe it to be.
According to Scripture, evil is created and sustained by God.
When I say sustained, I mean that God is the one in control and so it exists only by His will even though it is diametrically opposed to His good.
How then can evil not be as powerful?
I do not see him giving evil more power than it has.
I see he has not answered the question.
:laughing7: :happygrin:
It invokes fear . .fear is not of God.
Ah but only a fool does not fear the Lord GOD
And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.
Rev 19:6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
FEAR hear is Strong's G5399 - phobeō φοβέω
Transliteration
phobeō
Pronunciation
fo-be'-ō (Key)
Part of Speech
verb
Root Word (Etymology)
from G5401
Outline of Biblical Usage 1) to put to flight by terrifying (to scare away)
a) to put to flight, to flee
b) to fear, be afraid
1) to be struck with fear, to be seized with alarm
a) of those startled by strange sights or occurrences
b) of those struck with amazement
2) to fear, be afraid of one
3) to fear (i.e. hesitate) to do something (for fear of harm)
c) to reverence, venerate, to treat with deference or reverential obedience
I honestly believe many miss out on the Wisdom of God for the lack of fear of the Lord , I have a good healthy fear of the Lord still in a respect and awe of His presence to this day , I am more confident in approach to the Throne of grace , but still I know God can and does all things
it humbles me in so may ways , I can not begin to tell you all of them
Love rose :HeartThrob:
Two different fears for me there Rose . . .I was refering to fear as being afraid, when I see one fearing God . . .it's more respect and honor than being afraid.
I knew you would say that Nate ! :laughing7:
I did , but that greek word for fear is what was used in this verse
we are servants and sons as well , any son who does not repect and honor his Father is in trouble in my book ! Lol
this says it to me bro !Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
Hbr 12:5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
Hbr 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Hbr 12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
Hbr 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
Hbr 12:9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected [us], and we gave [them] reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
Hbr 12:10 For they verily for a few days chastened [us] after their own pleasure; but he for [our] profit, that [we] might be partakers of his holiness.
Hbr 12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
love rose :HeartThrob:
Actually, the original argument was not on fear, but on the power of evil. If God created evil, that evil was as powerful as God himself . .that was what I was arguing. I don't see it that way at all. God may have created evil . .but as a tool of consequence. but the tool I make is not more powerful than I who made it. It has a singular purpose. It doesn't have it's own will. And we've been given authority over it. It's just that most don't exercise that authority. Instead, the become intimidated and, like Adam, they submit to that which they are supposed to subdue.
Adam was given authority over Eve, but he didn't exercise it. My spirit has authority over my mind, but it needs to exercise that authority to be productive in the way God intended. Apply? When you walk in the spirit, the spiritual realm will be revealed to you. When I walk according to my own understanding, I remain in disorder.
Hiya Fireinfolding,
Thank you.
:girlheart: :boyheart:
Quote from: legoman on January 14, 2009, 06:41:50 AM
I agree YY.
If God is in control of all things (and we know he is), then he is also in control of evil.
He uses evil for his good purposes.
Eph 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
I actually find it comforting to know there is a purpose for all the evil in the world, even if I don't understand it.
Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
That is humbling.
Legoman
Yes. :goodpost:
Quote from: YoungYuni on January 14, 2009, 03:51:45 AM
QuoteI'm familiar with the Isaiah passage, but be careful you don't drift into dualistic zoroastrianism...
Hiya,
I am most definitely far from dualistic zoroastianism.
If you thought that from what I wrote, I have much to say to you concerning the reality of good and evil and their purpose in creation.
God is in control of all things, whether a person wants to admit it or not, He purposed evil with a pure intention in mind.
Evil is a real possibility and a danger to all who fall into it's path.
God intended evil to operate in that manner for a purpose.
It is the lack of knowledge of the purpose which invokes fear.
:icon_joker: :icon_jokercolor:
Ah, now that you've clarified, I agree.
Quote from: legoman on January 14, 2009, 06:44:23 AM
But I think Martin pointed it out in another thread - just what do you think we will be doing in the millenium if we are one of the few righteous ones that gets to reign with Christ? Helping and teaching everyone else of course so that they will become saved too!
Legoman
Exactly.
When Hebrews 4 goes indepth about laboring only for the purpose of finding that place of rest, there doesn't seem to be any indication that being afraid is involved. Isn't it kind of difficult to pursue the thing you're supposed to be scared of??
Quote from: Nathan on January 14, 2009, 05:02:23 PM
My response was to the idea that if God created it, then the creation is as powerful as God. I disagree with that on many levels. God created the tree of knowledge . .but Adam was instructed to leave it alone . . . just because it's created by God doesn't mean that we should treat it as "powerful" as God. God created Eve by Adam's rib . .but Adam was to have authority over her.
God created man, but man is not equally powerful as God . . .for me it's the same with evil. Whether God created it or not, it's not anything I really need to be concerned with if I'm pursuing Christ. That was the point I was trying to make with that. Seek ye "first" the kingdom of God . . .make that the "chief" objective and everything else will take care of itself.
Maybe it's just me, I feel sort of a check, like a misplacement of priority when the topic of a person is focussed on the negative of anything. God created night, but the day is to rule over the night. Time is measured with light, speed is measured by light . . . darkness is actually a temporary thing anyway. As is evil and all of that. It's all been defeated, but yet theologians seem to want to resurrect it again by warning everyone of how great it's powers are . . . I just disagree with the concept is all.
This is also a good point. Thanks, Nathan.
Quote from: Fireinfolding on January 14, 2009, 08:44:45 PM
I have know both personally :grin: And I rather not have the first :grin: Though it does speak of being afraid of anothers "terror" which holds the same definition of that which pertains to the Lords "terror" but Paul adds the words "be not afraid of their terror". It speaks of us knowing the terror of the Lord as well as the fear and trembling Paul knew of at the first. Does seem very much related to the Spirit of fear (or cup of trembling) He said they would not drink of anymore (again).
Though heres a good one showing both
Job 21:33 For destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.
Thank you sis , at least you can understand my speech!!! :laughing7:
Seem the carnal are afraid of mens judgments and loosing their place of honor
now the wise are in fear of the Lord God
and evil is just a corrupted mind from which is speaks from men and beasts
compared to a pure mind with tongues of angels prehaps ? Strong's
1Cr 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
Tongues G1100 - glōssa γλῶσσα
Transliteration
glōssa
Pronunciation
glō's-sä (Key)
Part of Speech
feminine noun
Root Word (Etymology)
of uncertain affinity
Outline of Biblical Usage 1) the tongue, a member of the body, an organ of speech
2) a tongue
a) the language or dialect used by a particular people distinct from that of other nations
I feel that is the difference between our speech and what comes out of a man that either defiles him or justifies him before God note it is the Lord that rebukes and not anything to do with satan here ?
Likewise also these [filthy] dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
Jud 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he
disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said,
The Lord rebuke thee.
to me this would be the moral Law [body of Moses]
Jud 1:10
But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. Jud 1:11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
Jud 1:12
These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds [they are] without water, carried about of winds;
trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
Jud 1:13
Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
who feeds themselves without fear at the love feats ? the Table spead out before us and we eat and drink of the Lords Body , discerning it always
this is why so many fail the test ! I can also be a cast off
for we do not decide it is the Lord who judges us
:HeartThrob:
THAT'S how I view evil Rose . . .exactly as you just stated. My mind is my worst enemy. my ego is where evilness dwells . . . it's just antichrist. It can be put into submission when God-given authority is exercised.
Blessings.
Quoteand evil is just a corrupted mind from which is speaks from men and beasts
compared to a pure mind with tongues of angels prehaps ? Strong's
yous Funny Nosey Rosie ....Of course we can see your speech sis.. :HeartThrob:
What you say above is what Ive understood for quite some time. :HeartThrob:
Quote from: Taffy on January 14, 2009, 10:50:13 PM
Quoteand evil is just a corrupted mind from which is speaks from men and beasts
compared to a pure mind with tongues of angels prehaps ? Strong's
yous Funny Nosey Rosie ....Of course we can see your speech sis.. :HeartThrob:
What you say above is what Ive understood for quite some time. :HeartThrob:
lol , not any one in particular bro :thumbsup:
it is just so frustrating to not be able to communticate very well
I do thank God i can listen though ... :winkgrin:
countin ' my blessings :HeartThrob:
Hiya Nathan,
I believe you misunderstand the point I was making then.
Evil is only as powerful as God has created it to be.
God created evil, with a purpose in mind.
Therefore, evil is as strong as God has intended it to be.
Whether this invokes fear in you or not, does not make the facts any different.
God did not invoke that fear, our own misunderstanding or incomplete knowledge of how evil works, invokes fear.
It is not what comes into a man that defiles him, it is what comes out of a man that defiles him.
:icon_jokercolor: :icon_joker:
Quote from: rosered on January 14, 2009, 10:55:00 PM
Quote from: Taffy on January 14, 2009, 10:50:13 PM
Quoteand evil is just a corrupted mind from which is speaks from men and beasts
compared to a pure mind with tongues of angels prehaps ? Strong's
yous Funny Nosey Rosie ....Of course we can see your speech sis.. :HeartThrob:
What you say above is what Ive understood for quite some time. :HeartThrob:
lol , not any one in particular bro :thumbsup:
it is just so frustrating to not be able to communticate very well
I do thank God i can listen though ... :winkgrin:
countin ' my blessings :HeartThrob:
he he..
You do FINE BY ME sis , only after you share theres often very little left to say, well for me anyway :icon_flower:
QuoteHey I love the clouds without water and without fear one Rosie!
Thats pride for sure
Proverbs 25:14 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
The fear of the Lord is to actually "Hate" pride arrogance and the evil way = way of Cain?
Think these fit?
2Peter 2:17 ~These~ are WELLS ~WITHOUT WATER~, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
Jerm 2:13 For my people have committed two evils; they have ~FORSAKEN ME~ the fountain of LIVING WATERS and hewed them out cisterns, BROKEN CISTERNS, that CAN HOLD NO WATER.
Heb 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be ~IN~ ANY OF YOU an evil heart of unbelief, IN departing from the LIVING GOD.
those are some great scriptures to sis !
I love Proverbs 8 Wisdom speaking :HeartThrob:
O ye simple,
understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.
Pro 8:6 Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips [shall be] right things.
Pro 8:7 For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness [is] an abomination to my lips.
Pro 8:8
All the words of my mouth [are] in righteousness; [there is] nothing froward or perverse in them. Pro 8:9 They [are]
all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. Pro 8:10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
Pro 8:11 For wisdom [is] better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
Pro 8:12 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
Pro 8:13
The fear of the LORD [is] to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Yes the Lord God has allowed evil as a contrast in that knowledge
of the tree of good and evil
we are to Choose Life and that Tree that bears good fruits / works to God for His glory
Jesus Christ is that tree with seed/ word of God that is incorruptible
I do not sesire to get off topic , but everything in His Word and Sprit connects in Truth
And the earth brought forth grass, [and] herb yielding seed after his kind, and
the tree yielding fruit, whose seed [was] in itself, after his kind: and God saw that [it was] good. Gen 1:13 And the evening and the morning were the
third day after 3 days
will the Lord raise up seeing Jesus Christ in everything and in all ways
Mar 8:31 And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and [of] the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and
after three days rise again. :HeartThrob:
The latter part of this thread reminds me of a camera that is on manual focus and things are a bit blurry . .but as adjustments (comments of others) are made, the picture comes into focus. YY, I appreciate your last post. And if I would have seen that was you're original intent, I never would have questioned it. I agree with you, thanks for clearing that up for me.
Quote from: YoungYuni on January 14, 2009, 10:59:45 PM
Hiya Nathan,
I believe you misunderstand the point I was making then.
Evil is only as powerful as God has created it to be.
God created evil, with a purpose in mind.
Therefore, evil is as strong as God has intended it to be.
Whether this invokes fear in you or not, does not make the facts any different.
God did not invoke that fear, our own misunderstanding or incomplete knowledge of how evil works, invokes fear.
It is not what comes into a man that defiles him, it is what comes out of a man that defiles him.
:icon_jokercolor: :icon_joker:
Yes I agree.
God made everything for its purpose, even evil.
Proberbs 16:4 The LORD has made everything for its own purpose,
Even the wicked for the day of evil.
Everything God made was "very good". How does evil fit in there? Well, it is very good for the purpose that God intended it for.
Just like mosquitos, poisonous snakes and scorpions were "very good", right?
Cheers,
Legoman
Quote from: legoman on January 15, 2009, 05:47:09 PM
Quote from: YoungYuni on January 14, 2009, 10:59:45 PM
Hiya Nathan,
I believe you misunderstand the point I was making then.
Evil is only as powerful as God has created it to be.
God created evil, with a purpose in mind.
Therefore, evil is as strong as God has intended it to be.
Whether this invokes fear in you or not, does not make the facts any different.
God did not invoke that fear, our own misunderstanding or incomplete knowledge of how evil works, invokes fear.
It is not what comes into a man that defiles him, it is what comes out of a man that defiles him.
:icon_jokercolor: :icon_joker:
Yes I agree.
God made everything for its purpose, even evil.
Proberbs 16:4 The LORD has made everything for its own purpose,
Even the wicked for the day of evil.
Everything God made was "very good". How does evil fit in there? Well, it is very good for the purpose that God intended it for.
Just like mosquitos, poisonous snakes and scorpions were "very good", right?
Cheers,
Legoman
That is True :thumbsup: some real good posts all .
it was a pleasure and blessing to read this thread
we could not learn anything without the contrast
and the extremes of carnal / worldly wisdom , being earthly sensual and devilish
and Heavenly wisdom , pure peacable and holy
:HeartThrob: