In Romans chapter 9, verse 3, Paul writes how he "could wish himself accursed from Christ for the sake of his brethren and kinsmen" - this makes no sense at all if what he is saying "oh how I wish I were accursed to forever burn in 'hell'.. or to forever perish.. for the sake of my kinsmen"!
:smile:
Marie, Paul was following in the steps of his Master, Who was accursed Himself, taking upon Himself all the sins of the world, and that for the benefit of His friends, kinsmen, the whole world, and in fact the entire Cosmos.
Quote from: marie glen on August 01, 2013, 07:44:48 PM
In Romans chapter 9, verse 3, Paul writes how he "could wish himself accursed from Christ for the sake of his brethren and kinsmen" - this makes no sense at all if what he is saying "oh how I wish I were accursed to forever burn in 'hell'.. or to forever perish.. for the sake of my kinsmen"!
:smile:
To follow up on what Laz spoke of: :HeartThrob:
If we look at the context in which Paul was speaking, it makes perfect sense
. :friendstu:
New Living Translation
Rom 9:1 With Christ as my witness, I speak with utter truthfulness. My conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it.
Rom 9:2 My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief
Rom 9:3 for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut off from Christ!—if that would save them.
This has always been something I continue to find shocking. Not that Paul would be willing to give up his salvation for the sake of his brothers and sisters, but rather; I have never heard a fire breathing Christian offer the same to me, after condenming me to an unthinkable punishment.
This might be considered a mute point, but as Paul said, I too in good conscience in the presence of the Holy Spirit, would rather take the place of anyone thrust into unimaginable pain. Who could love someone and not offer to take their place? :HeartThrob: :HeartThrob: If it meant they that would be saved and welcomed into the presence of Father.
Paul knew he could not thwart the plan of Father, but if he could, he would take their place.
Love, Julie :HeartThrob: