Help! I've been cornered by an ET!

[jbertonbounds]

An ET says to me, "John, I notice you like to use a lot of Scripture that uses the word "all." Don't forget this one. Not all those who say 'You are our Lord' will enter the kingdom of heaven. The only people who will enter the kingdom of heaven are those who do what my Father in heaven wants (Matt. 7:21 NCV). Most translations say "not everyone." Point is, everyone is not going to heaven, but only those believe and put their trust in Christ or as John 3:16 says, "whosoever believes in Him." Just some thoughts."

I don't usually get stumped, but being tired, this one threw me.
What would Jesus say???
What would you say???

[lomarah]

That eventually EVERY knee will bow and EVERY tongue will confess. And think about who it is saying 'Lord, Lord, did we not do this and that for you??' But that pride will be cast out of all of us when the fire of God consumes us.  :HeartThrob: Praise Him!  :HeartThrob: :HeartThrob: :HeartThrob:

[lomarah]

Matthew 21:31 - Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you."

[misszoolander]

We do not worship a tribal, angry god that only seeks revenge and predestines some to paradise while tortures some in fire forever.

There is no way.

We worship a God that knew our footsteps before we took them, a holy God that will save us from despair, sin and hate.
We worship a perfect God, therefore if we are mistakes, we are his mistakes. Made for a purpose, far more glorious then our hearts can dare to imagine. God will not suffer us into misery forever, for we are his, all souls are his.

Thy will be done.

[marie glen]

There's really, in all actuality only one verse which might be construed to say one must "believe" before their death.. when Jesus told the pharisees unless they repent they would die in their sins.. What most et folks don't realize is to be resurrected still in their sins, is far less joyful than the 1st resurrection (for a duration of time at least). Sometimes I think we may be tempted to minimize scripture saying something is metaphor, but that really is not at all necessary.

The folks of the 2nd resurrection may rise still in their imperfection, but if they are to perish (or worse!) why resurrect at all?

The notorious words "those not `believing` will go to the 2nd death/LOF" do not occur until the end and winding down, finishing up, of the day/aGe of 'judgment, aka, day age of intense review.

What most et folks believe is that ur believes all are saved without "believing". And I guess most believe Judgment Day will be like the blink of an eye.. but I think our heavenly Father has a glorious plan, purpose and lesson/schooling by which "I Love to do THY will" shall be deeply, deeply etched upon eveRy heart, mind and psyche.. a far better purpose than, o heck i guess I lost 2/3's of all humanity now let's roast some marshmallows over their screaming, writhing carcasses.. so your joy may be full.. (jes sayin')

Who's not going to "believe" after they've been resurrected and lived through the day age of judgment??

[marie glen]

p.s. - NOT that we should resort to language about roasting marshmallows, etc :eek:

[marie glen]

God told Abraham "every family will be blessed by his seed" and Paul expounded upon the fact that "the seed" of Abraham is Jesus.

"All / every" (hehee) "thing on earth and in heaven is being gathered into Jesus" - Colossians 1:20. Literally would be closer to "all on earth and in heaven.."

[Molly]

An ET says to me, "John, I notice you like to use a lot of Scripture that uses the word "all." Don't forget this one. Not all those who say 'You are our Lord' will enter the kingdom of heaven. The only people who will enter the kingdom of heaven are those who do what my Father in heaven wants (Matt. 7:21 NCV). Most translations say "not everyone." Point is, everyone is not going to heaven, but only those believe and put their trust in Christ or as John 3:16 says, "whosoever believes in Him." Just some thoughts."

I don't usually get stumped, but being tired, this one threw me.
What would Jesus say???
What would you say???

He's right and you're right.  You're both right.

He's talking about  this Age, and you're just looking a few Ages beyond.

[eaglesway]

I would tell him that he is right, but that 1 Corinthians Chapter 15 tells us as in Adam all died so also in Christ shall all be made alive, but each in their own order so that eventually every adversary will be come subject to Christ, and then given to God do that God may be all in all. Then I would tell him Phillipians 2:10 tells us "Every knee shall bow and evry tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of the Father". Lastly I would tell him to thoroughly study Colossians 1:16-21 and Ephesians 1:19-21 to see what Paul though ALL really means.

[Molly]

I would tell him that he is right, but that 1 Corinthians Chapter 15 tells us as in Adam all died so also in Christ shall all be made alive, but each in their own order so that eventually every adversary will be come subject to Christ, and then given to God do that God may be all in all. Then I would tell him Phillipians 2:10 tells us "Every knee shall bow and evry tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of the Father". Lastly I would tell him to thoroughly study Colossians 1:16-21 and Ephesians 1:19-21 to see what Paul though ALL really means.

Assuming he wants to know--which he probably doesn't.   :dontknow:

[eaglesway]

Sadly, probably, true  :dontknow:

[Jock]

Jesus didn't like the Pharisees very much, He knew the darkness in their hearts, yet He didn't condemn them! He told them that the publicans and prostitutes would enter the Kingdom before them. He is the Saviour of the world, even the religious  :dsunny:

[jbertonbounds]

Thanks so much, everybody.
This is a big help.
The spirit has opened my mind and I have replied to this ET'ist.
He is my cousin, and is a very dear person who loves the Lord.

Here is my letter to him:

Dear Les,
     You used the terms "heaven" and "kingdom of heaven" interchangeably.  These do not have the same meaning.  The Kingdom of Heaven is already established here on earth and will continue to grow; John the Baptist called out to the world, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" [Mat 3.2], announcing the coming of Jesus's kingdom.  Jesus himself also said the same thing in Mat  4.17.  They said it is at hand, already here, now. 
What is the kingdom of heaven?  We are told the nature of the kingdom and how it differs from heaven itself in many parables and other scripture verses:
Mat 11.12 – "From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force." 

Mat 13.24 – "He put another parable before them, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field...' "  The enemy mixed weed seed into the wheat, but the master said to wait until the harvest and then they can be separated, implying the kingdom of heaven is here on earth in this life, and is not yet fully established in the earth.

Mat 13 gives us two parables that compare the kingdom of heaven to mustard seed and leavening.  They start with a "seed" that grows and grows until they are fully established.  The kingdom of heaven, when seeded in our hearts grows in us – even here, now, while we still are living on the earth.

Mat 16.19 - I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."  Notice the phrases "on earth" and "in heaven."

     Mat 7:21 does say, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  Notice the terms "kingdom of heaven" and "heaven" are both used in this verse in different ways.  Of course it's true.  No one who practices evil or refuses to believe will enter the kingdom of heaven.  They will die.  They will stay dead until the 2nd resurrection, at which time they will be judged at the great white throne, and consigned to the lake of fire.  They will miss the great blessings God has in store for those who will see the kingdom of heaven become fully established in the kingdom age.  As you know, the term "lake of fire" is only found in the book of Revelation, the most highly symbolic book in the bible.  The lake of fire is a place of spiritual fire, and is not a permanent state of existence or death, and is not a literally a lake full of fire.  In the revelation it was revealed to John (and us) that it will last for an age.  Through mistranslation, it was changed to literal fire and "forever."  This is a false teaching of man.  What purpose would the God of love, a just God, have in insanely torturing 95% or more of his precious humanity with never any end?  This pagan concept blasphemes God's character!   This concept hurts people.  Many people are so terrified at the thought of hell that they have to get psychological help to try to deal with it.  Many are tormented by a hell that does not exist because they had unbelieving loved ones who have died and they think they are in hell.  Oh the pain of one who believes their precious son or daughter is being tortured with insane levels of pain in a fiery hell hole torture chamber with no hope of ever getting any relief – forever!  God forbid that this should be taught anymore!  People are afraid to believe in hell, and afraid not to.  It's a trap.  Les, please do some reading on the materials in tentmaker.org and bible-truths.com.  These two websites, as well as several other websites and books, are really good and will help open your eyes to what the scriptures really teach.  Please don't feel offended at my saying that, but that is just what happened to me.  I prayed fervently, daily that the Lord teach me his truth and help me get to know him better, and then this is where he lead me.  I would never claim to know and understand all, but I do know that Universal Reconciliation is true.  God bless you, cousin, I love you.

John

[rosered]

Awesome !!!! letter written in Love  jbert!!!

the greatest commadment is to LOVE GOD with all your heart , body soul and strength  and 2nd is like unto it  love your neighbour as yourself 

I know that the kingdom of God is peace , joy and the Holy Spirit
Paul wrote  about it , Having the Holy Spirit guide you into all truth  is  the way  and Life

  those being false  as Jedi brought up are the ones with the lip service  thats does not keep the command to Love God with the whole heart   , thats the test   to me in the nut shell
  most use God 's name  but are  like unfaithful    mates   as the scriptures   point out  pretty plain

the Union  like a marriage covenant /agreement   with  the Lord is sacred  and holy , not to be  taken lightly  , we can compare this to   real life now and see just how much the hardened hearts   have lead to divorce , or just  fornication , no  agreements  at all    just many offspring without   a holy  covenant :sigh:   Paul speaks of  them being without   guidance and  disipline
the Holy Spirit  teaches us  to Love God  and one another  , without  a pure heart you will never see God as Scripture also says  :eek:  much less have a union with His Son , Jesus Christ and have holy seed/offspring 
  Hbr 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

Matthew 15:8
'This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far away from Me.
Matthew 15:7-9 (in Context) Matthew 15 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations 

Isaiah 29:13
Then the Lord said, "Because this people draw near with their words And honor Me with their lip service, But they remove their hearts far from Me, And their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote,Isaiah 29:12-14 (in Context) Isaiah 29 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

Romans 14:17
for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Your letter is Holy Spirit annointed   and without the annointing  it could do nothing 

but with the annointing  mixed with faith  , its the same works  and labour of Love commened   in the Word of God to move  mountains  .   its the Lord God whom gives the increase 

His Glory !! , praise God  ! , we get to be partakers of now  seeing it planted in  folks hearts same as  ours was   on that   bright day  it began to grow in us :dsunny:

[jbertonbounds]

Awesome !!!! letter written in Love  jbert!!!

the greatest commadment is to LOVE GOD with all your heart , body soul and strength  and 2nd is like unto it  love your neighbour as yourself 

I know that the kingdom of God is peace , joy and the Holy Spirit
Paul wrote  about it , Having the Holy Spirit guide you into all truth  is  the way  and Life

  those being false  as Jedi brought up are the ones with the lip service  thats does not keep the command to Love God with the whole heart   , thats the test   to me in the nut shell
  most use God 's name  but are  like unfaithful    mates   as the scriptures   point out  pretty plain

the Union  like a marriage covenant /agreement   with  the Lord is sacred  and holy , not to be  taken lightly  , we can compare this to   real life now and see just how much the hardened hearts   have lead to divorce , or just  fornication , no  agreements  at all    just many offspring without   a holy  covenant :sigh:   Paul speaks of  them being without   guidance and  disipline
the Holy Spirit  teaches us  to Love God  and one another  , without  a pure heart you will never see God as Scripture also says  :eek:  much less have a union with His Son , Jesus Christ and have holy seed/offspring 
  Hbr 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

Matthew 15:8
'This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far away from Me.
Matthew 15:7-9 (in Context) Matthew 15 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations 

Isaiah 29:13
Then the Lord said, "Because this people draw near with their words And honor Me with their lip service, But they remove their hearts far from Me, And their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote,Isaiah 29:12-14 (in Context) Isaiah 29 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

Romans 14:17
for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Your letter is Holy Spirit annointed   and without the annointing  it could do nothing 

but with the annointing  mixed with faith  , its the same works  and labour of Love commened   in the Word of God to move  mountains  .   its the Lord God whom gives the increase 

His Glory !! , praise God  ! , we get to be partakers of now  seeing it planted in  folks hearts same as  ours was   on that   bright day  it began to grow in us :dsunny:

Thanks, Rose

[Jock]

jbertonbounds, your letter to Les was outstanding! It was a pleasure to read it and eat of the Lord's truth. Thanks for posting it  :dsunny:

[jbertonbounds]

All praise goes to the Father.
Bless His name.
He is good and all He does is good.
His word will endure forever.
:dsunny:

[CHB]

jb, we need to pass your letter around to all the Churches. Enjoyed reading that. Thanks.

CHB

[eaglesway]

Very moving JBB. Beautiful and clearly, given by the Holy Spirit.

[dajomaco]

Did Adam enter the garden of Eden?

Did Eve enter the garden of Eden?

Did Noah enter the Ark?

Did the destroyer enter all of the houses in Egypt?

When could Moses enter the tent of meeting?

Did Moses enter the promised land?

Did David dance when he entered the city?

How did sin enter the world?

How did I enter the kingdom of God?

A DEAD MAN CAN ENTER NOTHING NOWHERE ANY HOW.
HE CAN ONLY BE PUT.

[dajomaco]

Did Adam enter the garden of Eden? No he was put in the Garden.

Did Eve enter the garden of Eden? No she was put in the garden.

Did Noah enter the Ark?

Then the Lord said to Noah, "Enter the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you alone are righteous before Me in this generation.

Did the destroyer enter all of the houses in Egypt?

He will pass over the door and not let the destroyer enter your houses to strike you.


When could Moses enter the tent of meeting?

When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and remain
at the entrance to the tent, and the Lord would speak with Moses.

Moses was unable to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud rested on it,
and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle

Did Moses enter thepromised land?

I swear that none of you will enter the land I promised to settle you in,
except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.

Did David dance when he entered the city? Yes

How did sin enter the world?
Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death spread to all men, because all sinned.


How did I enter the kingdom of God?
Therefore, brothers, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus,


A DEAD MAN CAN ENTER NOTHING NOWHERE ANY HOW.
HE CAN ONLY BE PUT.