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#61
Judgement and Punishment / Re: theosis
Last post by DavidFord - January 09, 2026, 04:46:48 AM"I do not believe in the deification of a man in the way it seems to be described there"
Do you agree with this?:
2 Corinthians 3:18
"And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord?s glory,
are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory,
which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
https://x.com/i/grok/share/iBBnmNoDxq0b77pXZWDTZu3QS
Theosis, or deification, refers to the Christian doctrine (particularly emphasized in Eastern Orthodox theology) of humans participating in or becoming like God's divine nature through grace, without losing their humanity.
While the term itself isn't explicitly in the Bible, several verses are commonly cited as supporting this transformative union with God.
Below is a selection of key passages, drawn from scriptural interpretations across theological sources. I've included the verse reference, a quote from the New International Version (NIV) for clarity, and a brief explanation of its relevance.
| Verse Reference | Text (NIV) | Relevance to Theosis | |-----------------|------------|----------------------| |
Genesis 1:26-27 | "Then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness...' So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." | Establishes humanity's original creation in God's image, implying a potential for restoration and growth toward divine likeness through salvation. | |
Psalm 82:6 | "I said, 'You are "gods"; you are all sons of the Most High.'" | Affirms humans as "gods" (elohim) in a participatory sense, highlighting elevated status as children of God. | |
Matthew 5:48 | "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." | Commands believers to emulate God's perfection, suggesting a call to divine transformation and holiness. | |
John 10:34-36 | "Jesus answered them, 'Is it not written in your Law, "I have said you are 'gods'"? If he called them "gods," to whom the word of God came?and Scripture cannot be set aside?what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world?'" |
Jesus quotes Psalm 82 to defend his divinity, implying believers can share in a godlike status through union with him. | |
Romans 8:29 | "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters." | Describes predestination to be shaped into Christ's image, pointing to progressive deification as siblings in the divine family. | |
Romans 12:1-2 | "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God?s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God?this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." | Calls for transformation and renewal, aligning with theosis as a sacrificial participation in God's holiness. | |
2 Corinthians 3:18 | "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord?s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." | Depicts ongoing transformation into God's glory, a core expression of becoming divine through the Spirit. | |
2 Corinthians 4:6 | "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God?s glory displayed in the face of Christ." | Suggests divine light and glory indwelling believers, supporting internal deification through Christ's revelation. | |
Ephesians 4:13 | "...until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." | Aims at maturity in Christ's fullness, implying growth toward divine completeness. | |
2 Peter 1:3-4 | "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." | Explicitly states participation in the divine nature via God's promises and power, a foundational verse for theosis. | |
1 John 3:2 | "Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." | Promises ultimate likeness to Christ, emphasizing eschatological deification through vision and union. |
These verses collectively illustrate themes of imaging God, transformation, and sharing in divine attributes. Interpretations vary by denomination?Eastern Orthodox see them as direct support for theosis, while some Protestant views emphasize sanctification without full deification.
For deeper study, consult theological commentaries or original Greek [better: Aramaic] texts.
Do you agree with this?:
2 Corinthians 3:18
"And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord?s glory,
are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory,
which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
https://x.com/i/grok/share/iBBnmNoDxq0b77pXZWDTZu3QS
Theosis, or deification, refers to the Christian doctrine (particularly emphasized in Eastern Orthodox theology) of humans participating in or becoming like God's divine nature through grace, without losing their humanity.
While the term itself isn't explicitly in the Bible, several verses are commonly cited as supporting this transformative union with God.
Below is a selection of key passages, drawn from scriptural interpretations across theological sources. I've included the verse reference, a quote from the New International Version (NIV) for clarity, and a brief explanation of its relevance.
| Verse Reference | Text (NIV) | Relevance to Theosis | |-----------------|------------|----------------------| |
Genesis 1:26-27 | "Then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness...' So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." | Establishes humanity's original creation in God's image, implying a potential for restoration and growth toward divine likeness through salvation. | |
Psalm 82:6 | "I said, 'You are "gods"; you are all sons of the Most High.'" | Affirms humans as "gods" (elohim) in a participatory sense, highlighting elevated status as children of God. | |
Matthew 5:48 | "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." | Commands believers to emulate God's perfection, suggesting a call to divine transformation and holiness. | |
John 10:34-36 | "Jesus answered them, 'Is it not written in your Law, "I have said you are 'gods'"? If he called them "gods," to whom the word of God came?and Scripture cannot be set aside?what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world?'" |
Jesus quotes Psalm 82 to defend his divinity, implying believers can share in a godlike status through union with him. | |
Romans 8:29 | "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters." | Describes predestination to be shaped into Christ's image, pointing to progressive deification as siblings in the divine family. | |
Romans 12:1-2 | "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God?s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God?this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." | Calls for transformation and renewal, aligning with theosis as a sacrificial participation in God's holiness. | |
2 Corinthians 3:18 | "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord?s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." | Depicts ongoing transformation into God's glory, a core expression of becoming divine through the Spirit. | |
2 Corinthians 4:6 | "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God?s glory displayed in the face of Christ." | Suggests divine light and glory indwelling believers, supporting internal deification through Christ's revelation. | |
Ephesians 4:13 | "...until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." | Aims at maturity in Christ's fullness, implying growth toward divine completeness. | |
2 Peter 1:3-4 | "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." | Explicitly states participation in the divine nature via God's promises and power, a foundational verse for theosis. | |
1 John 3:2 | "Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." | Promises ultimate likeness to Christ, emphasizing eschatological deification through vision and union. |
These verses collectively illustrate themes of imaging God, transformation, and sharing in divine attributes. Interpretations vary by denomination?Eastern Orthodox see them as direct support for theosis, while some Protestant views emphasize sanctification without full deification.
For deeper study, consult theological commentaries or original Greek [better: Aramaic] texts.
#62
Discussions on Universal Salvation / Re: What do you think of this?...
Last post by Ross - January 02, 2026, 01:20:39 AMEverything progressing in stages so that we can be shown the difference between good and bad, love and hate,selfish and mutual respect.
Paul said " when I was a child I thought like a child, when I became a man I gave up childish ways.:
I remember thinking I knew a lot: now I see the Lord as my source for wisdom and knowledge.
He displayed what real love means and completely corrected my values.
Paul said " when I was a child I thought like a child, when I became a man I gave up childish ways.:
I remember thinking I knew a lot: now I see the Lord as my source for wisdom and knowledge.
He displayed what real love means and completely corrected my values.
#63
Discussions on Universal Salvation / Re: What do you think of this?...
Last post by Ross - December 31, 2025, 07:50:32 AMAll planned before the world began.
1st Adam flesh.
2nd Adam Spirit.
Reconciliation 100%
1st Adam flesh.
2nd Adam Spirit.
Reconciliation 100%
#64
Discussions on Universal Salvation / Re: What do you think of this?...
Last post by Ross - December 30, 2025, 02:55:02 PMPaul quoted Isaiah and asked, " can the pot say to the potter,
Why have you made me like this?"
Galatians 5:17 - the flesh and spirit are opposed.
1 Corinthians 2:14,15 point out the flesh does not grasp life.
Ergo divine revelation is the only way to learn the truth.
God teaches us at our appointed time- that applies to all.
Some in this age, the rest in ages to come.
Why have you made me like this?"
Galatians 5:17 - the flesh and spirit are opposed.
1 Corinthians 2:14,15 point out the flesh does not grasp life.
Ergo divine revelation is the only way to learn the truth.
God teaches us at our appointed time- that applies to all.
Some in this age, the rest in ages to come.
#65
Discussions on Universal Salvation / What do you think of this?:
Last post by ghost kid - December 26, 2025, 03:58:43 AMhttps://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/says_about/Salvation.html
Look what I got from the above weblink:
161. All you need is love.
Love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God. 1 John 4:7
Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much. Luke 7:47
Look what I got from the above weblink:
161. All you need is love.
Love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God. 1 John 4:7
Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much. Luke 7:47
#66
Discussions on Universal Salvation / What do you think of this?:
Last post by ghost kid - December 24, 2025, 04:49:20 AMhttps://www.tentmaker.org/articles/universalism-is-not-in-the-bible.htm
I got this from the above weblink:
1 John 2:2: "He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world." So much for limited atonement! Jesus made atonement for the sins of the whole world. Would He who knows all things, who knows the beginning from the end, die for anyone unless He knew His death would have the desired effect of reconciling all people to God?
I got this from the above weblink:
1 John 2:2: "He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world." So much for limited atonement! Jesus made atonement for the sins of the whole world. Would He who knows all things, who knows the beginning from the end, die for anyone unless He knew His death would have the desired effect of reconciling all people to God?
#67
Discussions on Universal Salvation / Do these two bible verses go b...
Last post by ghost kid - December 23, 2025, 11:45:13 PMhttps://tentmaker.org/FAQ/ForceOrFreeWill.html
I got this from the above weblink
17) Luke 2:10 Jesus will be joy to all people Is there joy is "hell"?
https://tentmaker.org/blog1/the-restoration-of-all-things/
I got this from the above weblink
The Father has laid the iniquity of us all upon the Lamb of God (Isaiah 53:6).
I got this from the above weblink
17) Luke 2:10 Jesus will be joy to all people Is there joy is "hell"?
https://tentmaker.org/blog1/the-restoration-of-all-things/
I got this from the above weblink
The Father has laid the iniquity of us all upon the Lamb of God (Isaiah 53:6).
#68
Christian Life / Re: God = Hard Taskmaster
Last post by GodSavesAll - December 23, 2025, 02:51:41 AMI just thought of another example of a: 'good' teacher (who seemed like a 'bad' teacher at the time!) (Due to his harshness!).
I stayed off school one day... Got caught in town... Got taken into headmasters' office... Got screamed at for ages by the headmaster (and some of his crew!).
Later though... In one of my classes - a teacher (whom I barley knew) had heard of my: 'skiving' and went CRAZY on me... Screaming and shouting... Scaring me into ever doing it again.
In my childish folly I thought that teacher was my ENEMY! Yet; looking back I see how all that screaming must have hurt his throat, and how he had done it because of how much he cared. - He maybe saved lives by doing such things.
But again... It's curious how we can get it totally wrong... Seeing good as bad and bad as good...
...Got to be aware of people telling us what our: 'itching' ears want to hear in our folly eh?!
It seems that God gives us what we NEED, rather than what we want... (At least at present)... Until we reach maturity and want the same things He wants.
Thus (again) did the disciples seek chastening more than fine gold.
I stayed off school one day... Got caught in town... Got taken into headmasters' office... Got screamed at for ages by the headmaster (and some of his crew!).
Later though... In one of my classes - a teacher (whom I barley knew) had heard of my: 'skiving' and went CRAZY on me... Screaming and shouting... Scaring me into ever doing it again.
In my childish folly I thought that teacher was my ENEMY! Yet; looking back I see how all that screaming must have hurt his throat, and how he had done it because of how much he cared. - He maybe saved lives by doing such things.
But again... It's curious how we can get it totally wrong... Seeing good as bad and bad as good...
...Got to be aware of people telling us what our: 'itching' ears want to hear in our folly eh?!
It seems that God gives us what we NEED, rather than what we want... (At least at present)... Until we reach maturity and want the same things He wants.
Thus (again) did the disciples seek chastening more than fine gold.
#69
Christian Life / God = Hard Taskmaster
Last post by GodSavesAll - December 23, 2025, 12:16:27 AMI had some things on my mind lately, regarding the: 'Hardness' (and mercy) of God.
It might not mean much to anyone else, but I just wanted to share in the off-chance it did...
Some people undergoing trial - rage against God...
"Why are you doing this to me!?"
"What purpose will this trial/illness (etc) bring me?! - I can't even move/talk/do this/that! IT'S POINTLESS I TELL YOU"
"You have the power to EASILY stop my pain... It would be nothing for you to CURE me! - You wouldn't even have to snap your finger!!!... YET YOU DON'T! - What's wrong with you!?"
"You must just want to torture me! - That's the only explanation!!!"
Etc.
I was thinking the other day how when at school I had a maths teacher who was a pushover.
This maths teacher was a rebellious teenagers' dream!
Needless to say - this rebellious teen did poorly in his class.
The teacher would shout :eek: and I would giggle. :laugh:
One day (as a one-off); the headmaster took over the maths class (in the regular teacher's absence).
...This man wasn't a pushover. - He was every rebellious teens' NIGHTMARE.
He was disgusted at how poor my maths skills were, and he stood me in front of the class - correcting me in front of all, until I managed the sums he had put up on the board.
(I was there for about 30 minutes - embarassingly struggling with the most basic of sums as the rest of the class laughed at me). :LH: :declare: :mock: :laughing7: :rolllol: The truth was out and I was exposed as the 'dunce' I was. :doh:
...I learned more maths in that 30 minutes than I had the past three years under the regular teachers guidance.
But (being foolish at the time); I hated the headmaster for what he had done!
I was so happy when my regular (useless/pushover) teacher (who I could walk all over) came back.
Yet now... Through the eyes of someone older (and more spiritually-aware) - I look back...
... And I love the headmaster for what he did.
I respect him for what he did.
IF he had been my teacher... I never would have ended up with the worst grade possible for maths... That's for sure.
What of the other (my regular (maths)) teacher?
...I liked him as a person - but he wasn't cut out to teach... He was too soft to get through to most of us, and that's not worthy of respect... Because as a: 'teacher' HE was supposed to be in control.
If he couldn't control a classroom - he shouldn't have been teaching - simple as that.
("Not many should teach") James 3:1
These days when I see how God took (and still yet takes) a firm hand with me at times... I think about those two teachers, and I respect and I love God for what He is doing.
Because still... I'm the (rebellious) student and He is the 'Greatest' Teacher of all.
I know that He teaches me for my own good. - He is exposing those whom he is fond of and disciplining them... (Just like the headmaster did to me). (Rev 3:19).
"For the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he corrects each one he accepts as his child".
With God's (sometimes harsh) correction - if we obey - we can pass our trials here on earth... Becoming qualified to enter His Paradise-Kingdom.
If we had a: 'pushover' teacher who let us do everything we wanted to do... We wouldn't get very far.
I just wanted to write this as a reminder for anyone struggling to keep going, and not to doubt God and what He is doing... To accept that you are the student and He is the Teacher.
Again... The end of an un-qualifed teacher 'teaching' us is:- dishonor, defeat, disrespect, weakness, ridicule, pain, regret... (And having to sit the test again)...
Whereas; the end of a qualified teacher teaching us is:- honor and glory, overcoming, respect, power, praise, joy, contentment and peace... Forever. - Made: 'pillars' in His house - never needing to go out no more.
No wonder the scriptures tell us to: 'welcome' trials and count them: 'ALL JOY'! - To REJOICE in them! :laugh: :banana:
Amen! :Pray:
REJOICE I SAY!
God will not leave anyone in an unsaved/carnal (unspiritual) (dunce?) state forever! :laugh:
How He loves us... Doing what we would NEVER choose to do of ourselves... DISCIPLINING us, and thus making us something of worth.
Praise God, Who is creating all of us in HIS glorious IMAGE.
"When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish... He will be satisfied". - (Isaiah 53:11).
God is not: 'willingly' afflicting us. - It's necessary (because IN Him we exist, and He does walk in us).
Being then; offspring of God - bear in mind that it's His work, yet also our work for our benefit... The travail of our soul... Our wages... :HeartThrob:
It might not mean much to anyone else, but I just wanted to share in the off-chance it did...
Some people undergoing trial - rage against God...
"Why are you doing this to me!?"
"What purpose will this trial/illness (etc) bring me?! - I can't even move/talk/do this/that! IT'S POINTLESS I TELL YOU"
"You have the power to EASILY stop my pain... It would be nothing for you to CURE me! - You wouldn't even have to snap your finger!!!... YET YOU DON'T! - What's wrong with you!?"
"You must just want to torture me! - That's the only explanation!!!"
Etc.
I was thinking the other day how when at school I had a maths teacher who was a pushover.
This maths teacher was a rebellious teenagers' dream!
Needless to say - this rebellious teen did poorly in his class.
The teacher would shout :eek: and I would giggle. :laugh:
One day (as a one-off); the headmaster took over the maths class (in the regular teacher's absence).
...This man wasn't a pushover. - He was every rebellious teens' NIGHTMARE.
He was disgusted at how poor my maths skills were, and he stood me in front of the class - correcting me in front of all, until I managed the sums he had put up on the board.
(I was there for about 30 minutes - embarassingly struggling with the most basic of sums as the rest of the class laughed at me). :LH: :declare: :mock: :laughing7: :rolllol: The truth was out and I was exposed as the 'dunce' I was. :doh:
...I learned more maths in that 30 minutes than I had the past three years under the regular teachers guidance.
But (being foolish at the time); I hated the headmaster for what he had done!
I was so happy when my regular (useless/pushover) teacher (who I could walk all over) came back.
Yet now... Through the eyes of someone older (and more spiritually-aware) - I look back...
... And I love the headmaster for what he did.
I respect him for what he did.
IF he had been my teacher... I never would have ended up with the worst grade possible for maths... That's for sure.
What of the other (my regular (maths)) teacher?
...I liked him as a person - but he wasn't cut out to teach... He was too soft to get through to most of us, and that's not worthy of respect... Because as a: 'teacher' HE was supposed to be in control.
If he couldn't control a classroom - he shouldn't have been teaching - simple as that.
("Not many should teach") James 3:1
These days when I see how God took (and still yet takes) a firm hand with me at times... I think about those two teachers, and I respect and I love God for what He is doing.
Because still... I'm the (rebellious) student and He is the 'Greatest' Teacher of all.
I know that He teaches me for my own good. - He is exposing those whom he is fond of and disciplining them... (Just like the headmaster did to me). (Rev 3:19).
"For the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he corrects each one he accepts as his child".
With God's (sometimes harsh) correction - if we obey - we can pass our trials here on earth... Becoming qualified to enter His Paradise-Kingdom.
If we had a: 'pushover' teacher who let us do everything we wanted to do... We wouldn't get very far.
I just wanted to write this as a reminder for anyone struggling to keep going, and not to doubt God and what He is doing... To accept that you are the student and He is the Teacher.
Again... The end of an un-qualifed teacher 'teaching' us is:- dishonor, defeat, disrespect, weakness, ridicule, pain, regret... (And having to sit the test again)...
Whereas; the end of a qualified teacher teaching us is:- honor and glory, overcoming, respect, power, praise, joy, contentment and peace... Forever. - Made: 'pillars' in His house - never needing to go out no more.
No wonder the scriptures tell us to: 'welcome' trials and count them: 'ALL JOY'! - To REJOICE in them! :laugh: :banana:
Amen! :Pray:
REJOICE I SAY!
God will not leave anyone in an unsaved/carnal (unspiritual) (dunce?) state forever! :laugh:
How He loves us... Doing what we would NEVER choose to do of ourselves... DISCIPLINING us, and thus making us something of worth.
Praise God, Who is creating all of us in HIS glorious IMAGE.
"When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish... He will be satisfied". - (Isaiah 53:11).
God is not: 'willingly' afflicting us. - It's necessary (because IN Him we exist, and He does walk in us).
Being then; offspring of God - bear in mind that it's His work, yet also our work for our benefit... The travail of our soul... Our wages... :HeartThrob:
#70
Discussions on Universal Salvation / Re: Ecc 3 ;11
Last post by GodSavesAll - December 22, 2025, 07:17:09 PMQuote from: rosered on December 20, 2025, 04:48:25 PM
sharing this as I said , wonderful to learn, you might already know this , but it is new to me
about biding and loosing sins and forgiveness and being corrected by the Lord .
keys to the kingdom matt 16
Peter?s Confession of Christ
(Mark 8:27?30; Luke 9:18?20; John 6:67?71)
13When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He questioned His disciples: ?Who do people say the Son of Man is??
14They replied, ?Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.?
15?But what about you?? Jesus asked. ?Who do you say I am??
16Simon Peter answered, ?You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.?
17Jesus replied, ?Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven.
18And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.?
the rock solid truth is believing in Jesus Christ , the first born among the dead , One of a kind and first fruits of the new creation nothing can stop this TRUTH
what is the binding and loosing ? releasing sins by forgiveness , Jesus holy nature and binding holding one accountable to teach and admonish
the wrath of God abides on the children of disobedience ,its not the devil or evil spirits but Gods way to teaching us obedience is better than sacrifices
JESUS sacrifice is all GOD will accept we must abide OBEY in Him
one example of loosing sins was Stephens death , a holy one being full of the Holy Spirit , his obedience was unto death of his flesh , do not hold this to their charge
making him alive forever more.
another example is Paul's holding and loosing
14 Alexander the coppersmith did me great wrongs. The Lord will pay him back for his actions.
15 Beware of him yourself, for he opposed and resisted our message very strongly and exceedingly.
16 At my first trial no one acted in my defense [as my advocate] or took my part or [even] stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them!
17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the [Gospel] message might be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was delivered out of the jaws of the lion.
18 [And indeed] the Lord will certainly deliver and draw me to Himself from every assault of evil.
I saw what Paul says here , the presence of Our Lord Jesus Christ keeps us from evil .
He will preserve and bring me safe unto His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen (so be it)
Binding and loosing (as far as I can tell) here is about Peter (the 'rock' (foundation) which the ecclesia is built upon) getting the 'keys' to the kingdom to make decisions on whether to 'allow' or 'not allow' certain things into it.
But it applies to all to some extent... Simply put; whatever people: 'allow' in their 'lives' (soul) (inner-person) it will be their experience/wages (reap = sow). - It can't be any other way. :dontknow: God is just.
The 'wheels' are in motion (so to speak), and we may indeed get a lemon, but it's up to us to make a lemonade (turn the water to wine).
Paul spoke about people permitting other people to (happily) slap them over the face, exploit them (etc), - yet they rejected what was good for them, (whilst thinking they were wise and boasting). (2 Corinthians 11:19).
- They will experience the consequences of what they accepted and what they rejected within themselves (soul/heavens)... aionan, for as long as they dwell in folly.
Jesus spoke about people 'straining' at a gnat but swallowing a camel.
Etc.
There are 'better' resurrections and 'LIFE' for sure; and much of it is to do with what people accept and reject.
...Rejecting truth/Christ isn't good!
Also; we can only make PROPER (well-informed!) decisions when we KNOW the truth (that is: 'Christ').
Peter recognized God in Christ (had the full truth) and thusly was 'qualified' to make such decisions.
But it all depends how much someone has been 'given'. - To those given more - more will be asked of them. - Some are working for the kingdom now... Unawares!