does judgement = reincarnation so that the cycle of suffering is repeated? maybe we are all in hell now and have not yet "awaken".. is life just a test by God?
Probably because Lucifer, as you describe him, was made up by St. Jerome when he was writing/translating the Vulgate.
IF I were to become convinced that God existed, I'd do anything and everything in my power to attempt to preserve as many souls as possible. (mine included) I'm constantly amazed at people who profess to believe in God/heaven/hell and sin without any regard for their ETERNAL soul. I don't believe in any god though, so I'm more than willing to eat lobster/ham/beef without any concern.
James 1:12-15 Blessed are those who persevere under trial, because when they have stood the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each of you is tempted when you are dragged away by your own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. We are born with an eternal spirit. But because of our natural sinful state, we are born with a mortal body that will one day die. none the less, our spirit lives on. Now wether or not we decide to be born again of His Spirit which is perfect, holy, and righteous is your decision. If you will not accept whole heartedly that Jesus came and lived a perfect life and died on the cross as an atonement for the world's sin and rose again to defeat death; you cannot be reconciled to God. Accept and repent for the kingdom of God is at hand. Born once, die twice; Born twice, die once
Well I was speaking to the board as a whole, when we decide what actually happened instead of how the bible describes things happening we open the door for all sorts of heresy. Not saying you are a heretic by any means, because in all honestly I love you brother, and I think you raise some honest and thought provoking points. Jesus himself the broke down the Old Testament as the law, the prophets, and psalms. Not saying there are not parts of each in each major section of OT scripture. But the Genesis account of creation presides in the Law. Of course I don't know what exactly happened. I'm not short sighted much But I faith the creation was spoke into existence just as how God states it. There are several different ways to interpret scripture; literal, figurative and metaphorically. But the language itself is clear to as which way should be used. From what I've learned in seminary school the language is presented in the very most literal sense. Of course I have many of my own questions that I would like answered one day. But till then I will continue in my child-like faith rejoicing all the way to an eternity with my Lord. The OT was canonized during the lifetime of Jesus. And of course the final canonization of the NT wasn't until nearly 400 AD. Remember the writers still for the most part believe that Jesus would be back in their lifetime. So as they got older they realized, "hey, we better write these things down." Also remember the apostles were blessed with a supernatural gifts of knowledge and prophecy thus they basically spoke doctrine. The arguments you talk about are wether or not the Gentiles should be brought the Gospel message of Jesus. Of course it isn't God, but if you hear about a Jesus that doesn't stand up against the light of the bible; then I submit this isn't the true Jesus. Of course god can make donkeys speak if he has to(points at self), but it is the clearest voice that God can present to us. If you ever get the chance study how we got the bible as we have it today, and tell me God didn't have everything to do with it. I will not put a label on anyone. All I know is we are all sinners. Some choose to be saved by grace, through faith- and this is not of ourselves, it is a gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. To me being Christ like(Christian) isn't a religion, dogma, creed, but a way of life not our life but His that lives in us. The more I get older I realize the good in me is Christ. I praise Him! Thank you Lord!
I don't think I could ever be convinced that "God" exists, at least not without a clear definition of what you mean by that, so I can't honestly answer the question.
OK, let's say you were hit in the head and lost all rational thought, thus becoming 'convinced' there is a 'God'.
I voted Yes. And I not a fan of all these religious sects. I prefer to keep it simple. You either believe Jesus is the Savior, the one who lived a sinless life and died for all of our sins anyway,.....or you don't.
That's exactly my point, actually. No matter how powerfully I felt God's presence, it would still be far more likely that I was deluded than that She actually existed.
They don't? God created the world and everything in it. There exists suffering in the world. Therefore, God created suffering. What a b*stard.
Hah - suffering .... I spit on suffering. The Book says Suffering ain't no thang. In the end, there is Love and Hope, These things He also gave us. Rejoice. Romans 5:2-5 (New International Version)
Yeah, God exists and he lives in the biggest black hole at the center of universe. God is the dude who lights the match in the big bang.
Normally I try to stray away from God posts, because its the same stuff over and over, but I love talking about it. Practically taught it from birth. I put great emphasis on number three because infinite applies to everything. Infinite mercy, love, patience...everything. You would think this opens the window for infinite evil and malice as well, but if you believe in the Bible that's put to bed at least from God in the Old Testament. God pretty much said he's not going to strike down on people when they do horrible things. I'd find the texts but I'm too lazy. So scratch the infinite bad stuff. Tack on the infinite good stuff. I take it that while its great if you can manage to be a good person, God's infinite love, patience, and mercy will still be there even if you're the most evil son of a b**** out there. The catch is if you still default everything about you to God eventually, that love, patience, and mercy will be wholly received. It's only through rejection that those good graces will cease to be given. Ultimately I think the infinitely good God would prefer anyone to accept him wholly with, as Al Green would say, "love and happiness."
