Spirituality
29 Jun 06
29 Jun 06
Originally posted by David CRev 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is [the book] of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
What does it mean? Freaky? RBHill? Thanks, I need the answer for my Bible Studies class.
Sounds like Judgement Day, David. Or pay day. Or payback day. Or going forth by day day.
29 Jun 06
Originally posted by Bosse de NageIt certainly does, Bosseman, it certainly does. What happens to those who had Faith in the non-meritorious work of Jesus Christ on the Cross, but didn't perform the aforementioned and apparently required Works?
Sounds like Judgement Day, David. Or pay day. Or payback day. Or going forth by day day.
29 Jun 06
Originally posted by David CMaybe I've got the whole thing back to front, or hanging upside down, or in some other painful, unnatural posture, but talk of Work always makes me think of a Contract, which should be available for all parties to peruse. Are all the relevant documents available?
It certainly does, Bosseman, it certainly does. What happens to those who had Faith in the non-meritorious work of Jesus Christ on the Cross, but didn't perform the aforementioned and apparently required Works?
29 Jun 06
Originally posted by Bosse de NageI'll ask my Sunday School teacher if she has any copies tucked away. Maybe Lucy's Hamster has them in .PDF?
Maybe I've got the whole thing back to front, or hanging upside down, or in some other painful, unnatural posture, but talk of Work always makes me think of a Contract, which should be available for all parties to peruse. Are all the relevant documents available?
30 Jun 06
1 edit
Originally posted by David CWhat it says is that those who are not written in the book of life are not saved. You assume that your name is or is not written in the book of life via your works alone. This is incorrect. Rather, you are saved by grace and your works should follow naturally. The works in and of themselves do not save you. Notice that there are no works in particular that need to be accomplished to get into heaven.
It certainly does, Bosseman, it certainly does. What happens to those who had Faith in the non-meritorious work of Jesus Christ on the Cross, but didn't perform the aforementioned and apparently required Works?
30 Jun 06
Originally posted by whodeyI agree with you whodey.
What it says is that those who are not written in the book of life are not saved. You assume that your name is or is not written in the book of life via your works alone. This is incorrect. Rather, you are saved by grace and your works should follow naturally. The works in and of themselves do not save you. Notice that there are no works in particular that need to be accomplished to get into heaven.
Jesus was asked which of the commandments was the greatest. His response was "to love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your mind, all your body and all your soul. The second is like it, to love your neighbor as yourself."
If you look at what Jesus is recorded as having said, he speaks more about the Kingdom of God (or Kingdom of Heaven, depending on which Gospel) than anything else. If we put the two together (and I think we should) then the Kingdom of God is about our relationship to God and each other.
Jesus asked us to follow him. Interestingly enough, he never asks us to worship him, only to worship the Father. If we follow Jesus (and follow his example) we will find ourselves helping those in greatest need and loving those who need it the most. This is the works part. Paul speaks of the "fruits of the spirit." If we truly love God with everything that we have then it will show up in patience, love, hope, faith, etc.
30 Jun 06
Originally posted by MythicalSkippyWhat about people who are born to a different faith, or who are never introduced to christianity? Seems a bit harsh from an omnibenevolent god to send 'em to burn!
I agree with you whodey.
Jesus was asked which of the commandments was the greatest. His response was "to love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your mind, all your body and all your soul. The second is like it, to love your neighbor as yourself."
If you look at what Jesus is recorded as having said, he speaks more about the Kingdom o ...[text shortened]... e God with everything that we have then it will show up in patience, love, hope, faith, etc.
30 Jun 06
Originally posted by scottishinnzYou make it sound as though this is God's fault. Have you ever considered it was the fault of his followers that were commanded to get out the message?
What about people who are born to a different faith, or who are never introduced to christianity? Seems a bit harsh from an omnibenevolent god to send 'em to burn!
30 Jun 06
Originally posted by whodeyEver heard of personal responsibility?
You make it sound as though this is God's fault. Have you ever considered it was the fault of his followers that were commanded to get out the message?
The evidence of God's existance is all around you. "The heavens declare the glory of God..." There are biblical examples of people who's faith in God "saved" them. Abraham was one of those. It's not the fault of the followers. It's the fault of the individual if he does not seek out God.
As for it being harsh, it's only harsh if you deny God. There are consequences to our actions. In the great game of life, we don't get a "do-over" once we die. We get plenty of opportunity to get it right before death. Those are the rules.