To those that feel the need to know

[his-servant-too]

Again, perhaps still wondering...unless that by posting what I said earlier, you're in agreement with me...

Both statements are indeed the truth...as Christians, we're blessed to serve and live for a risen Savior; also, the Christian faith is one of exclusivism (only one way to God and that way is through Christ).

Sorry if I misunderstood, just wondering if we're on the "same page"...

AP 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

NO I think we have a basic disagreement. I say can see the light of Gods handy work in most of the religions that I've been in contact with making God less exclusive than you claim. You say you see God as having a hand in "the christian" religions only and access to God the exclusive right given to Christian believers.

The rain fell alike upon the just and upon the unjust, and for nothing was there a why and a wherefore.

W. Somerset Maugham, 'Of Human Bondage', 1915

English dramatist & novelist (1874 - 1965)

[Artemus Prime]

Well, I don't know if I'd say I meant exclusive in the sense of some sort of proud arrogance...but, yes, exclusive in the sense that believing in the saving work of Jesus IS the only way to God...Christ said as much himself...

"I am the way, the truth, and the life...no one comes to the Father except through me..." and etc.

There are not many paths, many "ways" to God...only one...as Scripture shows.

AP

[his-servant-too]

Well, I don't know if I'd say I meant exclusive in the sense of some sort of proud arrogance...but, yes, exclusive in the sense that believing in the saving work of Jesus IS the only way to God...Christ said as much himself...

"I am the way, the truth, and the life...no one comes to the Father except through me..." and etc.

There are not many paths, many "ways" to God...only one...as Scripture shows.

AP

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Then how did we get there before Jesus? or all these people burning in hell because Christ wasn't born yet.

The dead might as well try to speak to the living as the old to the young.

Willa Cather

US novelist (1873 - 1947)

[Catsmeow]

But a belief in God alone doesn't make you a christian! That also makes you wonder.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Friend, you are correct. It doesn't.James 2:19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble!

I don't think I'm that eager to meet him too soon. I'd rather wait until my appointed time.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

HST: You will meet Him, it's only a matter of when. It's far better to meet Him now while there is breath of life in you.

[Catsmeow]

Then how did we get there before Jesus? or all these people burning in hell because Christ wasn't born yet.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

God's laws are designed to satisfy the spiritual law for justice, since God is just as well as merciful.

Spiritual law holds that suffering must take place when injustice (sin) occurs. The suffering of an innocent animal in the Old Testament served as atonement to satisfy the just requirements of spiritual law.

He, as Sovereign, made a substitution for the sins of His people, allowing that an animal be slain, and blood be shed.

This is a foreshadowing of Christ, the Savior.

These individuals faithfully went to the City of Jerusalem to sacrifice each year ... to make atonement.

Each year the priest would make sacrifice for the sins of each family, typically with a lamb.

Again, this is a foreshadowing of the coming of the Lamb of God (Jesus Christ).

This is similar to making the "minimum monthly installment" on a credit card.

When the Lamb of God came, He paid it ALL! He paid the entire balance due for the sins of the whole WORLD...not just Israel but ALL who would accept Him as a substitute for their sins.

No longer was there a "balance" due (like there is on a credit card). He paid the entire amount.

His blood did what the blood of slain lambs could not do.....He paid the entire price for justice for the world's sin in totality *(for those who would accept Him).

[his-servant-too]

God's laws are designed to satisfy the spiritual law for justice, since God is just as well as merciful.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I find that definition of just a little off the mark somehow.

The moment of victory is much too short to live for that and nothing else.

Martina Navratilova

US (Czechoslovakian-born) tennis player (1956 - )

[Catsmeow]

Justice is a requirement of God, which consists of moral rightness.

Justice jus

[Catsmeow]

HST: Just as there are laws which govern the physical realm, such as chemistry and physics, so there are spiritual laws which govern both heaven and earth.

God is the Author of both physical and spiritual laws. Both come under compliance to His divine edicts.

Spiritual laws govern the absolute requirement for justice and righteousness.

We, as human beings, fall short. He made a way of escape for all who are willing to receive.

You will either be willing to receive the truth of God's Word or you will reject it. If you reject the way God has made (Christ), you will not be granted the mercy needed to stand in the judgement.

The choice to receive His Gift, (Christ) will rest with you.

[his-servant-too]

HST: Just as there are laws which govern the physical realm, such as chemistry and physics, so there are spiritual laws which govern both heaven and earth.

God is the Author of both physical and spiritual laws. Both come under compliance to His divine edicts.

Spiritual laws govern the absolute requirement for justice and righteousness.

We, as human beings, fall short. He made a way of escape for all who are willing to receive.

You will either be willing to receive the truth of God's Word or you will reject it. If you reject the way God has made (Christ), you will not be granted the mercy needed to stand in the judgement.

The choice to receive His Gift, (Christ) will rest with you.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Gee thanks, However:

I still don't see the concept that God would have souls burn in hell for ever because they didn't accept his gift or were never exposed to his teachings anywhere near "justice"

It is astonishing what force, purity, and wisdom it requires for a human being to keep clear of falsehoods.

Margaret Fuller

US Transcendentalist author & editor (1810 - 1850)

[Remnantrob]

everyone will come to a knowledge of God.

(Is 50:2) Was my arm too short to ransom you? Do I lack the strength to rescue you?

(Is 59:1) Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear.

He is merciful, we are just really selfish.