Originally posted by Polycarp
NYJ - How is ignoring not an answer?
I think I smell fish bait?
Ok, let me see if I can make this any easier for you two to understand.
Let us say I own a store, it is in a "not so wealthy" part of town and word has gotten out that I have a charitable nature and often help people out with food and forgiving "tabs" if a family is especially desperate. People appreciate this gesture of good will, and therefore do not abuse it.
Answer in the affirmative:
An old lady comes into the store and has not eaten in two days. She says that she has heard about my store and asks if there is anything I can spare. I tell her of course there is and I fix her a sandwich, give her a bottle of juice and a couple of pieces of fruit. She leaves the store. As she is crossing the street she is harassed by a young man who takes her food and throws it on the floor. She gathers it up and moves along, the young man laughs and hangs out in front of the store.
Answer in the negative:
Another guy comes into the store and asks me if I can spare him any money. It is not my policy to give out money but rather give out sustenance so I tell him I can fix him some food, but money is out of the question. He leaves the store.
Ignoring, leaving a request unanswered:
Flash back to the young man who terrorized the old lady up above. He hits hard times but continues to be a punk. He is very hungry and remembers the old lady with the free food. He comes into my store, I recognize him. He asks me for some food. I tune him out. His request falls on deaf ears. I don't know if he's asking me for food or money or if he's even telling me he's about to get a knife and stab me. I refuse to acknowledge his existance. Eventually he turns away and leaves.
Now, tell me... did I give the man an answer? No, I did not. I didn't tell him yes, I didn't tell him no. I ignored him, to the point where I did not even hear what he was saying. As far as I cared, he did not exist. Perhaps he may have even been better had a millstone been tied around his neck.
And that is the way it is with the wicked man. So departed from God's presence that God refuses to acknowledge him. God won't give an answer because God
is not listening. Until that man seeks Jesus Christ and asks Jesus Christ to intercede for him, on his behalf to the Father, to first and foremost forgive him of his sins, he should fear death for death will bring hell. For Hell is without God. It is to be forever ignored, forever denied life and love.
I'd rather be told "No".
Perhaps THIS will explain it.
