It is unfortunate that we Christians have been telling the unsaved, including those who have never heard the gospel, that they will burn in hell for all eternity. There are millions upon millions who have lived and died, never having heard the gospel, and we say that it is "just" for God to assign them to hell forever, although they had no chance of being saved.
Well-meaning Christians will jump all over this post, believing that they are actually defending God and His word, even though they are not. At the same time, they perpetuate the lie that he is an unjust monster, creating humans destined for hell unless they receive the Savior, most of whom never hear a word about, until they arrive at judgment when it's too late.
If you would like to hear the whole story of a good and just God and have a true explanation of an essential question, go to www.WhoGoesToHell.com for a brief video summary and the readable study online.
When Adam ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, he brought two things into the world.
1. "Death" because he disobeyed God.
2. "The knowledge of good and evil" because he ate from the tree that imparted that knowledge.
Since we have been given the knowledge of good and evil, we can determine what is "good" from what is "evil", and what is "just" from what is "unjust".
The scenario
A man, "John", was driving his car through various towns on his journey. He unknowingly crossed an unmarked town line. A town police officer pulled him over, telling him that he was going 30 MPH in a 29 MPH zone. John said that there were no signs indicating that the speed limit was 29 MPH and that he was only 1 MPH over the limit, even if there were signs (and there were none).
The officer said, I am not the judge, you are under arrest. John was brought before the judge.
John pleaded with the judge saying that there were actually no signs indicating the speed limit, and had there been signs, he would have obeyed.
The judge sentenced him to life in prison with no possibility of appeal or parole.
QUESTION: Is this "Just" or "Unjust" sentencing?
(This is where Christians jump in to defend God's honor, when in reality, they are defending a doctrine that paints him as an unjust monster.)
Traditional Christian doctrine says that anyone who does not receive Jesus as Savior, even if they never even had the opportunity to hear a single word of the gospel, will burn in hell for all eternity.
Here is what Jesus said...
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3)
Jesus says that there are two possibilities, "perish" (death as a consequence of Adam's sin) or "everlasting life", life that only Jesus can give.
Jesus "saves" us from death and gives us "everlasting life". That is "salvation". That happens when we accept his sacrifice and exchange our "mortality" for "immortality".
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
(1 Corinthians 15)
Those who have never heard the gospel "perish" and return to the dust because they were not able to "put on immortality", never having heard of the Savior or his good news covenant.
God's judgment upon Adam (and the world because of Adam)...
17 To the man he said: Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, You shall not eat from it,
Cursed is the ground because of you!
In toil you shall eat its yield
all the days of your life.
18 Thorns and thistles it shall bear for you,
and you shall eat the grass of the field.
19 By the sweat of your brow
you shall eat bread,
Until you return to the ground,
from which you were taken;
For you are dust,
and to dust you shall return.
There is no mention of being resurrected into an eternal existence and being sentenced to hell for all eternity. That is a far greater incentive to obey had Adam been warned...
Then... It is only after we have entered the covenant and have been born again by the spirit can we "strive to enter" our promised "inheritance" which has conditions of entry. These conditions are the expectations of the "Lord" over his "servants", those to whom he has given "salvation" and a promised place that they must value and possess. See the parable of the Treasure hidden in a field, the pearl of great price, the parable of the talents, and others...
Most of the parables are illustrations of those who "enter the kingdom of heaven" having met the Lord's reasonable expectations and those who fail to meet them and are cast out. The "servants" who fail to meet his clearly defined expectations of their "Lord" are sent somewhere... Outer darkness where there will be gnashing of teeth in every case.
Examine the relationships in the following parable. All three individuals are defined as "servants" of the same "Lord". Their Lord comes to "settle accounts" with his servants. In order to be a "servant" of the "Lord", you must receive the covenant that only Jesus offers. Then, and only then, will there be an expectation of the Lord for "productivity"...
The Parable of the Talents
14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, you knew that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 25
These "servants" have been given eternal life. They have "put on immortality". They can never die. They go to where eternal beings like Satan and the rebellious angels under judgment go... Hell.
Those who do not accept the covenant of everlasting life from Jesus, whether they have heard of it or not, "perish", just as Jesus said they will.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3)
Those who receive his covenant are given eternal life and will be asked by "their Lord" to demonstrate that they have valued the kingdom promised "inheritance" that was theirs to "enter", when their Lord comes to settle accounts with His "servants".
The parables reveal the mystery of the "requirements" to possess what the Lord has purchased for those who receive his covenant of "salvation" from death and promise of and "inheritance", the kingdom of heaven...
Take a look for a complete understanding: www.WhoGoesToHell.com
While I flinch at the idea of [a good and just god], I have come to accept 1# that God relies on the gospel never to get anybody to heaven (salvation level 4), but only to get folk into the church (salvation level 3), level 3 being a blessed addition to life subsequent to Calvary and limited to exposure to and uptake of its message, and 2# that level 4 has never been based on a message. You might enjoy reading Israel’s Gone Global on this.It is unfortunate that we Christians have been telling the unsaved, including those who have never heard the gospel, that they will burn in hell for all eternity.... If you would like to hear the whole story of a good and just God...
People do not go to hell for not hearing about Jesus, they go to hell for their sin and things that they did that they knew was wrong.It is unfortunate that we Christians have been telling the unsaved, including those who have never heard the gospel, that they will burn in hell for all eternity. There are millions upon millions who have lived and died, never having heard the gospel, and we say that it is "just" for God to assign them to hell forever, although they had no chance of being saved.
Well-meaning Christians will jump all over this post, believing that they are actually defending God and His word, even though they are not. At the same time, they perpetuate the lie that he is an unjust monster, creating humans destined for hell unless they receive the Savior, most of whom never hear a word about, until they arrive at judgment when it's too late.
If you would like to hear the whole story of a good and just God and have a true explanation of an essential question, go to www.WhoGoesToHell.com for a brief video summary and the readable study online.
When Adam ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, he brought two things into the world.
1. "Death" because he disobeyed God.
2. "The knowledge of good and evil" because he ate from the tree that imparted that knowledge.
Since we have been given the knowledge of good and evil, we can determine what is "good" from what is "evil", and what is "just" from what is "unjust".
The scenario
A man, "John", was driving his car through various towns on his journey. He unknowingly crossed an unmarked town line. A town police officer pulled him over, telling him that he was going 30 MPH in a 29 MPH zone. John said that there were no signs indicating that the speed limit was 29 MPH and that he was only 1 MPH over the limit, even if there were signs (and there were none).
The officer said, I am not the judge, you are under arrest. John was brought before the judge.
John pleaded with the judge saying that there were actually no signs indicating the speed limit, and had there been signs, he would have obeyed.
The judge sentenced him to life in prison with no possibility of appeal or parole.
QUESTION: Is this "Just" or "Unjust" sentencing?
(This is where Christians jump in to defend God's honor, when in reality, they are defending a doctrine that paints him as an unjust monster.)
Traditional Christian doctrine says that anyone who does not receive Jesus as Savior, even if they never even had the opportunity to hear a single word of the gospel, will burn in hell for all eternity.
Here is what Jesus said...
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3)
Jesus says that there are two possibilities, "perish" (death as a consequence of Adam's sin) or "everlasting life", life that only Jesus can give.
Jesus "saves" us from death and gives us "everlasting life". That is "salvation". That happens when we accept his sacrifice and exchange our "mortality" for "immortality".
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
(1 Corinthians 15)
Those who have never heard the gospel "perish" and return to the dust because they were not able to "put on immortality", never having heard of the Savior or his good news covenant.
God's judgment upon Adam (and the world because of Adam)...
17 To the man he said: Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, You shall not eat from it,
Cursed is the ground because of you!
In toil you shall eat its yield
all the days of your life.
18 Thorns and thistles it shall bear for you,
and you shall eat the grass of the field.
19 By the sweat of your brow
you shall eat bread,
Until you return to the ground,
from which you were taken;
For you are dust,
and to dust you shall return.
There is no mention of being resurrected into an eternal existence and being sentenced to hell for all eternity. That is a far greater incentive to obey had Adam been warned...
Then... It is only after we have entered the covenant and have been born again by the spirit can we "strive to enter" our promised "inheritance" which has conditions of entry. These conditions are the expectations of the "Lord" over his "servants", those to whom he has given "salvation" and a promised place that they must value and possess. See the parable of the Treasure hidden in a field, the pearl of great price, the parable of the talents, and others...
Most of the parables are illustrations of those who "enter the kingdom of heaven" having met the Lord's reasonable expectations and those who fail to meet them and are cast out. The "servants" who fail to meet his clearly defined expectations of their "Lord" are sent somewhere... Outer darkness where there will be gnashing of teeth in every case.
Examine the relationships in the following parable. All three individuals are defined as "servants" of the same "Lord". Their Lord comes to "settle accounts" with his servants. In order to be a "servant" of the "Lord", you must receive the covenant that only Jesus offers. Then, and only then, will there be an expectation of the Lord for "productivity"...
The Parable of the Talents
14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, you knew that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 25
These "servants" have been given eternal life. They have "put on immortality". They can never die. They go to where eternal beings like Satan and the rebellious angels under judgment go... Hell.
Those who do not accept the covenant of everlasting life from Jesus, whether they have heard of it or not, "perish", just as Jesus said they will.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3)
Those who receive his covenant are given eternal life and will be asked by "their Lord" to demonstrate that they have valued the kingdom promised "inheritance" that was theirs to "enter", when their Lord comes to settle accounts with His "servants".
The parables reveal the mystery of the "requirements" to possess what the Lord has purchased for those who receive his covenant of "salvation" from death and promise of and "inheritance", the kingdom of heaven...
Take a look for a complete understanding: www.WhoGoesToHell.com
It is not as to never heard the Gospel, but things such as - did they turn to idols, realize that they are sinners, turn from their sin, honor the Creator of all things. The Bible tells that His works speak of Him. It shows that man is without excuse.
People do not go to hell for not hearing about Jesus, they go to hell for their sin and things that they did that they knew was wrong.
Also-- if God never sends them a missionary, it was because they wouldn't have believed them about the gospel anyway.. Since God knows what their decision would be if he did send them one. He would not force them to reject it, he would just know what they would do.
Again, those who did not accept Christ or never heard the gospel, they are not going to be judged by not hearing the gospel, they will only be judged by their own sin against their conscious...
Now i dont know about you, but this is why Jesus has commanded us to tell the gospel to everyone-- this gives me a sense of urgency about it, and its my drive to tell my family, coworkers and friends.. And using the resources of the church to spread and reach as many people as possible about the gospel while i am here.
Romans 1: 18-32 explains clearly that ALL are without excuse for in creation, God reveals Himself.
I feel that you are arguing that there are some who are 'innocent' which is counter to what we are taught through the scriptures. 'for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God' says Rom 3:23. ALL are deserving of the judgement of God's wrath, which is upon ALL sin, that is not covered by the blood of His Son. Three is no compartments to who goes where. Those who did not get formerly told of Christ, are told of God, in the creation - they need only to acknowledge Him, and worship Him in this - but most if not all - do not. we all die, and are appointed THE judgement, not judgements.
the scenario you give regarding the judge - is quite flawed. It reveals your lack of knowledge for one. as I have stated, we are given the commandments and God also reveals Himself in creation. there is not one, who will be without excuse to say 'oh, sorry, I did not know' for on that day, they will not even open their mouth - for they will clearly see how they rejected God over and over again. Your argument is troubling to say the least.
You are using 'wording' argument - what we are warned not to do 1 Tim 6:4; he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions,
This reference you make as God being an 'unjust monster' - I believe, is the place where you are caught in- for it is YOU that has placed him there. you have head knowledge, are gathering the knowledge of others - and are creating your own image of God, that suits your flesh mind. I would admonish you to learn what it means to seek God in Spirit and truth.
For in truth, you are like a bulldozer, trying to create your own landscape my friend
Romans 1: 18-32 explains clearly that ALL are without excuse for in creation, God reveals Himself.
I feel that you are arguing that there are some who are 'innocent' which is counter to what we are taught through the scriptures. 'for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God' says Rom 3:23. ALL are deserving of the judgement of God's wrath, which is upon ALL sin, that is not covered by the blood of His Son.
Those who did not get formerly told of Christ, are told of God, in the creation - they need only to acknowledge Him, and worship Him in this - but most if not all - do not. we all die, and are appointed THE judgement, not judgements.
Perish as being cast into eternal Hell.
Those who are saved by Jesus Christ are given eternal life in God's glorious presence.
Perish as being cast into eternal Hell
Those who are saved by Jesus Christ are given eternal life in God's glorious presence.
Are you saying you do not share the same sense of urgency to tell the lost the good news of Christ as i do? If not, why? I'm not following what your saying. I just tell people about Christ, God has told me that's his command to me in his word, so that's what i do. And i do it with joy. As a follower of Christ you should do the same! I hope to have many people in heaven that will say it was me as a vessel which God used to reach them. And I'll continue to tell people everyday, as long as i live about Christ.You contradicted yourself...
"if God never sends them a missionary, it was because they wouldn't have believed them about the gospel anyway.. Since God knows what their decision would be if he did send them one. He would not force them to reject it, he would just know what they would do."
Then you say...
"Now i don't know about you, but this is why Jesus has commanded us to tell the gospel to everyone-- this gives me a sense of urgency about it, and its my drive to tell my family, coworkers and friends.. And using the resources of the church to spread and reach as many people as possible about the gospel while i am here."If you say on the one hand, we should be urgent about spreading the gospel to friends and family "as missionaries", then why is OK to not be urgent about whole countries that have not had the gospel preached? They certainly cannot be saved without hearing.
Why would Paul say this if what you are saying is true?...
11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; 13 for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? 15 How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!” Romans 10
I kind of see where your getting your confusion from add to how it sounds contradicting. I get it. Had to re-read it several times at your reply. People will be saved through Christ. There is no hope because we all sin. We have God's law written on our hearts, we know what is wrong and what is right with knowledge.You contradicted yourself...
"if God never sends them a missionary, it was because they wouldn't have believed them about the gospel anyway.. Since God knows what their decision would be if he did send them one. He would not force them to reject it, he would just know what they would do."
Then you say...
"Now i don't know about you, but this is why Jesus has commanded us to tell the gospel to everyone-- this gives me a sense of urgency about it, and its my drive to tell my family, coworkers and friends.. And using the resources of the church to spread and reach as many people as possible about the gospel while i am here."If you say on the one hand, we should be urgent about spreading the gospel to friends and family "as missionaries", then why is OK to not be urgent about whole countries that have not had the gospel preached? They certainly cannot be saved without hearing.
Why would Paul say this if what you are saying is true?...
11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; 13 for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? 15 How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!” Romans 10
Here is what Jesus said...
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3)
KJV Dictionary Definition: perish
PER'ISH, v.i.L. pereo, supposed to be compounded of per and eo, to go; literally, to depart wholly.
1. To die; to lose life in any manner
2. To die; to wither and decay; applied to plants.
3. To waste away; as, a leg or an arm has perished.
4. To be in a state of decay or passing away.
5. To be destroyed; to come to nothing.
Your definition, "Perish as being cast into eternal Hell" does not exist. This is why we do not understand what Jesus is offering, "life" from certain "death"...
1. To die; to lose life in any manner; applied to animals. Men perish by disease or decay, by the sword, by drowning, by hunger or famine, &c.
2. To die; to wither and decay; applied to plants.
3. To waste away; as, a leg or an arm has perished.
4. To be in a state of decay or passing away.
Duration, and time which is part of it, is the idea we have of perishing distance.
5. To be destroyed; to come to nothing.
Perish the lore that deadens young desire.
6. To fail entirely or to be extirpated. 2 Kings.9.
7. To be burst or ruined; as, the bottles shall perish.
Luke 5.
8. To be wasted or rendered useless. Jer.9.
9. To be injured or tormented. 1 Cor.8.
10. To be lost eternally; to be sentenced to endless misery. 2 Pet.2.
It is unfortunate that we Christians have been telling the unsaved, including those who have never heard the gospel, that they will burn in hell for all eternity.
I think Bible has good scriptures about this:
For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without the law. As many as have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. For it isn't the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law will be justified (for when Gentiles who don't have the law do by nature the things of the law, these, not having the law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience testifying with them, and their thoughts among themselves accusing or else excusing them) in the day when God will judge the secrets of men, according to my gospel, by Jesus Christ.
Romans 2:12-16
It is possible that person can be counted righteous, even if he has not heard of Jesus. And as it is said, righteous will have eternal life.
These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.
Mat. 25:46
Unfortunately, there seems to be many “Christian” that are like in this:
Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will tell me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?' Then I will tell them, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.'
Matt. 7:21-23
It is unfortunate that we Christians have been telling the unsaved, including those who have never heard the gospel, that they will burn in hell for all eternity. There are millions upon millions who have lived and died, never having heard the gospel, and we say that it is "just" for God to assign them to hell forever, although they had no chance of being saved.
Well-meaning Christians will jump all over this post, believing that they are actually defending God and His word, even though they are not. At the same time, they perpetuate the lie that he is an unjust monster, creating humans destined for hell unless they receive the Savior, most of whom never hear a word about, until they arrive at judgment when it's too late.
If you would like to hear the whole story of a good and just God and have a true explanation of an essential question, go to www.WhoGoesToHell.com for a brief video summary and the readable study online.
When Adam ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, he brought two things into the world.
1. "Death" because he disobeyed God.
2. "The knowledge of good and evil" because he ate from the tree that imparted that knowledge.
Since we have been given the knowledge of good and evil, we can determine what is "good" from what is "evil", and what is "just" from what is "unjust".
The scenario
A man, "John", was driving his car through various towns on his journey. He unknowingly crossed an unmarked town line. A town police officer pulled him over, telling him that he was going 30 MPH in a 29 MPH zone. John said that there were no signs indicating that the speed limit was 29 MPH and that he was only 1 MPH over the limit, even if there were signs (and there were none).
The officer said, I am not the judge, you are under arrest. John was brought before the judge.
John pleaded with the judge saying that there were actually no signs indicating the speed limit, and had there been signs, he would have obeyed.
The judge sentenced him to life in prison with no possibility of appeal or parole.
QUESTION: Is this "Just" or "Unjust" sentencing?
(This is where Christians jump in to defend God's honor, when in reality, they are defending a doctrine that paints him as an unjust monster.)
Traditional Christian doctrine says that anyone who does not receive Jesus as Savior, even if they never even had the opportunity to hear a single word of the gospel, will burn in hell for all eternity.
Here is what Jesus said...
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3)
Jesus says that there are two possibilities, "perish" (death as a consequence of Adam's sin) or "everlasting life", life that only Jesus can give.
Jesus "saves" us from death and gives us "everlasting life". That is "salvation". That happens when we accept his sacrifice and exchange our "mortality" for "immortality".
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
(1 Corinthians 15)
Those who have never heard the gospel "perish" and return to the dust because they were not able to "put on immortality", never having heard of the Savior or his good news covenant.
God's judgment upon Adam (and the world because of Adam)...
17 To the man he said: Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, You shall not eat from it,
Cursed is the ground because of you!
In toil you shall eat its yield
all the days of your life.
18 Thorns and thistles it shall bear for you,
and you shall eat the grass of the field.
19 By the sweat of your brow
you shall eat bread,
Until you return to the ground,
from which you were taken;
For you are dust,
and to dust you shall return.
There is no mention of being resurrected into an eternal existence and being sentenced to hell for all eternity. That is a far greater incentive to obey had Adam been warned...
Then... It is only after we have entered the covenant and have been born again by the spirit can we "strive to enter" our promised "inheritance" which has conditions of entry. These conditions are the expectations of the "Lord" over his "servants", those to whom he has given "salvation" and a promised place that they must value and possess. See the parable of the Treasure hidden in a field, the pearl of great price, the parable of the talents, and others...
Most of the parables are illustrations of those who "enter the kingdom of heaven" having met the Lord's reasonable expectations and those who fail to meet them and are cast out. The "servants" who fail to meet his clearly defined expectations of their "Lord" are sent somewhere... Outer darkness where there will be gnashing of teeth in every case.
Examine the relationships in the following parable. All three individuals are defined as "servants" of the same "Lord". Their Lord comes to "settle accounts" with his servants. In order to be a "servant" of the "Lord", you must receive the covenant that only Jesus offers. Then, and only then, will there be an expectation of the Lord for "productivity"...
The Parable of the Talents
14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, you knew that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 25
These "servants" have been given eternal life. They have "put on immortality". They can never die. They go to where eternal beings like Satan and the rebellious angels under judgment go... Hell.
Those who do not accept the covenant of everlasting life from Jesus, whether they have heard of it or not, "perish", just as Jesus said they will.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3)
Those who receive his covenant are given eternal life and will be asked by "their Lord" to demonstrate that they have valued the kingdom promised "inheritance" that was theirs to "enter", when their Lord comes to settle accounts with His "servants".
The parables reveal the mystery of the "requirements" to possess what the Lord has purchased for those who receive his covenant of "salvation" from death and promise of and "inheritance", the kingdom of heaven...
Take a look for a complete understanding: www.WhoGoesToHell.com
Perish for how long & in what way? The same Greek word for "perish" is used of the prodigal son who was "lost" but later found. He was ruined, not annihilated.
More literal versions say:
16 For thus God loves the world, so that He gives His only-begotten Son, that everyone who is believing in Him should not be perishing, but may be having life eonian. (CLV)
16 for God did so love the world, that His Son—the only begotten—He gave, that every one who is believing in him may not perish, but may have life age-during. (YLT)
16 For God, so loved, the world, that, his Only Begotten Son, he gave,—that, whosoever believeth on him, might not perish, but have life age-abiding. (Ro)
16 Thus for loved the God the world, so that the son of himself the only-begotten he gave, that every one who believing into him, not may be destroyed, but may have life age-lasting. (Diaglott)
Not everyone will get EONIAN life, which pro Endless Hell club, anti universalist, versions mistranslate as "eternal life". Those who believe before they die get EONIAN life. They will live & reign with Christ for the 1000 years of the millennial EON (Rev.20). Unbelievers will not. They get saved later since God becomes "all in ALL" (1 Cor.15:22-28). For Jesus is the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world (Jn.1:29), "the Saviour of the world" (John 4:42), Who will draw all to Himself (John 12:32).
John 3:16 says unbelievers "perish", not that they perish endlessly. If Jesus had wanted to say "perish endlessly" there was a Greek word for "endless" He could have used (aperantos, 1 Tim.1:4). He could have also used the words "no end" (Lk.1:33) of perishing. Clearly endless punishment is not the teaching of the Word of God.
"But there are those who find this an intolerable state of affairs, sometimes because of an earnest if misguided devotion to what they believe Scripture or tradition demands, sometimes because the idea of the eternal torment of the derelict appeals to some unpleasantly obvious emotional pathologies on their parts." https://www.firstthings.com/article/2015/10/saint-origen
http://www.tentmaker.org/tracts/Universalist.html
John 3:16 says unbelievers "perish", not that they perish endlessly. If Jesus had wanted to say "perish endlessly" there was a Greek word for "endless" He could have used (aperantos, 1 Tim.1:4). He could have also used the words "no end" (Lk.1:33) of perishing. Clearly endless punishment is not the teaching of the Word of God.
“If Jesus had wanted to say "perish endlessly" there was a Greek word for "endless" He could have used (aperantos, 1 Tim.1:4). He could have also used the words "no end" of perishing.”
It exists, but you only quoted half the list (5 out of 10) of definitions. Why was that?
You also didn't accurately quote what the first 5 say. Here is the complete list without your alterations:
https://av1611.com/kjbp/kjv-dictionary/perish.html
Compare:
https://studybible.info/strongs/G622
https://www.bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Lexicon.show/ID/G622/apollumi.htm
http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.04.0057:entry=a)po/llumi
http://lexicon.katabiblon.com/index.php?lemma=ἀπόλλυμι
https://www.studylight.org/lexicons/greek/622.html
You also didn't accurately quote what the first 5 say. Here is the complete list without your alterations:
the bible gives us broad strokes as to what the afterlife will bring us and "hell" is not a crystal clear subject biblical speaking."Perish" does not mean: "To be cast into hell for all eternity".
Disagree. Hell is the absence of God and is full of regret the moment you get there.I think, not to put a too short a stop on it, that you have left out the crucial balance of God's judgment:
God sends those that do not believe in Jesus, to Hell.
But in Hell, God is there with them.
It is therefore tolerable, to send people to Hell.
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?