Originally posted by jaywillI would say that the physical proximity of the rich man to the poor man - sitting just outside his gate - means Christ was point out how important it is to help those in need around us. Christ was obsessed with telling people the importance of good works. It is the one single point He made over and over.
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What does this parable mean?
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I think the main thing is that we deal with the important decisions of salvation while we are alive. The opportunity should be taken to be reconciled with God while we are alive. And that material wealth and comfort should not be allowed to di ...[text shortened]... tion and reconciliation to God.
There are many lessons. That is one that I would highlight.[/b]
The rich man was wellwithin his right to enjoy his riches. But you can enjoy your wealth and still have enough to help the poor. Salvation is based on how much we give of ourselves.
Certainly doing good works while we are alive is part of the message.
I think it's one of the sickest ideas ever invented. It postulates the existence of eternal and intense suffering. It is fortunate that the vast majority of evidence seems inconsistent with such a place or state of being.
The threat of Hell is often used by some very aggressive religious people to intimidate them.
Originally posted by KellyJayNo.
Do you believe in an eternal reward?
Kelly
My present understanding is that rewards are for the 1,000 year millennial kingdom preceeding the new heaven and new earth of eternity. They are temporary to give an incentive to cooperate with God's grace.
They preceed the age of eternity. They can be gained or lost. And they are in different levels of honor.
The Gift of God is eternal life. That is not a reward but a gift.
Originally posted by Rajk999I do not see any reason to reject one if you accept the other.
Yes.
Eternal reward for those found worthy.
Eternal death or destruction for those found evil.
Nothing for those (neither here nor there) who are innocent.
I dont believe in eternal suffering.
Besides, you suggest you do believe in eternal punishments since both
death or destruction if they last eternally are, well...eternal. I think that
your "nothing" for those that are innocent does not seem reasonable
to me but it isn't anything worth worrying about in my opinion.
Again, you believe in eternal pleasure do you not, so why reject eternal
suffering? Both are given to man in our short life times now, why would
you accept one and reject the other in an eternal life?
Kelly
Originally posted by jaywillWow, I disagree with you but do not have the time to lay out why.
No.
My present understanding is that rewards are for the 1,000 year millennial kingdom preceeding the new heaven and new earth of eternity. They are temporary to give an incentive to cooperate with God's grace.
They preceed the age of eternity. They can be gained or lost. And they are in different levels of honor.
The Gift of God is eternal life. That is not a reward but a gift.
Kelly
Originally posted by KellyJayKellyjay,
Wow, I disagree with you but do not have the time to lay out why.
Kelly
You know I tend to be verbose and write real long posts. I don't mind explaining more but I think I need your help.
Perhaps if you explain a lttle of your reason for another view that might help to pinpoint where our areas of difference lie.
How can we break the problem down into smaller units ?
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No body's got anything to say...So did somebody win?...Lol
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Contrary to RaJK999's remark he hasn't convinced me of anything. It is not as if I am not opened to sound reasoning if he would present some.
On this subject I have talked to some other people whose presentation of annhilation was a bit stronger.
Understand that I may not like everything I read in the Bible. I didn't defend eternal perdition because I am fond of the idea. I am not. But I feel to be faithful to what is really revealed in the Bible.
It is probably the case that there will be many surprises in the end. And it may be the case that it is not so cut and dry so as it seems easy to not be saved.
But the general picture should cause us to fear. There is no question about that. We have to realize that God will do what He says He will do to get us to understand that He is God.
What I prefer to meditate on is the great extent Christ has gone to save us from that awful fate of eternal punishment.