You know there's no real need to ask me the same question twice....
That's because I didn't think you'd respond...
You know there's no real need to ask me the same question twice....
It says that He has not destined "us" to wrath. This says nothing about "them."
If you're a "born again Christian" I suggest you read Genesis through Revelation word for word...Revelation uses symbolism throughout,
in part...
I already know Revelation uses symbolism throughout, it was kinda my point....literal fire can't affect intangible objects so therefore the 'lake of fire' is allegory as death isn't tangible. Do you have some sort of objection to that?
Arthur Brain, do you consider yourself a Christian?? You placed "other" under your avatar??
Yes I do. Because I happen to believe in the "Lake of Fire." I believe
revelation is being "literal" about it!!!!
In which case the fire is allegorical. Fire consumes tangible objects not intangible 'states' hence the symbolism. So if the fire is allegorical then the 'lake of fire' is also a metaphor wouldn't you say? Revelation is full of such symbolic imagery.
No, I don't see God having a huge lake of fire. And, yes, Revelation is full of symbolic imagery....which changes nothing of the truth it contains.
In that case please explain how physical fire can affect that which is intangible. I wasn't aware that death was a person or object but rather the cessation of life.
lain:
GM, I answered you on this very point months ago, both in public and in private. You seemed satisfied enough then so I don't see the need for a retread? I don't hold to some label as though that in itself somehow means something.
You're example of a "Lake of fire" is worldly, fleshly. In the Spiritual realm we don't know exactly what that will be like. Revelation speaks
about such an occurrence but we as human beings can only understand
destruction and cessation of life through imperfect human understanding. Perhaps the words God uses helps us to understand because of our finite minds!!
Calvinists do not deny the power of the gospel message, and they, more than others, understand the importance of proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ.
Two reasons:
Faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ is the ONLY means by which souls held in bondage to sin, death, and the devil, can learn and realize their forgiveness from God and thereby be freed to serve righteousness, and . . .
That gospel message proclaimed by the witness of regenerated saints is God's means to CALL His elect to faith in His Son. (Romans 8:28-30)
The Calvinist has no idea who God is calling to faith and service in Christ's righteousness, so the Calvinist indiscriminately preaches the gospel to all he is given opportunity to share the good news, and leaves the application of spiritual truth in the hands of God. For many are called, but few are chosen. (Matthew 22:14)
Many hear the gospel call, but do not believe, because they are bereft of the regenerating Holy Spirit. (Romans 8:9) This is not in man's control, but in God's control, who He will raise to new spiritual life and give ears to hear the gospel call. (Isaiah 6:9-10)
Nang said:There are multitudes of humanity throughout time, that historically have never heard the promises of God, let alone the name of Jesus Christ, who have perished in their sins, according to the purposes, will and just powers of God.
It is a blessed age we live in now since Christ's incarnation, for the gospel is being spread to all the nations as never before and the grace of God overflows to save souls out of all the races.
This was not so before Christ, when God revealed His covenants and ordinances to only the elect nation of Israel, and a very small number of elect non-Jewish souls.
This is history . . . biblical history . . . that cannot be altered or revised, but must be accepted by faith. Faith in the wisdom, goodness, and purposes of Sovereign God.
Sinful humans cannot rewrite God's mercies by ignoring His justice, just to please and pander to the sensitivities of unbelieving men.
Romans Chapter 9 teaches election and reprobation, plain and simple, and who are you, oh men, who question His ways?
Nang
I don't remember what you said. You're not the only person I post with.
So, do you consider yourself a Christian!! Or other as you say??
Well....no, that would be yours if you hold it to be literal fire as we understand that in the physical world. Ironically you're actually underlining my own point, that it's allegorical if you read back through your own post here. I'm arguing that it's anything but 'worldly' or 'fleshly'....
You just had my answer in the post you quoted and I'm not jumping through hoops each and every time you seem inclined to make some big deal out of it. I don't attach a label to myself as if it actually means something in itself. If you ain't happy with that then up to you. The last I've got to say on the matter.
The verse says to obtain salvation, so it clearly is applicable to those yet unsaved - by context the "us" would be everyone.
I believe it's a real occurrence that will happen sometime (perhaps after) the Great white throne of Christ!! Either way it appears that some form of annihilation, destruction, cessation of life, etc., will occur!!!