Hello sir. I don't know all the ins and outs concerning this subject, but one thing I cannot do, and that is to ignore scripture just because it contradicts my doctrine. I do my best to form my doctrines around the word of God. I find it interesting that we all read the same book and come up with two almost totally contradictory meanings from it. And truly, for the most part, it appears to be just that. It really is not so easy to see and can be very confusing when you look at both sides of the argument and consider all the scriptures simultaneously, unless you ignore some verses in the bible. Both sides have plausible arguments, so which side is correct? Of course, both sides cannot be true, right? Though it is possible for both to be incorrect, but it is also possible for both to be, in some small way, partly true? There is so much we fail to understand, and I for one fall into the 'fail to understand' category concerning this subject, but I believe there are certain things we simple should not overlook for the sake of believing we are right. We all believe the bible to be the word of God, and that God wrote the bible through man by His Spirit, so it would be silly for us to even think that God would say one thing in some parts of the bible and something contrary in other parts. All scripture must back up scripture, and if it doesn't, then we are the ones who need to change our doctrines/views. I can't say that I have the truth on this matter, because I simply don't know at this time, but I believe it to be closer to the truth than either side of the issue. There are certain things in scripture that I see which are very clear to me, to where I know and understand, though most would not agree. It is very clear that sin brought punishment, curses, and the wrath of God on both the Jews and the heathen alike in the natural world. Hence the flood of Noah and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. All the bad things that happened to every nation, including Judah and Israel, and every individual written in the bible, was done so in the natural world due to their sins. When the people of God obeyed His commandments, God blessed them and they prospered in the natural world, that is to say, when they were alive in this world. Sinning or disobedience to God and His covenant, basically brought sicknesses, diseases, famines, destruction, poverty, and the like. Where right living or obedience to the covenant and voice of God wrought blessings or the contrary of disobedience. Both blessings and curses were a direct result of each person's ways, works, or doings. In short, if one listened to and obeyed God and His covenant/commands, that person and those under him or her, were blessed by God in the natural world or if they refused to listen and disobey, that person and those under him or her, were punished in some way, in the natural world.
Hos_4:9 And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings.
Ecc_3:17 I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.
1Pe_1:17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
Seeing that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, I would think that the same would apply to us today. Understand again, I am referring to judgement, even against the children of God, in the natural, not to the point of losing our salvation for disobedience, "But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries." "For there is no respect of persons with God." Heb_10:27 Rom_2:11 Whether they be saved or unsaved, believer or doubter, righteous or unrighteous, and so on. All are judged, IN THE NATURAL, according to their ways, works, and doings. Again, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption [judgement to the flesh]; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." Gal 6:7-8
The purpose for repentance from the children of God is for forgiveness so that we may be healed, get delivered, set free, and so on. The curse of the law is judgement against the flesh of the person, equally with the child of God. We are not redeemed from the curse of the law of sin and death until we repent. Hence, the reason for confessing our sins.
1Jn_1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
The cleansing doesn't come until after we confess, according to this verse.
I have to go for now, I'll continue at another time. Thanks for you post.