Yes, and I suspect Christians drift away because some pastors teach than if you pray just right, then everything will be alright, when they ought to be teaching the need for us to have the attitude of Paul in PHP 4:10-13 even though he encourages believers to pray: "I rejoice greatly in the Lord... I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances... whether well fed or hungry... I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
The Teachings of Jesus (TOJ)
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Yes, and I suspect Christians drift away because some pastors teach than if you pray just right, then everything will be alright, when they ought to be teaching the need for us to have the attitude of Paul in PHP 4:10-13 even though he encourages believers to pray: "I rejoice greatly in the Lord... I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances... whether well fed or hungry... I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
Here are three more commands of Jesus from MT 5.
TOJ #28: Be trustworthy. [MT 5:33-37] This TOJ against swearing concerns a person’s reputation for integrity. Oaths should not be necessary to bind a promise. {MT 23:16-22}
TOJ #29: Do good even to evil-doers. [MT 5:38-42//LK 6:29-30] The principle Jesus wants to supersede that of limited vengeance or “eye for eye” (EX 21:24, LV 24:20, DT 19:21) is found in Proverbs 25:21-22. Whenever we are insulted, we should consider the source of lies (EPH 6:12). We should be more concerned about our good witness than legal rights (2TM 2:23-26). Paul affirmed this ideal in Romans 12:17-21. This TOJ is elaborated in the next one.
TOJ #30: Love and pray for God’s/your enemies. [MT 5:43-47//LK 6:27-28&32-36] God’s agape/love is unconditional (RM 5:6-8). We should “hate what is evil” (RM 12:9) while loving people we dislike. This teaching is akin to TOJ #14, #16 & #29. However, God’s forgiveness of Sin is conditional upon repentance (TOJ #8 & #114). Some people have interpreted Matthew 5:38-48 as teaching pacifism, as though Jesus would say “And if someone murders your spouse, offer them your children”. I believe such a view fails to harmonize with Romans 13:2-4, which teaches that God works through godly governments to execute, if necessary, murderers and other evil aggressors. Like God’s mercy, Believers’ forgiveness of other sinners is conditional upon their contrition (MT 18:26&29), or else they would be abetting immoral behavior. Thus, forgiving apparently remorseful criminals does not mean canceling the appropriate consequence for their immoral behavior. The best penal policy would seem to be along the lines of enforcing work and restitution to the victims (cf. LK 19:8), and to incarcerate violent criminals until they have demonstrated the fruit of God’s Spirit (MT 18:30-34, GL 5:22-23) long enough to engender confidence in their rehabilitation.
TOJ #28: Be trustworthy. [MT 5:33-37] This TOJ against swearing concerns a person’s reputation for integrity. Oaths should not be necessary to bind a promise. {MT 23:16-22}
TOJ #29: Do good even to evil-doers. [MT 5:38-42//LK 6:29-30] The principle Jesus wants to supersede that of limited vengeance or “eye for eye” (EX 21:24, LV 24:20, DT 19:21) is found in Proverbs 25:21-22. Whenever we are insulted, we should consider the source of lies (EPH 6:12). We should be more concerned about our good witness than legal rights (2TM 2:23-26). Paul affirmed this ideal in Romans 12:17-21. This TOJ is elaborated in the next one.
TOJ #30: Love and pray for God’s/your enemies. [MT 5:43-47//LK 6:27-28&32-36] God’s agape/love is unconditional (RM 5:6-8). We should “hate what is evil” (RM 12:9) while loving people we dislike. This teaching is akin to TOJ #14, #16 & #29. However, God’s forgiveness of Sin is conditional upon repentance (TOJ #8 & #114). Some people have interpreted Matthew 5:38-48 as teaching pacifism, as though Jesus would say “And if someone murders your spouse, offer them your children”. I believe such a view fails to harmonize with Romans 13:2-4, which teaches that God works through godly governments to execute, if necessary, murderers and other evil aggressors. Like God’s mercy, Believers’ forgiveness of other sinners is conditional upon their contrition (MT 18:26&29), or else they would be abetting immoral behavior. Thus, forgiving apparently remorseful criminals does not mean canceling the appropriate consequence for their immoral behavior. The best penal policy would seem to be along the lines of enforcing work and restitution to the victims (cf. LK 19:8), and to incarcerate violent criminals until they have demonstrated the fruit of God’s Spirit (MT 18:30-34, GL 5:22-23) long enough to engender confidence in their rehabilitation.
Actually, I do not think one should be questioning the Written Word of God. It is TRUTH! What is needed is understanding of His Word. That understanding comes from the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Scripture tells us this.
John, Chapter 14:
26But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Proverbs 3:5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
1 Corinthians, Chapter 1:
25Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
27But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
Job questioned God. You remember what God's response was?
Job, Chapter 38:
1Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,
2Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?
3Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.
Questioning God never goes well for folks...
Lastly: My point is while you may have learned from your Study, how is your Study more valuable than the Scriptures? IF one truly seeks to learn from the Gospel of Jesus, one NEEDS to read the Gospel of Jesus. After all, any insight you or I, or any other person offers is just yours, mine, their understanding. Leaning on the Holy Spirit for understanding and studying His Written Word is the best way to truly realize the Truth of Scripture.
Regarding "questioning" God: You are viewing questioning as doubting GW, whereas I am equating questioning with seeking to learn GW.
Regarding whether our study or understanding of GW is more valuable than GW itself: Obviously not.
Okay, now that we have ironed out that misunderstanding, here are the TOJ in the Lord's Prayer, preceded by one concerning the proper attitude to have before praying.
TOJ #31: Have humility. [MT 6:1-8&16-18, 23:5-12] An OT scripture Jesus might have in mind is Amos 4:4-5. He is concerned with why we give or pray more than with how much we contribute or talk. Perhaps the greatest temptation for mature Believers is feeling proud of their moral progress (PR 16:18, 29:23). The satisfaction of pleasing our Lord should be the only reward we desire as we look forward to heaven (MT 25:21&23). Jesus illustrated this trait in the Parable of the Two Prayers {LK 18:10-14}.
Jesus cited young children as examples of humility {MT 18:3-4//LK 18:16-17}. At this time Jesus did not command Believers to give alms or fast or pray, although perhaps He assumed these would be done (MT 9:15). (Notice in the MT 18 passage that v.3, like TOJ #10, is kerygmatic, whereas v.4 is didachaic, cf. the Kerygma thread) However, on other occasions Jesus either commanded prayer (MT 26:41, LK 18:1) or modeled the need to pray (MT 14:23, 26:36). Paul also encouraged Believers to pray (EPH 6:18, 1THS 5:17).
TOJ #32: Pray to God as heavenly Father. [MT 6:9a//LK11:2a]. I find six separate teachings in Jesus’ Sample Prayer. First, addressing God as our heavenly Father connotes that we who pray are children of God, reborn of the Spirit (JN 3:3-8) through union by Faith with God’s Son (RM 8:9-17, 1JN 5:1-6). James 2:19 says demons or ungodly souls may believe in God’s existence, so I suppose they might address God in order to curse Him (JOB 2:9). {JN 17:1}
TOJ #33: Reverence the Creator. [MT 6:9b//LK 11:2b] God’s name refers to His being or essence rather than to a particular word, whether Yahweh, Jehovah or Allah. However, among the names for the personifications of God, Paul believes Jesus should be given preeminence (PHP 2:12-13; TOJ #196).
TOJ #34: Desire God’s will to be done. [MT 6:10//LK 11:2c] This is a significant restatement of TOJ #2. “On earth” begins with the prayer’s own life. Jesus exemplified this teaching when He prayed in Gethsemane before His crucifixion {MT 26:39-42//MK 14:36}. God is not our genie; we are His ministers, who cooperate with His Holy Spirit (PHP 2:12-13) in doing His work (EPH 2:10). Thus, there is an implicit condition in “whatever you ask for”, i.e., we must ask in accordance with God’s will (TOJ #51). I understand that the word “Muslim” means “servant of God” in Arabic. Thus, Christians are Muslims in this sense!
TOJ #35: You may request physical as well as spiritual necessities. [MT 6:11//LK 11:3] God is the ultimate source of material blessings (JM 1:17), and He is concerned about our complete welfare, wanting everyone to be fed, clothed and sheltered {MT 6:32, 25:34-36} as well as saved.
TOJ #36: Admit your faults as you forgive others theirs. [MT 6:12//LK 11:4a] The second part of this teaching echoes #14. Genuine saving Faith motivates loving forgiveness. Confession is the key to having a right relationship with God (1JN 1:9), which is manifested by mercy (TOJ #148). {MK 11:25, MT 18:15-17}.
TOJ #37: Pray for power to resist temptations. [MT 6:13//LK 11:4b] This also was a major theme of Paul’s instruction about prayer (EPH 1:17-19, PHP 1:9-11, CL 1:10-12) as well as of James’ (JM 4:2, 1:5,12-13). Jesus reiterated this teaching on the Mount of Olives before He was betrayed. {MT 27:41//MK 14:38//LK 22:40&46} We know that God will always grant this prayer request (1CR 10:13). This prayer seems equivalent to protection from the evil one {JN 17:15}.
TOJ #31: Have humility. [MT 6:1-8&16-18, 23:5-12] An OT scripture Jesus might have in mind is Amos 4:4-5. He is concerned with why we give or pray more than with how much we contribute or talk. Perhaps the greatest temptation for mature Believers is feeling proud of their moral progress (PR 16:18, 29:23). The satisfaction of pleasing our Lord should be the only reward we desire as we look forward to heaven (MT 25:21&23). Jesus illustrated this trait in the Parable of the Two Prayers {LK 18:10-14}.
Jesus cited young children as examples of humility {MT 18:3-4//LK 18:16-17}. At this time Jesus did not command Believers to give alms or fast or pray, although perhaps He assumed these would be done (MT 9:15). (Notice in the MT 18 passage that v.3, like TOJ #10, is kerygmatic, whereas v.4 is didachaic, cf. the Kerygma thread) However, on other occasions Jesus either commanded prayer (MT 26:41, LK 18:1) or modeled the need to pray (MT 14:23, 26:36). Paul also encouraged Believers to pray (EPH 6:18, 1THS 5:17).
TOJ #32: Pray to God as heavenly Father. [MT 6:9a//LK11:2a]. I find six separate teachings in Jesus’ Sample Prayer. First, addressing God as our heavenly Father connotes that we who pray are children of God, reborn of the Spirit (JN 3:3-8) through union by Faith with God’s Son (RM 8:9-17, 1JN 5:1-6). James 2:19 says demons or ungodly souls may believe in God’s existence, so I suppose they might address God in order to curse Him (JOB 2:9). {JN 17:1}
TOJ #33: Reverence the Creator. [MT 6:9b//LK 11:2b] God’s name refers to His being or essence rather than to a particular word, whether Yahweh, Jehovah or Allah. However, among the names for the personifications of God, Paul believes Jesus should be given preeminence (PHP 2:12-13; TOJ #196).
TOJ #34: Desire God’s will to be done. [MT 6:10//LK 11:2c] This is a significant restatement of TOJ #2. “On earth” begins with the prayer’s own life. Jesus exemplified this teaching when He prayed in Gethsemane before His crucifixion {MT 26:39-42//MK 14:36}. God is not our genie; we are His ministers, who cooperate with His Holy Spirit (PHP 2:12-13) in doing His work (EPH 2:10). Thus, there is an implicit condition in “whatever you ask for”, i.e., we must ask in accordance with God’s will (TOJ #51). I understand that the word “Muslim” means “servant of God” in Arabic. Thus, Christians are Muslims in this sense!
TOJ #35: You may request physical as well as spiritual necessities. [MT 6:11//LK 11:3] God is the ultimate source of material blessings (JM 1:17), and He is concerned about our complete welfare, wanting everyone to be fed, clothed and sheltered {MT 6:32, 25:34-36} as well as saved.
TOJ #36: Admit your faults as you forgive others theirs. [MT 6:12//LK 11:4a] The second part of this teaching echoes #14. Genuine saving Faith motivates loving forgiveness. Confession is the key to having a right relationship with God (1JN 1:9), which is manifested by mercy (TOJ #148). {MK 11:25, MT 18:15-17}.
TOJ #37: Pray for power to resist temptations. [MT 6:13//LK 11:4b] This also was a major theme of Paul’s instruction about prayer (EPH 1:17-19, PHP 1:9-11, CL 1:10-12) as well as of James’ (JM 4:2, 1:5,12-13). Jesus reiterated this teaching on the Mount of Olives before He was betrayed. {MT 27:41//MK 14:38//LK 22:40&46} We know that God will always grant this prayer request (1CR 10:13). This prayer seems equivalent to protection from the evil one {JN 17:15}.
TOJ #38: Store your treasures in heaven. [MT 6:19-21//LK 9:58] The point of this teaching is not so much the location but the definition of treasure {LK 12:32-34}. Spiritual truths and moral virtues are more valuable than material possessions (EPH 1:18, 2:7, 3:9&16, CL 1:27, 2:2-3; TOJ #118).
TOJ #39: Be filled with spiritual light/truth. [MT 6:22-23//LK 11:34-36] This rather parenthetical analogy utilizing the light-darkness dichotomy seems to mean that our eyes are good and our souls enlightened if we see the glory of God and appreciate His truth (PS 119:105, JN 1:4-9&14). Sharing our light with others was the emphasis in TOJ #19, and #186 teaches that Jesus is the light personified.
TOJ #40: Accept God’s lordship. [MT 6:24//LK 16:13] Lordship is a 100% loyalty that excludes idolatry (GL 5:20, EPH 5:5) or adoration of anything other than what God approves (RM 12:2). If we do not decide to love the Lord, we hate Him. There is no middle or third option. If we hear the gospel and do not choose to believe in Jesus, then God knows that in our heart we are rejecting Him. {JN 3:18, 8:24} (See TOJ #122.) {MT 12:30//LK 11:23}
TOJ #41: Do not worry. [MT 6:25-34//LK 12:22-31] Worry is wrong. If we value eternal life highly, we will not worry greatly about troubles in this life. See TOJ #85. This truth is expressed in the Serenity Prayer: “Lord, grant me courage to change what I can, patience to endure what I cannot change, and wisdom to know the difference.” Note that Jesus did not say “do not work or sow or plan.” {JN 14:1&27}
TOJ #42: Temper reproof with love so you will not be judgmental. [MT 7:1-5//LK 6:37, 38b, 41-42] Jesus condemned hypocrisy (TOJ #134) or having a spiritual superiority complex (TOJ #31) more than any other sin (MT 23). However, he did not condemn repentant sinners (TOJ #53), and saints/Believers should be very careful that their explanation of divine wrath does not impugn God’s love as taught by Paul in Romans 5:5-10. Jesus exemplified this teaching when He reproved the adulterous woman {JN 8:11}. [Note that some versions question the reliability of JN 7:53-8:11, but the story certainly seems compatible with the character and TOJ.] As John 3:17 states, “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world.” Note that this teaching does not mean saints should not be discerning or reproving (JN 7:24, 1CR 12:10, 2CR 13:6; cf. TOJ #101).
TOJ #43: Do not fellowship with enemies. [MT 7:6] Do not dance with demons. All fields are not ripe for harvest. In contrast with the situation in Matthew 9:37, some people are demonic and dangerous (MT 10:16-17). Here such people are called dogs and pigs, and the gospel or TOJ are pearls of wisdom. Jesus said whenever saints encounter demonic people to “shake the dust off your feet” and leave. {MT 10:14&23}
TOJ #39: Be filled with spiritual light/truth. [MT 6:22-23//LK 11:34-36] This rather parenthetical analogy utilizing the light-darkness dichotomy seems to mean that our eyes are good and our souls enlightened if we see the glory of God and appreciate His truth (PS 119:105, JN 1:4-9&14). Sharing our light with others was the emphasis in TOJ #19, and #186 teaches that Jesus is the light personified.
TOJ #40: Accept God’s lordship. [MT 6:24//LK 16:13] Lordship is a 100% loyalty that excludes idolatry (GL 5:20, EPH 5:5) or adoration of anything other than what God approves (RM 12:2). If we do not decide to love the Lord, we hate Him. There is no middle or third option. If we hear the gospel and do not choose to believe in Jesus, then God knows that in our heart we are rejecting Him. {JN 3:18, 8:24} (See TOJ #122.) {MT 12:30//LK 11:23}
TOJ #41: Do not worry. [MT 6:25-34//LK 12:22-31] Worry is wrong. If we value eternal life highly, we will not worry greatly about troubles in this life. See TOJ #85. This truth is expressed in the Serenity Prayer: “Lord, grant me courage to change what I can, patience to endure what I cannot change, and wisdom to know the difference.” Note that Jesus did not say “do not work or sow or plan.” {JN 14:1&27}
TOJ #42: Temper reproof with love so you will not be judgmental. [MT 7:1-5//LK 6:37, 38b, 41-42] Jesus condemned hypocrisy (TOJ #134) or having a spiritual superiority complex (TOJ #31) more than any other sin (MT 23). However, he did not condemn repentant sinners (TOJ #53), and saints/Believers should be very careful that their explanation of divine wrath does not impugn God’s love as taught by Paul in Romans 5:5-10. Jesus exemplified this teaching when He reproved the adulterous woman {JN 8:11}. [Note that some versions question the reliability of JN 7:53-8:11, but the story certainly seems compatible with the character and TOJ.] As John 3:17 states, “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world.” Note that this teaching does not mean saints should not be discerning or reproving (JN 7:24, 1CR 12:10, 2CR 13:6; cf. TOJ #101).
TOJ #43: Do not fellowship with enemies. [MT 7:6] Do not dance with demons. All fields are not ripe for harvest. In contrast with the situation in Matthew 9:37, some people are demonic and dangerous (MT 10:16-17). Here such people are called dogs and pigs, and the gospel or TOJ are pearls of wisdom. Jesus said whenever saints encounter demonic people to “shake the dust off your feet” and leave. {MT 10:14&23}
These TOJ conclude His Sermon on the Mount.
TOJ #44: Ask/seek/knock. [MT 7:7-11/LK 11:9-13] These three synonyms are three, four and five letter words for GRFS. Ask what is true, seek salvation, and knock on heaven’s door. (See HB 11:6) The parallel passage in Luke makes this clear, because instead of “good gifts” it says the Holy Spirit will be given to those who ask. (See TOJ #182.) Thus, sincerely seeking salvation is regarded by God as righteousness (cf. RM 4:3), probably because God knows that were a seeker given the opportunity to hear the gospel, he/she would believe and be saved or sanctified {JN 17:17}. A soul enters the path of salvation at the moment he/she decides to ask/seek/knock, but all primitive paths eventually converge onto the highway to heaven at the point of accepting Christ (TOJ #49). James 1:5&17 teaches this truth in terms of wisdom. Its converse is that those who are not truth-seekers will not LGW/satisfy GRFS. {MT 21:24-27//MK11:29-33//LK 20:3-8, MT 22:18//MK 12:15//LK 20:23-24}
TOJ #45: Treat others like you want to be treated. [MT 7:12] This “golden rule” is equivalent to the “law of love” (TOJ #129), but the wording is so famous that I think it should be listed separately. {LK 6:31}
TOJ #46: Most people choose to reject GRFS. [MT 7:13-14] One hopes that Jesus was using hyperbole for effect, but the tragic truth is that many people choose hell. Why this is true, God only knows, but surely if it were possible to create souls any better than innocent and volitional, He would have done so. Some passages {MT 22:14, LK 13:23-24, JN 6:44&65} state this teaching in deterministic wording that is not consistent with the clear NT doctrine that all are called (JN 3:16, 1TM 2:3-4, 2PT 3:9), though many choose not to accept God’s invitation (LK 13:34) to enter heaven. The nearly identical twin of this truth is TOJ #67. {MT 24:12}
TOJ #47: Beware of false teachers. [MT 7:15-20] Many people allow themselves to be led astray by “wolves” (EZK 22:27) in sheepskins, who claim to be inspired by God—just as Satan masquerades as an angel of light (2CR 11:14)—because they do not evaluate their behavior {LK 6:43-45}. Perhaps they are tricked by apparent miracles {MT 24:24} or fail to discern how their doctrine perverts GW. {MT 16:6-11//MK 8:15// LK 12:1} Whatever the reason, they are blind followers of blind guides {MT 15:13-14}. (See TOJ #138.) Only Jesus is the good shepherd who gives His life to save anyone who wants to be His sheep {JN 10:11-13}. He is the key to a correct understanding of reality. {LK 11:52}
TOJ #48: Not everyone who claims to be a Christian really is one. [MT 7:21-23//LK 6:46] A person’s words and deeds manifest his/her genuine Faith or values. Many so-called Christians seem not to hunger to LGW. (See TOJ #13.) One hopes that they have not accepted a pseudo- or semi-gospel and become inoculated against the real thing or full gospel. {MT 12:33-35, LK 13:26-27}
At this point Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with a parable (found also in LK 6:47-49 and already cited) that teaches again the importance of building our lives on God’s Word (TOJ #3).
TOJ #44: Ask/seek/knock. [MT 7:7-11/LK 11:9-13] These three synonyms are three, four and five letter words for GRFS. Ask what is true, seek salvation, and knock on heaven’s door. (See HB 11:6) The parallel passage in Luke makes this clear, because instead of “good gifts” it says the Holy Spirit will be given to those who ask. (See TOJ #182.) Thus, sincerely seeking salvation is regarded by God as righteousness (cf. RM 4:3), probably because God knows that were a seeker given the opportunity to hear the gospel, he/she would believe and be saved or sanctified {JN 17:17}. A soul enters the path of salvation at the moment he/she decides to ask/seek/knock, but all primitive paths eventually converge onto the highway to heaven at the point of accepting Christ (TOJ #49). James 1:5&17 teaches this truth in terms of wisdom. Its converse is that those who are not truth-seekers will not LGW/satisfy GRFS. {MT 21:24-27//MK11:29-33//LK 20:3-8, MT 22:18//MK 12:15//LK 20:23-24}
TOJ #45: Treat others like you want to be treated. [MT 7:12] This “golden rule” is equivalent to the “law of love” (TOJ #129), but the wording is so famous that I think it should be listed separately. {LK 6:31}
TOJ #46: Most people choose to reject GRFS. [MT 7:13-14] One hopes that Jesus was using hyperbole for effect, but the tragic truth is that many people choose hell. Why this is true, God only knows, but surely if it were possible to create souls any better than innocent and volitional, He would have done so. Some passages {MT 22:14, LK 13:23-24, JN 6:44&65} state this teaching in deterministic wording that is not consistent with the clear NT doctrine that all are called (JN 3:16, 1TM 2:3-4, 2PT 3:9), though many choose not to accept God’s invitation (LK 13:34) to enter heaven. The nearly identical twin of this truth is TOJ #67. {MT 24:12}
TOJ #47: Beware of false teachers. [MT 7:15-20] Many people allow themselves to be led astray by “wolves” (EZK 22:27) in sheepskins, who claim to be inspired by God—just as Satan masquerades as an angel of light (2CR 11:14)—because they do not evaluate their behavior {LK 6:43-45}. Perhaps they are tricked by apparent miracles {MT 24:24} or fail to discern how their doctrine perverts GW. {MT 16:6-11//MK 8:15// LK 12:1} Whatever the reason, they are blind followers of blind guides {MT 15:13-14}. (See TOJ #138.) Only Jesus is the good shepherd who gives His life to save anyone who wants to be His sheep {JN 10:11-13}. He is the key to a correct understanding of reality. {LK 11:52}
TOJ #48: Not everyone who claims to be a Christian really is one. [MT 7:21-23//LK 6:46] A person’s words and deeds manifest his/her genuine Faith or values. Many so-called Christians seem not to hunger to LGW. (See TOJ #13.) One hopes that they have not accepted a pseudo- or semi-gospel and become inoculated against the real thing or full gospel. {MT 12:33-35, LK 13:26-27}
At this point Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with a parable (found also in LK 6:47-49 and already cited) that teaches again the importance of building our lives on God’s Word (TOJ #3).
TOJ #46: Most people choose to reject GRFS. [MT 7:13-14] One hopes that Jesus was using hyperbole for effect, but the tragic truth is that many people choose hell. Why this is true, God only knows, but surely if it were possible to create souls any better than innocent and volitional, He would have done so. Some passages {MT 22:14, LK 13:23-24, JN 6:44&65} state this teaching in deterministic wording that is not consistent with the clear NT doctrine that all are called (JN 3:16, 1TM 2:3-4, 2PT 3:9), though many choose not to accept God’s invitation (LK 13:34) to enter heaven. The nearly identical twin of this truth is TOJ #67. {MT 24:12}
Does the Muslim who lives in Saudi under Sharia Law and has been with Islam for 1,000 years really have a choice? They have been ingrained in Islam before they were born. They were cursed for 1,000 generations....
Does the Muslim who lives in Saudi under Sharia Law and has been with Islam for 1,000 years really have a choice? They have been ingrained in Islam before they were born. They were cursed for 1,000 generations....
Good question, Jacko.
WE know that God is just, but the NT does not consider whether a person might have a psychological excuse, such as being "ingrained in Islam" or being abused as a child by an unloving “Christian” father. Thus, we must assume that a vestige of volition remains, so that the fact they did not believe the Gospel of Jesus (assuming they had the opportunity) would make them evil for rejecting the only One who is good (MT 19:17), the source and Spirit of good, and its Rationale.
Only God knows how He judges each case, but we know He judges justly, so perhaps such a person's sin is less and if condemned to hell their time served will be reduced before they are destroyed.
Yes, per JN 17:12, RM 9:22, GL 6:8, PHP 3:19, 2THS 1:9 & 2PT 3:7.
The purpose of earthly punishment is to promote repentance, but the reason for retribution in hell is to attain justice. It is difficult to imagine, but somehow even someone as evil as Hitler will receive perfect justice, perhaps experiencing the agony of the millions of deaths he caused in accordance with the principal of “eye for eye” (MT 5:38), after which their souls are destroyed forever--annihilated.
Re questioning: In education, questioning = learning, seeking knowledge, willingness to believe the answer, etc. rather than doubting.
Re what one can learn from the list of TOJ rather than from Scripture: Well, I know that I learned a whole lot as I exercised my gift of editing GW after questioning why no one had ever enumerated the TOJ before and then making that my quest, sewing GW together with spiritual thread.
I understand; neither did I until I contemplated how these verses indicate how hell is just rather than the eternal suffering of souls who had no chance to hear the Gospel while on earth but are punished as much as Hitler, so please read them and see if you won't agree: JN 17:12, RM 9:22, GL 6:8, PHP 3:19, 2THS 1:9 & 2PT 3:7.
He also said that God is just (2THS 1:6), and not everyone betrays Jesus equally speaking quantitatively, although qualitatively all sin betrays God. (JM 2:10) Thus, a teenager who dies without ever being saved surely does not warrant the same suffering in hell as Hitler, for example.
what you said sort of reminded me of this parable of our lord
“Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.
When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart.
This is he which received seed by the way side.
But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”
Matthew 13:18-23
There are many reasons people fall away sometimes we don’t believe what Jesus said and this allows Satan snatch the word from our hearts other times it’s this
yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
other times it’s this
and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. …
People feel what they feel. I don’t think anyone wishes that they could have not have peace in our Lord Jesus Christ.
The truth is you have to be “leveled up’’…and many people just aren’t there..