Monday, October 04, 2004

Update

Update - see quesion 2 for an update for you sinful-shrimp-eaters

*Some of Keith's questions were more difficult to answer because the questions themselves had an assumption built-in that had to be addressed. For example:

7. Keith: And what about God going from vengeful and wrathful (like "Sinners in the Hand of an Angry God") to sweet and kind, like now?

The problem with this question is that it assumes that God WAS vengeful, and now IS kind. I addressed this false assumption this way:

Shawn: Good question. First off, as you study the Bible you realize that God is vengeful and wrathful all the way through the Bible. The first thing he did was kick Adam out of paradise for eating one fruit. He is vengeful at times, when people break his rules. One example would be the guy who God killed for blaspheming his name once , or like when he kills Mr. Uzza for touching the ark of the covenant. However, he is still vengeful right till the end as he killed 2 people in the new testament for lying. Revelation is the last book of the Bible and there is plenty of vengance as God starts judging the world.
The question really, Keith, is why isn't God vengeful and wrathful ALL THE TIME to us, the puny little people that break his commandments every single day. It's his earth and his rules, he could evict us the next time we swore, but he is "sweet and kind" by giving us lots of chances to turn back to him and believe. The Bible says "God is good, giving you time to repent" and that he "does not treat us as our sins deserve". Keith he is holding back his judgement right now, being sweet and kind to you so you'll turn to him. If you reject him he'll have no choice but to judge you and cast you into the Lake of Fire because you rejected his kindness.
The ultimate act of kindness was when he sent his son Jesus to be the savior of the world, and to be punished for all our sins. He died for your sins, Keith, and he's waiting for forgive you.

- anyone have a better answer? Please post it below under "comments"

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