Hi Andy,
Hope you had a great weekend! (Mine wasn't that crash hot. No diving
)
H2Andy:
that's a big if
but my point is, and i mean this sincerely, would i want to follow a God whose law means billions of human beings will fry?
isn't there something wrong with that?
to me, there is.
Sincerely, I believe I
understand where you are comming from. So, I'll try to give you an example of my thoughts.
For instance, would one believe that Hovind should be let off the hook, because he didn't Believe in the tax laws?
I believe that our understanding of God - and His holiness are extremely shallow, but I also believe that when all come to a full understanding of God and what they've done against a Holy God - there will only be one group of people that don't believe that they deserve to be where they end up. That will be those in Heaven. (For they will believe that they deserve the opposite too).
I also believe that each will be judged on according to what they have been given. (so, someone who knows more of the truth will be judged harder than someone who doesn't).
why do YOU say "yes, this is true. this is the way things ought to be."
doesn't that say something about you?
I have many reasons on why I believe what the bible states. I believe that Gods judgement will be fair - even though I don't understand it fully. I take the point of view, that "who am I - part of His creation - to question Him on what's right or wrong".
I only see a very small part of the overall picture (and most of that is probably incorrectly viewed by me too). God see's everything - all sides of every story.
God doesn't want any to perish - and that is why He sent His only begotten Son to die for us. That shows to me that He is despirate in His love to us.
Somehow the 'message' has been twisted, from a God of love - who has done so much to see us saved - to a God of hate, who wants to destroy everyone. Many are quick to forget about the lengths God has gone to - to offer us our salvation.
It amaizes me that when people take the point of view "If God exists"... and then blames Him for what's happening, but they don't take a shot at the Devil. The Devil is the true enemy, not God.
In my opinion - the problem that we may face is that God is too good. (or perfect). As a small illustration. If a theif went to court, and his plea to the judge was "I believe you're a good judge - and will let me go", the judge would probably reply with "Because I'm a good judge - I can not let you go. Because of my goodness - I must uphold what is right" -
even if the judge has compassion.
That's why I believe their was no other way, other than for Christ to go to the cross. Someone had to pay the price. Someone had to go to Hell in our place (if we are to be saved). God is too good to take shortcuts, or "cheat".
As for what this says about me - well - I'll leave that to you to judge for yourself. (Be kind
) Personally I don't want to see anyone go to Hell. That is in part why I have shared what I have here. I also believe that one who does want to see people go to hell doesn't share in Gods love, and does not have salvation.
However - these are simply my beliefs from my understanding of the bible. Whether they're right or wrong is up to each to decide for themselves.
I'm happy to stop here, (as it seems as though some others are not happy with this sort of topic). I'm also happy to continue to answer any questions that are either posted here, or if you prefer to keep this topic off open threads, please feel free to send me a PM. (It's hard to try and please eveyone
)
Personally though - thanks for this dialog. I really have enjoyed the conversations I have had with you.
Cheers
)
