DaveH wrote: > As we know from the Bible, Jesus said he'd > be with the thief in paradise on "that day", > or the day they both died. Yet he did not > ascend to his Father in Heaven until the > 3rd day, as he explained to Mary. (Jn 20:17)
Hi Dave. In past discussions, we have had two alternatives put forward to reconcile this observation. 1. The original language has no punctuation, so the text might not be saying that he would be with the thief "that day" in paradise, but rather that he is telling him "that day" that he would be with him in paradise. 2. That paradise was the same as Abraham's bosom, as per Luke 16, and that it was in the heart of the earth where Jesus descended during his death, and preached to the spirits in prison. After this, Jesus brought those in prison there to heaven, hence moving paradise to heaven. Therefore, when the righteous die, prior to the cross, angels carried their spirit to paradise in sheol (hell), but after the cross, the angels carry their spirit immediately to paradise in heaven. I personally think interpretation 2 makes the most sense. I would be interested in hearing your official opinion of both these options, and if you have problems with number 2, explaining what problems you have with it. Please feel free to quote extra-Biblical writings that might shape your thinking on this matter. DaveH wrote: > I believe after we die we await the resurrection > in the spirit world, which is comprised of believers > (so to speak) who are in a realm called paradise, > and non believers who are in a spirit prison. > There the gospel will be taught (1Pet 4:6) so that > all men can face judgment on and equal basis. What does the gospel being taught have to do with all men being able to face judgment on an equal basis? From my perspective, the judgment is entirely based upon works, with what a person knows determining their level of accountability, but does not excuse them in that terrible day. I don't understand this viewpoint you seem to have that judgment cannot be equal until everyone is taught the gospel. Please define the gospel so that I can understand what would be taught, and please explain how teaching this gospel (as opposed to preaching it) would enable the judgment to be on an equal basis. It seems to me that you have a somewhat "gnostic" (small g) view of judgment in that it cannot take place until a certain level of knowledge is had. Peace be with you. David Miller, Beverly Hills, Florida. ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
