[TruthTalk] The Mediation of Christ

[Judy Taylor]

From: Dave <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Judy Taylor wrote: From: Dave <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>   ... with all the conflicting beliefs as to what Jesus taught, it would seem like you are suggesting a lot of folks who think they are believers, really aren't believers ...     Davidm: Right...   DaveH wrote:... and will end up being tossed into the lake of fire for having (some) misconceptions about what Jesus taught.  Is that correct, DavidM?     Davidm: No.  The only reason for tossing anyone into the lake of fire is sin. Nobody will be cast into the lake of fire because of misconceptions.   DaveH:  Thanx for your explanation, DavidM.   If what you say is correct, then what do Christians see as the downside of having misconceptions?    judyt: I don't agree with Davidm on this point DAVEH:  Who do you think the bulk of Christianity agrees with on this, Judy......You or DavidM?   judyt: Well the "bulk of Christianity" would probably be the rcc and they have a very intricate system of moral and venial sins, purgatory, etc. None of which is addressed by scripture but then it was the "majority" who insisted Jesus be hanged on the cross in place of Barabbas when Pilate was willing to free him so it's dangerous to use the majority opinion for anything other than a democratic election. because to my understanding having misconceptions would be the same as being deceived and how was Eve deceived in the garden?  Didn't she entertain some misconceptions that were presented to her?  Another thing that bothers me is why some appear to be so hung up on hell and the lake of fire DAVEH:  I'm hung up on it because I find the popular Christian perception to be very interesting.  To me it is obviously symbolic, but to most Christians it seems to be a literal lake of fire.  Yet (to me) it seems so illogical.....That a loving God would punitively punish people who never had the chance to accept/believe Jesus by physically torturing them forever.  Seems pretty harsh.....even for the wrath of God, does it not!  Contrast that to the Lord's story of the prodigal son.....do you find both teachings to be at odds?   judyt: I don't find truth to be at odds at all.  God is loving but he is also holy and perfectly just. Noone will spend an eternity in torment who has not personally chosen this end.  It would have been this way for the prodigal son also if he had not chosen to repent in the pigpen and return to the Father's house. Note, the Father did not chase him down; still he was responsible for his own life choices. when the scripture teaches that it is the "wrath of God" we are to be saved from.  If/when we are saved from this we will not ever have to be concerned about the lake of fire.   DaveH: Without some negative result, what motivation would Christians have to seek the truth?  Jesus told us the truth would set us free.  Free from what, if misconceptive (can't think of the proper word for that one!) Christians can be saved?   judyt: Free from the lie that will damn a person's soul and incur the wrath of God. DAVEH:  Which brings back the question:  Is one damned from sin or misconception?   (Or.......both?)   judyt: What is sin?  What is misconception? Where does the responsibility lie? There is none so blind as he who will not see... Stiff necked, stubborn, rebellion, is what damns the soul. To obey is better than sacrifice.   Davem: People may be pardoned for their past sins by trusting in Jesus Christ. The evidence that such trust is being exercised is the experience of righteousness, light, understanding, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.