Dave, I see the gates of hell as a metaphor in the same way as "let the dead bury the dead" is a metaphor. There is spiritual warfare going on as described in the book of Daniel (esp. chapters 10 & 11). The gates of hell refer to the strongholds of Satan in this world system, and when Jesus says that the gates of hell will not prevail against it (the church), he means that the community of believers, when believing God and walking in faith, conquer sin, death, and everything associated with it. Hades / Sheol is that domain of the dead, and the gates that guard it are no match for the church. The church brings resurrection life and righteousness and joy, just the opposite of what hell is all about.
David Miller ----- Original Message ----- From: Dave Hansen To: [email protected] Sent: Thursday, March 16, 2006 10:12 AM Subject: [TruthTalk] The gates of hell? The gates of hell? DAVEH: How do you perceive the gates of hell, DavidM? From my perspective, as hell is used here, it relates to hades and the gates of hell is that barrier that makes imprisons us at death. IOW....when we die, we our spirit is effectively trapped by death, unable to return to heaven. In vss 17 & 18 the Lord effectively tells Peter that he is building (gathering) his church (those who are called by the Lord--his followers) with revelation, and that death (gates of hell) can't keep his followers from progressing beyond death. That means we are to advance into hell and beat up the devil and his minions. DAVEH: If the hell spoken by the Lord in Mt 16:18 is hades, then why would you conclude that passage implies that we should advance to the unseen world to beat up the devil and his minions? I'm greatly inspired by this message to knock down the kingdom of Satan and advance the kingdom of God. DAVEH: If my above analysis of the gates of hell is correct, do you have any other passages in support of your above contention? David Miller wrote: Excellent point, Judy! Paul's admonition to the carnal Corinthians was repent, grow up, stop being babies, put the sinners out of the church, walk in love toward one another, etc. No way did he coddle them with just living as an example, like the much over quoted St. Francis is quoted, "preach the gospel... use words when necessary." Words are the sword of the spirit. Without speaking the unadulterated Word of God, the kingdom of God cannot be advanced. Last night I heard a great message from a pastor in my congregation. Marcus was talking about going on the offensive against the devil. He talked about how the devil left Jesus for a season, and that when we have victory over him, he will leave us for a season. When that happens, we should be walking around looking for him and wanting to beat him up some more. When we find him, we should be saying, "there you are devil, come over here, I've been looking for you," and then BAM, hit him hard and take him down. When we are hitting the devil, he should not be leaning forward, but leaning back as we hit him and hit him, until he finally runs away. I cannot help but think about the words of Jesus about how the gates of hell will not prevail against us. The gates of hell? That means we are to advance into hell and beat up the devil and his minions. I'm greatly inspired by this message to knock down the kingdom of Satan and advance the kingdom of God. Hallelujah! David Miller. -- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dave Hansen [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.langlitz.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If you wish to receive things I find interesting, I maintain six email lists... JOKESTER, OPINIONS, LDS, STUFF, MOTORCYCLE and CLIPS. ---------- "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.
