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Strange Question Right?
Keep reading and you will understand how justified that question actually is. Persecuted for your faith? Probably not if you live in America, go to a traditional church, just share your faith on Facebook or twitter, belong to Christian chat groups, or talk to the locals at the supermarket about your faith. Although I can’t help thinking of what Jesus said about persecution for His followers.
“If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.” John 15:20
John likely remembering Jesus also said:
“Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.” 1 John 3:13
This leads me to another question that has a lot to do with the subject at hand. How Great is the victory of Jesus Christ according to your faith? Ironically, it’s been my experience it seems; the Greater your Jesus, the Greater your Persecution; The Smaller your Jesus the Smaller your Persecution…
“How Great is our God ?”
(Click song titles to watch the videos)
That should be a statement of Praise but it has become a Question today. Chris Tomlin came out with a worship song with this same title that is loved and sang by multitudes in Evangelical congregations across America today. You probably know it, here are part of the lyrics of the song:
“The splendor of a King, clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice
All the earth rejoice
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God”
Another worship song shared by many at worship services across America, one I dearly love is this one.
Phillips, Craig & Dean
“Come, Now Is The Time To Worship”
Come, now is the time to worship.
Come, now is the time to give your heart.
Come, just as you are, to worship.
Come, just as you are, before your God.
Come.
One day every tongue will confess
You are God.
One day every knee will bow.
Still the greatest treasure remains for those
Who gladly choose you now.
Come, now is the time to worship.
Come, now is the time to give your heart.
Oh, come. Just as you are to worship.
Come just as you are before your God.
Come.
One day every tongue will confess
You are God.
One day every knee will bow.
Still the greatest treasure remains for those
who gladly choose you now.”
In other words we are singing that God is “infinite” in His being and “in control of all things” from the beginning to the end throughout all time who will bring about His good will and every purpose for all of His creation. Another way of putting it would be that we are saying we agree with the traditional doctrine of the attributes of God being Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent, and All-Sovereign making Him Ruler of, and in Control of, ALL THINGS from BEGINNING to END. The great majority would agree with this.
Also even in the Catholic Mass every week I believe in Catholic Churches all across our nation and the world today these words are repeated – I only include the part with which I wish to make my point:
[The new version]
“Lord God, heavenly King,
O God, almighty Father.
Lord Jesus Christ,
Only Begotten Son,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
Son of the Father,
you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us;
you take away the sins of the world,”
What’s my Real Question?
Today Christians of all types are enjoying fellowship around the world in all kinds of events, causes, and community gatherings. I believe it is wonderful considering all the blood that has been spilled and lives that have been lost over the centuries between these groups and their splinter groups over their differences in theology. I appreciate how beautiful it is that now they can fellowship and join forces in these many ways while they overlook their differences and agree on the basics of theology. One of these being “How Great is Our God” as they all believe in the established attributes of God. God is Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent, and All-Sovereign. While they also agree that “Jesus Christ came to take away the sin of the world”. I would also add that all would agree that God is Love and God Loves All People; excluding what few traditional 5 point Calvinist who are left today who do not believe that last one. Seems odd since the Bible plainly states this… Anyway, So, they are all just one big happy global Christian family – believing in a Big God and Victorious Savior! Right? But how big and how victorious? If you take the Bible to mean exactly what it says about these things – watch for flying rocks and name calling to start! If you are outspoken about this literal belief in these last two statements about what the Bible says God is like; God loves All people and took away the sin of the world – Many of them will give you some of that Hell they have such great faith in. Let me clarify this a little more.
Now Let’s Do Some Serious Contemplation
Consider, the most important and most fundamental doctrine of their Christian faith is – how is one saved? Soteriology if you want a big important sounding word… Surely this is paramount to them and should be taken with the utmost seriousness. Right? I mean they should be seriously concerned about the eternal destiny of their fellow Christian’s soul and do all that is humanly possible to assure their friend’s eternal state is a good one!? Right? Amazingly while these groups have come together in peaceful fellowship around many community gatherings; these same folks will completely set aside what they REALLY believe about their most urgent and serious doctrine – salvation of the soul!
Some Thoughts
I would say they couldn’t really believe what they think or say they believe and continue to carry on this way; I’m ok, you’re ok, lets go on our merry way! If they really believe their particular church doctrine this cannot be true! I say this with assurance because I have studied denominationalism quite a bit. I do not fit any of them by the way; I am a believer and follower of The Christ of the Christian bible, that’s it. This apparent contradiction in doctrines while displaying this seeming unity is an oxymoron and at the heart of writing this article – to make those that will – THINK! I don’t believe most christians think too much about what they think they believe. Actually I think they would rather not think about it! This is not good… I believe we should question everything of great importance; especially when it concerns the eternal well being of ourselves and our loved ones. In this day and time we should have learned that we certainly cannot believe everything we are told. Yes, even check me out! Do some study, research, and thinking of your own. God gave you an awesome mind, heart and soul use it. One of the most often repeated warnings in the Bible is “do not be deceived”; there is a reason for this…
Are YOU Saved?
Let me interpose here with just a basic understanding of their differences in theology; there is a huge gulf between them in some areas; there are hundreds of ways in which they all disagree. I say this not to discredit them but to clarify the point I making about their fellowship and what it reveals; you will need to understand this to clarify my point. Not pointing a finger and trying also to keep this as short as possible I will only mention some of the differences and not the label which they belong to. Although these can be easily referenced by doing a simple search in bible software or a Google search and you will see that these differences are very real and very serious.
How, When, Why, Where, are You Saved or Not?
Some believe one is saved only a few days following birth before the child knows anything about God by a simple ceremony obediently followed by a family who is a part of their particular church. This salvation continues until the child grows to the age to know right and wrong the age of accountability – nowhere found in scripture by the way. Then he or she must go through a confirmation to continue in this salvation. And by the way, if you have not become a part of this particular church through their religious ceremonies performed by one of their officials (accept for emergencies of course when a regular parishioner can do it) you cannot be saved. They really believe –
You’re going to Hell!
Other groups in the above fellowship gatherings believe this is totally wrong and much blood has been shed in the past over these very differences. While several other churches also believe you must be a part of their church to be saved by going through a similar ceremony or of course you cannot be saved. They really believe –
You’re going to Hell!
Some believe your eternal salvation or even eternal damnation is chosen by God before you are born. Others believe you must choose yourself whether to be saved. Some believe you can lose your salvation if you cross a line somewhere which no one knows for sure what or where it is… While others believe that once you are saved you will always be saved and cannot lose it no matter what you do. Most believe there are certain words one has to say and really mean it, and really believe it, to be saved but they greatly differ in what these words may be or where and when they should be said. And of course if you didn’t do it right … They really believe – Yep!
You’re going to Hell!
Some believe there are certain doctrines one must “really” believe to be saved while others give you the freedom to sort of believe it as you see it. Some believe there are certain things you must physically do to be saved while others do not think this is necessary. Some believe there are some things you must remember to be “really” saved.
Some believe there are certain supernatural spiritual signs that must happen to you that must be physically evident, while some others think these same things are of the devil! and if you practice them; for sure! They really believe – auh-huh!
You’re going to Hell!
Some believe you must dress a certain way or have restrictions on make-up and hair styles while others don’t believe this is necessary. Some believe you must eat a certain way while others don’t. Some believe you must keep certain religious rules, days and holy days that others do not think are important.
Some believe one can go directly to God yourself; while others believe you must go through another official church representative or a Priest or someone who is already saved. Then there are sacraments and differing rituals that are required by some but not by others like baptism or even taking communion or the Eucharist, is required for salvation. They really believe – of course!
You’re going to Hell!
Seems we’re getting an awful lot of Hell!
I could go on and on but I just wanted to touch on the MOST IMPORTANT question in all these groups purpose and their beliefs and they would all agree; it is whether a person is lost or saved; going to heaven or Hell. Unless you’re Roman Catholic and they have Purgatory which is a temporary Hell. I find it bewildering that these could all differ so greatly on the requirements for going to heaven but one thing they ALL AGREE on is HELL! Don’t mess with their Hell! or you’ll get some of it!
So if you do not keep their version of their all-important procedure of how to be saved; I’m completely serious! And I honestly don’t think most people really have thought this through. According the preacher – YOU WILL GO TO AN ETERNAL, EVERLASTING, UNRELENTING, CONSCIENCE TORMENT, AND SUFFERING BEYOND ALL COMPREHENSION; IN HELL-auh! WITH NO HOPE! FOR TRILLIONS OF YEARS AND THAT’S JUST THE VERY BEGINNING OF ETERNITY!!! GOD help them, they are only parroting what they have been taught and never gave it a second thought; much less a third or forth. We need to think seriously about these things. we are talking about GOD Almighty Who is LOVE ! And Yes justice, but what do you think justice is? Jesus told one group of religious leaders ” I desire Mercy not sacrifice”…
And what purpose would this serve our God and Savior or the person suffering it?
Hey Do You Know What They Believe?!
Amazing isn’t it? That all these groups can fellowship so lovingly and peacefully together while they rally around certain causes, gather together in community meetings, go to concerts and fellowship meals; happily fellowshipping, singing and talking as if everything is OK – I love you, you love me, the Lord loves us, we all love the LORD we’re all OK… Psssst… but actually the doctrine I believe says you’re going to HELL!
Well let’s not mention that. Not a big deal I don’t guess huh… Unless…. Yes, UNLESS… You happen to say you don’t believe their traditional view of hell…. then watch for flying rocks!!! Which leads me on to where I was going in this article.
- Now let’s look at another scenario. We have a chat room, forum or blog maybe even twitter or facebook. There is conversation happily going on between all these brothers and sisters in Christ about the Goodness and Greatness of God! Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Pentecostal, Nondenominational, Even some Roman Catholics etc. – it’s so wonderful! “We all believe in Jesus Christ and the Bible and Love the Lord!” Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound!….”
- Now enter in a Christian who mentions they do not believe in their view of how to be saved or stay saved… There will be some discussion of their differing views which usually doesn’t get too heated, sometimes even jokingly continue about how the other one is going to get bad news from St Peter at the pearly gates… Then they will go on with their fellowship.
- Now enter in a Christian, a believer in Christ and the Bible who dearly Loves the Lord and His Children comes into the group; hold on to your seat now! – a Christian who does not believe in their traditional view of hell or eternal torment... Tempers will flare! Words will get extremely harsh! Then as the conversation continues a personal assault will ensue on the honest thoughts of this believing brother or sister; name calling and so on… Plus of course, all these will join forces and agree to cast out this devil! Yes, giving him or her some of that hell! And yes, all will agree….
To Hell with This heretic!
These groups who differ so greatly on whether the other one is going to heaven or hell and in their basic beliefs; believing many of the others are going to Hell (Of course without saying it) These will rally together and join forces to thrust out this devil that brings such heretical ideas! I have been in these situations many times and I know from experience it can heat up real fast when you mess with their Hell!
When I’ve come into these groups I’m not trying to convert them; just giving my thoughts on the matter. If they want to believe in eternal conscious torment that’s their right; maybe they have some need to? But it is equally my right to believe otherwise and should be shown the same respect they have for the other differing brothers and sisters who have serious differences of opinions and beliefs. I am truly amazed and perplexed by what rouses such animosity so quickly on this important subject.
Yes I am talking about us “CHRISTIAN UNIVERSALIST”. Just because we happen to FULLY believe the ORTHODOX traditional view of the attributes and nature of God – is that so wrong? To believe in a really BIG GOD and a VICTORIOUS JESUS Unlimited in Any Way? To choose to believe that God really is Infinitely Great! Omnipotent – Nothing He can’t do, Omniscient – Nothing He does not know and has always known, – about every person He ever created, Omnipresent – is everywhere, in all things, in all people, in all time, is All-Sovereign – His Sovereign rule and Sovereign will is Always carried out regardless of puny mankind’s will. Otherwise God wouldn’t REALLY be Sovereign would He? His Love and Sovereign Redemptive Purposes for His Creation Will Not, and Cannot Fail! He really is Love and really does Love ALL mankind even to the lowest sinner. Remember Jesus never rejected ANYONE who honestly came to him (Many times He went to Them) Jesus was much harder on religious hypocrites who were usually religious leaders; than he was on sinners. That’s why the religious leaders hated him…
A Really Victorious Jesus Christ!
What I am saying is we Christian Universalist believe in a Really Victorious Jesus! Therefore, because of God’s Greatness, Omnipotence, Omniscience, Omnipresence, Love, and Sovereignty; His plan in His Love for the world, to save the world through giving His Son, Christ Jesus; could not have failed in any way, under any circumstances. We are saying that Jesus did not fail in His mission to save the world.
As Jesus’s parables of the lost coin, the lost sheep, the lost son are telling us God does not give up until every last one comes home or he goes and finds them and brings them home. Luke 15:1-32 Remember Jesus told these parables in the context of the religious leaders complaining about His accepting and fellowshipping with the sinners – those these religious hypocrites judged unfit for the Kingdom of God or heaven if you will.
Luke 15:1-4
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
1 Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” 3 So He spoke this parable to them, saying:
4 “ What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety- nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost “until” he finds it?
Then follows the parables of the lost coin – which is found and the lost son which is found and ends with the one who was already “in” being very angry because, again, the sinner he thought should be out, was accepted in…. I don’t mean to make anyone angry here in this article although this will anger some people; as in the parable of the lost son, it always has…
But Jesus plainly said:
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:17
Also:
“If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.” John 12:47
You say OK then how will this happen? Well the bible is packed full of scripture backing up what I am saying but basically; the bible says in no less than four places that everyone will end up agreeably and reverently coming to God through Jesus Christ. God will not have to “force” them and would find no need or pleasure in doing so; His ego is just fine.
Philippians 2:10-11 “so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow – in heaven and on earth and under the earth- 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.”
See also: Isaiah 45:23, Romans 14:11, Ephesians 1:10, Colossians 1:20 also Matthew 28:18
OK, What about Hell?
In my opinion, and I think with good reason; The bible simply does not teach an eternal torment in Hell – in the original language. I know, I know, it does in some most popular English translations but there are also many scholarly English translations that do not teach Hell or Eternal Torment. This is easily proven. See “Young’s Literal Translation” or “Rotherham’s Emphasized Bible” to name two. Dr Young published a Greek Dictionary like Strong’s “Young’s Analytical Concordance to the Bible” You won’t find today’s hell in either of his works… These are older scholarly works known for many years, there are more. This is also known by bible translators and most theologians today who would rather not talk about it.
There are four words that are translated from the original language as “hell” to keep this short without going into the depths of it I’ll just give you the meanings. Again these are easily searched out in online bible tools, bible software or Google. The only word in the Old Testament is in Hebrew “sheol” which means a pit, grave, underworld. Also, to my delight, the word hell has completely disappeared from the Old Testament in many popular new translations as thankfully the translators are trying to be more honest with the original language. Just do a word search for the word “Hell” in the Old Testament of the NIV, ESV, NASB95, NRSV, HCSB to name a few; IT’S NOT THERE! Zero, zilch nada, GONE! When they begin this same kind of honesty in translating the New Testament words normally translated Hell; It will be quite a shock to most bible readers; not to mention an upheaval of revolt for this honesty! Curious isn’t it? Nevertheless, in the New Testament there are three words in Greek translated Hell; first is “gehenna” which was an ancient site where child sacrifice was carried out as parents threw their children into the flames worshiping the god Molech.
“They have built pagan shrines to Baal in the valley of Ben- Hinnom, and there they sacrifice their sons and daughters to Molech. I have never commanded such a horrible deed; it never even crossed my mind to command such a thing. What an incredible evil, causing Judah to sin so greatly!”
Jeremiah 32:35 NLT Ben- Hinnom translates into Greek as gehenna. Just let that soak in…
This site later became the city dump outside of Jerusalem and the word was most used by Jesus and his listeners would have understood what He meant. The word “Hell” as we understand it today never came out of Jesus’s mouth. Shocker isn’t it! Another word “hades” which is easily traced back to pagan traditions; which is the equivalent of the Hebrew “sheol” a pit, grave, unseen realm or something covered over. At the time of the translation of the King James Version in 1611 it was common for people to say they would “Hell” their potatoes for winter – cover them over. We get the word “helmet” from it – a covering. Surprise! It was a good translation in 1611. Then there is the Greek “tataroo” which was only used once in the scriptures by Peter describing a place similar to hades but only angels are mentioned as going there; it is easily traced back to pagan traditions as well. That’s it, there’s your hell from the original languages the bible was written in, no more no less.
The Apostle Paul Never Speaks or Warns of an Eternal Torment in Hell!
A very important point I should also add is the Apostle Paul who wrote over half of the New Testament; in whose writings we get most of our Christian theology, NEVER speaks of an eternal Hell; he never even mentioned it!
Didn’t see that one coming did you!
Paul only uses one of these words that is sometimes translated Hell, ONE TIME in all his writings; even there it is transliterated as it actually is “hades” in some translations and some say “grave” or “death” which should give you a clue as to how it was understood in those days. Therefore letting the bible interpret the bible this is the meaning of Hades – grave, pit, or death; NOT eternal Hell Fire. And in this One passage where Paul uses it, he says “IT IS DEFEATED!“ 1Cor 15:54-55 . Had they translated it “Hell” there as they do in other places it would’ve really blown the cover off of their Hell-fire theology! I cant help but chuckle a little at the thought!
As far as the Greek word for “eternal” it is translated from various forms of the Greek word “aion” which is directly translated into english as eon or an age a period of time long or short with a beginning and an end, not in any way forever. There is much written on this word and the controversy surrounding it. Again many scholarly yet not popular translations of the bible DO NOT have the word Eternal, Everlasting, or Forever, ANYWHERE as related to the future state of the wicked because in all honestly it is linguistically unjustifiable in these places. The translators of popular bibles know this; but then they are in the business of selling bibles and that wouldn’t sell well considering traditional theology on the topic. Like I said; maybe some day they will become as honest in translating the New Testament as they have become in translating the Old testament in some of the newer versions.
That’s it, there’s your eternal hell in the original biblical languages. I will let you put all this together in your own mind; ponder these things; what I have written here is the absolute truth. Now it’s your choice to believe whatever you will on the topic. I don’t know what you will come up with but it was hard for me to justify a translation of an eternal hell after learning these things; especially considering the above subject of the Greatness and Goodness of God.
What about Punishment for the wicked?
Yes, I believe there will be; but I would rather more correctly use the word “CORRECTION” God Does Not Punish Without Purpose. Actually, the words for fire and brimstone in the lake of fire in the original language actually mean Godly Purging at their root; don’t believe me, check it out on your own and also see A SHORT WORD STUDY ON “TORMENT” Eternal pain would have no purpose whatsoever, but long or short lasting correction or purging would have a Good Purpose as in all of Gods works. There will not be evil anywhere in all God’s creation, it will have been cleansed from all – “The restoration of all” (Acts 3:21) The murderers will no longer be murderers, the liars will no longer be liars, the wicked will no longer be wicked, the perverts will no longer be perverts; they will have been changed by the red hot passionate loving, purging fire of GOD! They will be changed, repent and turn to God, and for the “first time” see the truth of the Gospel having their minds and hearts cleansed by the fires of God’s Love in the Lake of Fire! This is what the Apostle Paul is speaking of when he says through the Spirit:
“Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:8–11, NASB95)
Here Paul by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit was simply restating the edict of God Almighty through the prophet Isaiah.
“Declare and present your case; let them take counsel together! Who told this long ago? Who declared it of old? Was it not I, the LORD? And there is no other god besides me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none besides me. “TURN TO ME AND BE SAVED, ALL THE ENDS OF THE EARTH! For I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return: ‘TO ME EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW, EVERY TONGUE SHALL SWEAR ALLEGIANCE.’” (Isaiah 45:21–23, ESV)
“so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11, ESV)
I would understand swearing allegiance would be putting your faith in something or someone you believe in; wouldn’t you agree? Should we not extol The LORD and give thanks and devotion for such amazing grace!
Yes! Praise The LORD, Hallelujah, Amen!
You say, “well that sounds like you’re paying for your own sins! What then did Jesus die for?” – Jesus died for YOU, because you do not have an immortal soul, the Bible is clear, only God is immortal (1 Tim. 6:16) and must give immortality with was brought to light in Christ (2 Tim. 1:10) His purpose in saving you and us all, – the world, (1John 2:2, 4:14 many more) everyone; scripture abounds to back up what I am saying here. Everyone was going to die, pass away, be dead and gone, dust to dust, lost forever! “For the payoff of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our LORD” Romans 6:23 NET. Get it? God did not want to lose one single soul of all his creation He loved so much and had a plan already in place from the beginning (2Tim. 1:9, Titus 1:2). Remember I can’t emphasize this enough; we have been so brainwashed by tradition – not truth; cognitive dissidence kicks in! This is the clear biblical payment for sin – “Death” – Again “For the payoff a of sin IS DEATH, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our LORD.” Also refer to the Garden of Eden, God did not say if you eat the fruit you will burn forever in Hell! Although if it were true that would have been a good place to let us know! If Jesus had not died for our sins we would have simply died and that would be it – gone, lost! But because God Loves us All so much He wanted to save his creation – YOU. So Jesus died for you (All of you) so you will not have to die – Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life! Therefore NOW you are God’s property, bought with a price, ( 1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23 ) adopted into God’s family and He is your Father. Therefore as every good father He will correct you (Heb 12:5-6) – for as long as it takes to bring about your perfection so that you will be able to enjoy eternity with Him; otherwise you wouldn’t even be able to enjoy it. No you are not paying for your sins; Jesus did that to give life to all of us – IN ORDER THAT “WE COULD BE CORRECTED” AND PERFECTED TO LIVE HAPPILY FOREVER IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST! You see you had to have life – be alive, exist, to be corrected – fixed. It would be hard to correct a person who no longer existed – is dead…. It’s real simple!
Summing it up
One of my all time favorite hymns is Victory in Jesus! Did he win the victory? Did He defeat satan who would have you die and be destroyed? Did He accomplish His goal and mission to save the world? Or did He suffer so much and come up short? How Victorious is your Jesus? So how Big is your God? If your God is as BIG as mine; I wish I didn’t have to say this but; You Will have to dodge some flying rocks for believing it; I guarantee you!…. I don’t understand why we Christian Universalist cannot be accepted just as other faiths accept and respect one another knowing their serious differences. Just like them we have plenty of scripture, history, and reasoning to back up what we believe. But if someone wants to believe in eternal torment in hell, I say OK go ahead, maybe you have some need to. I don’t… but let’s live and let live, love one another and respect one another’s beliefs. We will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ or God. So let Him sort it out. I’m just going to trust Him for all that I know He did, all He accomplished in His cross, death and resurrection for us all and that’s enough. It is Finished, The Victory is Complete! God is for us, God is with us. Christ’s Forgiveness is a reality present with us in the real presence of the Living LORD Jesus Christ for us all! This should be made obvious by the final demonstration of the unlimited extent and broadness of His Love and Forgiveness at the cross when He forgave even those who crucified Him Saying “Father Forgive them, for they know not what they do”. Even as many of us don’t know… In this He was demonstrating his statement “that when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” (John 12:32, ESV) The word “draw” here is a very strong word in the original Greek (g1670) being translated “drag” most of the time, therefore overpowering the subject. For this reason it seems best to translate it in this context as irresistibly draw all people to myself. This irresistible drawing has nothing to do with the flesh but is accomplished in the heart and soul as we come to realize and see God in Christ understands and loves more than anyone could possibly imagine or put into words one could understand (Eph. 3:19) Therefore The LORD Jesus Christ demonstrated His love, mercy and forgiveness publicly in such a way it could not be mistaken; for all the world to see and be remembered forever! Hallelujah!
In conclusion
Besides all this, if I’m going to err I would rather err on the side of believing God is more loving, more powerful, more gracious, more forgiving, more merciful, bigger, better, more awesome, more successful and victorious than He really is. If God wants to condemn me for that; well so be it. Although I am assured that absolutely will not happen. I’m betting my eternal destiny on it!
In Christ Love,
Rev. Dennis D. Caldwell
not1lost 