being honest......
being honest......
Dear freelight,
I'm definitely backed up by the Lord God, the Lord Jesus and the scriptures. You are hoping for a life without a hell or lake of fire, which would be so nice for Hindus to believe in, but it is not the truth at all.
I'll just note up front that we are veering off topic, but since you brought up the belief in 'hellfire', I addressed it with my own research on
ECT. - I find it problematic, as shared earlier, since Divine LOVE does not inflict or torture souls to no end, condemning them to an eternity of endless suffering with no remedy or resolve,.....just burning in hell....forever and ever and ever and ever. That is insanity.
My views on ECT (eternal conscious torment) were shared in the context of the thread where my posts are linked, which was about whether wicked unrepentant souls go to a hell-like state forever, or actually undergo an eternal 'death' (total annihilation of conscious existence). The other option is Universalism, where all souls eventually/ultimately are reunited to 'God'. In any case,...terms, meanings and context are key here.
I dont see 'God' as a 'god of wrath' at all...but a most
gracious, loving, understanding, all-knowing, forgiving Heavenly Father. Did we forget that 'God' is love? Remember the prodigal son....did the Father condemn that son to an eternity of hellfire? We might not solve the age-old debate over 'hell' and all that's built upon it, but we can review our 'theology' to see if its sensible.
Isn't it the goodness and love of 'God' that draws souls to repentance? Isn't it the beauty and grace of creation that makes us stand in awe of 'God', and draw us to worship? Does a wrathful, war-monging, vengeful, spite-filled 'God' do anything to lead souls to himself? - quite the opposite. Telling people they are going to roast like crispy critters for all eternity if they dont accept a certain 'version' of the 'gospel' is offensive, even insulting. Its fine to share the love of Jesus and the goodnews of the kingdom,
but perhaps there are more effective ways.
I'm sure you also know that the real power of your 'witness' is in being kind, respectful and loving, and that
how you treated people is what actually lives on in the hearts and minds of people, and is remembered in heaven, after your body returns to the grave. Those nurturing and inspiring relationships of lasting value and friendship...are what endures. I'd gather thats most important, while religious beliefs, theology, certain doctrines, opinions would take a back seat to what is really essential.
pj