Have you been CONDEMMNED by others as having an "UNBIBLICAL DIVORCE" ?
Posted : 2 Feb, 2012 11:28 PM
Thanks to a question about divorce and remarriage posted on another thread, I felt the need to address those on this site who may be suffering from the weight of guilt and condemnation heaped on them because of their reasons for divorce.
I wrote the following article, "The Stone Thrower", based on actual instances that happened on this site. If you are one of those who have been ostracized by others for having an "Unbiblical Divorce," please take the time to read. May it minister to your heart.
The Stone Thrower
I want to touch on a subject today that has long been regarded in Christendom as taboo . . . and that is . . . DIVORCE. Mention that word around some Christians and their hackles suddenly go up on the back of their neck. They pull out their proverbial stones ready to put to death anyone who they think has been un-biblically divorced. And to my shame, I was one of them�a stone thrower.
We all know the story of the woman caught in adultery in John 8:3-11. The scribes and Pharisees (the religious self-righteous) had arrested this woman and dragged her before Jesus. One has to wonder how these Pharisees caught such a woman "in the very act" of adultery. How convenient for them. It's amazing the depths of depravity the self-righteous will sink to in order to defend their religious arguments. Did they have the paparazzi spy on her to get some juicy pictures for the whole world to see?
At any rate, they dragged this poor woman in front of Jesus and proudly proclaimed, "Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?" (John 8:5)
Zowie!! These men can quote the Word of God . . . at least the parts that suit their fancy.
I like our Lord's reaction. "But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear" (John 8:6b).
Don't you just love it when someone ignores you . . . especially when you're trying to win an argument? But the self-righteous rarely lie down without a fight, and those religious Pharisees were determined to prove that they had the "truth." So they continued pestering Jesus, knowing that the Law of Moses was on their side. It's not a good idea to pester Jesus, especially when it comes to "pointing a finger" at someone.
"So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, 'He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.' And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning from the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst" (John 8:7-9).
This introductory story of the woman caught in adultery has a purpose: I wanted you to have a glimpse of the mentality of a "stone thrower." They are usually self-righteous, ready to condemn, and can quote the Word of God. Ouch . . . I just described me.
I had a clear cut answer for the reasons one might give to justify divorce which I thought was quite Biblical. And in my mind, there was only one reason . . . "But I say to you, that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except for sexual immorality, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery" (Matthew 5:32). There you have it�plain and simple. Who could argue with such a statement? It is the Word of God! I thought I had the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth . . . yet the truth is . . . I was ignorant of the ways of God. "For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment" (James 2:13).
And it was in my ignorance to God's ways that I threw stones at the divorced ladies on a Christian dating site some time ago. As a widower, I was on this site looking for a prospective wife. I was so appalled at the amount of women who were divorced on this site whose reasons for separating from their husbands did not match my view of scripture. In order to protect myself from these "contaminated souls," I purposely wrote something in my profile for those that I would consider as wife material: "You may be single, widowed, or divorced (must be for Biblical reasons only)."
When I would communicate with these divorced ladies, I would immediately ask them to provide details on the reason for their divorce. If they could not give me an answer of infidelity as the reason for their divorce, then I considered them unmarriageable. Yet God has a way of grabbing His child's attention when that child is in error.
One of the ladies on this dating site told me her story of divorce after I demanded it. Her husband was deep in bondage to pornography and had no interest whatsoever in repentance. The man had not physically hopped into bed with another woman, and so in my self-righteousness, I condemned the poor wife for wanting to opt out on the marriage. And the "stones" that I threw created fresh wounds in her heart while she recounted those painful memories of her husband's infidelity as he lusted after porn. According to Jesus' own words, her husband WAS GUILTY of adultery: "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:28). I ignored that scripture and concentrated only on Matthew 5:32. She lashed out at me, saying that she was glad Jesus did not condemn her even if I did. I have to admit, I was shaken by her story which moved me to tears.
Then there was another lady whom I demanded to give an account for her divorce. I threw "stones" at her as well when she could not give me a reason of infidelity for her separation. In bitter anger, she struck back at me, stating how her husband had broken her nose and physically abused her. I ignored the scripture which reads, "But God has called us to peace" (1 Corinthians 7:15b) and concentrated again on Matthew 5:32. However, her story bothered me very much just like the other woman's.
I began to seek God earnestly. These were only two of the many ladies who shared with me their heartbreaking stories of divorce. There were so many reasons given for divorce and none of them fell under sexual immorality (fornication) as I saw it. I sincerely asked the Lord to open my eyes. Was there any scriptural evidence to support these women's choices to opt out of a marriage other than infidelity? Yes, there was.
God led me to Matthew 19:3-12. The Pharisees were looking for a reason to trap Jesus in His words. Their previous scheme had not worked with the woman caught in adultery. However, if they could just get Jesus to say something contradictory to the Law of Moses, then they could brand Him as a heretic. So they asked Jesus this question, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?" (Matthew 19:3b)
Jesus' answer was, and still is, God's original intention for marriage: "Have you not read . . . the two shall become one flesh? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate" (Matthew 19:5b-6).
The Pharisees did not like His answer. For Jesus had taken them right back to Genesis before there ever was a Moses or a Law of Moses so that they could hear what GOD SAYS about marriage. Yet the stiff-necked Pharisees persisted with another question: "Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?" (Matthew 19:7)
Jesus responds, "Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so" (Matthew 19:8).
The self-righteous Pharisees were using the Law of Moses as an excuse to bail out on marriages for any flippant reason. And because of this, the Lord had some very strong words for them. "And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery" (Matthew 19:9).
I can just hear the stone throwers shouting, "See, I told you . . . it's right there in the word . . . 'sexual immorality!'"
Wait a minute. Like Paul Harvey, let's hear "the rest of the story" before jumping to any conclusions. After verse 9 comes verse 10. Even Jesus' disciples, which would include us, were amazed at the words of Jesus. "His disciples said to Him, 'If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry'" (Matthew 19:10). Yeah, I can see their point. If sexual immorality (fornication) is the only reason for divorce, then perhaps we are better off not getting married.
But look at Jesus' response to his own disciples in verse 11. It stands to reason that if the disciples' statement was true, then Jesus would have said something to affirm it as such. He does not!
"But He said to them, 'All cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given'" (Matthew 19:11).
What saying? The saying in verse 9 of course. NOT ALL can accept the saying that fornication is the ONLY reason for divorce.
Now notice that Jesus goes on to explain what He meant with the following verse:
"For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother's womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it" (Matthew 19:12).
What did Jesus mean by this? He tells us that three different men all became eunuchs for different reasons. One was born a eunuch, another was made a eunuch by men, and still another made himself that way for the kingdom of heaven. They all became eunuchs for different reasons, but who is to say which eunuch is "God approved"? God accepted them all. That's the point!
Likewise, there are many reasons someone might seek a divorce: physical and verbal abuse from a spouse . . . being married to an unbeliever who makes life a literal hell . . . marital unfaithfulness . . . the stress of being married to an alcoholic for 23 years . . . or living with a pornographer who refuses to repent. Which one of these reasons for divorce is "God approved"? That's the point Jesus was making. Just as the eunuchs were acceptable to God regardless of how they became a eunuch, so also is a woman acceptable to God who seeks to be free from an abusive husband, even if infidelity is not involved. You and I cannot see in the heart of that abused person . . . but God can. For God has called them to peace.
And the church has done more harm counselling emotionally and physically battered women to stay in a relationship citing Matthew 5:32 "except for sexual immorality" as the only just cause for divorce. Women have actually committed suicide and murder under the stress of remaining in an abusive situation because their legalistic church counseled them to do so.
You may have heard of the case in the U.S. where a lady killed her husband (a pastor) who had been abusing her for years. God had called her to peace . . . but she never knew it, and one day she snapped. The evidence of abuse was so overwhelming that the courts found this woman not guilty of murder by reason of insanity.
I certainly do not want to imply that people should take their marriage so lightly as to divorce for every whim and fancy. I would not condone that, and neither does the Word of God. Every marriage will have its share of problems which can be worked out with God's help by two committed individuals. Yet there are some women, especially those suffering physical and mental abuse, who have reached the tipping point of no return; and the only thing they can do to preserve their sanity is to get out of that marriage. And ultimately, it is to the Lord they answer to, not you or me. He has called them to peace.
After God opened my eyes to the truth of scripture, I contacted those ladies on the dating site who I had thrown "stones" at and apologized profusely. I was truly grieved that I had been so self-righteous and blind, wounding those precious sisters for whom Christ died.
Now back to the story that I began with. The "stone throwers" had already dropped their rocks and left the scene with a guilty conscience, leaving Jesus alone with the adulterous woman.
"He said to her, 'Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?'"
"She said, 'No one, Lord.'"
"And Jesus said to her, 'Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more'" (John 8:10b-11).
HALLELUJAH�MERCY TRIUMPHS OVER JUDGMENT!!!
Blessings in Christ Jesus,
Paul Janz
(All Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New King James Version.)
"The Stone Thrower" Copyright � 2010 by Paul Janz.
Have you been CONDEMMNED by others as having an "UNBIBLICAL DIVORCE" ?
Posted : 13 Jun, 2012 07:24 PM
Singer wrote:
"Paul, I never said that Yahweh wasn't merciful. However, he doesn't apply mercy unless there is geuine repentance, Also one cannot bring their sin with them in their repentance."
Luke6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.�
36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
� �[*** there is no indication that there was even repentance prior to this verse...in fact, it's talking about how God is kind to the evil ***]
Singer wrote:�"Yahweh cannot lie for he has put his word above himself and he says that a person must forsake their way. He won't honor unscriptural marriages even if people confess their sin while the innocent mate lives. Otherwise, he would be lying about it. Impossible for him to do. The only reason I know that He won't is that He made the rule and gave us three witnesses."
This verse is part of God's Word:
1 John 1:9�If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
� �[*** I don't see an exception for any sin here ***]
Did God lie here? Or we He forgive us of our sins?
Singer, please provide Scripture reference where God put His Word above Himself? �According to John, He IS the Word.
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God.
Singer wrote:
"... He basically was saying Moses is dead and I am no longer allowing what Moses allowed= which was for any reason. Moses had delegated authority which ended upon his death."
So based on this statement, the 10 Commandments are void because God gave them to Moses to pass on to mankind. �Who do you think Moses got the authority to issue divorces and the guidelines for divorce AND remarriage?
Singer wrote:
"Remember paul and teach ib, that the only sin that has a covenant attached to it is adultery. That makes it unlike fornication or other sins. That covenat is unbreakable til death and adultery was a capital crime and the innocent were freed when the guilty was stoned."
Leviticus 20:9�For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him.
Ephesians 6:2 Honour�thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
A covenant is a promise/vow...if we break this commandment are we able to be forgiven?�
Singer wrote:
"Bible scholars even agree that adultery wasn't a big problem in Israel when Yahushua came. It was rare and people knew its ramifications so they didn't do it. Everyone kept the Sabbath except the pharisees who made rules that they could break it."
Really? �Then why did Jesus have to talk about it? �They brought a woman caught in adultery to Him.
Singer wrote:
"...We don't get away with this sin. Yahweh keeps up with it. He told the woman at the well how many husbands she had had and that the one she was with wasn't her husband. WOW! She was accountable to him from the time he told her."
She wasn't saved yet, of course, Jesus knew what sins she had committed!
Have you been CONDEMMNED by others as having an "UNBIBLICAL DIVORCE" ?
Posted : 13 Jun, 2012 07:25 PM
Singer wrote:
"...The Father meet the prodigal son only when he was halfway home. Then He ran to meet him=Thats because the Father's love for us is unimaginable for we are the most valuable thing to him and Messiah! Thats why all the angels rejoice when a sinner repents."
Passage on the 'Prodigal Son'
Luke 15:18�I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,�
19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.�
20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.�
� �[*** note, the father was looking for his son, and ran to him, ready to accept him BEFORE the son had time to say I'm sorry ***]
21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.�
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:�
23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
Have you been CONDEMMNED by others as having an "UNBIBLICAL DIVORCE" ?
Posted : 13 Jun, 2012 07:26 PM
Singer wrote:
"Also she is my ex-wife. I divorced her scripturally by giving her a divorce decree for unrepented adultery. I have no obligations to her anymore other than common love and honor if she should return to believing Israel=A return to life by a return to belief and obediance in Yahushua. The covenant is dead for me. I don't want no cheater and I warned her when we married as part of my vows that I would never cheat and that I would divorce her if she did and she told me the same thing. I kept my word! I did all to try and restore her back then and she refused for her heart was hard towards Yahweh then to me. When someone wants listen to Yahweh himself how or why will they listen to you a mere man??????????"
I understand she is your ex-wife and have no problem with the grounds you stated for divorce and agree that you have no obligation to her. �It would be against Deuteronomy 24 for you to take her back.
The way you presented 'I kept my word' meaning if she cheated, you would divorce her...and then tried to restore her back...and the way you've presented things on this thread...you don't present a very loving and meek spirit. �
The attitude you present is what often keeps sinners and those who've strayed away from God. �I know, I lived under the threat that God was just waiting for me to sin...and then I'd be cut off...lived in fear, not in awe or with great respect...but terrified that I might sin. �And then when I did, I didn't think for the longest time that God would accept me back or ever be able to use me again (this had nothing to do with marriage as I wasn't married or in any relationship)...later, I learned how wrong that perception of God was. �When I recommitted myself to Him, I realized that He had been with me. �Since learning that God is not out to get me...that I can go to Him anytime I mess up and get His forgiveness, that He's not going to disown me, I am so much happier in my Christian walk.
It's Satan who wants to use my sins against me...but Jesus tells him, her sins are PAID IN FULL. �I can tell Satan, like Jesus did, GET THEE BEHIND ME!
Have you been CONDEMMNED by others as having an "UNBIBLICAL DIVORCE" ?
Posted : 13 Jun, 2012 07:27 PM
Singer, you misquoted and misparaphrased what i posted on several occasions. �You point out facts that I already made with the intent to show I missed those points. ��
Singer wrote: "Only take advice from a pastor if they know the scriptures and only confirm living by them. Then you have a faithful wotness where yahweh speaks through 2 or 3. denominations believe many different things teach ib and you know this but you are being one sided and contradictory! "
I wrote in several posts about differences in views...we wouldn't still be exchanging posts f we were in agreeance. �The whole point behind this thread is that there are different views on divorce and remarriage...some are right and some are almost right, and others are wrong.
Singer wrote:
"You didn't even agree we are to keep Yahweh's counsel first before any pastor."
I often said to READ the Bible, pray, and meditate. �Most Christians would readily understand this to mean seek God's direction (counsel). �
You addressed 'gay pastors'...I would say if someone is in a 'church' with a 'gay pastor' they probably are already out of touch with God's Word. �They wouldn't be worried about the grounds for divorce as this type of church is already out of touch with Biblical teachings. �
I can't cover every possible combination of scenarios...time just wouldn't permit it. �
Have you been CONDEMMNED by others as having an "UNBIBLICAL DIVORCE" ?
Posted : 13 Jun, 2012 07:47 PM
Singer wrote:
"In reponse to you teach ib, you say I look to teachers more than the word? I give you scriptures and I know many of them by heart! You have no idea of my education or background.I wouldn't be a leader at my assembly unless I had maturity, knowledge of the word, and Holy Spirit lead wisdom or recognized whereever I visit=gifts make room for you! You have no idea my accomplishments given by Yahweh and why I am self employed for almost 20 years. You try and put yourself above me I see?"
I have never put myself above you or anyone else...I openly admit I am only human and am capable of making mistakes...that's why I post lots of Scripture to allow people to read for themselves the passages.
I know more about your 'religious background' than you know of mine as you have posted several times about your 26 years of study. �As I have stated many times you do not know my background, the years of study I have, or the ministries I am/have been trusted with over the years. �I won't go there...as I am relying on the Words of God, not my accomplishments...which to God are just filthy rags.
Singer wrote:�"You in fact post off the internet your scriptures."
I haven't posted any Scriptures off the Internet...I copy them from my electronic Bible for accuracy in punctuation and to ensure I don't inadvertently miss words. �I haven't kept track of how many verse I have memorized...that is not glorifying to God. �
However, because I have an extensive knowledge of Scripture I can readily find relevant verses to the topics at hand. �When I find the verse(s) I was looking for, I often see the beauty and relevancy of the surrounding verse and believe they should be shared.
Many people do not take the time to look them up, so I find it effective to psot them for them.
Singer wrote:�"You see through your denomination's teachings and veiw all verses based on an idea of eternal security no matter what verse you read.
I on the other hand have no preconceived ideas and let the scriptures speak for themselves. Thats why I don't believe in eternal security unless obediance or a return to it by a backslider."
Obviously, you're reading through your denominations teachings. �It's clear to me and others that you read looking for opportunities to condemn people. �Your posts are false 'gotchas'.
Yes, I do read the verse on ETERNAL security because God promised ETERNAL life to those who believe on Him. �Anything else would make God a liar.
Have you been CONDEMMNED by others as having an "UNBIBLICAL DIVORCE" ?
Posted : 13 Jun, 2012 07:53 PM
Singer wrote: "John 3 vs 16 is absolutely true. However I know better than to build a doctrine around one verse such as this. Its not all that Yahweh says and its not the full counsel of Yahweh= All the word is!!! Even the warning passages in the New Testament which on this forum you don't address doctrinally. "
Yet you build your doctrine around Hebrews 10:26...how many times have I posted to read the whole Bible and then you stated one didn't need to read the Bible to know things like not to murder or to tithe. �
Singer wrote: "In fact you said that I was picking and choosing which verses I would believe or not. Thats hypocrisy on your part thats exactly whayt you do and people are seeing it on this forum and emailing me thanking me for making a stand on thw whole word."
You have made statements that are contradictory to the verses I quoted...if I point those out, that is not hypocrisy. �I don't need a following of people to slap me on the back...I know where I stand with God and know what I have posted are pleasing to Him. �
Have you been CONDEMMNED by others as having an "UNBIBLICAL DIVORCE" ?
Posted : 13 Jun, 2012 08:01 PM
Yes, Jesus said to count them as an unbeliever, He did NOT say they were an unbeliever. This verse means if someone will not heed the admonish of the church, then they should be removed from fellowship as we are taught not to have fellowship with unbelievers. This does NOT mean we can't associate with sinners, quite the opposite, we need to seek out sinners to help them come to the saving knowledge of Jesus
I Now fully appreciate Paul's reposting of his posts...there is only so much one can do to present logical, Biblical views to people who do not apply logic.
Have you been CONDEMMNED by others as having an "UNBIBLICAL DIVORCE" ?
Posted : 13 Jun, 2012 08:08 PM
Singer wrote: "Teach ib, I will stand on that that I don't mind putting the guilt of their sin on willful adulterers who did it to their innocent believing mate because they will in fact reap what they sowed in this life and the world to come! Unless they repent."
Even though Jesus didn't hold this line...didn't condemn the woman caught in adultery, talked to the Samarian woman at the well who had 5 husbands and was living in adultery, Mary Magdalene whom He cast out seven devils...if Jesus held to your standard, None of us would be Heaven-bound.
Have you been CONDEMMNED by others as having an "UNBIBLICAL DIVORCE" ?
Posted : 13 Jun, 2012 08:10 PM
Mark 11:25-26�And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
In this passage, we're instructed by Jesus that if when we pray, we remember someone who has wronged us, we are supposed to forgive them...not wait for them to ask for forgiveness. �If we don't God won't forgive us of our sins.
Luke 6:33-40�And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.�
34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.�
35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.�
� � � � �[***I would think v35 is referring to God being kind to the unsaved (evil) ***]
36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.�
� � � � �[**** this follows after talking about being kind to the evil ***]
37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:�
38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.�
Luke 11:4�And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
***part of what's considered the Lord's Prayer, Jesus's example for us to pray, He didn't say 'we also forgive everyone that is indebted to us if they ask for forgiveness'
Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
[*** as Jesus hung on the cross, He forgave the very men who were crucifying Him...they had not asked for forgiveness ***]
2 Corinthians 2
1 But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness.�
2 For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?
3 And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.�
4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.
5 But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all.�
6 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many.�
7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.�
8 Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.�
9 For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.�
10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;�
11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Have you been CONDEMMNED by others as having an "UNBIBLICAL DIVORCE" ?
Posted : 13 Jun, 2012 08:13 PM
Paul,
Thanks for posting the verses on forgiveness and mercy. �I am amazed at the topics this thread is covering...all relevant to your original post. �The different directions this post has taken prove how difficult the topic is to address and understand. �
Paul wrote: "Singer4u, you are beating a dead horse here. What further evidence do you need that God is merciful even to the unrepentant. Look at your own life. Where would you be today if God was not merciful? How many times have you committed the SAME sin . . .angry outbursts, lustful thoughts, etc., and asked God to forgive you and found mercy? Did you know that God does not reward us according to all that we deserve, or we would all be dead."
AMEN! I am thankful I serve a merciful God that doesn't give me what I deserve!!!!!!!
Paul wrote:
"NO ONE on this forum, including teach ib and myself, is condoning sin or "sloppy Agape" (the idiom used for those who sin willfully and think God's grace covers it all). "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid" (Romans 6:1-2a KJV)."
AMEN, again!!! �
I don't understand why it is difficult to understand the concept of ETERNAL. God is eternal and He gives eternal life to all who believe.
