?

There is only one hope of our one calling--that is the high calling to be joint-heirs with Jesus. That is the whole reason for the Gospel Age which we are in--why don't you want to be with the God you all say you love?

If you say there is no more opportunity for the high calling, please submit scriptural proof.

If you admit there is no scriptural proof, then why are you rejecting the calling?

I am not trying to be an adversary in asking these questions, I would like to hear your scriptural reasons for this decision on your part.

Thanks

As a Christian we are responsible to be able to give an answer about our faith to anyone who asks. This is a very basic question, but I think there will be a variety of answers.

The proper answer needs to address the following questions.

1) Did God know Adam was going to sin before He created him?

2) What exactly did Jesus' ransom cover?

3) What is God's plan for the following groups:

a) The Christian

b) The Jew

c) The whole world of mankind

4) What is the purpose of the KIngdom which we pray for?

Thanks

I have a Facebook page and through that page, I have liked other pages.

There is one page where I see others liking and commenting, but I do not have that ability to do anything on their page.

Is that a setting? They don't know me to block me.

Just wondering what is up with that.

Thanks.

I have been talking to a pastor (not sure his denomination) and an interesting thing came up.

He says that the Bible alone is not good, that we need the counsels of the past to interpret doctrine for us. If you only use the Bible as your source you can come up with a lot of scripture to say that Jesus isn't God. Which is why we need the words of the past--our tradition.

This is a direct quote from another: "A lot of things are not mentioned in scripture that are assumed. That is why you can't have nothing but Scripture. Paul talks about receiving a faith handed down to him, and handing it down once again. You reject a HUGE portion of the faith when you refuse any praxis that isn't outline in the Bible."

Now, I have known this to be true of the Catholic Church, but did not know it was true also of Protestantism.

So, I am asking those of different Protestant denominations--do you agree that only these counsels or ordained pastors can interpret scripture?

Do you agree that it doesn't matter what the Bible says, but that these outside sources are what counts as far as acceptable doctrine?

How does this make Protestantism any different than Catholics? or how can we reject the book of Mormon based on these teachings?

I am not "main stream", so I never heard such things, and it was certainly an eye opener for me.

I would be very interested in your comments.

I have heard this before, and this a quote from a recent post:

"All who die now come back in the resurrection and so if you do die before Armageddon, then definitely you can look forward to the time, when all your suffering is over."

What scriptures prove that those who die after Armageddon will not come back in the general resurrection (that is earth)?

As far as I know "all who are in their graves" will come forth, that Jesus died for all who are in Adam, so how do you make this exception?

Thanks

If the Rich Man and Lazarus is literal and not a Parable like the Bible says it is

1) Many have based an entire catechism around this one passage---you must have at least one more scripture that teaches about Abraham's bosom---so what are they?

2) If this parable is literal--then Abraham is literal and so is his bosom---so how do all these people fit in the chest of literal Abraham?

3) How is it those in hell can talk to Abraham

So if we take the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus out of the equation---what other scriptures (using all the ones that talk about death, sleep, resurrection---teach about Abraham's bosom, ---is that like Purgatory or something? And what other scriptures teach those in hell can talk to people in Abraham's bosom.

What scriptures teach that just because you are rich you go to hell? And that just because you are poor you go to Abraham's bosom?

Also how does this parable teach you get a body later?

I will tell you what the parable actually teaches:

It is a parable about the nation of Israel. The Rich Man is the nation of Israel---Lazarus is the Gentiles--who the Jews treated like dogs, and even called them dogs--which is why he is seen eating under the table like a dog.

The parable (which Jesus only taught in parables, and has begun a bunch of other parables the same exact way), show the casting off of Israel from favor and the advancement of the Gentiles into God's favor.

They are shown in Abraham's bosom--because when we come into Christ--then we are Abraham's and heirs according to the promise.

The thirst the Rich Man has--is the same as the Valley of Dry Bones, the withering of the fig tree---Zechariah calls it wells without water--their hope is dried.

The Jews cannot pass over their wall of unbelief and are without favor until the "fullness of the Gentiles be come in."

It is really so beautiful and harmonious with the rest of scriptures when it is rightly understood.

This question is based on answers I received from my other questions.

Many are saying that when we die (an not limiting it to the present), we do not sleep, but go immediately to heaven or wherever.

So here are my questions, if people have been receiving their reward--in the afterlife.

1) Why is Jesus called the "firstborn from the dead"?

2) Why is the resurrection of Christians called the "First Resurrection"?

3) What scriptures show there is a time lapse between our dying, our soul floating in limbo and then getting a body at the end? I personally know of none, but would like to hear your thoughts. And the question is what scriptures show all three things. If they don't show all three thing then you have a misinterpretation.

Thanks

1Th 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

I should have included this with the first question. Some are saying when we dies our spirits are in heaven doing something, not clear on what, and it doesn't get a body until the "rapture".

What scriptures support this?

Also on the scripture above--why does Paul (as well as Jesus and the OT), call those who are dead in Christ "asleep"?

Why is the analogy of sleep used when referring to the dead?

Oh, and I have been out of school for over 20 years--so no one is doing my homework. I have my own beliefs and am looking to hear yours.

Thanks

1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

1Th 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Questions:

1) What does it mean "voice of the archangel"?

2) If all are supposed to be raised at the same time why does it say the dead will be raised first?

3) Also if all at the same time, why does it say the ones who are alive will remain?

4) If the "together" rather a place more than a time?

5) If the dead are not raised at this time, where are they until this time?

6) What comfort are we to get from this fact?

Thanks in advance for answering ALL the questions.

What are the three ways (roads) talked about in the scriptures and what are their significance?

Hint: One is the Narrow Way.

Can you give some examples of some types and antitypes in the scripture? I give two examples below.

Paul tells us Abraham, Sarah and Hagar have antitypical significance, as they picture covenants.

The Passover lamb is the type of Jesus' ransom sacrifice.

I have heard many different Christians from time to time say they don't study the Old Testament.

If you do not believe we as Christians should study the Old Testament--what scriptural backup do you use?

Or if you don't have a problem with the OT, why are you not studying it?

Consider these texts:

Rom 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

1Pe 1:10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: 11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. 12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

Mat 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Many like to say we are immortal, what is that based on and who does it harmonize with these scriptures?

Rom_2:7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

Why would we seek for immortality if we already have it?

1Co_15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

1Co_15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

How do we put on immortality?

1Ti_6:16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

If God only has immortality, how can we say we have it?

2Ti_1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

1Co 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: (immortal)

This scripture is talking about the Faithful Christian--they are raised immortal---so did they have it before?

1Co 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. (immortality)

How do we inherit immortality if we already have it?

If you are not going to attempt to answer the questions, I will give you a thumbs down. I am asking for a scriptural answer.

I have heard many say "death is not a sleep". Exactly what is that based on? How do you explain these scriptures? These are just a few that use that word, you will find a whole load of them in the listing of the kings. I selected only a few.

Joh 11:12 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. 13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. 14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.

Act 13:36 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:

1Co 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

1Th 4:14-16 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (15) For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. (16) For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

1Ki_2:10 So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.

1Ki_22:40 So Ahab slept with his fathers; and Ahaziah his son reigned in his stead.

2Ch_33:20 So Manasseh slept with his fathers, and they buried him in his own house: and Amon his son reigned in his stead.

I just read an interesting comment:

"Those who have died, visited heaven and come back add some information but even their input is very limited."

No I am not doubting the sincerity of who ever these people are, but I am highly doubting the reality. Just because they think something happened doesn't make it real.

This question is prompted by this statement, but also by others who have Christians going right to heaven.

When does the Bible say the resurrection will take place?

What is the resurrection? How many are there? (resurrections that is).

If the Bible states something different about the resurrections than most of Christianity is teaching, what are you as a Christian going to do about it?

I just participated in a post on what heaven was like. There wasn't a lot of responses, but some thought heaven was a place where we could sculpt and write books and paint. Really?

Is that what we are called for?

So what does God's Word say heaven will be like?

What will be our job if we are faithful unto death?

What is the job of the Bride of Christ?

What is the job of the Great Multitude?

Please provide scriptures to back up your answers.

Thanks