Tom, did you overlook the passages I posted above? They clearly portray holy angels praising God for His justice and praying for double punishment.

Rosangela, yes, they should resist the temptation to wish for something that exceeds justice. And, do you agree it is okay not to feel sorry for the criminal, and that it is okay to feel they are getting what they deserve?

Revelation is a symbolic book. For example:



The things written express viewpoints. For example, this is expressing a desire for justice. The passage you cited also expresses a desire, and appreciation of, justice. However, this shouldn't be taken to mean that angels are hard-hearted or like sinful human beings. As Rosagela pointed out, if we have a wrong attitude, how are we any better than those who have wronged us? Also, I wrote that an angel would, of course, be very sad to lose one he had been helping through that person's life.

God is tender-hearted, and becomes incalculably sad when one is lost. Those who are His followers have a heart like His.

Tom, I believe holy angels can pray for double punishment and be sweet and loving.

So, God is loving and has proven himself willing to go through all kinds of humiliation for the salvation of people who by our behaviour deserve nothing more than to burn in an eternal lake of fire. Angels OTOH, those who have not fallen but have retained the image of the Father in their conduct are vengeful and would not think twice about sending sinners to be doubly punished while burning.

The question arises, how can holy angels be so different from our holy God?
If angels can be so different from God, why would God require redeemed humans to be more like Him than His angels are?
Maybe the holy angels are not so different from God after all, and there really is an eternally burning hell awaiting the unrepentant sinner?

It is not easy, and that is why it is admired when it happens. For it does happen that someone responds in a Godly way to huge injustice done to them rather than in the devilish way of requiring blood and vengeance. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/09/opinion/09kristof.html?_r=2

Thomas, you seem to be convinced it is impossible to be sweet and loving and appreciate the execution of justice and judgment. If so, how do you explain the holy angels praising God for punishing the wicked with seven last plagues and even praying for a double portion of punishment?

PS - Do you believe the wicked will be punished eternally in a lake of fire? Or, do you agree with the SDA position? That is, do you believe the wicked will perish and cease to exist after they are punished according to their words and works?

Mike,

justice and judgment are disparate from vengeance. In fact, vengeance completely rules out both justice and fair judgment.

It began with
"Thus you shall not show pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.

Then it was
"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Alas, this does not last, for in the last days of reconing, it will not be "love your enemies", nor will it be even "an eye for an eye", but it will be

Give back to her as she has given;
pay her back double for what she has done.
Mix her a double portion from her own cup.
Give her as much torture and grief
as the glory and luxury she gave herself.

For two thousand years the example of Christ has taught the world that God is love and worthy to be loved. His teaching has been heard around the world that Godly perfection is doing good works to all without discrimination.
But in the last days, God Himself will set the record straight. He will vindicate the devils claim that He is a tyrant who must be obeyed, or else! Do as I say or suffer like you now see me torturing your unrepentant brothers and sisters.

No, this would be highly unsettling.

PS, I do not think God will punish through an eternal lake of fire.

We've already discussed "punishment" and I think you agree they aren't being "punished" as the word means. Could you reword your statement so it better reflects what you mean as to why and what is happening to them?

Thomas, thank you for addressing my comments and questions.

Kland, I believe Jesus will punish the wicked.