Forums118
Topics9,223
Posts196,066
Members1,325
|
Most Online5,850 Feb 29th, 2020
|
|
S |
M |
T |
W |
T |
F |
S |
|
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
25
|
26
|
27
|
28
|
29
|
30
|
31
|
|
|
|
Here is a link to show exactly where the Space Station is over earth right now: Click Here
|
|
4 registered members (Karen Y, Dina, dedication, 1 invisible),
1,631
guests, and 15
spiders. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
Re: God's Strange Act: What is it, when does it happen?
[Re: Tom]
#128834
11/12/10 08:17 PM
11/12/10 08:17 PM
|
Active Member 2012
14500+ Member
|
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 14,795
Lawrence, Kansas
|
|
M:"His very presence" was physical. "Abide in His presence" was physical.
"The light of the glory of God, which imparts life to the righteous, will slay the wicked." It sounds like you believe this statement can be taken to literally mean - "The truth about God's character will slay the wicked." If so, will wicked humans and angels comprehend the truth about God's character until it kills them? No. Also, what part does the following fire play as it relates to wicked humans and angels and the truth about God's character: If it's fire causing their death, it's the same fire as DA 764, the consuming fire of agape. Fire after they're dead that cleanses the earth is literal fire. God won't set people on fire to burn alive to punish them. That would be cruel, don't you think?
Those who wait for the Bridegroom's coming are to say to the people, "Behold your God." The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of His character of love.
|
|
|
Re: God's Strange Act: What is it, when does it happen?
[Re: Tom]
#128844
11/13/10 03:51 AM
11/13/10 03:51 AM
|
SDA Charter Member Active Member 2019
20000+ Member
|
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 22,256
Southwest USA
|
|
Tom, please explain how the presence of agape will destroy, punish the wicked according to their sinfulness. "Some are destroyed as in a moment, while others suffer many days. All are punished "according to their deeds." The "presence of God, which consumes sin, must consume you."
|
|
|
Re: God's Strange Act: What is it, when does it happen?
[Re: Tom]
#128845
11/13/10 04:10 AM
11/13/10 04:10 AM
|
SDA Charter Member Active Member 2019
20000+ Member
|
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 22,256
Southwest USA
|
|
M: In the following passages, Ellen makes it clear that it is the physical presence of God’s glorious, radiant light that will destroy, consume, exterminate sinners with their sins.
T: No they don't. Considering the first few quotes. “To sin, wherever found, God is a consuming fire. If you choose sin, and refuse to separate from it, the presence of God, which consumes sin, must consume you. {MB 62.1} This is a spiritual problem, not a physical one.
M:The “presence of God” is physical. The fact His presence “consumes” sinners with their sins is physical.
T: “By a life of rebellion, Satan and all who unite with him place themselves so out of harmony with God that His very presence is to them a consuming fire. The glory of Him who is love will destroy them. {DA 764.1} Same point. God's glory is related to love. That's what it says. It doesn't say anything about "radiant light" destroying them.
M:Again, “His very presence” is physical. The “light of the glory of God” is physical. “Will destroy them” is physical.
T: “But wherever men came before God while willfully cherishing evil, they were destroyed. At the second advent of Christ the wicked shall be consumed "with the Spirit of His mouth," and destroyed "with the brightness of His coming." 2 Thessalonians 2:8. The light of the glory of God, which imparts life to the righteous, will slay the wicked. {DA 107.4} This is dealing with character, which the context makes clear. I'll post this later.
M:“Came before God” is physical. “They were destroyed” is physical. “Shall be consumed” is physical. “Destroyed with the brightness” is physical. “The light of the glory of God” is physical. “Imparts life” is physical. “Will slay” is physical. I'll treat these altogether. Consider Christ's cleansing of the temple, when the money-changers all fled. They all fled because of Christ's presence. But the problem was a spiritual one, not a physical one. His physical presence caused problems with their minds (guilt/fear/consciousness of sin, etc.) "His physical presence caused problems with their minds (guilt/fear/consciousness of sin, etc.)" How and why did His physical presence cause them to experience guilt, fear, and consciousness of their sins? How and why will it cause the wicked to suffer and die according to their sinfulness at the end of time?
|
|
|
Re: God's Strange Act: What is it, when does it happen?
[Re: Mountain Man]
#128862
11/15/10 01:47 AM
11/15/10 01:47 AM
|
Active Member 2012
14500+ Member
|
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 14,795
Lawrence, Kansas
|
|
Tom, please explain how the presence of agape will destroy, punish the wicked according to their sinfulness. "Some are destroyed as in a moment, while others suffer many days. All are punished "according to their deeds." The "presence of God, which consumes sin, must consume you." This is from "It Is Finished." This is not an act of arbitrary power on the part of God. The rejecters of His mercy reap that which they have sown. God is the fountain of life; and when one chooses the service of sin, he separates from God, and thus cuts himself off from life. He is "alienated from the life of God." Christ says, "All they that hate Me love death." Eph. 4:18; Prov. 8:36. God gives them existence for a time that they may develop their character and reveal their principles. This accomplished, they receive the results of their own choice. By a life of rebellion, Satan and all who unite with him place themselves so out of harmony with God that His very presence is to them a consuming fire. The glory of Him who is love will destroy them.
At the beginning of the great controversy, the angels did not understand this. Had Satan and his host then been left to reap the full result of their sin, they would have perished; but it would not have been apparent to heavenly beings that this was the inevitable result of sin. A doubt of God's goodness would have remained in their minds as evil seed, to produce its deadly fruit of sin and woe.(DA 764) This says that: The rejecters of His mercy reap that which they have sown. God is the fountain of life; and when one chooses the service of sin, he separates from God, and thus cuts himself off from life. I think this is a key point. T:I'll treat these altogether. Consider Christ's cleansing of the temple, when the money-changers all fled. They all fled because of Christ's presence. But the problem was a spiritual one, not a physical one. His physical presence caused problems with their minds (guilt/fear/consciousness of sin, etc.)
M:"His physical presence caused problems with their minds (guilt/fear/consciousness of sin, etc.)" How and why did His physical presence cause them to experience guilt, fear, and consciousness of their sins? How and why will it cause the wicked to suffer and die according to their sinfulness at the end of time? From "The Desire of Ages" Overpowered with terror, the priests and rulers had fled from the temple court, and from the searching glance that read their hearts. In their flight they met others on their way to the temple, and bade them turn back, telling them what they had seen and heard. Christ looked upon the fleeing men with yearning pity for their fear, and their ignorance of what constituted true worship. In this scene He saw symbolized the dispersion of the whole Jewish nation for their wickedness and impenitence.
And why did the priests flee from the temple? Why did they not stand their ground? He who commanded them to go was a carpenter's son, a poor Galilean, without earthly rank or power. Why did they not resist Him? Why did they leave the gain so ill acquired, and flee at the command of One whose outward appearance was so humble?
Christ spoke with the authority of a king, and in His appearance, and in the tones of His voice, there was that which they had no power to resist. At the word of command they realized, as they had never realized before, their true position as hypocrites and robbers. When divinity flashed through humanity, not only did they see indignation on Christ's countenance; they realized the import of His words. They felt as if before the throne of the eternal Judge, with their sentence passed on them for time and for eternity. For a time they were convinced that Christ was a prophet; and many believed Him to be the Messiah. The Holy Spirit flashed into their minds the utterances of the prophets concerning Christ. Would they yield to this conviction? (DA 162) They fled in terror, but Christ looked upon them yearning with pity. What a wonderful picture of God's character! Also, of the devastating power of sin.
Those who wait for the Bridegroom's coming are to say to the people, "Behold your God." The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of His character of love.
|
|
|
Re: God's Strange Act: What is it, when does it happen?
[Re: Tom]
#128868
11/15/10 05:09 PM
11/15/10 05:09 PM
|
SDA Charter Member Active Member 2019
20000+ Member
|
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 22,256
Southwest USA
|
|
Tom, please explain how the presence of agape will destroy, punish the wicked according to their sinfulness. "Some are destroyed as in a moment, while others suffer many days. All are punished "according to their deeds." The "presence of God, which consumes sin, must consume you." This is from "It Is Finished." This is not an act of arbitrary power on the part of God. The rejecters of His mercy reap that which they have sown. God is the fountain of life; and when one chooses the service of sin, he separates from God, and thus cuts himself off from life. He is "alienated from the life of God." Christ says, "All they that hate Me love death." Eph. 4:18; Prov. 8:36. God gives them existence for a time that they may develop their character and reveal their principles. This accomplished, they receive the results of their own choice. By a life of rebellion, Satan and all who unite with him place themselves so out of harmony with God that His very presence is to them a consuming fire. The glory of Him who is love will destroy them.
At the beginning of the great controversy, the angels did not understand this. Had Satan and his host then been left to reap the full result of their sin, they would have perished; but it would not have been apparent to heavenly beings that this was the inevitable result of sin. A doubt of God's goodness would have remained in their minds as evil seed, to produce its deadly fruit of sin and woe.(DA 764) This says that: The rejecters of His mercy reap that which they have sown. God is the fountain of life; and when one chooses the service of sin, he separates from God, and thus cuts himself off from life. I think this is a key point. 1. What does "God is the fountain of life" mean to you? How is He the fountain of life? Is God the fountain of life for the evil angels? 2. What does "he separates from God" mean to you? How was he connected to God? How does he disconnect from God? Are evil angels connected to God? 3. What does "cuts himself off from life" mean to you? How he is he attached to life? How does he detach himself? Are evil angels attached to life? 4. What does "His very presence" mean to you? 5. What does "a consuming fire" mean to you? 6. What does "the glory of Him who is love" mean to you? 7. What does "will destroy them" mean to you? T:I'll treat these altogether. Consider Christ's cleansing of the temple, when the money-changers all fled. They all fled because of Christ's presence. But the problem was a spiritual one, not a physical one. His physical presence caused problems with their minds (guilt/fear/consciousness of sin, etc.)
M: "His physical presence caused problems with their minds (guilt/fear/consciousness of sin, etc.)" How and why did His physical presence cause them to experience guilt, fear, and consciousness of their sins? How and why will it cause the wicked to suffer and die according to their sinfulness at the end of time? From "The Desire of Ages" Overpowered with terror, the priests and rulers had fled from the temple court, and from the searching glance that read their hearts. In their flight they met others on their way to the temple, and bade them turn back, telling them what they had seen and heard. Christ looked upon the fleeing men with yearning pity for their fear, and their ignorance of what constituted true worship. In this scene He saw symbolized the dispersion of the whole Jewish nation for their wickedness and impenitence.
And why did the priests flee from the temple? Why did they not stand their ground? He who commanded them to go was a carpenter's son, a poor Galilean, without earthly rank or power. Why did they not resist Him? Why did they leave the gain so ill acquired, and flee at the command of One whose outward appearance was so humble?
Christ spoke with the authority of a king, and in His appearance, and in the tones of His voice, there was that which they had no power to resist. At the word of command they realized, as they had never realized before, their true position as hypocrites and robbers. When divinity flashed through humanity, not only did they see indignation on Christ's countenance; they realized the import of His words. They felt as if before the throne of the eternal Judge, with their sentence passed on them for time and for eternity. For a time they were convinced that Christ was a prophet; and many believed Him to be the Messiah. The Holy Spirit flashed into their minds the utterances of the prophets concerning Christ. Would they yield to this conviction? (DA 162) They fled in terror, but Christ looked upon them yearning with pity. What a wonderful picture of God's character! Also, of the devastating power of sin. Amen! The fact Jesus felt pity for them is sad and beautiful. However, I don't understand how you answered the questions posted above (reposted below). You wrote, ""His physical presence caused problems with their minds (guilt/fear/consciousness of sin, etc.)" 1. How and why did His physical presence cause them to experience guilt, fear, and consciousness of their sins? 2. How and why will His physical presence cause the wicked to suffer and die according to their sinfulness at the end of time? Also, in regarding the passage you posted above, please answer the following questions: 3. What does "divinity flashed through humanity" mean to you? 4. What does "indignation on Christ's countenance" mean to you? 5. What does "they realized the import of His words" mean to you?
|
|
|
Re: God's Strange Act: What is it, when does it happen?
[Re: Mountain Man]
#128869
11/15/10 05:16 PM
11/15/10 05:16 PM
|
SDA Charter Member Active Member 2019
20000+ Member
|
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 22,256
Southwest USA
|
|
Here's what you quoted: "But wherever men came before God while willfully cherishing evil, they were destroyed. At the second advent of Christ the wicked shall be consumed "with the Spirit of His mouth," and destroyed "with the brightness of His coming." 2 Thessalonians 2:8. The light of the glory of God, which imparts life to the righteous, will slay the wicked. {DA 107.4}
Stopped too soon! Continuing: "In the time of John the Baptist, Christ was about to appear as the revealer of the character of God. His very presence would make manifest to men their sin. Only as they were willing to be purged from sin could they enter into fellowship with Him. Only the pure in heart could abide in His presence."
The light of the glory of God is the truth about His character. "Light" = "Truth". "Glory" = "Character." The context makes this clear. Note, Jesus Christ: "(T)he revealer of the character of God." There you go! Not "radiant light" at all, but character! "His very presence" was physical. "Abide in His presence" was physical. "The light of the glory of God, which imparts life to the righteous, will slay the wicked." It sounds like you believe this statement can be taken to literally mean - "The truth about God's character will slay the wicked." If so, will wicked humans and angels comprehend the truth about God's character until it kills them? Also, what part does the following fire play as it relates to wicked humans and angels and the truth about God's character: Notwithstanding that Satan has been constrained to acknowledge God's justice and to bow to the supremacy of Christ, his character remains unchanged. The spirit of rebellion, like a mighty torrent, again bursts forth. Filled with frenzy, he determines not to yield the great controversy. The time has come for a last desperate struggle against the King of heaven. He rushes into the midst of his subjects and endeavors to inspire them with his own fury and arouse them to instant battle. But of all the countless millions whom he has allured into rebellion, there are none now to acknowledge his supremacy. His power is at an end. The wicked are filled with the same hatred of God that inspires Satan; but they see that their case is hopeless, that they cannot prevail against Jehovah. Their rage is kindled against Satan and those who have been his agents in deception, and with the fury of demons they turn upon them. {GC 671.2}
Saith the Lord: "Because thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God; behold, therefore I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible of the nations: and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom, and they shall defile thy brightness. They shall bring thee down to the pit." "I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. . . . I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. . . . I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. . . . Thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more." Ezekiel 28:6-8, 16-19. {GC 672.1}
"Every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire." "The indignation of the Lord is upon all nations, and His fury upon all their armies: He hath utterly destroyed them, He hath delivered them to the slaughter." "Upon the wicked He shall rain quick burning coals, fire and brimstone and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup." Isaiah 9:5; 34:2; Psalm 11:6, margin. Fire comes down from God out of heaven. The earth is broken up. The weapons concealed in its depths are drawn forth. Devouring flames burst from every yawning chasm. The very rocks are on fire. The day has come that shall burn as an oven. The elements melt with fervent heat, the earth also, and the works that are therein are burned up. Malachi 4:1; 2 Peter 3:10. The earth's surface seems one molten mass--a vast, seething lake of fire. It is the time of the judgment and perdition of ungodly men--"the day of the Lord's vengeance, and the year of recompenses for the controversy of Zion." Isaiah 34:8. {GC 672.2}
The wicked receive their recompense in the earth. Proverbs 11:31. They "shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts." Malachi 4:1. Some are destroyed as in a moment, while others suffer many days. All are punished "according to their deeds." The sins of the righteous having been transferred to Satan, he is made to suffer not only for his own rebellion, but for all the sins which he has caused God's people to commit. His punishment is to be far greater than that of those whom he has deceived. After all have perished who fell by his deceptions, he is still to live and suffer on. In the cleansing flames the wicked are at last destroyed, root and branch--Satan the root, his followers the branches. The full penalty of the law has been visited; the demands of justice have been met; and heaven and earth, beholding, declare the righteousness of Jehovah. {GC 673.1}
Satan's work of ruin is forever ended. For six thousand years he has wrought his will, filling the earth with woe and causing grief throughout the universe. The whole creation has groaned and travailed together in pain. Now God's creatures are forever delivered from his presence and temptations. "The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they [the righteous] break forth into singing." Isaiah 14:7. And a shout of praise and triumph ascends from the whole loyal universe. "The voice of a great multitude," "as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings," is heard, saying: "Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth." Revelation 19:6. {GC 673.2}
While the earth was wrapped in the fire of destruction, the righteous abode safely in the Holy City. Upon those that had part in the first resurrection, the second death has no power. While God is to the wicked a consuming fire, He is to His people both a sun and a shield. Revelation 20:6; Psalm 84:11. {GC 673.3} "Fire comes down from God out of heaven." This fire will serve to punish wicked humans and angels according to their sinfulness. What do you think is the origin and source and nature of this fire? "The weapons concealed in [the earth's] depths are drawn forth. Devouring flames burst from every yawning chasm." It is not clear, however, if this fire will cause them to suffer and die. Do you agree?
|
|
|
Re: God's Strange Act: What is it, when does it happen?
[Re: Mountain Man]
#128871
11/15/10 05:48 PM
11/15/10 05:48 PM
|
Active Member 2012
14500+ Member
|
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 14,795
Lawrence, Kansas
|
|
1. What does "God is the fountain of life" mean to you? God is the source of life. Life originates with God. How is He the fountain of life? By being the source of life. Is God the fountain of life for the evil angels? God is the source of life for all living beings. 2. What does "he separates from God" mean to you? He chooses not to have a relationship with God. How was he connected to God? By faith. How does he disconnect from God? By unbelief. Are evil angels connected to God? Not in the sense of having a relationship with God. 3. What does "cuts himself off from life" mean to you? Answered in 1. How he is he attached to life? Same. How does he detach himself? Same. Are evil angels attached to life? Same. 4. What does "His very presence" mean to you? The Holy Spirit communicates the presence of God to the individual in question. 5. What does "a consuming fire" mean to you? When speaking of God, agape. 6. What does "the glory of Him who is love" mean to you? The agape of God. The glory of God is His character, and God is agape. 7. What does "will destroy them" mean to you? From the context: He will allow them to reap the full result of their sin.
Those who wait for the Bridegroom's coming are to say to the people, "Behold your God." The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of His character of love.
|
|
|
Re: God's Strange Act: What is it, when does it happen?
[Re: Tom]
#128872
11/15/10 05:55 PM
11/15/10 05:55 PM
|
Active Member 2012
14500+ Member
|
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 14,795
Lawrence, Kansas
|
|
Amen! The fact Jesus felt pity for them is sad and beautiful. However, I don't understand how you answered the questions posted above (reposted below). You wrote, ""His physical presence caused problems with their minds (guilt/fear/consciousness of sin, etc.)" I addressed these by posting from "The Desire of Ages." In a general sense, what I believe is that sin causes us to believe things about God which are not true, such as that God is out to get us, or is angry at us, that He is sever, and harsh, that He will burn us alive, etc. These false ideas cause us to be terrified by God.
Those who wait for the Bridegroom's coming are to say to the people, "Behold your God." The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of His character of love.
|
|
|
Re: God's Strange Act: What is it, when does it happen?
[Re: Mountain Man]
#128899
11/16/10 02:27 AM
11/16/10 02:27 AM
|
SDA Charter Member Active Member 2019
20000+ Member
|
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 22,256
Southwest USA
|
|
Here's what you quoted: "But wherever men came before God while willfully cherishing evil, they were destroyed. At the second advent of Christ the wicked shall be consumed "with the Spirit of His mouth," and destroyed "with the brightness of His coming." 2 Thessalonians 2:8. The light of the glory of God, which imparts life to the righteous, will slay the wicked. {DA 107.4}
Stopped too soon! Continuing: "In the time of John the Baptist, Christ was about to appear as the revealer of the character of God. His very presence would make manifest to men their sin. Only as they were willing to be purged from sin could they enter into fellowship with Him. Only the pure in heart could abide in His presence."
The light of the glory of God is the truth about His character. "Light" = "Truth". "Glory" = "Character." The context makes this clear. Note, Jesus Christ: "(T)he revealer of the character of God." There you go! Not "radiant light" at all, but character! "His very presence" was physical. "Abide in His presence" was physical. "The light of the glory of God, which imparts life to the righteous, will slay the wicked." It sounds like you believe this statement can be taken to literally mean - "The truth about God's character will slay the wicked." If so, will wicked humans and angels comprehend the truth about God's character until it kills them? Also, what part does the following fire play as it relates to wicked humans and angels and the truth about God's character: Notwithstanding that Satan has been constrained to acknowledge God's justice and to bow to the supremacy of Christ, his character remains unchanged. The spirit of rebellion, like a mighty torrent, again bursts forth. Filled with frenzy, he determines not to yield the great controversy. The time has come for a last desperate struggle against the King of heaven. He rushes into the midst of his subjects and endeavors to inspire them with his own fury and arouse them to instant battle. But of all the countless millions whom he has allured into rebellion, there are none now to acknowledge his supremacy. His power is at an end. The wicked are filled with the same hatred of God that inspires Satan; but they see that their case is hopeless, that they cannot prevail against Jehovah. Their rage is kindled against Satan and those who have been his agents in deception, and with the fury of demons they turn upon them. {GC 671.2}
Saith the Lord: "Because thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God; behold, therefore I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible of the nations: and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom, and they shall defile thy brightness. They shall bring thee down to the pit." "I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. . . . I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. . . . I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. . . . Thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more." Ezekiel 28:6-8, 16-19. {GC 672.1}
"Every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire." "The indignation of the Lord is upon all nations, and His fury upon all their armies: He hath utterly destroyed them, He hath delivered them to the slaughter." "Upon the wicked He shall rain quick burning coals, fire and brimstone and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup." Isaiah 9:5; 34:2; Psalm 11:6, margin. Fire comes down from God out of heaven. The earth is broken up. The weapons concealed in its depths are drawn forth. Devouring flames burst from every yawning chasm. The very rocks are on fire. The day has come that shall burn as an oven. The elements melt with fervent heat, the earth also, and the works that are therein are burned up. Malachi 4:1; 2 Peter 3:10. The earth's surface seems one molten mass--a vast, seething lake of fire. It is the time of the judgment and perdition of ungodly men--"the day of the Lord's vengeance, and the year of recompenses for the controversy of Zion." Isaiah 34:8. {GC 672.2}
The wicked receive their recompense in the earth. Proverbs 11:31. They "shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts." Malachi 4:1. Some are destroyed as in a moment, while others suffer many days. All are punished "according to their deeds." The sins of the righteous having been transferred to Satan, he is made to suffer not only for his own rebellion, but for all the sins which he has caused God's people to commit. His punishment is to be far greater than that of those whom he has deceived. After all have perished who fell by his deceptions, he is still to live and suffer on. In the cleansing flames the wicked are at last destroyed, root and branch--Satan the root, his followers the branches. The full penalty of the law has been visited; the demands of justice have been met; and heaven and earth, beholding, declare the righteousness of Jehovah. {GC 673.1}
Satan's work of ruin is forever ended. For six thousand years he has wrought his will, filling the earth with woe and causing grief throughout the universe. The whole creation has groaned and travailed together in pain. Now God's creatures are forever delivered from his presence and temptations. "The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they [the righteous] break forth into singing." Isaiah 14:7. And a shout of praise and triumph ascends from the whole loyal universe. "The voice of a great multitude," "as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings," is heard, saying: "Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth." Revelation 19:6. {GC 673.2}
While the earth was wrapped in the fire of destruction, the righteous abode safely in the Holy City. Upon those that had part in the first resurrection, the second death has no power. While God is to the wicked a consuming fire, He is to His people both a sun and a shield. Revelation 20:6; Psalm 84:11. {GC 673.3} "Fire comes down from God out of heaven." This fire will serve to punish wicked humans and angels according to their sinfulness. What do you think is the origin and source and nature of this fire? "The weapons concealed in [the earth's] depths are drawn forth. Devouring flames burst from every yawning chasm." It is not clear, however, if this fire will cause them to suffer and die. Do you agree?
|
|
|
Re: God's Strange Act: What is it, when does it happen?
[Re: Mountain Man]
#128900
11/16/10 02:41 AM
11/16/10 02:41 AM
|
SDA Charter Member Active Member 2019
20000+ Member
|
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 22,256
Southwest USA
|
|
"The rejecters of His mercy reap that which they have sown. God is the fountain of life; and when one chooses the service of sin, he separates from God, and thus cuts himself off from life." When did the evil angels choose the service of sin? If you say when they openly rebelled against God, why, then, didn't they also cut themselves off from life? How can they separate from God, choose the service of sin, cut themselves off from life - and continue to live all these years? "When divinity flashed through humanity, not only did they see indignation on Christ's countenance; they realized the import of His words." Regarding the passage you posted above, please answer the following questions: 1. What does "divinity flashed through humanity" mean to you? 2. What does "indignation on Christ's countenance" mean to you? 3. What does "they realized the import of His words" mean to you?
|
|
|
|
Here is the link to this week's Sabbath School Lesson Study and Discussion Material: Click Here
|
|
|