Originally posted by Shakyamunison
Go read what Jesus said to gentiles.
"Go ye therefore, and teach all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you all the days, even until the end of the world." Matthew 28:19-20.
Jesus makes it quite clear that his message is for all, including non-believers.
Originally posted by Nellinator
If you are referring to the fact that Jesus came to Israel and not the Gentiles you would be right, however, Gentiles does not equal non-believer. The Jews had many non-believers amongst them and still do. Jesus came and preached to the Jews to show them that he fulfilled prophecy, however, Gentiles did not generally require as much. Jesus made it clear that his message was indeed for all people with the healing of the Canaanite woman, and the Great Commission."Go ye therefore, and teach all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you all the days, even until the end of the world." Matthew 28:19-20.
Jesus makes it quite clear that his message is for all, including non-believers.
Sorry, I did not make my self clear. I was not talking about that... Jesus did not ever say to any gentile that "you are going to hell".
Originally posted by Nellinator
Neither did I. Neither should anyone. However, Jesus did make it clear that hell did indeed exist and that the only way to heaven was through him.
Are you sure of that? He talked about hell, unless you think Gehenna is hell; there is no proof of that. I maybe splitting hairs, and we have already talked about Jesus standing in the door way.
Look at the references Jesus makes to Gehenna. Do you really think that Jesus is saying that if you are not saved you will be thrown into the valley of Hinnom where they burn garbage? That would be ridiculous.
If you understand that Gehenna was always burning you understand the clear illusion to the fire of hell. It is impossible to understand the vivid imagry of this allusion without knowing what the Jews he taught knew.
"For Tophet (same thing as Gehenna) is ordained of old; yea, for Moloch it is prepared; He hath made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the Lord, like a steam of brimstone, doth kindle it." Isaiah 30:33
Not pleasant, not something I like to teach or talk about, but Gehenna is blatantly and obviously an allusion.
Originally posted by Nellinator
Look at the references Jesus makes to Gehenna. Do you really think that Jesus is saying that if you are not saved you will be thrown into the valley of Hinnom where they burn garbage? That would be ridiculous.
If you understand that Gehenna was always burning you understand the clear illusion to the fire of hell. It is impossible to understand the vivid imagry of this allusion without knowing what the Jews he taught knew."For Tophet (same thing as Gehenna) is ordained of old; yea, for Moloch it is prepared; He hath made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the Lord, like a steam of brimstone, doth kindle it." Isaiah 30:33
Not pleasant, not something I like to teach or talk about, but Gehenna is blatantly and obviously an allusion.
Not ridiculous at all, from a Buddhist point of view.
Originally posted by Nellinator
So, Jesus is saying that non-physical souls be thrown into a physical place if you die in unbelief? That doesn't make any sense. However, I think you are trying to be tease. Tell me this, do you think it is an allusion or do you think Jesus meant it literally?
You would have to understand hell from a Buddhist point of view. Hell is not a place you go when you die. Hell is a place you live in here in this life.
Originally posted by Nellinator
No, that's just something non-Christians accuse many Christians of believing. I have never thought everything in the Bible was liberal although certain people have accused me of believing otherwise. It's almost like they would know.... wait...
It's like t can be anything you want it to be. This verse can be literal and this verse can be figurative. The Holly Spirit will guide you...
That is a pill of bull... If that was the case, there would only be one church.
Originally posted by Nellinator
How can one's non-physical soul be thrown into and affected by a physical place? It can't which is why the interpretation (which is rather clear) is needed. It is also why there is very little dispute over this issue within the church.
You do not have a non-physical soul...
Originally posted by Nellinator
Well, since the Bible teaches as such (though I guess spirit would be a better word for this), we have to take that into consideration when interpreting the scripture.
You don't have a spirit; you have an Entity, and your Entity has many lives. We do not have common ground on this topic, sorry.