Please see these references: Mark 9:1-7, Matthew 17:2, Matthew 28:3, Luke 9:29, Revelation 19:11-16, Revelation 1:14, Mark 16:5, John 20:12, Acts 1:10, Ecclesiastes 9:8, Revelation 3:4,5, Revelation 7:9-17, Revelation 20:11, Isaiah 1:18, Revelation 6:2,11, Revelation 9:18, Daniel 11:35, Revelation 4:4, Daniel 7:9, Revelation 2:17, Daniel 12:10,
John 4:35,
But Also : Genesis 40:16-23, Joel 1:7, Leviticus 13, Revelation 15:6,
This is interesting and edifying if studied, Matthew 17:1-13Mark 9:1-13 and Luke 9:28-37. Your question did they see it or were they asleep? They went up to a high mountain and they were gone for a least a day maybe more and in Luke 9:32 they were asleep, but they awakened, and it says they saw. In Mark 9:4 it says they appeared unto them and nothing about sleep.
In all three Jesus transfigured before them and they were awake, and in all three Jesus tells them not to tell anyone about this until He was raised from the dead. This they did not understand because that part was hidden from them, Mark 9:10Luke 18:31-34, His death and other things were hidden from them until He appeared to them after His resurrection, Luke 24:44-45.
You asked were they asleep or did they see, the answer is in Matthew 17:9, it was a vision, horama, spiritual seeing, a supernatural apparition, same as John, when he was given the Revelation of Jesus Christ. There is a lot in these verses, like Mark 9:1 before Jesus took Peter, James and John to the mountain.
Healing scriptures: Deuteronomy 32:39, 2Kings 20:5, 2Chronicles 7:14, James 5:14, Hosea 6:1, Matthew 10:1-8, Mark 3:14-15, Luke 4:18, Luke 9:2, Mark 1:15, Mark 9:23, Mark 11:23,24,
I'd like to comment on what you wrote: "in fact if you add works to salvation you are not saved at all and going to hell"
You quoted scripture which is great, but that intepretation is untrue.
Let's be very specific. Someone could interpret what you said and instead of helping feed the poor for the day he decides to commit a few random murders. So, according to your statement that's good, because he avoided helping people which would have been bad because it's "works"? Do you realize how twisted and backwards that sounds? So, doing good is bad, and bad is good is your message? Beware, because that is precisely what the devil does. He deceives in order to disobey God and commit evil. Those who follow satan and commit evil are going to hell if they never turn to Jesus. Obeying and doing works is GOOD, as Jesus said.
Now, let's focus on the possible origin of this misunderstanding: Rom 4:1-5.
This is talking about Abraham and works, but as good as he was it wasn't enough. God has high standards. Just because we're not good enough means we should do the opposite of God wants- and commit evil, that would be like slapping Jesus in the face.
This means you can't EARN grace. It doesn't mean to stop doing good. If you keep reading notice Romans 4:8. Paraphrased it says blessed is the man who doesn't even sin in the first place.
The Bible says to be a light of the world, to love and help people, do good works and deeds, help orphans and widows, care for people. And do everything possible to AVOID SIN, even if you have to cut off your own hand! Mark 9:43
John 14:15 - Jesus says to OBEY! And if you don't you don't even love Jesus. Those who don't love Jesus probably aren't following Jesus and by definition are not Christians and should not expect to attain salvation as He says here:
Matthew 7:21
�Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.�
I was quoting Jesus in that case, who says that God is able to destroy both body and soul in hellfire. Matthew 10:28.
The Bible teaches us two resurrections: one for the just, and one for the unjust. John 5:28-29. The righteous are resurrected at the second coming of Christ, and those who are alive and remain at His coming are given new bodies at that time. 1 Thess 4:13-17; 1 Cor 15:51-53. After the thousand years, the unjust are resurrected, and at that time they face their judgment, which is total annihilation (and not without suffering). Revelation 20:4.
When Christ speaks of the worm that dies not, he is quoting from a passage in Isiaiah: Isaiah 66:24. This verse speaks of worms eating on the corpses of dead men. It is the worm that does not die, but the people are well dead, for they are merely corpses. There is no reason we should interpret worm here to mean "immortal soul," for there is no such thing. The soul that sins shall die: Ezekiel 18:4
The word Jesus uses in Mark 9:44,46 is Gehenna, which was a place of refuse. They kept the piles of garbage there burning so that it would be consumed away. This is the illustration Jesus employed for the fires of hell: fires which burn up all the garbage and get rid of it.
As for whether cessation from existence or eternal conscious torment are more terrifying to the wicked man... How many atheists have been made out of the doctrine of eternal conscious torment, which is not true? They reject God because they think He is a monster, when in reality He is not. How are we supposed to love God with all of our heart if He is more sadistic than the worst madman we can imagine? That's precisely why the devil loves this doctrine.
Revelation 20:11-15 describes the wicked, as well as death and hell, being cast into the lake of fire. The lake of fire here is symbolic of total destruction. Death is being abolished, as well as the grave, as well as all the wicked and all sin.
Hi Square. You've stated that 'soul & body are completely destroyed at the end of this world'.
Could you expand on that aspect? What is the difference between me dying now & returning to dust or ashes and the wicked also likewise destroyed in death? If their bodies, like mine return to ashes, where is their judgement? If their spirits & souls also become ashes (which I can't fathom how that can happen), where is the judgement & punishment?
If you mean that they will never enjoy eternal life with God, as far as I know, most sinners would be quite happy to be exterminated just so that they can enjoy their days on Earth as they wish, fulfilling their every lust. Surely, the Gospel given, brings a greater weight & conviction than just a future annihilation?
Finally, what should we do with the Scripture ( Mark 9:44,46) where Jesus warns that the wicked's worm (flesh) never dies (or, consumes away) in hell's fire? And Revelation 20:11-15.
Matthew 5:25 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not thy whole body cast into GEHENNA (translated hell).
When Jesus was on earth Gehenna was the dump ground for Jerusalem where all the trash, garbage and bodies of dead criminals was dumped. It was on fire to DESTROY. Worms were there eating the dead flesh. As long as there was new fuel being dumped there, the worms never died nor was the fire ever quenched. It's a city park now, the is no longer worms or a fire.
Jesus was using Gehenna as an analogy, not something literal. If Jesus meant for you to take it literally, why aren't you missing eyes, hands and feet, that you have cut off and plucked out, to stay out of HELL.
Matthew 5:30
Matthew 10:28
Matthew 23:15
Matthew 23:33
Mark 9:43
Mark 9:45
Mark 9:47
Luke 12:5
Matthew 5:22
Matthew 18:9
James 3:6
All the verses have GEHENNA translated as HELL
Here are the scriptures in the Old testament that refer to Hinnom.
Nehemiah 11:30
Joshua 15:8
Joshua 18:16
2 Kings 23:10
2 Chronicles 28:3
2 Chronicles 33:6
Jeremiah 7:31
Jeremiah 7:32
Jeremiah 19:2
Jeremiah 19:6
Jeremiah 32:35
None of the scriptures have anything to do with the CHRISTIAN HELL.
"Before the Old Testament was translated into other languages, there is no mention of HELL. One would assume that if there were such a place of torture for sin, the prophets would have never cease warning people. Yet not one word concerning a place called Hell. Likewise not one mention of a place of eternal bliss, called heaven."
I'm trying to wrap my mind around your comment, because clearly the Bible does talk about hell. It uses the word 'hell' in both the Old and New Testament as well as other synonyms, such as in Mark 9:48.
This fact can also be verified through a quick search:
The meaning hasn't changed through time either. For instance, man didn't suddenly invent the word 'hell' after a certain point of time.
Since a quick search confirms the Bible has always used the word 'hell', so is it possible you meant something else? Since it does not sound like a true statement, can you please explain what you mean by, "Before the Old Testament was translated into other languages, there is no mention of HELL."?
To add to what was already shared in the book of Acts chapter 19 is the Record of certain vagabond Jews Known as exorcists took upon them to call over them which had evil or devil spirits the name of jesus. Take note it says Jesus I know and Paul I know but who are you, the adversaries realm knows those who are born again and walking in faith also take note who the spirit attacks and ransacks so to speak. Also exorcists are operated by devil spirits so what you have is a higher ranking one fighting lowering ranking ones. The enemies realm is total chaos people are controlled by these spirit entities.
Hello Bryan. I understand your reference was to Mark 9:29, to which I believe that Jesus was speaking about particular spirits. As there would be a hierarchy in both the good & evil spirit realm, there appears to be in this instance a particularly nasty variety (v22) that also required one to have a greater focus (by prayer & fasting) which an ordinary command made in faith could not achieve. Jesus' disciples may not have reached that stage in their learning of the gradation of spirits & were thus left floundering & helpless. This is just my understanding - hopefully you may get other views, maybe based on some experience, which I have not.
When Jesus said, "This kind" in verse 19 was he saying that there are some spirits that require fast and prayer, or was "this kind" referring to the disbelief of the disciples that stopped them from dealing with the unclean Spirit.
Isaiah 58:1-14, Daniel 1:5-20, Daniel 10:2-4, Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 4:1-2, Exodus 34:28, Judges 13:1-5,7,14,
I hope these scriptures give you some insight on a few perspectives, examples related.
I have heard many fast by not eating meat or sweets, mostly vegetables. Some turn off T.V., radio or other habits. Some have done all liquid only, such as broths, juices etc. Most people won't recommend a total fast, but some will do a 3 day no food or liquid fast.
I personally recommend you seek GOD fully before you do any fast. If you feel led by the HOLY SPIRIT to fast HE will help you. It is a very personal thing & if you don't feel personally led, I recommend you wait. Matthew 23:1-4,
There are moments to humble yourself, seek GOD's face in a powerful way, to teach yourself submission, break stronghold habits, difficult choices, impossible situations, etc. Trust the LORD to lead you, sustain you & keep you.
More scriptures to consider. Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:16-29,
When you commit suicide, YOU prevent the plans God had for your life, from ever happening.
IF you received Jesus as your Savior and Lord as it says in John chapter 3,
Jesus gave you the Holy Spirit to be your HELPER; and to COMFORT YOU, TEACH YOU about Jesus.
3. Respond: Believe, Repent, Confess, Accept Jesus as Lord and Savior
To be saved, we must believe that Jesus is Lord and believe that He died for our sins. This confession acknowledges before God that we are unable to attain righteousness on our own and that we accept His plan for our lives.
PRAY THIS PRAYER WITH SINCERITY
"Dear God, I believe in you and that your Son, Jesus Christ, is Lord. I believe in His sacrifice for my sins and His resurrection from the dead. I repent and ask forgiveness for my sins and I'm deciding now to follow you. Please, come into my life through the gift of your Holy Spirit. It is in the Lord Jesus' name that I ask and receive, Amen."
Be baptized
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
PRAY:
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
My salvation testimony: I'm just going to tell the part you are interested in. I was into the Occult/Astrology for years. I wasn't saved in my heart anymore. My friend says "the Bible says this is wrong! and stomps out. All I can hear is the echo of her words. 1 Timothy 3:5
Jesus sent two visions to me. Revelation 1:18.
I saw him on a white horse. He stared right thru me and he wasn't smiling.
I read for an hour from the Bible about astrologers. It has a DEATH PENALTY. I laid my head on the Bible and said I deserve to die. Then I saw HELL in the 2nd vision. It is dense twisted roots, you can't move. It's dark, no light. Everything screams!
I don't know if you believe in hell or not. Most Christians do, because the Bible warns us about hell. So, if you believe in hell, the next question is how long does it last? Instant destruction/death, medium term death, long term, or eternity? The Bible uses different synonyms, examples, parables, etc to describe hell. For example, if you keep reading in Matthew 7 verse 19 it calls it a 'fire'. Matthew 8:12 says there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Mark 9:48 says the worm never dies and fire unquenched. 2 Thessalonians 1:9 says "everlasting destruction." I interpret this is not short. Revelation 20:10 also suggests it's not short in duration. Jude 1:7 - uses the word "eternal fire." Matthew 25:46, Matthew 25:41. These are only a handful of examples and I think there are more suggesting that hell is not an instant death. If you find just as many verses saying hell is instant and you die instantly, please share them. I also don't believe the word death or destruction automatically means it's instant. It can happen over a longer period of time. For example Adam and ate the fruit and was condemned to death, but lived 930 years. He became mortal and died just like God said and it wasn't instant, but the death was slow. Is it out of the question to consider the same could be true for hell, especially since many verses say it's eternal?
People will likely interpret the duration differently and we probably won't know for sure until the end. But because of the scripture, the context, that hell is intended to be a punishment for those who disobeyed, I do not believe it is an instant death. I think people will be very sorry and deeply regret they disrespected God and did not take Him seriously and I believe God will fairly see those who chose evil are punished. God bless.
SCRIPTURES OF WHEN GOD SPOKE - In Reply - 3 years ago
Verses showing God speaking to Jesus and one of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove for John the Baptist to witness:
Matthew 3:17
And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Luke 9:35
And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
Mark 1:11
And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Mark 9:7
And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
Luke 3:22
And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, AND a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
Matthew 17:5
While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
Following are verses clearly of the Godhead speaking to each other:
The Scriptures about the Godhead. Sometimes called "Let Us..." in some passages. These scriptures are evidence of all 3 persons of the Godhead speaking to each other.
Genesis 1:26, 3:22, 11:7
Isaiah 6:8
Romans 1:20
Colossians 2:9
Acts 17:27-30
1 John 5:7
John 10:30
"For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and GODHEAD so that they are without excuse:"
Genesis 1:1
The Father purposes
The Word (Jesus) speaks. ( John 1:1)
The Spirit (Holy Spirit) executes the spoken word. Action.
All working together. Jesus came to show us the Father, as Emmanuel.
Matthew 1:23
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, "God with us."
You may want to note these verses inside your Bible cover.
Sasha In the context I absolutely agree, Jesus Christ was always operating correct doctrine and reproof and instruction for those have ears to hear. When he raised lazarus from the dead same thing, the only one who believed he could do it was Himself.
Hi James , personally I don't believe that Jesus was scolding his disciples , read v 22&23 in particular , Jesus wasn't talking to his disciples , he was talking to the crowd . I think Jesus was reprimanding them gently because they didn't believe that his disciples could cure the boy , they wanted Jesus to do it . They believed he could do it . When you read Matthew you will read how many times Jesus says something along the lines of : your faith has healed you or as you believe so shall it be to you . This is just my opinion .
It seems as if Christ scolded his disciples when they couldn't cast out the demon. But then he tells them that this kind only comes out by prayer and fasting. So why did he scold them?
Do the Work of an Evangelist - In Reply - 3 years ago
Matthew 17:21
Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
Mark 9:29
And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
Like your friend I was spiritually blind and deaf. I only remembered wondering why Christians never invited me to go to church with them.
I was saved like Paul. I had been an astrologer. I believed the stars would tell me all the answers. All I knew after I was saved, is Someone was telling me how to be free. Acts 19:19.
Your friend may not be able to hear the Truth: John 3. You may have to put on your armor and pray and fast from food and media. BIND up the spirits of blind, deaf and dumb (can't speak Gods Word). CAST them into outer darkness. Pray to the Lord of the Harvest to send laborers to your friend; ask God to protect him with His angels.
The Devil just wants to hurt you; make you feel inadequate to help your friend. He doesn't want us to feel equipped to evangelize. He likes us paralyzed and doubting.
Dig in. Announce your fast. You can drink water.
Satan and his workers are invisible. You're not going to see them. You will be peeling their hands off of your friend. Claim his soul for the Kingdom of God. If you gotta go sit in your car to "turn up the volume", do it. Jesus defeated Satan when he was on his fast...WITH THE WORD OF GOD. Scriptures. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you some good ones.
Be kind to your friend. Maybe ask him if he minds if you can say a few words...and just speak blessings, a good week at work, favor in all his dealings, etc.
Don't reveal your warfare on his behalf. The Lord is our Intercessor and He's working out the details. Just stand on your scriptures with your most holy Faith. Expect a Miracle. Sing unto the Lord. Philippians 4:8
Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let US (not me) make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Sometimes people spend their time trying to prove someone else is wrong (must be worried) not leading others to believe in being (born again - new creature), (repentance - turn), faith - hope - charity. Heaven is real, (Hell - lake of fire is real Luke 16:23) Eternity is never ending. Mark 9:44, Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
Mark 3:29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:
Dear Nicole, if I understand right you are a Christian and have voluntarily chosen to live in the residence of satanist, is that correct? If following Christ is important to you then why would you live there? Why wouldn't you leave immediately (now)?
Sin is so evil, deadly, and destructive to you that Jesus said in Matthew 5:30 its better to cut off your own arm than to let it cause you to sin. In other words do absolutely anything and everything possible to avoid sin (and avoid going to hell). Do you think following Jesus's words are important?
You have chosen to put yourself in the most vulnerable position one could possibly imagine then are blindly staying there, even though you've already had your faith under attack. If you're not the one influencing the satanist then you can be absolutely assured you are the one being converted and you are the one losing. You're on his turf and seem to be totally unprepared without your 'armor of God' and you put yourselves there in the first place, which is unimagineable. I don't know what you're thinking. Maybe you don't realize what is at stake- our choices have eternal consequences.
The Bible says many times to depart from evil, stay away from it. You have done the opposite. It's great that you are seeking advice here, but what do you expect someone to say- to live with a satanist?
I can only imagine what Jesus, Elijah and Moses were talking about. How cool is that. The Word talks about being healed by even the shadow of an apostle. I believe Lord, please help my unbelief.
You have been given some pretty sound biblical advice here. If I might add, Hebrews 6:4-6 is not talking about a born again believer losing salvation as salvation cannot be lost.
I would like to also share with you what I get from Mark 9:24, the verse you shared. I'm glad you brought this verse up.
It says, "And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief."
Nowhere in the Bible does it challenge someone to come up with their own faith so that Jesus can perform in your life. That's the cry of a person. I believe, but Lord Help my unbelief because I can't believe. Only God can give me that. Help my unbelief!
It is always the strong point in a person's life when they can approach the Lord, even as a nonbeliever, even if you don't understand the things of God, you can still approach Him and say "Lord, if you are real, make yourself real to me!"
I mean, even a nonbeliever, somebody who doesn't believe in God, they are asking God to do it all because they realize their human inability to figure Him out.
If you have ever looked at the awesomeness of an electrical storm, you can just sense that there is an awesome God behind all of this because this is just a drop in the bucket compared to the universe.
But how are you going to find God? How are you going to know about Him? You know, when you come to Him and say, help my unbelief, I am empty, magnify yourself to me, show yourself to me, because I don't have the ability to know, and He reaches down to those people to manifest Himself.
If you have truly called out to the Lord to save you, His promise is that He will do so ( Romans 10:13). And once you are saved, your salvation can never be lost!
I had some doubts as to whether I believed because that is what I was taught growing up and I was baptised at 15. I have prayed for salvation many times in my life but have also had doubts as to whether I fully believed and was convinced. I also questioned the authenticity and validity of the bible. In trying to research good reasons to convince myself I became discouraged and had a point in time when I was not confident in the Gospel. Yet I thought that losing faith or having any measure of doubt or unbelief would be falling away. I later apologized to God and am not sure if I have ruined any chance of being forgiven. I thought the Holy Spirit would confirm in my heart that I am still a child of God and that Jesus is my Saviour but it has just been sad and uncomfortable. I reached out to family and to a church. The church my family attends never responded to me. The other church I reached out to informed me that " Mark 9:24 shows that belief and unbelief can co-exist in the same mind and heart." I have been searching for the truth and just want to know if God will forgive me.
does the bible name whom the others were who was casting out demons (In the name of Jesus)? The disciples made a complaint to jesus in ( Mark 9:38 and luke 9:49)? Is there a more informative reference to this scripture? Thank you and have a blessed day.
Re: the Lake of Fire. It is prepared for the Devil & his angels ( Matthew 25:41) but is also the place where all Christ-rejecters go to in the final judgement ( Revelation 20:10-15) & particularly verse 15, "whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." And that includes not only the Devil & his angels but also the anti-Christ, the false prophet & all mankind that were not found in the Book of Life.
"Who created such a place?" I would say that God has done this. "Who does "the torturing in hell?" No one - it is a place of continual fire where the act of dying is continual but death that is longed for never comes ( Mark 9:43-48).
And these are not parables by Jesus; Jesus is telling us what lies beyond the grave. And that is why Jesus came to die on our behalf: that we might be spared God's Judgement to enjoy new life on Earth & then eternity in His Presence. As I mentioned before, if just dying & returning to dust was our punishment, the Gospel would be practically meaningless, as we all have to die & enter into such a state of 'oblivion'. But Jesus says that some will awake to "the resurrection of life & some to the resurrection of damnation" ( John 5:29). There is no permanent middle ground at the graveside - we all have to go somewhere else - and that's why the Gospel is so special & precious: it saves a person entirely, both in this life and the next.
John 4:35,
But Also : Genesis 40:16-23, Joel 1:7, Leviticus 13, Revelation 15:6,
Hopefully these are helpful.
This is interesting and edifying if studied, Matthew 17:1-13 Mark 9:1-13 and Luke 9:28-37. Your question did they see it or were they asleep? They went up to a high mountain and they were gone for a least a day maybe more and in Luke 9:32 they were asleep, but they awakened, and it says they saw. In Mark 9:4 it says they appeared unto them and nothing about sleep.
In all three Jesus transfigured before them and they were awake, and in all three Jesus tells them not to tell anyone about this until He was raised from the dead. This they did not understand because that part was hidden from them, Mark 9:10 Luke 18:31-34, His death and other things were hidden from them until He appeared to them after His resurrection, Luke 24:44-45.
You asked were they asleep or did they see, the answer is in Matthew 17:9, it was a vision, horama, spiritual seeing, a supernatural apparition, same as John, when he was given the Revelation of Jesus Christ. There is a lot in these verses, like Mark 9:1 before Jesus took Peter, James and John to the mountain.
God bless,
RLW
Luke 4:40, Mark 16:17-18,
Luke 10:9, Jeremiah 17:14,
Here are some, hope they help
I'd like to comment on what you wrote: "in fact if you add works to salvation you are not saved at all and going to hell"
You quoted scripture which is great, but that intepretation is untrue.
Let's be very specific. Someone could interpret what you said and instead of helping feed the poor for the day he decides to commit a few random murders. So, according to your statement that's good, because he avoided helping people which would have been bad because it's "works"? Do you realize how twisted and backwards that sounds? So, doing good is bad, and bad is good is your message? Beware, because that is precisely what the devil does. He deceives in order to disobey God and commit evil. Those who follow satan and commit evil are going to hell if they never turn to Jesus. Obeying and doing works is GOOD, as Jesus said.
Now, let's focus on the possible origin of this misunderstanding: Rom 4:1-5.
This is talking about Abraham and works, but as good as he was it wasn't enough. God has high standards. Just because we're not good enough means we should do the opposite of God wants- and commit evil, that would be like slapping Jesus in the face.
This means you can't EARN grace. It doesn't mean to stop doing good. If you keep reading notice Romans 4:8. Paraphrased it says blessed is the man who doesn't even sin in the first place.
The Bible says to be a light of the world, to love and help people, do good works and deeds, help orphans and widows, care for people. And do everything possible to AVOID SIN, even if you have to cut off your own hand! Mark 9:43
John 14:15 - Jesus says to OBEY! And if you don't you don't even love Jesus. Those who don't love Jesus probably aren't following Jesus and by definition are not Christians and should not expect to attain salvation as He says here:
Matthew 7:21
�Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.�
Does that scripture influence your belief?
The Bible teaches us two resurrections: one for the just, and one for the unjust. John 5:28-29. The righteous are resurrected at the second coming of Christ, and those who are alive and remain at His coming are given new bodies at that time. 1 Thess 4:13-17; 1 Cor 15:51-53. After the thousand years, the unjust are resurrected, and at that time they face their judgment, which is total annihilation (and not without suffering). Revelation 20:4.
When Christ speaks of the worm that dies not, he is quoting from a passage in Isiaiah: Isaiah 66:24. This verse speaks of worms eating on the corpses of dead men. It is the worm that does not die, but the people are well dead, for they are merely corpses. There is no reason we should interpret worm here to mean "immortal soul," for there is no such thing. The soul that sins shall die: Ezekiel 18:4
The word Jesus uses in Mark 9:44,46 is Gehenna, which was a place of refuse. They kept the piles of garbage there burning so that it would be consumed away. This is the illustration Jesus employed for the fires of hell: fires which burn up all the garbage and get rid of it.
As for whether cessation from existence or eternal conscious torment are more terrifying to the wicked man... How many atheists have been made out of the doctrine of eternal conscious torment, which is not true? They reject God because they think He is a monster, when in reality He is not. How are we supposed to love God with all of our heart if He is more sadistic than the worst madman we can imagine? That's precisely why the devil loves this doctrine.
Revelation 20:11-15 describes the wicked, as well as death and hell, being cast into the lake of fire. The lake of fire here is symbolic of total destruction. Death is being abolished, as well as the grave, as well as all the wicked and all sin.
Could you expand on that aspect? What is the difference between me dying now & returning to dust or ashes and the wicked also likewise destroyed in death? If their bodies, like mine return to ashes, where is their judgement? If their spirits & souls also become ashes (which I can't fathom how that can happen), where is the judgement & punishment?
If you mean that they will never enjoy eternal life with God, as far as I know, most sinners would be quite happy to be exterminated just so that they can enjoy their days on Earth as they wish, fulfilling their every lust. Surely, the Gospel given, brings a greater weight & conviction than just a future annihilation?
Finally, what should we do with the Scripture ( Mark 9:44,46) where Jesus warns that the wicked's worm (flesh) never dies (or, consumes away) in hell's fire? And Revelation 20:11-15.
Mark 9:14-29, Matthew 17:14-21, James 5:16, Psalms 102:17, Romans 10:16-17,
Matthew 5:25 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not thy whole body cast into GEHENNA (translated hell).
When Jesus was on earth Gehenna was the dump ground for Jerusalem where all the trash, garbage and bodies of dead criminals was dumped. It was on fire to DESTROY. Worms were there eating the dead flesh. As long as there was new fuel being dumped there, the worms never died nor was the fire ever quenched. It's a city park now, the is no longer worms or a fire.
Jesus was using Gehenna as an analogy, not something literal. If Jesus meant for you to take it literally, why aren't you missing eyes, hands and feet, that you have cut off and plucked out, to stay out of HELL.
Matthew 5:30
Matthew 10:28
Matthew 23:15
Matthew 23:33
Mark 9:43
Mark 9:45
Mark 9:47
Luke 12:5
Matthew 5:22
Matthew 18:9
James 3:6
All the verses have GEHENNA translated as HELL
Here are the scriptures in the Old testament that refer to Hinnom.
Nehemiah 11:30
Joshua 15:8
Joshua 18:16
2 Kings 23:10
2 Chronicles 28:3
2 Chronicles 33:6
Jeremiah 7:31
Jeremiah 7:32
Jeremiah 19:2
Jeremiah 19:6
Jeremiah 32:35
None of the scriptures have anything to do with the CHRISTIAN HELL.
I just noticed your comment:
"Before the Old Testament was translated into other languages, there is no mention of HELL. One would assume that if there were such a place of torture for sin, the prophets would have never cease warning people. Yet not one word concerning a place called Hell. Likewise not one mention of a place of eternal bliss, called heaven."
I'm trying to wrap my mind around your comment, because clearly the Bible does talk about hell. It uses the word 'hell' in both the Old and New Testament as well as other synonyms, such as in Mark 9:48.
This fact can also be verified through a quick search:
Link
The meaning hasn't changed through time either. For instance, man didn't suddenly invent the word 'hell' after a certain point of time.
Since a quick search confirms the Bible has always used the word 'hell', so is it possible you meant something else? Since it does not sound like a true statement, can you please explain what you mean by, "Before the Old Testament was translated into other languages, there is no mention of HELL."?
God bless...
I hope these scriptures give you some insight on a few perspectives, examples related.
I have heard many fast by not eating meat or sweets, mostly vegetables. Some turn off T.V., radio or other habits. Some have done all liquid only, such as broths, juices etc. Most people won't recommend a total fast, but some will do a 3 day no food or liquid fast.
I personally recommend you seek GOD fully before you do any fast. If you feel led by the HOLY SPIRIT to fast HE will help you. It is a very personal thing & if you don't feel personally led, I recommend you wait. Matthew 23:1-4,
There are moments to humble yourself, seek GOD's face in a powerful way, to teach yourself submission, break stronghold habits, difficult choices, impossible situations, etc. Trust the LORD to lead you, sustain you & keep you.
More scriptures to consider. Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:16-29,
Matthew 17:14-21
Mark 16:15-18
Hopefully these are helpful
IF you received Jesus as your Savior and Lord as it says in John chapter 3,
Jesus gave you the Holy Spirit to be your HELPER; and to COMFORT YOU, TEACH YOU about Jesus.
3. Respond: Believe, Repent, Confess, Accept Jesus as Lord and Savior
To be saved, we must believe that Jesus is Lord and believe that He died for our sins. This confession acknowledges before God that we are unable to attain righteousness on our own and that we accept His plan for our lives.
PRAY THIS PRAYER WITH SINCERITY
"Dear God, I believe in you and that your Son, Jesus Christ, is Lord. I believe in His sacrifice for my sins and His resurrection from the dead. I repent and ask forgiveness for my sins and I'm deciding now to follow you. Please, come into my life through the gift of your Holy Spirit. It is in the Lord Jesus' name that I ask and receive, Amen."
Be baptized
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
PRAY:
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
My salvation testimony: I'm just going to tell the part you are interested in. I was into the Occult/Astrology for years. I wasn't saved in my heart anymore. My friend says "the Bible says this is wrong! and stomps out. All I can hear is the echo of her words. 1 Timothy 3:5
Jesus sent two visions to me. Revelation 1:18.
I saw him on a white horse. He stared right thru me and he wasn't smiling.
I read for an hour from the Bible about astrologers. It has a DEATH PENALTY. I laid my head on the Bible and said I deserve to die. Then I saw HELL in the 2nd vision. It is dense twisted roots, you can't move. It's dark, no light. Everything screams!
Luke 16:19-31, Matthew 23:33
Matthew 25:41-46
Mark 9:43
Satan is real. He wants us dead, to hurt Jesus.
Don't go there. They don't sleep. Just scream!
I don't know if you believe in hell or not. Most Christians do, because the Bible warns us about hell. So, if you believe in hell, the next question is how long does it last? Instant destruction/death, medium term death, long term, or eternity? The Bible uses different synonyms, examples, parables, etc to describe hell. For example, if you keep reading in Matthew 7 verse 19 it calls it a 'fire'. Matthew 8:12 says there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Mark 9:48 says the worm never dies and fire unquenched. 2 Thessalonians 1:9 says "everlasting destruction." I interpret this is not short. Revelation 20:10 also suggests it's not short in duration. Jude 1:7 - uses the word "eternal fire." Matthew 25:46, Matthew 25:41. These are only a handful of examples and I think there are more suggesting that hell is not an instant death. If you find just as many verses saying hell is instant and you die instantly, please share them. I also don't believe the word death or destruction automatically means it's instant. It can happen over a longer period of time. For example Adam and ate the fruit and was condemned to death, but lived 930 years. He became mortal and died just like God said and it wasn't instant, but the death was slow. Is it out of the question to consider the same could be true for hell, especially since many verses say it's eternal?
People will likely interpret the duration differently and we probably won't know for sure until the end. But because of the scripture, the context, that hell is intended to be a punishment for those who disobeyed, I do not believe it is an instant death. I think people will be very sorry and deeply regret they disrespected God and did not take Him seriously and I believe God will fairly see those who chose evil are punished. God bless.
Matthew 3:17
And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Luke 9:35
And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
Mark 1:11
And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Mark 9:7
And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
Luke 3:22
And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, AND a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
Matthew 17:5
While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
Following are verses clearly of the Godhead speaking to each other:
The Scriptures about the Godhead. Sometimes called "Let Us..." in some passages. These scriptures are evidence of all 3 persons of the Godhead speaking to each other.
Genesis 1:26, 3:22, 11:7
Isaiah 6:8
Romans 1:20
Colossians 2:9
Acts 17:27-30
1 John 5:7
John 10:30
"For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and GODHEAD so that they are without excuse:"
Genesis 1:1
The Father purposes
The Word (Jesus) speaks. ( John 1:1)
The Spirit (Holy Spirit) executes the spoken word. Action.
All working together. Jesus came to show us the Father, as Emmanuel.
Matthew 1:23
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, "God with us."
You may want to note these verses inside your Bible cover.
Bless your patience, Mishael
Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
Mark 9:29
And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
Like your friend I was spiritually blind and deaf. I only remembered wondering why Christians never invited me to go to church with them.
I was saved like Paul. I had been an astrologer. I believed the stars would tell me all the answers. All I knew after I was saved, is Someone was telling me how to be free. Acts 19:19.
Your friend may not be able to hear the Truth: John 3. You may have to put on your armor and pray and fast from food and media. BIND up the spirits of blind, deaf and dumb (can't speak Gods Word). CAST them into outer darkness. Pray to the Lord of the Harvest to send laborers to your friend; ask God to protect him with His angels.
The Devil just wants to hurt you; make you feel inadequate to help your friend. He doesn't want us to feel equipped to evangelize. He likes us paralyzed and doubting.
Dig in. Announce your fast. You can drink water.
Satan and his workers are invisible. You're not going to see them. You will be peeling their hands off of your friend. Claim his soul for the Kingdom of God. If you gotta go sit in your car to "turn up the volume", do it. Jesus defeated Satan when he was on his fast...WITH THE WORD OF GOD. Scriptures. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you some good ones.
Be kind to your friend. Maybe ask him if he minds if you can say a few words...and just speak blessings, a good week at work, favor in all his dealings, etc.
Don't reveal your warfare on his behalf. The Lord is our Intercessor and He's working out the details. Just stand on your scriptures with your most holy Faith. Expect a Miracle. Sing unto the Lord. Philippians 4:8
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Sometimes people spend their time trying to prove someone else is wrong (must be worried) not leading others to believe in being (born again - new creature), (repentance - turn), faith - hope - charity. Heaven is real, (Hell - lake of fire is real Luke 16:23) Eternity is never ending. Mark 9:44, Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
Mark 3:29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:
The Word is GOD.
The two witnesses are not the 144K, neither Elijah, nor Moses, nor Enoch, as have been invented by the spirit of man.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches.
Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? Luke 18:v.8
For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. Mark 9:v.49
Sin is so evil, deadly, and destructive to you that Jesus said in Matthew 5:30 its better to cut off your own arm than to let it cause you to sin. In other words do absolutely anything and everything possible to avoid sin (and avoid going to hell). Do you think following Jesus's words are important?
You have chosen to put yourself in the most vulnerable position one could possibly imagine then are blindly staying there, even though you've already had your faith under attack. If you're not the one influencing the satanist then you can be absolutely assured you are the one being converted and you are the one losing. You're on his turf and seem to be totally unprepared without your 'armor of God' and you put yourselves there in the first place, which is unimagineable. I don't know what you're thinking. Maybe you don't realize what is at stake- our choices have eternal consequences.
The Bible says many times to depart from evil, stay away from it. You have done the opposite. It's great that you are seeking advice here, but what do you expect someone to say- to live with a satanist?
Psalm 37:27-29
Psalm 34:14
Mark 9:43
God bless...
You have been given some pretty sound biblical advice here. If I might add, Hebrews 6:4-6 is not talking about a born again believer losing salvation as salvation cannot be lost.
I would like to also share with you what I get from Mark 9:24, the verse you shared. I'm glad you brought this verse up.
It says, "And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief."
Nowhere in the Bible does it challenge someone to come up with their own faith so that Jesus can perform in your life. That's the cry of a person. I believe, but Lord Help my unbelief because I can't believe. Only God can give me that. Help my unbelief!
It is always the strong point in a person's life when they can approach the Lord, even as a nonbeliever, even if you don't understand the things of God, you can still approach Him and say "Lord, if you are real, make yourself real to me!"
I mean, even a nonbeliever, somebody who doesn't believe in God, they are asking God to do it all because they realize their human inability to figure Him out.
If you have ever looked at the awesomeness of an electrical storm, you can just sense that there is an awesome God behind all of this because this is just a drop in the bucket compared to the universe.
But how are you going to find God? How are you going to know about Him? You know, when you come to Him and say, help my unbelief, I am empty, magnify yourself to me, show yourself to me, because I don't have the ability to know, and He reaches down to those people to manifest Himself.
If you have truly called out to the Lord to save you, His promise is that He will do so ( Romans 10:13). And once you are saved, your salvation can never be lost!
Re: the Lake of Fire. It is prepared for the Devil & his angels ( Matthew 25:41) but is also the place where all Christ-rejecters go to in the final judgement ( Revelation 20:10-15) & particularly verse 15, "whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." And that includes not only the Devil & his angels but also the anti-Christ, the false prophet & all mankind that were not found in the Book of Life.
"Who created such a place?" I would say that God has done this. "Who does "the torturing in hell?" No one - it is a place of continual fire where the act of dying is continual but death that is longed for never comes ( Mark 9:43-48).
And these are not parables by Jesus; Jesus is telling us what lies beyond the grave. And that is why Jesus came to die on our behalf: that we might be spared God's Judgement to enjoy new life on Earth & then eternity in His Presence. As I mentioned before, if just dying & returning to dust was our punishment, the Gospel would be practically meaningless, as we all have to die & enter into such a state of 'oblivion'. But Jesus says that some will awake to "the resurrection of life & some to the resurrection of damnation" ( John 5:29). There is no permanent middle ground at the graveside - we all have to go somewhere else - and that's why the Gospel is so special & precious: it saves a person entirely, both in this life and the next.