Exodus 20:4,5,
4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,
6 but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments.
They specifically state the "penalty" for denying Him.
Without putting it "into anyone's face" a question.
Not being judgmental.
If you do not believe in God, and can accept the tribulations from your actions, can you accept the fact that your family tree may suffer because of your actions?
Are your children, and grandchildren's life and health worth the risk?
2006-10-13 04:32:58 · 12 answers · asked by dyke_in_heat 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Stuart
No threats here. Just curious as to how people read into it.
2006-10-13 04:37:55 · update #1
Randy
Not what I meant, but thanks for the response.
2006-10-13 04:47:29 · update #2
There is scripture in Ezekiel that recants that idea. He may have been illuding to the power of sin in our lives as we live them. Sin, even without the anger or wrath of God, affects our lives. The sins of the father often are evident in the child's life. I don't believe that He punishes our children for our actions, but our actions clearly affect the lives of our children.
2006-10-13 04:48:31 · answer #1 · answered by luvwinz 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you should try a different translation....that one sounds kinda scary lol. In my Bible, Exodus 20:4,5 says: "4 “You must not make for yourself a carved image or a form like anything that is in the heavens above or that is on the earth underneath or that is in the waters under the earth. 5 You must not bow down to them nor be induced to serve them, because I Jehovah your God am a God exacting exclusive devotion, bringing punishment for the error of fathers upon sons, upon the third generation and upon the fourth generation, in the case of those who hate me;"
Means the same, but worded a little nicer.
When God spoke those words...He was putting the Isrealites under the Mosaic Law, or simply "the Law." We are no longer under that Law today. When Jesus gave his life, that Law was fulfilled. -Romans 10:4. Instead we worship God "with spirit and truth." -John 4:23,24. The Bible also says we have to excercise faith in Jesus' sacrifice to gain everlasting life. -John 3:16.
~ 10 And just a little while longer, and the wicked one will be no more; And you will certainly give attention to his place, and he will not be. 11 But the meek ones themselves will possess the earth,
And they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace. (Psalms 37:10,11) ~
2006-10-13 15:15:07 · answer #2 · answered by Rachel B 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It isn't just the penalty fo denying him. This piece of scripture specifically mentions idol worship.
Generally, idolatry involves a ceremony or a ritual. Idolatry is the veneration, love, worship, or adoration of an idol.
And what is an idol? - It is an image, a representation of something, or a symbol, that is an object of devotion. Usually, idolatry is directed toward a real or supposed higher power believed to have animate existence (a human, an animal, or an organization). But idolatry can also be practiced with regard to things inanimate (a force or a lifeless object of nature).
Idols/statues in our place of worship (or in our homes if they are used in worship) are unacceptable to God as that scripture clearly shows
2006-10-13 17:15:38 · answer #3 · answered by New ♥ System ♥ Lady 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I became a Christian in 1976. Since that time I have sinned, but I have also confessed my sins and I have been forgiven. I am so fortunate to come from a long line of Christians. My grandparents on both sides and great grandparents were all born again Christians. As a family we are truly blessed. Nothing or no one can take from me what Jesus gave me for accepting Him, and I look forward to the day when I can thank Him face to face.
2006-10-13 11:40:40 · answer #4 · answered by loufedalis 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure what you are trying to say, but two can play the scripture quoting game; it is clear that repentance & holy living breaks the generational curse:
-------------------------------------
1 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 "What do you people mean by quoting this proverb about the land of Israel:
" 'The fathers eat sour grapes,
and the children's teeth are set on edge'?
3 "As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, you will no longer quote this proverb in Israel. 4 For every living soul belongs to me, the father as well as the son—both alike belong to me. The soul who sins is the one who will die. ...
...14 "But suppose this son has a son who sees all the sins his father commits, and though he sees them, he does not do such things:
15 "He does not eat at the mountain shrines
or look to the idols of the house of Israel.
He does not defile his neighbor's wife.
16 He does not oppress anyone
or require a pledge for a loan.
He does not commit robbery
but gives his food to the hungry
and provides clothing for the naked.
17 He withholds his hand from sin
and takes no usury or excessive interest.
He keeps my laws and follows my decrees.
He will not die for his father's sin; he will surely live. 18 But his father will die for his own sin, because he practiced extortion, robbed his brother and did what was wrong among his people.
19 "Yet you ask, 'Why does the son not share the guilt of his father?' Since the son has done what is just and right and has been careful to keep all my decrees, he will surely live. 20 The soul who sins is the one who will die. The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him.
21 "But if a wicked man turns away from all the sins he has committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will not die. 22 None of the offenses he has committed will be remembered against him. Because of the righteous things he has done, he will live. 23 Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?
24 "But if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits sin and does the same detestable things the wicked man does, will he live? None of the righteous things he has done will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness he is guilty of and because of the sins he has committed, he will die.
25 "Yet you say, 'The way of the Lord is not just.' Hear, O house of Israel: Is my way unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust? 26 If a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits sin, he will die for it; because of the sin he has committed he will die. 27 But if a wicked man turns away from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he will save his life. 28 Because he considers all the offenses he has committed and turns away from them, he will surely live; he will not die. 29 Yet the house of Israel says, 'The way of the Lord is not just.' Are my ways unjust, O house of Israel? Is it not your ways that are unjust?
30 "Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. 31 Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel? 32 For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!
~Ezekiel 18 (NIV)
2006-10-13 11:38:43 · answer #5 · answered by Randy G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generational curses can be broken with submission and prayer. An atheist would not fear God or God's punishment.
For Christians, this curse did not get wipped off but they have Jesus to help them. I believe that all things have a reason and all things can be undone for a greater good.
2006-10-13 11:36:59 · answer #6 · answered by Neelumiu 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Uh, yeah, because I don't believe they will. What you just posted are empty threats from a god I don't believe exists. This is equivalent to your mother telling you the bogyman is going to get you if you don't eat your veggies. Why should I fear something that isn't real?
2006-10-13 11:37:31 · answer #7 · answered by Girl Wonder 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
your question won't make sense to those that don't believe in God.....Because...
You have accepted the Bible and it's message by FAITH.
They don't have that faith, and don't accept the message
therefore their children, grandchildren aren't in jeopardy.
Why don't you try a less confrontational discourse with non believers....You would be better able to understand them and perhaps they will better be able to understand you.
2006-10-13 11:39:30 · answer #8 · answered by ROBARRE 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Sounds like you're threatening me and my children. You people are stooping to new lows. What kind of brainwashing is Falwell and Bush laying on you people now?
2006-10-13 11:36:17 · answer #9 · answered by Stuart 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
we are given the free will to choose. that means everyone should it for their own salvation.
2006-10-13 11:36:19 · answer #10 · answered by ppruel 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋