I believe the Bible says to forgive and forget. Correct me if I'm wrong. Am I right so far?
OK, assuming that I am, I shall continue on. If the Bible tells man to forgive and forget, then... Why does God send those who "sin" to Hell? Why does he not forgive and forget? Or at least forgive, right? If you think it is because God is not bound by human law, then... What kind of being, higher or not, does this?
I do not consider Him to be benevolent, if he is not held accountable for his own laws he has stated and enforced, am I right? I just want some debate today, no flaming, please. Explain to me why if God is not held accountable for His own actions, and as such, why is he called benevolent.
2007-10-02 14:24:30 · 23 answers · asked by The World Ends with You 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
OK, I understand the morals of sending the truly evil ones to Hell, but those who just do petty misdeeds, then do not ask for repentance, how can they be held accountable for not asking/believing, etc.?
He should forgive those whose intentions were not truly evil, even if they are not believers. Am I not right?
2007-10-02 14:28:18 · update #1
And say they feel guilty for doing so. What if they feel guilty, but they don't believe in God, and as such, they don't pray asking for repentance!
2007-10-02 14:29:10 · update #2
You've found a major flaw in the Bible, and you're not the first.
This is the problem that comes up when people try to compile a book of writings that spans over like.. 3,000 years.
Keep reading, you'll find some more interesting contradictions.
2007-10-02 14:29:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 4⤋
He does.
This material universe is a reformatory for souls who, due to false ego, foolishly aspire to be the lords of all they survey. Nature's frugality is to help the soul understand his real position: he is a servant, not the master. When one understand and surrender to God, He accept the soul, then God forgive and forget. But unfortunately there are stubborn criminals, they are not corrected. Stick is required.
Why a perfect God would have to resort to strict laws to govern the universe. The answer is that the universe is formed out of the separated material energy of God, and thus organized by the rule of law instead of the rule of love, because of the separate interests of the living entities under the sway of false ego. Our main interest in a world emancipated from material laws is to be fulfilled within the spiritual nature, which is not separated from God and is ruled by love.
2007-10-02 15:06:49 · answer #2 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Forgiveness is conditional. God forgives those who REPENT (that is, confesses and turns away from) their sins. Once forgiven, God will not remember our sins (Ps 103:12 -- As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. Also, Isaiah 43:25 -- "I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins.).
However, for those who do NOT repent, their sins are remembered at the time of their judgment, and their sins will condemn them to destruction in the Lake of Fire.
Jeremiah 14:10 -- Thus says the Lord to this people: "Thus they have loved to wander; They have not restrained their feet. Therefore the Lord does not accept them; He will remember their iniquity now, And punish their sins."
{Why don't you try reading the Bible for your self, instead of relying upon the misunderstanding of others.}
2007-10-02 15:06:14 · answer #3 · answered by BC 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Bible does NOT say "forgive and forget" anywhere. That's why it's important to read the Bible and not just believe what people tell you the Bible says.
God does forgive. His whole message to mankind is "I forgive you." . "Return to me". "I love you."
If you don't accept His forgiveness, and turn and walk away, then you reject a relationship with Him. You leave Him out of your life. You will go to Hell, not as a punishment,per se, but Hell is where God is not. God is not there. You don't want Him. He won't be there. In Hell. God is in heaven.
I hope this makes a little sense.
2007-10-02 14:35:45 · answer #4 · answered by Prof Fruitcake 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
well
You notice something here in this scripture? (confess)
1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Another little word here (humble)
James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Another word here (repent)
Mar 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
What you also fail to see is that NO sin will enter heaven, not even little white lies ect. All of this is imperfection and Heaven is perfect. So any sin at all won't pass, you have to be perfect to enter on your own merits.
2007-10-02 14:35:27 · answer #5 · answered by † PRAY † 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Very interesting, I was wondering what is Islam's take on this. Islam clearly mentions to take revenge to the extent of damage only and not to exceed in any way at all. However one could forgive other if he/she feels that it would help the offender repent and stay away from taking that step again.
2007-10-02 14:32:05 · answer #6 · answered by HM 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are a thinker--its refreshing. I asked a similar question in third grade at the Catholic Church I was attending. I was rebutted and told not to question Gods word. Control.
I want you to think about what I say: it is clear what you speak is truth, however, God does not subject Himself to mans description; it is not for us to say God is like unto this and God forbid judge Him.
Your perplexity lies in an assumption that the people who told you these things knew more then you or knew God! It is, I think, crazy to think that which you stated above. How educated men, priests, can believe such error..
Many years ago this kind of teaching to the masses was well received; people were ignorant, they had no opportunity to educate. The people believed what they were told, very convent for the church. It is not so today; people, like you, are asking for logical explanations to the dogma. Their membership is declining. Anyway BRAVO for you!
2007-10-02 14:46:56 · answer #7 · answered by enigmatic1844 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Bottom line.
"Jesus is Lord."
All on earth will admit and say this.
If you accept his sacrifice on this side death, there is forgiveness for all.
Do not accept his sacrifice and die, then you will not be forgiven and you will still say that "Jesus is Lord". And then you will be judged by the Old Testament law.
Who would want to take their chances with that?
Simple solution,
Obey Acts 2:38-39
2007-10-02 14:54:08 · answer #8 · answered by plowmscat 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
God offers everyone forgiveness. He died on the cross to forgive everyone their sins.
People choose not to have this forgiveness. They condemn themselves to Hell. He does not send them there.
If God had it his way, everyone would be in Heaven, but people choose to reject God and go their own way. This path of unrepentance leads to Hell.
God does forgive everyone. You have to want it.
2007-10-02 14:41:23 · answer #9 · answered by kitty21 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I been on Yahoo Answers for less than 2 weeks, yet I have had to say the following about 8 times.
God does not send anyone to hell for sins. They go to hell because they rejected Christ. Jesus paid for all sins. Those who reject Him, did not take the gift of their sins being paid for. but they were, they go to hell because they rejected Him.
2007-10-02 14:46:31 · answer #10 · answered by Doma 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It's like we're all in a sinking boat called sin, and God is saying, "If you will receive this life line (repent from sin), I will pull you out of the boat (give you eternal life), but if you choose to stay in the boat (assert your autonomy), you will drown (face the consequences of remaining in sin)." You are saying that God, in order to be fair, has to kidnap those who don't want to leave the boat.
2007-10-02 14:36:04 · answer #11 · answered by celebduath 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋