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Originally posted by XtraTL
reply to post by timepolarity
In the book of Revelation however, there are a couple of things that would make me think that it isn't a good strategy at the very end. In Revelation 22:11 for example it says let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong, etc.
In 2 Thessalonian 2:11 in the context of the end times it says "For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness." (NIV)
So I'd say based on this that it would be a bad strategy to wait until the very end.
What will happen at the end is that people's hearts will be so hardened that they will not believe and change even as God brings about all the events of the end. It's also just a fact that the older you get the more cynical you can become and the more set in your ways. I'm sure it can get to the point where you couldn't change your heart even if you wanted to. People can become calloused and I am certain I have heard some people say that even if God came and spoke to them personally and showed them all his glory that they wouldn't worship him. They actually don't like God, maybe even hate him.
I suspect this is all very much why we are urged over and over again in the Bible to be prepared and to watch and pray and not make a shipwreck of our faith. There's a real danger of being hardened by sin's deceitfulness as mentioned at length in the book of Hebrews
Originally posted by timepolarity
First, allow me to address your comments on scripture. You are correct that there is no limit on the amount of forgiveness, but you cannot receive this forgiveness without faith through grace. Believing only at the time of judgement is no different than the faith of the demons:
"You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!". James, 2:19
Regarding the mind being just computation - yes, if you remove the brain you die, and damaging it can change your personality. But if you remove the heart of a man he will die and if you lock a man in a box and feed him through a hole for a month his personality will change also.
The idea that we are just complex machines is an absurd reduction based purely on the belief that there is no creator.
There is simply no evidence that shows this.
While I can't prove to anyone that God exists, I believe my faith in this comes from a source greater than any man, whereas faith in an understanding of consciousness that you know comes from men seems like much shakier ground.
Originally posted by radpetey
reply to post by Fatgoblin
Are you really Micheal Moore in a bloated Shmegal costume( Precious)
Originally posted by XtraTL
reply to post by Fatgoblin
Dare I say that something has already happened. Yes, we wait for the return of Jesus. But that is because of what already happened.
Anyhow, it says that in the last days scoffers will come saying where is this coming of which he spoke, everything continues on as it always has, etc.
Your questions about how he can judge us if we are bound to sin are answered pretty carefully in the book of Romans. The same book also explains that it is meant to sound foolish. It'd be off topic to answer each of your complaints. But it is basically this. He binds us over to sin so that he can have mercy on us. If it sounds meglomaniacal then consider the alternatives.
we are His tools and it is not our place to question why the maker does what he does.
Originally posted by XtraTL
The same book also explains that it is meant to sound foolish. It'd be off topic to answer each of your complaints. But it is basically this. He binds us over to sin so that he can have mercy on us.
If it sounds meglomaniacal then consider the alternatives.
Regarding whether you can repent in the end times, of course you can. Why else would the command have been given to send the good news out! Why else would Jesus have gone around preaching "repent for the kingdom of God is at hand". The strong delusion is sent to those who are hardened in rebellion. But it won't deceive the elect (those who do repent). It actually talks about the days being shortened for the sake of the elect. But it should be equally clear that the last days are an *opportunity* to repent.
You surely aren't arguing for a world in which there is instant justice and no opportunity to repent.
That really would be a tyrannical god. This point is made in 2 Peter 3, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
Originally posted by hawkiye
reply to post by lonewolf19792000
we are His tools and it is not our place to question why the maker does what he does.
What intelligent father would not want his children to question so they could learn? Question everything! God is not looking for mindless robots, or blind believers, he wants people that can think for themselves so they can one day grow up to be like thier father.
What you experienced was mainly for you it is what is supposed to happen to you within. Luke 17...
Originally posted by lonewolf19792000
Yesterday started as any normal day at church, we walk around and greet eachother and the visitors after being separated for a week, followed by worship. On many a given sunday i can feel the Holy Spirit move through our church, but yesterday it was so very very strong. The songs came and with each passing minute i began to feel more and more the wonder/glory/awe/joy erupt and wash over me and i tried to hold onto it once our pastors' sermon began, the whole while i was trembling with exertion trying to contain the Holy Spirit's message until i could hold on no more and i began to testify before the church. The message was "the Lord has NOT forgotten us, he is coming right now, we WILL be rescued, make way, make way for the King is coming!" The message was so urgent and desperate i felt as though it was a warning for us to hold fast and be ready, and i immediately hit my knees and knelt in front of the altar, i felt as though i was indeed in the presence of our King, and all i wanted to do was kneel down and never get up.
Afterwards when service was ending i talked to my pastor and described to him what i was feeling, of the joy and awe, of feeling like i was in the presence of Jesus himself in all his Glory, that while trying to hold onto the message i could feel my spirit battling my body during worhip and the summon, my spirit was literally catching a glimpse of heaven and it was the most wonderful feeling in the universe. I felt like a star had burst into life inside me and i began to get hotter and hotter on the outside, the Holy Fire felt like i was being consumed and if i held onto his message any longer i thought i would burst into flames. At the end i was left feeling drained, like i had just took on a wrestling match with someone 10 times my size and 10 times my weight, and my pastor told me when the Holy Spirit comes to go ahead and surrender, even if it is during service, for the message it gives is more important than his because its coming from the Lord himself.
Be ready, it will not be much longer, our Lord's day draws near, in our lifetimes. Have courage and hold fast, soon we can go home!