Posted by James 5:16 on June 05, 2001 at 20:31:49:
In Reply to: Re: Question posted by ezekiel 25:17 on June 05, 2001 at 14:31:01:
Sorry about the previous response. Itchy fingers.
: : 1) If we have been told of the Law (namely the Ten Commandments and the Levitical laws of the Old Testament)and we have been told how to escape those Laws (namely being saved by Christ), then we are held to that knowledge. If we choose to believe in those Laws, we escape damnation. If not, we are damned.
: Does this in turn mean, that we are better off not knowing the laws at all. For as soon as we become aware of the Ten Commandments and Jesus Christ, we must unfailing obey or be forever damned?
Basically, we are called to the Lord or not. Christianity is a two-way street. However, when we hear the Word (namely the specific words of the Bible or have an experience with a pastor or a knowledgable christian), then the change should at the very least, begin.
: : 2) If you are a person who has sinned without knowing the Law or being aware of it, (This is the instance of your African adult.) those who have sinned without the Law shall also perish without the Law. That adult will probably go to Hell, however, I am not the Judge. That's up to God, He'll judge those people because "when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, become a Law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing them or else defending them...God will judge the secrets of men." (Romans 2:14-16)
: For a seemingly forgiving God who believes in freedom of choice, that also seems a bit harsh. Believe in me, or burn in hell forever?
: What about if you were brought up in a society wherefore stealing was acceptable, and property was communal (aka gypsy). You would have lived your life according to the principles of your family, committed no sin, and lived a good life, yet you still are damned?
: That's the thing which really confuses me. How can a forgiving God condemn a person for not believing in his laws, yet still living a basically good, wholesome and charitable life?
If that person has been exposed to the Law and the testament of Jesus Christ, then yes. Even if the person is good but he has been exposed to Jesus and his truths, then if that person chooses not to believe in Christ then damnation is that person's fate. It sounds harsh, but that is the way the Bible sets things up.
Some things we don't understand, certainly I don't, but that is the way things are laid out for us. But the compassion you are showing is commendable.
: : 3) If the person is an infant, then the same rule applies. Very likely, the way I believe, an infant will go to Heaven based on the previous ruling.
: What about IVF babies? Are they doomed from birth or do they have the same odds as anyone else?
: What about those people born before the time of Jesus, (i.e. Ancient Greeks). Were all the people which were born before the Ten Commandments existed all doomed?
It goes back to these people being a law upon themselves. Back to the quote from the book of Romans. Infants are a different issue. I don't have any idea how they are judged. I know the Lord will judge them. I just don't. I'll check with my pastor who is more familiar with the Bible (and was validictorian at Yale) and see what my church's official opinion is on this issue. I'll respond here on the board.
I hope I have answered your questions. Please post more.
James 5:16