God and Religion, What's it all About?

Article cG

Long Version

Note the various articles referred

to herein can be accessed at "TeachMeGod.com"

God

God is the greatest power in the universe with regards to both physical and intellectual powers. Concerning physical powers, obviously powers greater than man's powers exist, as the forces of nature (involving the power of the sun, wind, and water) are much more powerful than man's mere forces. Concerning intellectual powers, powers higher than man's intellectual powers also exist as quite often people have special revelations (dreams or visions) revealing future events, which man's natural intellect obviously is incapable of knowing anything about. God's knowledge far exceeds man's, and sometimes by special revelations, God reveals portions of this knowledge to man. Although prophetic dreams and special revelations are more common in our day than miracles, yet miracles or supernatural happenings also occur. Miracles are a vivid display of God's higher and intelligent powers. Any special revelation or supernatural happening again is a clear witness of a power greater than man's. cG-1

Mankind throughout all history has been aware of God. Such is revealed by the many ways men have tried and are trying to worship him, and by man's reaction to pray when danger or tragedy strike. Man in his awareness of higher powers has invented all types of creatures of strange appearance. Some in their awareness of God, and fear of Him, have vehemently endeavored to convince themselves and others that there is no such power existing. Yet God can be and should be our best friend! cG-2

Creation

As nothing is impossible with God, He could have created our world with a big bang, or created it through some processes of evolution if He so choose. Yet that is not how our God chose to do it. Although it is interesting to know how God chose to create the world, yet a much more important issue than God's method of creating the world, is that God as the highest intellectual and physical power yet lives today. God did not just set the universe in order and then leave it to continue on it's own. God rather is watching over the universe, and although He allows many things to take their natural course He yet intervenes as He chooses. Any miracle or supernatural happening again reveals a higher power than man. cG-3

Our God obviously is a great creator. The vastness of the sun, moon, and the stars and the almost numberless different kinds of creatures we see in our earth and ocean, should give man a little insight of the intelligence and power of our God. God's power and perfect order can be seen in the orderly functioning of the universe and by the many wonderful and workable physical principles which men discover in their search for inventions. Quartz for some reason, when charged with electricity gives off steady pulses making possible quartz clocks. When man invents something new, although it is wonderful, and man might have discovered something very important, yet man must remember our God who long ago created the physical principles that make possible that invention! Man continually is learning more about God's great creation and the many possibilities therein and therewith! Although the great things God set in order in the creation are very outstanding, yet what matters most today is that this God still lives and is as great now as when He created the world! cG-4

How can our earth maintain such a consistent temperature year after year, when the sun is so extremely hot (10,000 degrees surface temperature much hotter within) and absolute zero is so extremely cold (-450 degrees). How does our earth find and maintain such a consistent, narrow, and livable balance between those two extreme temperatures? Is our God continually adjusting the heat or did He get it all started so perfectly that our consistent livable temperature is now simply a natural result of ongoing physical principles? God's universe holds endless wonders! cG-5

Our God obviously is not only interested in His physical creation such as the sun and moon, or in the many kinds of animals He created, but is very interested in the most intelligent part of His creation which is man. God is very interested in how man fits into His creation and plan for him. cG-6

Religion

Death and Resurrection

Religion is the subject or issue of man properly relating to his Creator and his surroundings. True religion teaches man how to properly relate to his Creator and his surroundings, while false religion erroneously teaches man how to relate to his Creator and his surroundings. God is very desirous that humanity relates kindly and properly to one another. cG-7

God is not only a great creator but is also a good creator. God in creation had a good plan for man. Yet soon after creation man failed God and deprived himself of that good plan. Thus man must experience significant difficultly in life, and must age and die. Yet God in mercy made possible a full restoration of His good plan for man. cG-8

Us humans are so accustomed to people getting old and feeble and dying, that we think that is simply how it has to be. We think our bodies should wear out and die because such is simply natural and how it should be. Yet we should consider that our bodies after getting cut or scratched quite seriously can actually create new skin and heal itself. One should then consider that a body that has the powers to heal and restore damaged parts of itself, should also be able to every year make itself more healthy than the year before (if God so ordained) rather than getting old and worn out. It should not be thought strange if a body that that has powers to heal itself of major cuts and scratches, also every year could improve itself as a whole and make itself more healthy than the year before! One should thus consider that the reason we grow old, feeble and die obviously is not because God could not have made us live endlessly but because we are under a curse of death. cG-9

In considering the possibility of the dead being resurrected to life again, one should consider that a power that has power to create life to begin with, should also be able to cause that which has lived and died to live again. God even gave mankind a significant similitude of the death and resurrection of those that love God. This is found in the life of the butterfly, which begins as a worm, enters a cocoon, which is like a tomb, and then comes forth from the cocoon tomb as a beautiful butterfly. This wondrous similitude should not be overlooked! The subject of resurrection and what might lie ahead after death is very important to most all religions. cG-10

Truth

True religion is very concerned about truth, and seeks and submits to it. There is and old saying, that with much reason says, "a man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still". If a man wants to believe something bad enough it is almost impossible to change his mind. It seems us humans largely have the ability to convince ourselves of whatever we want to believe. This is done by us almost subconsciously exaggerating and focusing on the issues that suit us, and minimizing, overlooking, and confusing the issues that we don't like. Jeremiah said, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jer 17:9). Man's deceitful heart often simply tells man exactly what he wants to hear, regardless of what is truth. The deceitfulness of the human heart is clearly manifested in the great difference that is shown when a child is trying to prove that he cannot do something that he doesn't want to do, or is trying to show off what he can do. The child somewhat convinces himself he cannot do it, and then almost makes his actions agree thereto. cG-11

Ten year old Jane thought she was too sick to help her mom with dishes but when her friend came to play she thought she was feeling much better now. What is controlling Jane's reasoning and conclusions? Young father John who was very absorbed in his 3 year old son didn't think it appropriate or practical for children under age 14 to play in the family reunion ball game, as he felt their were too many adults present who really should have the opportunity to play, yet when his beloved son got a little older he very much thought younger children should be included in the game. What is controlling John's reasoning and conclusions? While poor man Sam had little financial opportunity, he in his mind often accused the rich of how they got and spent their money, yet after Sam unexpectantly struck upon an easy money making opportunity and also got quite rich, he began to think the rich were not so wrong in their ways of dealing with money after all. What is controlling Sam's reasoning? While carpenter Bill thought it was his disliked neighbor's son that had too carelessly damaged the valuable tool, he felt that such carelessness was ridiculous and felt he should be required to pay in full to teach him a good lesson. But when Bill rather found out that his best friend was the guilty one, the damage all at once did not seem near as serious and he even began to advocate that people should have mercy on such understandable mistakes. What is controlling Bill's thinking and reasoning? Our desires and attitudes if not pure and disciplined, can cause us to greatly bypass justice and truth, while we might yet foolishly and ignorantly defend our position. May religious people as they defend their particular religious beliefs beware lest they think and reason as falsely and unjustly as did the above individuals. cG-12

The worst thing about dishonest or biased reasoning is that we actually convince ourselves of something that is not really true. We actually lie to ourselves, and believe the lie. Isaiah 44:20 vividly speaks of this reading, "He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?" The terms prejudiced and biased are quite popular to us. If our conclusions are in any way tinted by prejudiced or biased thinking we to some extent have missed the truth. The Bible speaks about "speaking the truth in our hearts", and speaks about "loving and making lies" (Psa 15:2, Rev 22:15). We can do either. If we exaggerate the issues we like, and minimize, overlook, and confuse the issues we don't like, the light of our body is evil and our whole body will be full of darkness (Matt 6:22-23, Luke 11:34). cG-13

Biased reasoning in defending it's conclusions tends to find all kinds of problems, where their really is bountiful answers, and then turns around and finds all kinds of so called answers where their really is mostly problems. Biased reasoning can so greatly exaggerate little issues and so greatly minimize big issues that Jesus speaking of this said they strain at gnats and swallow camels (Matt 23:24)! cG-14

Although many beliefs are false and need to identified as such, may we be very cautious in defending our own beliefs and condemning another's beliefs. One should consider if we were as hard up to defend another's beliefs as we are to defend our own beliefs, we likely could find some positive points about their beliefs too, and not only about our own beliefs. May our conclusions be based on more than just a few overly emphasized agreeable issues, but on the complete truth when the whole matter is honestly and thoroughly investigated. cG-15

True religion is not a religion of ignorance. Proverbs 4:7 reads, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." Proverbs 21:16 gives a strong warning for those who refuse to learn or reason reading "The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation [religion, church] of the dead." The term willingly ignorant is quite popular. The willingly ignorant person is fully guilty, although his deceitful heart yet tells him he is justified. The reason the willingly ignorant man is ignorant is simply because he chose to minimized, overlook, confuse, and complicate the information he didn't like. "For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie." (Rev 22:15). cG-16

God's truths and laws are not intended to hurt man but to help him. Although truth might cause one momentary pain as he faces up to it, we need not be scared of the truth, for the truth makes one free (John 8:32). True religion is very concerned about truth and carefully seeks and yields to it. False religions are very tinted with prejudiced reasoning and conclusions. Truth is so related to God and His Spirit, that the Spirit of God is actually called the Spirit of Truth (John 14:17, 15:26, 16:13)! Note, we cannot expect to have the blessing and indwelling of the Spirit of Truth while we at the same time resist the truth. cG-17

Jeremiah 5:1&3 reads, "Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon it. {3} O LORD, are not thine eyes upon the truth? ...". Untruth will stumble and fall, theories will come and go, but the truth abides forever! Truth is so valuable and vital, and even sets us free, why then is man so often careless about it? cG-18

The Bible in no way guarantees us humans that we were taught the truth by our tutors. Thus we cannot merely search the Bible to learn how it means what we already know and were taught it means, but must rather search the Bible in an original and realistic manner to learn what it might really reveal. We need to be as the Bereans of whom Paul said, "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." (Acts 17:11). Concerning those issues which we might be uncertain about, it appears it would be much better for us to humbly say I don't know for sure how to believe about that subject, than to advocate a particular belief without sufficient reason. Although it usually is not hard to find someone who thinks he has the answers for us, and who almost would force his answers and way of thinking upon us, we obviously need not accept their answers unless they are based on clear truths. cG-19

Higher Powers

Although some people cannot be persuaded that any higher intellectual and controlling power than man exists at all, yet the truth of the matter is that God is not the only higher power than man. Although God is the highest power and is a good power, yet another power also exists that can do miracles, such as is done by witchcraft which is done by the power of Satan. This power although also greater than man, is not God. It does not take much research to find information about supernatural happenings. Although some claims and reports of supernatural happenings are not true, yet some claims are true. cG-20

Many religions think of Adam, Noah, Abraham, and Moses as special persons in the history of our world. In Moses' time, Moses did special miracles to impress Pharoah about the power of the real and true God. Yet Pharaoh's magicians began doing the same miracles. Yet the time soon came when Pharaoh's magicians proved inferior and could not copy the miracles of Moses, as Moses was in contact with the highest power, while Pharaoh's magicians were not (Exo 7:10-11, 8:6-7, 8:18-19). cG-21

Messiah and Christianity

God clearly spoke to Adam, Abraham, and Moses about a special one who would come and provide a great blessing for man and pave the way for man's restoration. Article bF which pertains to the subject of the Messiah, very extensively considers this subject, and gives much evidence that Jesus is eligible to be the long waited for Messiah. cG-22

Although Jesus was the Son of God, He also was the Son of man through being born of virgin Mary. Being born of Mary allowed Jesus to participate in our very flesh and situation in a very special way. Many Scriptures speak about the similarity of Jesus' experiences in coming in the flesh, as to what we experience. Jesus was sinless because of overcoming our very situation, not merely because of not encountering it. Our God sent Messiah, took upon Himself our very body and situation in the process of paving the way for our restoration and resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:21-23 particularly speaks of Christ being the first to resurrect from the very death that came upon all through Adam reading, "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. {23} But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming." (1 Cor 15:22-23). Note Jesus needed to take on our very situation, before He could be the first to truly resurrect from it. Scriptures which particularly advocate that Jesus was the firstfruit of the resurrection are Acts 26:23, 1 Cor 15:22-23, Col 1:18 and Rev 1:5. Christ's resurrection from our very flesh and blood and very situation is God's wondrous proof to humanity that we can do the same! cG-23

To redeem mankind that sinned from death, God seen fit that the very same flesh and humanity which sinned in Adam, must be born upon the person of Christ, and live without ever sinning, and then although being sinless as such, yet die for the sin's that were done by others of the same flesh and humanity. Possibly in God's sight, the creating of another flesh (humanity) like to man's flesh (humanity), and then having that duplicated or substituted flesh (humanity) die in a sinless state for us, could not have truly vented or appeased His Holy wrath which was kindled against our very flesh (humanity) which sinned. cG-24

The sacrificial death of Christ, through being the Son of God and through being without sin was thereby qualified to pay and remove our sin debt. It appears the sacrificial death of Christ through being man's very flesh (humanity), thereby also could fully vent or satisfy God's judgments and wrath which was kindled upon that very flesh (humanity) and remove such wrath from us! cG-25

Truly Christ was made a curse for us, as Paul teaches saying, "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:" (Gal 3:3). Isaiah speaking of the sacrifice of Christ satisfying God's law and judgments said "He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied..." (Isaiah 53:11). Truly God's law has placed a dreadful curse upon mankind, which curse affected both man's flesh and spirit, and Christ took that very curse upon Himself and opened a way for us to be totally delivered from it! cG-26

Jesus after dying on the cross and paying our sin debt, resurrected from our very situation to a restored plateau void of curse, becoming the firstfruit of the resurrection and paving the way for us to do the same. God clearly has given man a greater witness of the resurrection than the butterfly coming out of the cocoon. Note articles aT and bP much more extensively consider this subject. True religion is focused on the resurrection and eternal values rather than on merely temporal values. cG-27

Jesus while on earth manifested and contributed a distinct religion and faith. The religion and faith that Jesus manifested and contributed while on earth, is the only religion that God counts as true Christendom. Yet in our day (2000 years later), it is sad that many who say they believe in Jesus, do not really know who and what Jesus was and whom they are confessing to believe in. It also appears that many who say they do not believe in Jesus, neither really know who and what Jesus was and whom they are confessing to not believe in. It is even possible that some who in ignorance say they do not believe in Jesus, are believing in that standard and faith which Jesus manifested and contributed, more than many who say they believe in Jesus. cG-28

God reveals the Messiah in a Spiritual way to all mankind. God reveals the Messiah to mankind by the means of His Holy Spirit speaking to man's heart and convicting man of His sin and inviting Him to the salvation made possible through the Messiah (Job 33:14-30). Jesus is a light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world (John 1:9). It is more important to know Christ in a Spiritual and inner way, than to know Him after His earth life and in a historical and intellectual way. Some who are very knowledgeable about Jesus have an impure heart, while others who are very ignorant about Jesus have a pure heart. The condition of one's heart is what matters the most. Yet it also is very important that one knows Jesus in an intellectual and historical way such as knowing who Jesus was and is and believes in that religion and faith that Jesus taught. cG-29

Although God gave all power to Jesus, and Jesus is very much one with His Father, yet Jesus is not His Father, but is the Father's Son. Jesus Himself said that His Father was greater than Him and acknowledged He was not all knowing as His Father (John 14:28, Mark 13:32, John 15:15). Jesus in earnestly praying to His Father was not earnestly praying to Himself, but to His Father (Matt 26:39). God in being well pleased with His Son was not being pleased with Himself, but was pleased with His Son (Matt 3:17, 17:5, Mark 1:11, Luke 3:22). Note the subject of how Christ and His Father are one, and how they yet are two distinct persons, is extensively considered in chapter 21 of article aT. cG-30

Believe and be Saved

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." (Acts 16:31). Yes, to be saved we must believe in Jesus. Yet one must consider that really believing in someone includes being confident and trusting of that person. If a friend would tell you they believe in their teacher you naturally would understand them to mean that they are confident of their teacher and what he teaches. cG-31

To be saved one must not only believe in Jesus as their redeemer but as a true teacher. In seeking how to be saved we obviously should look to Jesus and what He taught about being saved. Jesus said, "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." (Mat 7:21). Jesus clearly taught that we must put Him first in our lives and die to our pride and selfishness. Yet Jesus also promised that as we lose our life for His sake we really will find our life (Mat 10:39, 16:25, Mark 8:35, Luke 9:24, Luke 17:33, John 12:25)! How foolish it is to claim salvation by believing in Jesus while yet evading or rejecting His teachings! cG-32

Jesus speaking of really believing on Him said, "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. {39} (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive..." (John 7:38-39). When one really believes in Jesus he receives an inspiration and revelation from the Spirit of God, and receives another sense or capacity that he was not given by His first and natural birth. This is being born again. The new sense and life (as received in the second and Spiritual birth) perceives eternal truths and values, and creates faith in what is not seen (not visible). Hebrews 11:1 speaking of this reads, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." The NIV version of this verse reads, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." This faith is what made Apostle Peter and many of the Apostles gladly give their lives for the sake of Christ. The resurrection and after life was real to them. cG-33

Christ's Work, Man's Work

Christ's substitutionary death spanned the great gulf that sin and satan brought between God and man, and accomplished what our human works and efforts could never have done. Yet if we do not honestly seek God and honestly endeavor to follow Christ's teachings, Christ's deed alone will not save us. Although it is very true that our works alone cannot save us, they must be included in being saved. cG-34

The great gift of salvation although conditional, yet to a great extent can be considered a free gift, since our part in being saved is so small, and all we need to do to be saved is really what we should do for our creator anyway. cG-35

A true faith in Christ very much instigates good works (deeds), and thus the Bible has much reason to say that we are justified by faith and yet to also say we in the end will be judged by our works (Rom 5:1, Rev 20:12-13). cG-36

Jesus clearly revealed that our salvation hinges upon our personal response to His teachings. Jesus clearly did not teach that we are predestined to be saved or lost (as without personal responsibility) although some Christians erroneously advocate such. Article aY extensively considers such subject. cG-37

God's Good Laws!

God's laws are good laws with a good intent and purpose! Jesus particularly taught that all God's laws hang upon properly loving God and our fellowman (Matt 22:36-40). Numerous Scriptures teach that God's laws all have the intent of helping man to properly love God and his fellowman (Mark 12:28-31, Gal 5:14, Rom 13:8-10, James 2:8). God's laws are so practical and good they are even called laws of liberty (James 1:25&2:12). cG-38

God very much desires His laws to be followed in the way that fulfills their good intent, rather than to be followed merely according to their technical wording (letter of the law). Exodus 23:13 speaks about being circumspect in following God's laws, Exodus 34:27 advocates the tenor of the law, and Nehemiah 8:8 advocates the sense of God's laws. Apostle Paul speaking of these things said, "Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." (2 Cor 3:6). Apostle Paul knowing God's laws are good, and that they always bring about a good and just result if applied properly said, "But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;" (1 Tim 1:8)! It is sad that false religions often are caught up in following the letter of the law, while yet being ignorant or evasive of the underlying purpose of God's laws, and thus they wound and kill rather than give life. The laws of false religions rather than being laws of liberty (as Apostle James spoke of), too often are laws of bondage. Jesus reproving the Jews for such laws said, "For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers." (Mat 23:4). Those who follow the letter of the law rather than the intent of the law, are legalistic and are guilty of legalism. Although those involved in legalism might erroneously convince themselves they are most righteous and humble, legalism is not a small error as it kills rather than gives life. cG-39

Prophet Micah made a very profound statement concerning what true religion is all about saying, "Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? {7} Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? {8} He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" (Micah 6:6-8). Note how Micah here reveals that self sacrifice and self affliction is not the basis of true religion while rather, doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God, is the basis of true religion. Note how nicely this corresponds with the various Scriptures that teach that the emphasis of all God's laws is to properly love God and our fellowman. cG-40

Apostle James said, "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." (James 1:27) True religion keeps itself unspotted from the world's often mechanical, artificial, and cruel ways. True religion is separate from the selfishness, falsity, haughtiness, changing fads, jealously and ill will that often prevails in the world. Being different than the world dare not be the Christian's goal, but rather walking humbly with God and loving his neighbor as himself must be his goal, as such will bless the Christian, while making him different than the world naturally and rightly. True religion is privileged to have the real thing while others are vainly trying to get it at the wrong place. Prophet Isaiah said, "O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:" (Isa 48:18). May we not think that being unspotted from the world merely consists of being different than the world by outward appearance. Being unspotted from the world involves our attitudes and inner character. God has made a beautiful world and is not a despiser of beauty. The subject of material appearance and how Christians should relate to beauty is quite extensively considered in article bZ. cG-41

The Messiah was sent to "...preach good tidings unto the meek; ...to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; {2} To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; {3} To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness...". (Isa 61:1-3). What a wonderful Messiah! Although God's laws do not allow us to do everything we might want to do on the spur of the moment, yet the result of keeping His laws is life and freedom. Satan's freedom allows his followers to freely itch their poison ivy (degrading addictions) while the freedom the Messiah came to provide delivers His followers from the poison ivy. cG-42

God's commandments are not grievous (1 John 5:3). "For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." (Psa 84:11). "The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing." (Psa 34:10). "...godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come". (1 Tim 4:8). "O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." (Psa 34:8). "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: {3} If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious." (1 Pet 2:2-3). God's laws simply disallow that which God knows could lead us into trouble and difficulty. King David repeatedly spoke of greatly loving God's laws, judgments, and ways (Psa 19:9-10, Psa 119:4 & 16 & 20 & 24 & 35 & 47 & 54 & 77 & 97 & 113 &119 & 127 & 129 & & 143 & 159 & 161-164 & 174). cG-43

Jesus knew His Father had a very good plan for humanity, and also knew that the Jews had greatly missed it, and He wept because of the dreadful loss. Luke 19:41-42 speaking of this reads, "And when he was come near, he beheld the city [Jerusalem], and wept over it, {42} Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes." It appears Jesus likewise could weep over much of the whole world for the same reason. cG-44

Abundant Life

Jesus said, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10). Jesus came that we might have a good life! Jesus clearly revealed that a good life is not contingent upon wealth and riches saying, "...Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth." (Luke 12:15). Although Jesus came that we can have an abundant life, He also revealed that the way to this life is narrow and that few will find it saying, "...strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." (Mat 7:14). cG-45

The abundant life that Jesus came to give is not found in laws of self affliction, nor is it found in doing every thing we on the spur of the moment might want to do. The narrow way that leads to abundant life is found between those two ditches. The abundant life that Jesus came to give is not found in denying ourselves of those blessings God has created for us to enjoy, but is found in denying ourselves of our selfishness and pride. This life is not found in evading the truth and unjustly trying to convince ourselves of what we want to believe, but is found in humility and the truth. This life is not found in creating our own religious agenda, nor is it found in following the commandments of men . This life is found in being at peace with our Creator, having good will toward all men, and enjoying the blessings God has created for us to enjoy. Abundant life often is found in trying to bless others. Abundant life is found in being free from, envy, ill will, bitterness, and rather having the fruit of the Spirit which is "...love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance..." (Gal 5:22-23). Yet attaining the abundant life that Jesus came to give is a real challenge. Jesus said, "Strive to enter in at the strait gate..." (Luke 13:24). Yet it's worth the effort. Apostle Paul close to his death said, "I have fought a good fight..." (2 Tim 4:7). May we do the same! cG-46

Pride and Humility

Jesus numerous times said that those who lose their life for His sake shall find it, (Matt 10:39, 16:25, Mark 8:35, Luke 9:24, 17:33, John 12:25). We must let go of our selves, and let God take control of our lives to find our life! May we humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God and accept that we really have nothing to be proud about. We really have nothing at all accept what God gave us. Even the good attitude we can have is only because we allowed God to teach us and work with us. If God had not chastised us and taught us we would simply be like a spoiled child, "...for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?" (Heb 12:7). The basis of true humility is not necessarily how we evaluate ourselves before others, but is recognizing our nothingness before God and our responsibility before Him. cG-47

Pride very much can make us slaves to trying to please men and trying to maintain their high esteem. May we not hold to our pride which so often is only a pain to us anyway, as it seems to get hurt so often. Christians, because of selfishness and pride might want to be the brightest gospel light, and thus instead of trimming their brothers light and helping their brother's light shine brighter might try to smother it. Jesus spoke of each Christian being a light or candle and spoke of many Christians being a lighted city set on a hill (Matt 5:14-16). May Christians trim and enhance each others lights and blend their candles together so they as a city will shine very brightly, rather than try to smother each others lights in an effort to be the brightest light! When one endeavors to smother his brother's light, he really loses his own light because he has fallen from the principle of Christian love which is a most basic attribute of true religion. cG-48

Pride often greatly hinders truth as man is too proud to fully admit the truth when it is revealed, and rather holds to old errors and yet to his own harm. Pride often does not allow man to speak as he should speak, or to hear as he should hear, or learn as he should learn. God hates pride (Pro 6:16-17). Pride is often the very thing that keeps people from looking at things fairly and squarely and makes them rather love and make lies. Pride makes for many arguments and disagreements on our earth, as people because of pride often look at things only from the angle that makes them look right and good, rather than looking at things truthfully. "Only by pride cometh contention..." (Prov 13:10). cG-49

The room for improvement is likely the largest room on earth. Yet pride often closes the door to this great room, because men often simply are too proud to admit they were doing something less than the best way, so they presumptuously and foolishly keep on doing it the hard way. Man's proud nature is clearly revealed in the little Negro boy, who when given some hints on how to drive the tractor more smoothly quickly replied "I've already been knowed how". Because of pride people want to believe or imagine they already know almost everything about a subject. Pride often causes people to exaggerate and focus on what they already know and to be resentful towards and evasive of what they do not know. Pride often keeps people from opening their minds to further education and truth. Pride often makes people think they know very much while they really might know very little. Obadiah 1:3 reads, "The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee... " Numerous Scriptures speak of the fool being the one who has many words and who speaks quickly (Pro 10:14&19, 15:2, 17:28, 18:6-7, 29:20, Eccl 5:3, 10:12-140). cG-50

May we always be very loving and careful in our judgments towards others. We should consider that if we'd be as determined to think highly of others as we are to think highly of ourselves we likely could find good things about others too, and not only about ourselves! cG-51

Man's Laws and Agenda

False religion because of pride often tries to establish it's own religion and righteousness and thus turns to manmade laws, rather than simply honoring God and yielding to His good and simple plan. Apostle Paul speaking of this said, "For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God." (Rom 10:3). cG-52

False religion tries to impress God with particular things it does, while yet lacking, justice, mercy, and humility, the three attributes which are the very basics of true religion. In history, false religions sacrificed their own children, and caused them to go through fires to impress God. Yet God said such things never even came to His mind and He wasn't impressed (Jer 19:5, 32:35). True religion is impressed with God and His agenda, rather than being a religion that tries to impress God or man with it's own agenda. cG-53

Marriage

False religion by it's own agenda, for many years, and even today has greatly disrupted God's plan for marriage and the intense blessings God intended therewith. In early Christian history, a very erroneous anti marriage and sex attitude developed which brought much pain and difficulty into our world. Apostle Paul fortold of this anti marriage attitude saying, "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils... {3} Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth." (1 Tim 4:1&3). This anti marriage and sex attitude counted intimacy in marriage as a shameful and disgraceful thing only suitable and allowable for procreation. Tertullian and numerous other early Christian leaders and writers were very taken up in this anti sex attitude, which in due time developed till it fully disallowed marriage among the Catholic Priests as is seen today. These writers were not only very negative about marital intimacy but were negative about feminine beauty. cG-54

Tertullian writing with regards to women wrote, "And do you not know that you are (each) an Eve?. ...You are the devil's gateway: you are the unsealer of that (forbidden) tree: you are the first deserter of the divine law: you are she who persuaded him whom the devil was not valiant enough to attack. ...And do you think about adorning yourself over and above your tunics of skins?" ( Ante Nicene Fathers Vol. 4, Page 26). Note Tertullian lived around 180 A.D. cG-55

Athenagoras, who lived around the time of Tertullian wrote as follows; "...each of us reckoning her his wife whom he has married according to the laws laid down by us, and that only for the purpose of having children. ...so to us the procreation of children is the measure of our indulgence in appetite." (The Ante-Nicene Fathers Vol. 2, Page 279). cG-56

Cyprian who wrote about fifty years later wrote as follows, "...we can see sexual intercourse abolished; and this, too, before the future world. And our Lord Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, for no other reason than that He might destroy the begetting by lawless desire". (The Ante-Nicene Fathers Vol. 1, Page 590). cG-57

Although early writers in their anti sex attitude greatly honored virgins (men or women who never married), Tertullian emphasized that the married one who refrains from sex is even worthy of more honor than the one who never married, because it is more difficult to refrain from what was experienced and enjoyed than to refrain from something that was never enjoyed. Tertullian speaking of this said, "For is not continence withal superior to virginity, whether it be the continence of the widowed, or of those who, by consent, have already renounced the common disgrace (which matrimony involves)? ...For great is the struggle to overcome concupiscence when you have become accustomed to such concupiscence; whereas a concupiscence the enjoyment whereof you have never known you will subdue easily," (The Ante Nicene Fathers Vol. 4, Page 66). Many similar writings could be given. Note such writings are given in article cE. This anti marriage and sex attitude grew more erroneous as time continued, and in due time resulted in the belief that sex within marriage is a sinful and debased act (as taught by Augustine 400 AD) and resulted in the Catholic Church disallowing marriage among her leaders. cG-58

A certain pride can readily accompany the rejection of woman, marriage and intimacy. The more one raises himself above woman, marriage, and intimacy and emphatically accuses sexual errors, the more Holy one might think himself to be and appear. Yet such is man's agenda not God's. Although Jesus reproved sexual errors, He yet did not give despiteful reproofs but simply said "go, and sin no more" (John 8:11). He even told religious Jews who were taken up with their manmade religious agenda, that "the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you" (Matt 21:31-32). The publicans and harlots were more ready to listen and repent of their errors than those who were taken up with their own religious agenda. Jesus further spoke of the Sodomites being more ready to repent than those taken up with their own religious agenda (Matt 11:22-23). cG-59

Although God has sexual restrictions and has ordained the marriage plan, such does not mean God is anti sex. God's marriage laws rather than merely upholding a particular theological or religious standard of life are for our good and are very meaningful. One can hardly imagine how much anxiety, envy, and strife would be encountered throughout our lives if their was no such thing as marriage and it were proper and customary that men and women every day, without respect and care for others, to take any mate whoever they could allure to themselves. God's marriage laws very much help provide secure mates and secure children, and are laws we can love! Sex is a very powerful force with can both do much good or much evil. When sex is in God's plan it's power does much good, creating happy secure families, when it is outside of God's plan it's power does much evil resulting in much trouble, anxiety, and many grievous crimes. cG-60

Those opposed to marriage and intimacy should consider that in old times the Jewish Kings often had numerous wives, while most of the Apostles were married. Paul taught that "Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled...", and clearly commanded that husbands and wives should satisfy each other sexually (1 Cor 7:3-5, Heb 13:4). Solomon concerning these things said, "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD." "Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. {19} Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love." (Pro 18:22, 5:18-19). It is sad that false religion has griped man with the feeling that feminine beauty is evil, although God created it to be greatly enjoyed in it's proper order. Note another article coded bU extensively considers the place of feminine beauty. cG-61

One should imagine how difficult it would be for the newly married couple or any couple who is intensely in love with one another (and naturally lives together), if sex was only to be had for procreation and thus basically never allowable. Marriage instead of being a blessing as God intended, would be a place of temptation and a snare, while Apostle Paul instead of saying it is better to marry than to burn, should have said it is better to stay away from the marriage environment than to burn (1 Cor 7:9)! Only God knows how many marriages were needlessly troubled and pained, and how many blessings missed in the last 1800 years because of this erroneous anti marriage and intimacy attitude. It should not be forgotten that although some religions and Christians are very anti sex, yet God is not anti sex and remembered that Jesus indicated more hope for the Sodomites and harlots, than for those proud and unyielding ones taken up with their own religious agenda. Articles bH, bU, and bW speak much more of the marriage and intimacy subject. cG-62

Numerous early writers largely disallowed second marriages even if one's mate had died. It is likely the anti marriage attitude of early times has some connection to the fact that many Christian Churches still do not allow husbands to separate from a unfaithful and unrepentant wife and remarry for any reason, although Christ clearly allowed such for the cause of fornication. Divorce and remarriage is extensively considered in articles coded yB and aW. cG-63

Commandments and Traditions of Men

The writer by the following thoughts is not trying to encourage Christians to go against their conscience or their traditions that they feel comfortable and blest in. Yet Christians need to be careful how they look at things and how they judge others for what they do. Possibly many Christians judge and condemn those that drink wine. Yet Christians need to remember that Jesus turned water into real wine (John 2:1-9), need to consider that Jesus speaking of wine said the old wine (which would be fermented) is better (Luke 5:38), and need to consider that Jesus almost certainly drank such wine Himself. Jesus was accused by some in His day of being a winebibber, and very likely because He did drink wine (Matt 11:19, Luke 7:34). What would we do today with a Jesus that drank strong wine? Would we also accuse him? cG-64

Although the Bible clearly reproves drunkenness and being overtaken with wine (Deu 29:19, Prov 20:1, 23:29-32, Isa 5:11&22, 28:7), yet the Scriptures clearly give permission to drink it (Num 6:20, Deu 14:26, Song 5:1, 1 Tim 5:23), and many Scriptures speak of wine making glad and merry the heart of man (Eccl 9:7, Eccl 10:19, Psa 104:15, Zec 10:7, 2 Sam 13:28, Est 1:10). cG-65

In old times Jonadab the son of Rechab began a voluntary tradition that in his family no one should drink wine or live in permanent dwellings but live as wondering pilgrims (Jer 35:6-11). Note such a lifestyle could be considered a type of permanent fasting. God recognized their fasting lifestyle and pronounced a particular blessing upon them. (Jer 35:12-19). Although God may particularly bless those Christians who take on a self chosen conservatism, yet such Christians dare not demand it of others or despise and condemn other Christians who do not take on their traditions. cG-66

Jesus clearly connected music with dancing, and does not appear to have despised or condemned it (Matt 11:17, Luke 7:32, Luke 15:25). God wants His people to rejoice in Him and the good things He has provided for them. God very much wants His people to feel like praising Him for His goodness. Note, although Jesus did not particularly despise or condemn music and dancing, obviously if such is done it should not be done in any manner as would allure marriage partners away from their marriage partner, or done in anyway as would lead one into temptation and sin. Possibly for many because of strongly established conscience and tradition it could never be a blessing. May Christians give each other tolerance to live within their conscience and not necessarily demand other Christians to live as they do (Rom 14). cG-67

In old times, when the Jews were unfaithful, God took away things which they enjoyed, as a punishment, and to cause them to take notice and turn from their sin. Yet such by no means, means that God did not want His people to enjoy those things when they were faithful to Him. Just because a father in punishing badly behaved children will take away some privileges and toys from them, does not mean those privileges and toys are evil, and that the father wants to permanently withhold them! It appears some Christians have too much concluded that whatever God took away from the Jews in punishing them, must have been evil things simply because He took them away as a punishment. How would you feel if you made something good for your children to enjoy, but others would convince your children those things are evil and not acceptable? It must grieve our creator when He sees man being taught that the very things He created to be enjoyed by man are evil and unacceptable. Yet such is what the commandments of men do. cG-68

Jesus strongly reproved the Jewish leaders in His day for teaching the commandments and restrictions of men (Matt 15:9, Matt 23). It is impressive how the erring Jews were not the only ones who forced manmade restrictions upon the their people, but the heathen religions did too! Some heathen traditions around Tertullian's time required women to be so veiled that only one eye could be free to see with. Jesus made havoc of many of the man made traditions in His day, and acquired much resistance as He came against the prevailing religious errors. cG-69

It is sad that concerning good things that God has created for man to enjoy, Satan has convinced people that God intentionally withholds these things from His children and is a depriving God. It is sad that Satan then turns around and pretends to be the great giver of these good things to man! cG-70

In reviewing what true religion is all about, may we remember Micah's profound truth which states, "He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" (Micah 6:8). God's religious emphasis is the vital three, justice, mercy, and humility! Jesus and the Apostles bringing out the same wonderful emphasis, taught that all God's laws are based upon properly loving God and our fellow man (Matt 22:37-40, Mark 12:28-31, Gal 5:14, Rom 13:8-10, James 2:8). Note the vital three "justice, mercy and humility" largely include truth and love as justice is largely one with truth, and mercy is largely one with love. Love and truth are also basic attributes of true religion. cG-71

Loving our Enemies

Jesus not only advocated that we should love and be kind to our neighbors, but even taught that we should love and be kind to our enemies (Matt 5:44, Luke 6:27&35). Although Moses gave God's people many laws concerning how to war against their enemies, Jesus rather than strengthening those type of laws advocated loving our enemies and established a particular separation between Church and State that did not exist among the Jews in old times. Jesus speaking to Pilate said, "...My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence." (John 18:36). The subject of loving our enemies and Jesus and war is extensively considered in article cH and chapters 7-16 of article aT. cG-72

Although God's plan for man is a good plan, yet Christ's followers often must bear persecution from an erring, ignorant, and yet proud society. Although Jesus promised good things to His disciples for this present life and the hereafter, He also spoke of "bearing persecutions" (Mark 10:30). Bearing persecution for Jesus sake clearly is the lest desirable aspect of following God and His plan for man. Yet even such at times can be done with joy. cG-73

Humanity's Greatest Problem

When God cursed the world, many obstacles previously unknown entered our planet and environment. The ground lost it's purity and thorns and thistles were born (Gen 3:17-18). Rusting, rotting, earth quakes, storms sickness etc, also entered what previously was a paradise environment. Obviously the curse which God placed upon our world, causes humanity many difficulties. Yet it appears humanities greatest problem is not his difficult outward environment, but is humanity's inward pride and selfishness and failure to follow the principles of true religion. Even with man's difficult outward environment remaining as an permanent obstacle, if all humanity would repent of their inward pride and selfishness and follow the principles of true religion, our world would become a totally different place and even our present world could almost become a paradise. Wars and prisons would be a thing of the past. Locks and keys and the many difficult security efforts would be unnecessary. Humanity could live in prosperity and blessing as our world has never known. Further if all humanity in their debates and conflicts would love each other as themselves, and not only look at the issue from the angle that suites them and makes them look right and good, but rather would look at the issue with total honestly, all conflicting issues could be justly and nicely resolved and arguments and contentions would cease. Although that seems almost impossible to us, yet that special way of love, honesty, and humility is the narrow way of which Jesus spoke and said leads to life. Although the writer likely is dreaming in thinking about our present world existing as such, yet God is not dreaming in His plan for a future world to exist as such. Are we walking on that narrow way leading to life in our present world, and thus prepared to be planted into God's perfect next world? Or are we caught up with looking at issues merely in the way that suits us (rather than honestly), and guilty of the falsity and strife that goes therewith and thus unworthy to be planted as a living and qualified plant into the next world? "For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie." (Rev 22:15). cG-74

Concerning too many Christians, when good reason and intellect defends and supports their beliefs then they somewhat proudly feel these reasons are vital proofs of the truth of their Church's doctrine. Yet when good reason and intellect doesn't seem to defend and support their Church's doctrines then too many Christians simply say their doctrines are not based on human reasoning and they cannot go by mere human reasoning. What many Christians don't seem to really realize is that if they don't need to give regards to honest human reasoning and to what it reveals, then man can reject any teaching that doesn't suit him even if the teaching makes honest sense. And further what many Christians don't seem to realize is that if not all doctrines need to make sense then Churches have the right to be divided and to have opposing doctrines because they simply have the option to choose different doctrines as the ones that really need to make sense. cG-75

Final Day of Judgment

God has ordained a special day of judgment for all who have ever lived on this earth. Apostle Paul speaking of this said, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." (2 Cor 5:10). Both Jesus and the Apostles numerous times used the term "day of judgment". (Matt 10:15, 11:22&24, 12:36, Mark 6:11, 2 Peter 2:9, 3:7, 1 John 4:17). cG-76

God's judgment at that last day will likely hold many surprises. God will judge the thoughts and the intents of man's heart (inner character) (Heb 4:12-13). God will take into consideration man's opportunity to have known and understood His ways. Jesus indicated one is not condemned when in honest ignorance in saying, "If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin." (John 15:22). Apostle James also speaking of this principle said, "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." (James 4:17). On the judgment day the inner secrets of men's hearts will be revealed. Paul speaking of this said, "In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel." (Rom 2:16). cG-77

Biased and prejudiced reasoning will have no room on that day. Only truth and honesty will survive. Individuals and groups may have erroneously convinced themselves of what they wanted to believe, and might have deceived themselves as well as others, but on that day only the truth will stand. On that day when the secrets of the hearts are revealed, many will wish they had honestly considered and investigated things rather than having carelessly reasoned and concluded according to their liking. To be found deceived and unsaved on that day will be of all things most dreadful. Although God's laws are good laws, and God has a good plan for man, yet God's punishment for those who reject Him and who love and make lies is not good. cG-78

Reward of the Saved and Righteous

Many Scriptures reveal a great reward for those who love God. The Bible not only speaks of God's children receiving reward in the next life but also of finding reward already in this present life (Mark 10:29-30, Luke 18:29-30, 1 Tim 4:8). Many Scriptures speak of a reward that should make all earnestly endeavor to attain that abundant life and eternal life that Jesus came to give. Paul speaking of God's future reward said, "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." (1 Cor 2:9). This reward not only pertains to mansions, and material luxury, but to that which is much more important. Such greater reward pertains to being blest with perfect security, peace, and contentment, overflowing tranquility and serenity, and warm relations and association with the whole heavenly society. The writer when he was about 16 years old had several unique experiences wherein he suddenly felt like he was in paradise. A feeling of total security, tranquility, and serenity and a closeness to God or heaven overcame me which I didn't even know was possible. Such a blessed experience or sensation or what ever you might call it, clearly makes one desire to find that reward in paradise! cG-79

Punishment of the Unsaved and Wicked

Now concerning the fate of the unsaved and wicked, the Bible portrays a very different picture. In the resurrection of the dead, not only will the saved (righteous) resurrect to life and reward but the unsaved will resurrect to damnation and punishment. Both Jesus and Prophet Daniel tell of a particular resurrection of damnation (Dan 12:2, John 5:29). Four Scriptures in Revelations also speak of a particular second death (Rev 2:11, 20:6, 20:14, 21:8). This second death appears will be a punishing death that will follow the resurrection of damnation. The devils in speaking to Jesus indicated a future punishment saying "art thou come hither to torment us before the time?" (Matt 8:29). Jesus speaking of this future punishment numerous times spoke of weeping and gnashing of teeth (Mat 8:12, 13:42, 13:50, 22:13, 24:51, 25:30, Luke 13:28). Apostle Paul appears to be speaking of this further punishment when he says, "He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: {29} Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? (Heb 10:28-29). Numerous Scriptures even use the words, eternal, for ever, and everlasting in speaking of the punishment of the unsaved. Matthew 25:41 reads "Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:" The above Scriptures clearly do portray a dreadful punishment for the unsaved, and which appears to be more than just a sudden death. cG-80

The writer had never thoroughly studied the punishment of the unsaved prior to writing this article, and in concluding this article intended to just write a few basic facts about it. Yet as the writer started studying the subject of punishment he discovered something that he never expected to discover, and which instigated a very extensive research regarding punishment (especially with regards to eternal punishment). The writer hopes that the reader will not be offended because of what is written below, but hopes the reader will rather be able to open his mind to whatever careful research might reveal. The writer hesitated to include this section about punishment as it might be so controversial, yet the writer felt it too important to leave out. The writer here simply tries to reveal some high lights of what he learned while extensively studying punishment. Note, while researching punishment, a separate and extensive article was written, while what is written below is a very concise version of that separate article. cG-81

Duration of Punishment

Although numerous Scriptures use the word eternal, for ever, and everlasting in speaking of the punishment of the wicked, yet the writer was totally dumbfounded to discover that the Greek word "aion(ios)" which underlies the words eternal, for ever, and everlasting, by no means must mean without end, but can very much mean a limited age or period of time. The Greek word "aion" (which underlies the words, for ever, eternal, and everlasting) more than 15 times is translated into the word "world" in the Scriptures that speak of this present world, which Scriptures really mean to say this present, age, or era (aion) (2 Tim 4:10, Titus 2:12, Matt 12:32, 13:22, Luke 16:8, Rom 12:2, 1 Cor 2:6, etc). Yet the writer was most surprised with the fact that the Greek word "aion" (often translated as for ever) is even translated into the word "world" in the six Scriptures that speak of the end of the world (Matt 13:39&40&49, Matt 24:3, Matt 28:20, Heb 9:26). If in those six Scriptures "aion" would be translated as for ever, those verses would read "the end of the for ever" which indeed would sound quite strange. Yet these six scriptures are very understandable as the Greek word "aion" can simply mean a limited era, and these six verses simply are speaking of the end of that limited era (aion). cG-82

In one respect it should not be so surprising that the Greek word "aion" underlying for ever and everlasting does not necessarily denote endlessness, because numerous Scriptures even use the words for ever and everlasting without denoting an endless period of time. Following are several such Scriptures; cG-83

(Exo 21:6) "Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an awl; and he shall serve him for ever." Note Deu 15:17 reads almost identical. cG-84

(Phile 1:15) "For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;" cG-86

(Hab 3:6) "He stood, and measured the earth: he beheld, and drove asunder the nations; and the everlasting mountains were scattered...". Note how this Scriptures speaks of everlasting mountains being scattered (Hebrew definition: broken). cG-87

Note, numerous other verses which use the word for ever and everlasting without speaking of an endless period of time are given in paragraphs 1:2-14 of article cF. cG-88

Considering that various Scriptures use the words for ever and everlasting, without speaking of an endless period of time, and secondly considering that the Greek word "aion(ios)" that underlies these particular words by no means must mean without end, who can prove that these words, when speaking of the punishment of the unsaved, must then denote endlessness? May Christians be careful not to advocate conclusions that they cannot really give clear and solid reasons for. One likely is less guilty if he simply humbly admits that he does not know all the answers about a subject than if he strongly advocates a particular conclusion without a proper basis. cG-89

The writer in studying Jesus statement about hell being a place where the worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched was also surprised at what he discovered (Mark 9:44-48). Numerous Scriptures speak of worms consuming the dead. Worms can consume a dead body amazingly fast. Dead corpses can be completely filled and overflowing with these worms and soon be devoured by them. Worms and fire can very appropriately be used to represent an utter and dreadful consumption and destruction. Prophet Isaiah, somewhat like Jesus spoke of undying worms and unquenchable fire, and spoke of such in connection with the carcasses of the wicked (Isa 66:23). It is even quite possible that Jesus was thinking of Isaiah's similar statement about undying worms and unquenchable fire when He also spoke of such worms and fire. cG-90

Although Jesus' special warning of a punishment where the "worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched" very much could be understood to be speaking of a never ending fiery punishment, yet it does not necessarily need to mean such. Such a statement about unquenchable worms and fire could also be emphasizing an all consuming punishment which is unwavering and certain and where consuming forces cannot be quenched but rather will unceasingly continue until they have fully done their God sent work. cG-90.1

Quotes about something undying and unquenchable clearly can have various emphasis or meanings. If one would say of a of a very fervent Christian, "his zeal dieth not and his fervency is not quenched", the emphasis of his statement obviously would not be never ending eternity, while rather his emphasis would be the unwavering and certain fervency of this Christian. So also the statement "where the worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched" need not necessarily be emphasizing never ending eternity but can be emphasizing a dreadful devouring destruction, which is absolutely certain and simply cannot be extinguished or escaped. Just because worms and fire are declared to be unquenchable does not mean they must go on endlessly. Note, numerous Scriptures speak of unquenchable punishing fires from God, obviously without meaning unending and eternal fires (Jer 17:27, Jer 7:20, Ezek 20:47-48, 2 Kings 22:17, 2 Chr 34:25). cG-90.2

Following are several more quite meaningful facts that should not be overlooked in researching never ending torment, and which might be surprising; cG-91

Firstly, The KJV Bible speaks of Prophet Jonah's difficult experience in whale's belly as being both in hell and forever (Jonah 2:2&6). cG-92

Secondly, never ending fiery torment was scarcely even alluded to in the Old Testament times, although lesser punishments upon sin and evil were often fortold and advocated. cG-93

Thirdly, out of the very very many Old Testament Bible characters and prophets, Isaiah and Daniel are the only ones that spoke of something which could particularly allude to never ending torment, but which by no means must mean such, giving regards to Biblical usage of the word everlasting, and regards to the original languages (Isa 33:14: 34:8-10, 66:24, Dan 12:2). cG-94

Forthly, a significant number of Old Testament Scriptures, speaking of the punishment of the wicked, particularly speak of them being like to chaff and thorns in a fire and being no more. (see Scriptures in paragraphs 5:24-33 of article cF). cG-95

Fifthly, Jesus revealed variations of punishments upon the unsaved, saying the presumptuous and greater transgressor shall receive many stripes and greater damnation (Luke 12:47-48, Mat 23:14, Mark 12:40, Luke 20:47). cG-96

Sixthly, Jesus particularly stated the more ignorant transgressor shall be beaten with few stripes, which is quite difficult to align and reconcile with an immeasurable and appalling punishment such as never ending torment in excruciating agony (Luke 12:48). cG-97

Seventhly, with regards to the dreadful issue of God endlessly tormenting the many unsaved, one must consider the fact that 42 verses speak of God's mercies abiding for ever, while numerous Scriptures particularly advocate that God does not keep His anger for ever (Jer 3:12, Micah 7:18, Isa 26:19-21, Isa 57:16, Psa 103:9). This aspect should not be overlooked. cG-98

Note, in considering all the above issues and the many issues discussed below, one very much should remember that the very word "aion" upon which the doctrine of never ending hell is mostly built does not need to mean endless, insomuch that six Scriptures use this very word in the context of speaking of the end of it, while many other Scriptures also use it in speaking of a limited period of time. cG-99

Many Christians not only believe our just and merciful God will torment the more ignorant transgressor (of whom Jesus said they would be beaten with few stripes) in endless scorching fire, but also believe that our just and merciful God will also torment many humans this dreadfully without even giving them an opportunity or possibility to escape it. Can sober Christians truthfully admire such a (supposedly just) God? Christians who believe God to be as such are firstly Christians who believe in predestination, and secondly Christians who believe that God cannot save without the assistance of humans telling the Gospel story, and believe many heathen people never have the opportunity or possibility to learn that Gospel story. The Bible repeatedly teaches Christians to be sober (prudent and real), and may Christians consider whether their beliefs about God are really sober and real. cG-100

Jesus reproved the blind Pharisees for their ignorance and hardness of heart saying, "But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone." (Luke 11:42). "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone." (Mat 23:23). May we as we reveal God and His punishments to those around us, not overlook the love and mercy and just judgments of God, and thus misrepresent our good God to our children and to the world! cG-101

It should be noticed that although the political punishments upon transgression, as God ordained for the Jewish nation, were firm and severe, they yet were very just and balanced punishments, rather than heinous and outrageous punishments. Many Scriptures speak of our God, as a good, just (balanced), and merciful God, with very good laws and judgments. Numerous Scriptures teach that God ordained Jesus to judge the world, and speak of Jesus being the just one (John 5:22&27, Roman 14:10, 2 Cor 5:10, Acts 10:42, 17:31: Acts 3:14, 7:52, 22:14). God's judgments upon sin will be just, true and righteous, rather than unjust and imbalanced. King David greatly loved God's laws, judgments, and statutes, and often spoke of them being his love and delight (Psa 19:9-10, Psa 119:4 & 16 & 20 & 24 & 35 & 47 & 54 & 77 & 97 & 113 &119 & 127 & 129 & 143 & 159 & 161-164 & 174)! If King David had believed that God would torment, even the more ignorant transgressor, whom Christ said would be beaten with few stripes, in endless hideous torment, would King David have really loved and delighted in God laws and statutes as he claimed he did? cG-102

One must admit that endless torture in scorching fire in undying yet pain feeling bodies is an appalling and hideous punishment of a magnitude which scarcely can be weighed or measured in any reasonable way, as after a million or even a billion years of intense torture, one would not even have begun to lesson his sentence! One should consider that it is no insignificant matter to identify and reveal our wondrous God, who often declares His great goodness, mercy and justice, as a performer of such appalling and hideous punishment, and then mostly because of a word that might mean never ending but which yet by no means needs to. May Christians take this seriously and pray God to help them rightly divide the words of truth (2 Tim 2:15). God can punish sin and the unsaved very severely and justly without tormenting all the unsaved endlessly in excruciating and fiery pain. cG-103

Following is a particular Scripture, which speaks about the resurrection and after life punishment which the writer thought was quite impressive; cG-104 (Isa 26:19-21) "Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead. {20} Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. {21} For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain." Note how this Scripture speaking of the after death punishment of the unsaved reads, "until the indignation be overpast". cG-105

Us meager humans know very little about God's eternal time schedule. God said His ways and thoughts are as much higher than our ways and thoughts, as the heaven is above the earth (Isa 55:9)! Apostle Paul spoke of God's ways being past finding out (Rom 11:33-34). Even Jesus did not know every thing about God's great time schedule (Mark 13:32). Who are we to claim we know for certain the duration and details of the punishment to be given the unsaved and wicked? cG-105.5

Considering how many things we simply do not know, may Christians not demand one another to believe exactly as they themselves might in these things, but may Christians rather have proper charity and tolerance for one another. May Christians here also remember that God does not condemn one for honest ignorance. cG-106

Numerous Scriptures in both the Old and New Testament, portray our God as a gracious one who His followers can greatly rejoice in. Apostle Paul says, "Rejoice evermore.", "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice." (Phil 4:4, 1 Th 5:16). Apostle Peter says, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: {3} If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious." (1 Pet 2:2-3). King David often spoke of rejoicing in God. May we truly know our God as one in whom we can rejoice! For many more details and Scriptures concerning God's punishments please see article cF, which article very extensively considers this subject. cG-107

Sad Religious Errors

It is sad how Satan has so greatly misrepresented God and true religion to the world. God gave us humans a wondrous evidence of our possible restoration and resurrection, through Jesus taking upon our very mortal flesh and dying and resurrecting from it into an immortal body (becoming the firstfuit of the resurrection). Although God gave mankind this special example and witness of his own resurrection, yet most all Christians deny that Jesus actually inherited or encountered our very human situation and thus also deny that He resurrected from it. Many Christians not only deny Christ's humanity but also deny His mother Mary's humanity, by saying she was born of a special immaculate conception. Many other Christians, although advocating that Mary was a normal human, then advocate that Jesus absolutely inherited no humanity from her, in reality saying Jesus had the immaculate conception instead of Mary. Both beliefs largely deny that Jesus came in the flesh, which denial Apostle John regarded as the spirit of the anti Christ (1 John 4:2-3 2 John 1:7). Both beliefs also deny that Jesus was sinless because of overcoming our flesh and situation, and rather make Him sinless merely because of not encountering it. cG-108

Satan also has greatly misrepresented God's good plan of marriage and intimacy, portraying the special relation which God created as very good and to bless mankind, as a shameful, inferior, and unholy relation. Satan also has falsely represented religion and God to the world as someone that oppresses and withholds good from those who serve Him. While rather the truth makes us free, and true religion is the perfect law of liberty, and God will withhold no good thing from them that walk uprightly. Satan also wants to erroneously represent our good, just, and merciful God to humanity, as a heinous and heartless tormenting superpower who is difficult for anyone to soberly and honestly admire. Apostle Paul spoke of the day of Christ's return not occurring until the man of sin be revealed (2 Thess 2:2-4). May we pray that Satan and his falsity will be revealed! cG-109

Grievousness of False Religion

False religion has turned many people against God and religion, and it really is quite understandable, because false religions often are oppressive and do exactly the opposite of what true religion is supposed to do. Satan has become very religious and has been very busy creating all kinds of religions saturated with the commandments of men, while the religion yet lacks, justice, mercy, and humility, which are the very basics of true religion. Satan was already very religious when Christ was on, earth, and it was Satan's religious servants that crucified Jesus! Our world is full of Satan's religions. Oppression, pride, untruth and all kinds of errors are within the worlds religions. Jesus and not without reason asked the question, "...Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8). cG-110

The principles upon which false religions operate often are very pitiful. Leaders among false religions, because of prestige and pride, often feel compelled to make a show of believing in and protecting their religion, as such will honor them as a leader. Such leaders will feel compelled to correct any departure or drifting from their religion, and when they do so, other proud leaders, because of feeling they must appear just as zealous for their religion, often will feel compelled to do the same. Yet in all this religious display, selfishness and pride is the motivating power, rather than truth, love, and humility. Jesus speaking of this sad situation spoke of the blind leading the blind and both falling into the ditch (Matt 15:14, Luke 6:39). Although within false religions some people are simply hypocrites and know better, yet within false religions many have almost totally convinced themselves and others that their religion is genuine by almost subconsciously exaggerating the issues that suit them and overlooking, minimizing and confusing the issues they do not like. cG-111

Those who share the same faulty religion often greatly strengthen and encourage each other in their particular faulty way of looking at issues. They will unitedly look at things in the way that suits them, rather than with real carefulness and honesty. People within false religions often honor each other and convince one another that they are better than people of other religions. They tend to remember everything that compliments and honors their religion and to forget everything that would reveal it's falsity. They also tend to remember every bad thing they hear about other religions and forget every good thing they hear about them. Such pride and religion is very repulsive to God, and God speaking of this said, "Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day." (Isa 65:5). The great and vital difference between true and false religion is that true religion is based on truth and justice, love and mercy, and humility, while false religion is not. False religions when reproved often will reject and persecute the one who dares to do so, rather than turning from their errors and thus false religions after being started seem to continue endlessly in their falsity. cG-112

It appears that in some situations it is be better to have no particular religious training, than to have deep rooted false religious training. It is even possible to live by the basic principles of true religion without having any religious teaching at all! Apostle Paul spoke about the Gentiles or heathen by nature doing the things contained in the law (Romans 2:13-15). People with no particular religious training, if followers of good principles and their God given conscience, will find themselves following the simple and basic laws of true religion. Following our God given conscience and good principles, will largely result in one recognizing and honoring a higher power than himself (which is God) and result in one treating others like he wants to be treated, and that's what true religion is all about! God's laws and true religion is simply an aid and an encouragement to humanity to follow such good principles! Yet God's laws and true religion is a very important and valuable aid (Rom 2:14-3:2). cG-113

Although false religion can be very dreadful, yet imperfect religious groups can still do much good. The more any religious group focuses on truth and justice, love and mercy, and humility, the basics of true religion, the more good they will do, even if imperfect in knowledge and tradition. May God revive much true religion in our day. Note the subject of the Christian Church is extensively considered in article bB and concisely considered in article cC cG-114

Concluding Prayer

In closing the writer would like to include a prayer for himself as well as the reader. "Oh God we pray you would forgive us for our faults and errors and help us to be honest and true. Oh God teach us what you and true religion is all about and help us recognize and reject false religion. Oh God help us to rightly divide the words of truth rather than to handle the word of God deceitfully (2 Tim 2:15, 2 Cor 4:2). Oh God teach us your truths that make us free and free indeed (John 8:32&36). Oh God help Christians to love each other, and be more concerned about the truth and true religion than about their personal reputation and traditional beliefs. Oh God, help us to see you as the good God you really are and serve you because we in truth admire and appreciate you, and not just because were scared of your punishments. Oh God teach us to rejoice in you. Oh God we pray you would uncover Satan's lying face to humanity, so his great misrepresentations about you, your goodness, and true religion can be known. Oh God teach us how to walk in your perfect law of liberty and how to apply your good laws so they will bring about the good purpose intended. Oh God fill us with the inspiration of your Spirit, and with the faith and love and good fruits that come therewith (Gal 5:22-23, Rom 15:13). Oh Jesus we thank you that you really came to earth to bring peace and goodwill to men, and thank you that you came to save man rather than to condemn him (Luke 2:13, John 3:16-17, Luke 19:10). Oh God we thank you for your goodness, and pray we can participate in it, as well as help others to do the same. Oh God we pray you would bless us and make us a blessing! Oh God we pray you would grant miracles to confirm the truth about you, and your ways as you did in the Apostles time (Mark 16:18&20). Oh God we believe in you, but help our unbelief. Oh God if you see fit to allow us to live on this earth, please keep us from the evil (John 17:5). Dear God, we thank you for the many blessing that you have given us, and we're sorry we overlook them so often. In Jesus name we pray. Thank you God and Amen." God Bless and Farewell cG-115

Index

Topic Paragraph Numbers

God 1-2

Creation 3-6

Religion, Death and Resurrection 7-10

Truth 11-19

Higher Powers 20-21

Messiah and Christianity 22-30

Believe and be Saved 31-33

God's Work - Man's Work 34-37

God's Good Laws 38-44

Abundant Life 45-46

Pride and Humility 47-51

Man's Laws and Agenda 52-53

Marriage 54-63

Commandments and Traditions of Men 64-71

Loving our Enemies 72-73

Humanities Greatest Problem 74-75

Final Day of Judgment 76-78

Reward of the Saved and Righteous 79

Punishment of the Unsaved and Wicked 80-81

Duration of Punishment 82-107

Sad Religious Errors 108-109

Grievousness of False Religion 110-114

Concluding Prayer 115

21 14,890 070103