I'm definitely not rewriting the bible to fit my needs..I'm not entirely sure why you think that unless you misinterpreted something I wrote (apologies if that's the case). I will be the first one to admit I am far from a know-it-all, so definitely don't take my statements as claiming to be absolute truth. I am simply stating my interpretation or understanding and what I personally believe. That is what you asked for, no?
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Originally Posted by CopyCat
Where as the Bible says: (1 John 1:9 NIV) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (Romans 5:20) "But where sin increased, grace increased all the more." (Isaiah 38:17) "You have put all my sins behind your back." Out of sight. God no longer "sees" me in light of my sins. He sees Jesus righteousness for me."
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I don't believe I said anything contrary to that. How I read this is that if you have asked for forgiveness you have received it. But frankly I don't think we always remember to ask forgiveness for every single sin we ever commit. And face it, we're human.. a lot of times we do things knowing it's wrong and then brush it off to the side or find ways to justify it. Those are the things I think we still have to answer for and what i was referring to.
Where it states that the greater the sin, the greater the grace - I think that is simply saying that his love and mercy know no boundaries. If you have committed greater offenses and genuinely ask for forgiveness and mercy, then He has that even greater amount of grace and mercy to pour out to give it to you. There is no sin that is greater than God's mercy if you ask for it. That is how I interpret that.
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Originally Posted by CopyCat
(Matthew 13:42) "And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth."
(Mark 9:43-48) And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched."
The reference to fire is repeated three more times in this passage for emphasis... |
I'm not sure what you are asking or pointing out with this. I read this to say pretty much hell sucks. I don't dispute that whatsoever. I believe hell exists and that it is horrible beyond comprehension. In reference to the second passage, if there is something in your life that is causing you to sin, remove it. If you're trying to convince me there is a hell, I totally believe that. No convincing needed.
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Originally Posted by CopyCat
Now thats sounds pretty cut and dry to me, its fire... |
I agree.. I'm not sure where we disagreed on this point? Maybe you misunderstood when i referenced purgatory. I believe there is a heaven, a hell, and purgatory in between.