The discussion begins with questions about biblical passages that some claim show God lying, revealing deeper spiritual insights instead. The implications of animal death before the fall are debated, pondering God's declaration of creation as 'very good.' They also tackle the nuances of salvation, highlighting the necessity of genuine faith and evangelism. Additionally, the nature of Jesus’ pre-incarnate existence and the differences between human and animal souls are explored, prompting deeper reflection on belief and interpretation.
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Quick takeaways
The interpretation of Jeremiah 20:7 reflects Jeremiah's emotional struggle rather than an actual claim against God's honesty.
Matthew 16:28 signifies the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy through the Transfiguration, illustrating His divine authority and kingdom's presence.
Genesis 2:17's discussion of death indicates a complex relationship between immediate spiritual consequences and eventual physical death due to sin.
Cain's situation in Genesis 4 demonstrates the consequences of his actions, showcasing exile while attempting to establish a semblance of normalcy.
Deep dives
The Concept of God Deceiving Jeremiah
Jeremiah 20:7 is often mistakenly interpreted to imply that God deceived Jeremiah, leading to the question of God's honesty and holiness. In context, Jeremiah's statement is an emotional expression of his frustrations rather than an accusation of actual deceit by God. While God warns Jeremiah about the challenges he will face as a prophet, Jeremiah's feelings arise from the hardship he endures, which he articulates in a moment of vulnerability. Thus, what may appear as an accusation of deception can actually be understood as Jeremiah wrestling with his calling and the burdens that accompany it.
Understanding the Prophesy of Matthew 16:28
Matthew 16:28 presents a challenge as Jesus states that some present will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom. A key interpretation relates to the Transfiguration, which occurs shortly after this statement and can be viewed as a glimpse of Jesus' divine authority. The event signifies a partial fulfillment of this prophecy, where Jesus' glory is revealed, affirming His kingdom's presence. This context reinforces that the prophecy is not a falsehood but is seen in light of the divine revelations Jesus provided during His ministry.
The Nature of Death in Genesis 3
Genesis 2:17 states that Adam and Eve will surely die on the day they eat the forbidden fruit, yet they do not physically die immediately. This raises questions regarding God's truthfulness and the interpretation of 'death.' Some argue it refers to spiritual death or separation from God, whereas physical death enters into the narrative later. This duality suggests that while the consequences of sin begin immediately, full physical death manifests as part of humanity's fallen condition.
The Interpretation of Cain's Fate
In Genesis 4, God tells Cain that he will be a fugitive and a wanderer after killing his brother Abel, yet Cain later settles in a city. This presents an apparent contradiction - how can he be a wanderer if he establishes a home? The interpretation rests on understanding 'wanderer' as being exiled or distanced from his previous life and home, rather than suggesting he must literally wander without establishing any form of settlement. Therefore, Cain's situation illustrates the consequences of his actions—he lives in exile but ultimately tries to create a semblance of normalcy.
Judging Angels and Believers' Roles
The notion that believers will judge angels, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 6:3, raises questions about the nature of this judgment. It implies that believers might participate in God’s reigning authority, perhaps in some future context where righteousness is established. While interpretations can vary, the passage suggests an elevated role for believers, hinting at a collective responsibility to uphold divine justice. This establishes a transformative view of believers' roles not only in their own morality but also in overseeing spiritual matters.
The Use of the Law of Agency
Non-Trinitarians sometimes use the Law of Agency to argue that Jesus is not God but merely acts on behalf of God. This concept emphasizes that a messenger may be treated as the one who sends them; however, it fails to address instances within scripture where Jesus is explicitly worshipped as God. The distinction between law and agency does not allow for a blanket dismissal of Jesus’ divine nature, as it does not negate His identity when the biblical text presents Him as having authority that reflects His divine nature. Furthermore, establishing a definitive boundary between agency and identity is crucial for understanding scriptural intent.
The Meaning of 'First Shall Be Last'
In Matthew 20:16, the phrase 'the last shall be first, and the first last' highlights the principles governing the kingdom of heaven. This teaching is set against the backdrop of a parable about a landowner who rewards workers differently based on their time worked rather than their contributions. This challenges conventional expectations regarding merit and remuneration, demonstrating that God's grace operates beyond human limitations and norms. The overarching lesson is that divine generosity may not align with earthly perceptions of fairness, emphasizing a radical equality in the kingdom.
Sex within the Context of Marriage
The question of whether one's sexual attitude can turn sex into sin, particularly in the context of marriage, emphasizes the importance of viewing sex as sacred. If a spouse believes sexual relations are wrong based solely on their conscience, this may hinder the marital relationship as outlined in scripture. The bible clarifies that within a marriage, both partners have a responsibility to engage in sexual intimacy in a way that honors each other and fulfills God's intent, implying that negative attitudes towards sex based on misunderstanding must be addressed. Therefore, education on the sacredness of sex is vital for healthy marital dynamics.
Today's first question is about 4 passages in the Bible that supposedly show God lying.
Time Stamps:
0:01 {God Lied 4 Times??} I’ve recently had someone use Jeremiah 20:7, Matthew 16:28, the lack of immediate death in Genesis 3, and Cain’s exile in Genesis 4 as “evidence” that God is a liar. How would you respond?
38:46 {Animal Death Before the Fall?} If animal death occurred prior to the fall, wouldn’t that mean God called animal death/suffering “very good?” If we later see a wolf dwelling with a lamb, wouldn’t that indicate that prior to the fall, that was what we had enjoyed?
45:12 {Avoid the Appearance of Evil?} You recently said, "Scripture says: avoid the appearance of evil." I was wondering, if 1 Thessalonians 5:22 is the verse you were thinking of, isn't that verse referring to staying away from partaking in evil, not abstaining from things that look like you're partaking in evil to others?
48:19 {Human Souls vs. Animal Souls} Does Ecclesiastes 3:18-21 teach that there is no difference between the spirits of humans and those of animals? I’ve heard this claim from those who reject an immortal soul.
55:07 {Has Jesus Always Had a Physical Body?} What form did Jesus exist in before He was conceived in Mary’s womb? Did He have a physical body before that?
57:27 {Evangelism Required for Salvation?} Is our salvation based not only on being saved and accepting Jesus into our life and believing in Him, but also on a need to be spreading the Word of God (the Bible)?
1:01:37 {Is Repentance a Change of Mind?} If repentance (metanoia) literally means “change of mind,” then why do we say repentance means changing our mind/attitude about sin? Why isn't it changing our minds from unbelief to belief?
1:04:16 {Theocracy & Theonomy} Could Christ's commission to disciple the nations in Matthew 28:19 mean the Christianization of countries and nation-states, or does it apply only to individual people?
1:11:18 {Will We Judge Angels?} 1 Corinthians 6:3 states that we will judge angels. What do you think Paul means by this, and is there any other reference about us judging angels?
1:14:18 {Cursing & Blessing in the OT} When prophets such as Elisha cursed or blessed people, was it God who put it in their minds to do that, or did they have a Spirit-given ability to do such things without having to consult Him?
1:18:00 {Does the HS Help Us or Take Over?} Does the Holy Spirit enhance who we are, as in assisting us in Godly behavior? Or does He, at times, take over completely so that we behave, see, and feel things opposite of our ungodly flesh?
1:24:20 {The Purpose of Scripture in Eternity} Matthew 5:18 seems to say some Scripture will pass away at the end times, but Matthew 24:35 appears to contradict this. What use might we have for Scripture in the next life where there is no temptation to sin?
1:27:55 {Are We to Administer Revenge Ourselves?} Someone said it was okay to exact revenge on pedophiles, and they used Matthew 18:6 to justify it. Is that what this Scripture really means or allows for?
1:32:14 {Death on the New Earth?} Why is there a reference to death and a lifespan (albeit a long one) in Isaiah 65:20 when speaking of the New Earth?
1:34:37 {Will We Remember our Lives in Heaven?} Do you think we will remember our earthly lives in Heaven, given that there is nothing negative in Heaven and this world is so full of negative things and memories?
1:40:24 {The Serious Sin of Blasphemy} Why do so many Christians take the Lord’s name in vain? I know several Christians (even two pastors) who do this often. Should we tell them they’re in sin?
1:43:25 {What did Jesus Mean?} What do you think Jesus meant when He said "The first shall be last and the last shall be first" in Matthew 20:16?
1:46:53 {Can our Conscience make Sex a Sin?} My question is about stronger vs. weaker consciences. Is it possible to make sex into a sin, and if so, how should the "strong" treat the "weak"?
1:53:30 {The Law of Agency} How do you respond to non-trinitarians who use the "Law of Agency" to dismiss the scriptural evidence for the Trinity in regard to Jesus, etc. claiming He is not God, but simply God's agent?
1:57:21 {The Book of James vs. Jacob} I was looking at the Greek in James' epistle (1:1) and his name in the Greek is Iakobos. Why do we call it "the Book of James" if the Greek more closely resembles Jacob (Iakobos)?
Links I mentioned:
Different Christian views of the End Times: CLICK HERE
