Life-Transforming Bible

That's just one among so many stories how lives were transformed by The Bible.

The Word of God is alive and active.

Amen!

I find it more than a little disturbing that the worst monsters on the planet, be they serial killers, rapists, or pedophiles can live their entire life in violence and sin but if they become christians with their dying breaths they'll live forever in paradise. Yet someone who was honest, peaceful and moral their entire lives but didn't pick the right religion will burn for eternity.

Why does this serial killer deserve forgiveness and mercy but Grandma Sally doesn't? Frankly I'd like to see a little more justice in this world and the next.

RabidAlpaca said:

I find it more than a little disturbing that the worst monsters on the planet, be they serial killers, rapists, or pedophiles can live their entire life in violence and sin but if they become christians with their dying breaths they'll live forever in paradise. Yet someone who was honest, peaceful and moral their entire lives but didn't pick the right religion will burn for eternity.

Why does this serial killer deserve forgiveness and mercy but Grandma Sally doesn't? Frankly I'd like to see a little more justice in this world and the next.

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You can't understand it because you judge from a worldly perspective. You look at her as a pretty good citizen of the world, but does grandma Sally sin against God? The answer is yes.
We are all sinners and all deserve death. You won't accept that. You want to believe you are a pretty good guy. That is the view of man without God.

The one thing we must do to be saved from the death we all deserve is to believe in the One that God sent.

8 “When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’

9 “The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. 10 So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. 11 When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. 12 ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’

13 “But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? 14 Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. 15 Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’

No, it's the magical thinking of the believers.

Manc Skipper said:

No, it's the magical thinking of the believers.

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Your faith leads you to believe that man's justice is the highest. You set the bar so low so that you can reach it.

Cable said:

You can't understand it because you judge from a worldly perspective. You look at her as a pretty good citizen of the world, but does grandma Sally sin against God? The answer is yes.
We are all sinners and all deserve death. You won't accept that. You want to believe you are a pretty good guy. That is the view of man without God.

The one thing we must do to be saved from the death we all deserve is to believe in the One that God sent.

8 “When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’

9 “The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. 10 So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. 11 When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. 12 ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’

13 “But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? 14 Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. 15 Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’

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Actually, having been a devout christian for 22 years in an extremely devout family and community, I know both sides of the argument. I'm simply pointing out the moral injustice. If you're right, absolutely nothing in your life matters except the last minute. You can rape, murder, steal, curse god and live in total immoral hedonism, so long as you sincerely repent right before you die. The man in the video is a serial killer. His victims didn't have the luxury of having years to think and repent, they were killed in most cases without warning. So many of his victims are burning in hell while he is celebrating in heaven, because he robbed them of the chance to repent.

Can you explain to me how god can have an infinite amount of forgiveness and patience for rapists, pedophiles and mass murders, but absolutely zero mercy for you if your crime is skepticism? Rape and murder are totally OK, but not knowing which religion to pick is the worst thing you could do. What kind of place is heaven if serial killers like this are there while most of the world's moral, non-violent population won't be?

RabidAlpaca said:

Actually, having been a devout christian for 22 years in an extremely devout family and community, I know both sides of the argument. I'm simply pointing out the moral injustice. If you're right, absolutely nothing in your life matters except the last minute. You can rape, murder, steal, curse god and live in total immoral hedonism, so long as you sincerely repent right before you die. The man in the video is a serial killer. His victims didn't have the luxury of having years to think and repent, they were killed in most cases without warning. So many of his victims are burning in hell while he is celebrating in heaven, because he robbed them of the chance to repent.

Can you explain to me how god can have an infinite amount of forgiveness and patience for rapists, pedophiles and mass murders, but absolutely zero mercy for you if your crime is skepticism? Rape and murder are totally OK, but not knowing which religion to pick is the worst thing you could do. What kind of place is heaven if serial killers like this are there while most of the world's moral, non-violent population won't be?

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Are you really putting forward that rape, murder, and the like are ok in God's book? Coming from such an experienced background as you admit, it seems you might know more about God's law.
Anyone who has a life has time to repent right now. Are they? If they are going to wait until that last second to consider God, maybe they are at fault after all. Conversion isn't your get out of jail free card at the last minute before death, it's a way of life. Most folks reject it, even though they have an opportunity to embrace it every minute of every day they live.
God's infinite patience and forgiveness apply to every one of us, not just the ones you personally think are pretty good folks. We all need it, and we can all decide to accept it at any time we like.

It isn't as difficult as it might seem RA. Read the 4 gospels that make Christ known to us. Accept Him if you can or if you will. If you will not, then hope we was a mad man or a fool.
If He is what He says he is, you've made a huge mistake.
I read those gospels as an atheist. It wasn't too long before I accepted Him. It wasn't hard. It would have been harder for me not to accept Him. I could find no fault, and was amazed at his words and deeds. He truely appeared to know. Just as he said he did.

54Jesus answered, “If I glorify Myself, My glory is nothing; it is My Father who glorifies Me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God’; 55and you have not come to know Him, but I know Him; and if I say that I do not know Him, I will be a liar like you, but I do know Him and keep His word.

It certainly changed my life. I was a Born-Again-Christian until I finally got around to reading the bible from cover to cover.

About a month after I finished I had to admit it caused me to lose my faith and I then consider myself a deist. Eventually I realized I couldn't even rationally support that position and became an atheist. While I am very happy about it now, it was a VERY painful process. And it wouldn't have happened had I not finally gotten around to reading the Bible for myself.

The Bible DOES change lives.

I would contend that any such "life transformation" (especially a life that isn't about to end) actually comes from people, not from a book. Regardless of the veracity of what's written in it, it's our interactions with people that define us. And I think it is unhealthy to miscredit something else, as it leads us not to value people the way we should.

RabidAlpaca said:

I find it more than a little disturbing that the worst monsters on the planet, be they serial killers, rapists, or pedophiles can live their entire life in violence and sin but if they become christians with their dying breaths they'll live forever in paradise. Yet someone who was honest, peaceful and moral their entire lives but didn't pick the right religion will burn for eternity.

Why does this serial killer deserve forgiveness and mercy but Grandma Sally doesn't? Frankly I'd like to see a little more justice in this world and the next.

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That's not exactly what Christianity teaches. Christianity teaches that you reap what you sow and that you will suffer the consequences for your actions. It also teaches that when we see God's final judgment we will be in awe of how just it is. What Christianity teaches is that one day all wrongs will be made right, the guilty will finally get their due and those who have been wronged will receive the justice they didn't receive in this life. Those who lived lives of pure evil and found salvation in the end will still suffer the consequences of their actions, if not in this life, in the next.

I agree with the second part of your claim. The idea that those who strive to live moral lives may not make it into paradise is a bit more troubling. That's why I lean towards inclusivist and even universalist positions. But even under an annihilationist view, this can be seen as just. People who live moral lives and dedicate themselves to doing good actually live happier and more fulfilling lives; extensive research has shown this. So, it could be that that was their reward for the life they lived. That makes less sense if we subscribe to the "eternal suffering" view of hell.

Either way, the bottom line is that we don't have to worry about this as believers; we aren't asked to figure out what people's rewards and consequences should be. We are asked to wait for the ultimate judge whose ways are just and true and who will judge the Earth and make all things right an make all things new. I suspect when that day arrives, just like the bible says...we will be stunned at how perfect and just his judgments are. We will be left feeling like here at last, is the justice the world had cried out for for so many centuries; here at last is genuine justice, genuine peace, and a judgement that was truly righteous. When that day comes, you will feel perfectly satisfied at the results. You will no longer feel like the guilty got away with things while the guilty suffered because you will see justice be meted out. Yes, I believe we probably will encounter child molesters and serial killers in paradise, but even their victims will be satisfied with the judgment they received. I don't pretend to know what that will be. Anyone who tries to tell you is just guessing. But I do know that this is the view promoted by Chrisitanity.

Belief in God is not a belief that those who said a certain prayer get away with all the evil they did. It's a belief that one day the ultimate judge will pass his judgment, it will be just and righteous and fair and all will be made right.

In many cases our "logic" breaks down at the extreme ends of things, whether it be science or religion. The bible is easily misinterpreted by us, mere novices ignorant of god.
Should serial killers be forgiven if they repent at the last minute? When there is a debate like this, I can't decide. I don't even want to decide... God can sort it out.

However this phrase comes to mind-
"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."

Paschendale said:

I would contend that any such "life transformation" (especially a life that isn't about to end) actually comes from people, not from a book. Regardless of the veracity of what's written in it, it's our interactions with people that define us. And I think it is unhealthy to miscredit something else, as it leads us not to value people the way we should.

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The topic deals with people that were transformed by the Bible/Jesus. They'd given credit to Jesus/Bible in their transformation.
Yes it's people who live their transformed lives - and thus it's their interactions with people that defines them. I agree with you.

They had accepted and have Christ in their lives, and they are transformed. That transformation reflects in their interactions with other people.

That's how Christians are defined.

"The Fighter star Mark Wahlberg takes phone calls and discusses his faith his producing and most importantly the charity that he s involved with at CIBC Miracle Day where he is helping to raise money for children s charities.When questioned about the rosary tattoo around his neck he explains that he is a devout religious believer and goes to church every day. Faith is the most important thing in my life. Faith family and giving back he says. He also mentions how he joined the charity to keep children out of trouble and out of jail where he spent time in his youth. You know jail s not a nice place he recalls. I want to make sure that I give back and provide an opportunity for kids to not make the same mistakes that I made. He discusses how his experiences give children more inspiration because they can identify with him and what he s been through."

I can only imagine what it will be like
When I walk by your side
I can only imagine what my eyes will see
When your face is before me
I can only imagine

Surrounded by your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you, Jesus, or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing Hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine, I can only imagine

I can only imagine when that day comes
And I find myself standing in the sun
I can only imagine when all I will do
Is forever, forever worship you
I can only imagine, yeah, I can only imagine

Surrounded by your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you, Jesus, or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing Hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine, yes, I can only imagine

Surrounded by your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you, Jesus, or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing Hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine, I can only imagine

I can only imagine, yes, I can only imagine
I can only imagine, yes, I can only imagine

I can only imagine when all I can do
Is forever, forever worship you
I can only imagine


Read more at WYNONNA - I CAN ONLY IMAGINE LYRICS

Paschendale said:

I would contend that any such "life transformation" (especially a life that isn't about to end) actually comes from people, not from a book. Regardless of the veracity of what's written in it, it's our interactions with people that define us. And I think it is unhealthy to miscredit something else, as it leads us not to value people the way we should.

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I dont give a **** who credits what, I just want more good people.

#bestphilosophy

What more good than a person transformed by the Holy Spirit, whose actions reflect the meaning of Christianity?

Christ living in us.....doing His works through us.

tosca1 said:

That transformation reflects in their interactions with other people.

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That transformation reflects in their interactions with God. What people think about that is irrelevant.

RabidAlpaca said:

I find it more than a little disturbing that the worst monsters on the planet, be they serial killers, rapists, or pedophiles can live their entire life in violence and sin but if they become christians with their dying breaths they'll live forever in paradise. Yet someone who was honest, peaceful and moral their entire lives but didn't pick the right religion will burn for eternity.

Why does this serial killer deserve forgiveness and mercy but Grandma Sally doesn't? Frankly I'd like to see a little more justice in this world and the next.

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How do you know Grandma Sally can't?

According to the Scriptures, there is only ONE WAY to get to paradise. All she has to do is to have faith and become a disciple of Jesus.


If someone invites you to come to their house, and you keep refusing to accept the invitation.......how will you ever get in there?

tosca1 said:

How do you know Grandma Sally can't?

According to the Scriptures, there is only ONE WAY to get to paradise. All she has to do is to have faith and become a disciple of Jesus.


If someone invites you to come to their house, and you keep refusing to accept the invitation.......how will you ever get in there?

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The problem is that Grandma Sally was sent 1000 invitations from 1000 different "gods", and there's no way to determine which invitation is genuine and which are fake. Everything makes sense to you because you started with the assumption that christianity is right. When you realize that your religion is almost entirely dependent on your parents and your geographic location, your train of thought completely falls apart.

Please explain why someone should be tortured for eternity for failing to identify the correct god of thousands.

RabidAlpaca said:

The problem is that Grandma Sally was sent 1000 invitations from 1000 different "gods", and there's no way to determine which invitation is genuine and which are fake. Everything makes sense to you because you started with the assumption that christianity is right. When you realize that your religion is almost entirely dependent on your parents and your geographic location, your train of thought completely falls apart.

Please explain why someone should be tortured for eternity for failing to identify the correct god of thousands.

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What other gods had said they're the only way to salvation?

What other god had said, there is salvation?


If grandma Sally wants salvation, of course she'll choose the one that offers salvation!