Why Study the Bible?, page-205

"What the article clearly demonstrates from the scripture is that the grave, hades and hell are different entities and Mr Gordon's view cannot be supported by looking at the entirety of the scripture."

If only that was all it demonstrated.
Unfortunately it demonstrates that people who have no understanding or experience of any normal human existence, let alone afterlife, try to manipulate the innocent and the gullible using words written by others who equally had no idea what they were talking about but very active imaginations.
Those who crave power over others will always use threats of reward for those who comply and terrible punishment for those who don't. Nothing unusual in that and may even be the lesser of two evils at times, but it's use to deceive and maim the pysche of innocent children ... regardless of age, is abhorrent.

If Jesus spoke of hell it was not some mythical place of fire reserved for non Christians and unrepentant "sinners", it was the inner world of those poor, tortured people exposed to such nonsense. It is this that is the barrier and outer darkness, no need to wait for death.

Believe it or not, there are people who don't swallow the "Christian" marketing hype such as "believe in my God and you will be saved ... but wait there's more .. you don't even have to lift a finger, it's all been done for you ... as long as you believe it has."
It is ironic to see people boast of the superiority of their "grace" ... that can't be earned by good works so none can boast.


"as a Christian you have salvation assured.
.......
Copperbod you have been saved through faith, not maybe"
Thanks for your concern but Copperbod respectfully declines your temptation.

"The Jehovah Witnesses have this pervasive work based salvation that they just cannot let go of and is very
symptomatic of man made religions. The work was completed on the cross there is no second chance to work through no final demonic test to pass."

I don't for a moment buy the JW message or feel any need to defend them but it strikes me as symptomatic of what's missing in any brand of Christianity that condemns those, who for whatever reason, at least try to pay towards their supposed salvation and in general try to behave decently. I qualify with "in general" because we know there are flaws in that behaviour.

For someone who professes to be a sinner you don't mind casting stones and sticking splinters in your brother's eye.
All in the name of the truth of Christ of course.

Give me a break.

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