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WE don't differ, Christy . . . there are consequences for our failures . . . but they are not punishments. If we violate God's law of gravity and suffer the consequences was it a punishment? Why then should violations of any of God's other "laws" (the way God ordered the universe and estaablished our purpose) be considered as punishments?
Consequences, punishments...that's just semantics....it all leads to correction, i.e. we learn our lesson...or at least some of us do
Consequences, punishments...that's just semantics....it all leads to correction, i.e. we learn our lesson...or at least some of us do
When we are making distinctions about God's motives and intent it does matter. The result is the same . . . a correction experience . . . but there is no intent or need for "punishment." That implies a "vengeance" for rebelliousness to authority instead of just "reaping what they sow" for their mistakes or ignorance or willful stupidity. As I said in another thread . . . we humans want our children to obey us to LEARN how to avoid the negative consequences of certain behaviors . . . (But being human . . we also want authority over them and won't brook rebelliousness). God just wants us to learn to avoid the negative consequences, period . . . no authority issues or "punishment" for rebellious disobedience involved.
Simple, he is the savior of all men meaning He died for all, but unfortunately not all will believe. So especially the ones who believe. No doubt there is a difference between a believer and unbeliever in this very passage. That must be the reason otherwise it contradicts other verses in the bible. There are way to many verses saying sinners will not enter heaven to argue otherwise. It is completely unscriptural to say unbelievers will go to heaven. Paul even says what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? So why would God put us all together in the same place? not scriptural or logical to think such.
The phrase, "go to heaven" does not exist in the Bible. So, you got it right when you say, "It is completely unscriptural to say unbelievers will go to heaven." Only, it is for another reason than what you are proposing.
While never presented as our destination, "heaven" is our place of origin (Rev 21:9-10) and present habitation (Eph 2:6.) The word "heaven" is slightly more than half the time plural in Scripture. The commentaries like to explain it with a Latin term to sound like they know what they're talking about. They say the plural "heavens" is majestis pluralis, meaning plural only to communicate the exceeding glory of heaven. In reality there are three (3) heavens, (2 Co 12:2) corresponding to the dimensions of spirit (where peculiarly God's presence is), soul (psychic realm,) and body (the heaven of earth's atmosphere to the distant galaxies.) Jesus has passed through all the heavens (Hb 4:14) and rests up over all in the right of the Great All-Togetherness upon High (Hb 1:3.) While we are joined to Him there in ascension, we are undergoing a process with His Spirit sharing the same body in union with Him down into death and through resurrection to come into the demonstration of ascension.
I could go on into this topic; however, you, if you want to confess you believe the Bible, must submit your mind to what the Bible actually says, making it what you say, and weeding out of your conversation those things that the Bible does NOT say.
The point to our faith is not a place, but rather is a person and our conformity to the image and likeness of that person who is God.
I would like to tell beloved57 that God is making us in His image. If He is the Supreme Torturer then that is what He will make you to be like. This has already come to pass with the heretico carborendo laws used for hundreds of years to burn people at the stake in Europe. They were copying their God. They said they were consigning people to temporal flames in hopes of saving them from eternal flames.
The phrase, "go to heaven" does not exist in the Bible. So, you got it right when you say, "It is completely unscriptural to say unbelievers will go to heaven." Only, it is for another reason than what you are proposing.
While never presented as our destination, "heaven" is our
Wo stop right there. You do not believe the bible teaches heaven after this life is over being our destination? Check the phrase "enter in the kingdom of heaven" and you will get many verses. or example: (this is just a few of many)
Mat 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed [the righteousness] of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 7:21 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 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Wo stop right there. You do not believe the bible teaches heaven after this life is over being our destination? Check the phrase "enter in the kingdom of heaven" and you will get many verses. or example: (this is just a few of many)
Mat 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed [the righteousness] of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 7:21 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 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Yes, Kingdom of Heaven, NOT heaven. There will be a new earth. Who do you think will inhabit it?
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I love it!!!! 
