Mercie, what do you see the Lord saying here?
Luk 8:15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
Every one of us at times need to remember this admonition;
Phi 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
I don't think any of us want to be perceived as or succumb to this;
1Ti 6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings.
Most of us are here to increase our understanding of His Word and its purpose in our lives, if we disagree that is to be expected, we can learn from everyone, even if the only lesson is patience;
We can ignore blatently provocative questions and not fall into traps, but when questions or statements are made innocently, with the desire for wisdom evident we should consider this;
2Ti 2:23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do engender strifes.
2Ti 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
2Ti 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
It really is a comforting thought when we believe and live the following;
1Pe 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
Mercie, when our Lord allowed Himself to be crucified for our sins, was He physically doing a spiritual deed? Or was it only spiritual.
Yes, we are to compare spiritual with spiritual, but aren't these (spiritual) lessons, this wisdom manifested in our physical bodies during our time here?
James: Chapter 2 speaks to the critical relationship between faith (spiritual) and works (physical).
For the record I also believe that the 1st resurrection is a future event with the graves of the saints to be emptied, as was His tomb.
1Co 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed.
Phi 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
1Jo 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
Joe