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The Cross

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ranrae:
Hi Everyone,

I am a long time reader (5 years) of Ray's articles, but just now decided to join the forum. I have a question that is puzzling me. My friend and I have been having an email discussion about Christ and punishment. He says that," if there is no punishment in Hell for our sins, then Christ died on the cross for nothing". Could someone give me the best example or explanation for him? I am having a hard time conveying my thoughts to him.

In Peace And Love
Randy

Craig:
Where does the scriptures say Christ died to save us from hell?  I always thougt is was to save us from sin and death.  The punishment for sin is death, thus we all die.

Don't waste your time conveying your thoughts to him, study to show yourself approved and become sure in your own thoughts.

Craig

Rene:
Hi Randy and welcome to the forum!

Here is an email question and reply from Ray that should be of some help.

René

http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,10439.msg89549/boardseen.html#new

What does Jesus Christ save us from?  

Dear Ray,

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your articles so far and they have
brought me peace. I could never worship a God who condemns any Being to
an eternity in hellfire. Your website hit me at a time when I
desperately needed an alternate interpretation of my beloved savior,
Jesus Christ. However, I'm confused with regards what Jesus saves us
 from in light of the realization of the fact that there isn't hell? God
will save us all! Traditionally we are told Christ saves us from hell.
Is it just that Jesus Christ saves us from non-being? As the fruit of
sin is death and the fruit of faith in Jesus Christ is eternal life.

Thank You for your time and God Bless You,

Justin


Dear Justin:

I am asked this question continually, but just why, I haven't a clue.  You almost answered your own question and don't even realizie it.  "The fruit of sin IS DEATH."  Now then, since all humanity sins, just Who do you think will SAVE US FROM THIS DEATH?

Furthermore, Jesus saves from SIN!  He also saves us from sickness & disease, heartache, fear, hate, war, enemies, stupidity, ignorance, selfishness, deception, wickedness, vanity, depression, arrogance, laziness, weakness, etc., etc., etc., etc., etc., etc.

God be with you,

Ray

Kat:

Hi Randy,

Welcome to the forum  :)

I think your friend is relating 'hell' to punishment and if there is no hell, then there is no punishment. But there is punishment, as we all must give account.

Heb 4:13  And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Another thing that your friend doesn't seem to understand is to die is 'death,' not being alive in eternal torture. Our hope is that Christ died and was resurrected back to life.

1Co 15:16  For if the dead are not raised, then Christ is not raised.
v. 17  And if Christ is not raised, your faith is foolish; you are yet in your sins.
v. 18  Then also those that fell asleep in Christ were lost.
v. 19  If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
v. 20  But now Christ has risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruit of those who slept.
v. 21  For since death is through man, the resurrection of the dead also is through a Man.
v. 22  For as in Adam ALL die, even so in Christ ALL will be made alive.

So first things first, we have to be resurrected from the state of the dead, that is our hope in Christ Jesus and then God will merit out proper judgment due to all in the lake of fire.

Acts 24:15  And I have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

Rom 2:5  But according to your hardness and your impenitent heart, do you treasure up wrath for yourself in a day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,
v. 6  who will render to each according to his works;
v. 7  indeed to those who with patience in good work are seeking for glory, and honor, and incorruptibility, everlasting life.
v. 8  But to those who indeed disobeying the truth out of self-seeking, and obeying unrighteousness, will be anger and wrath,
v. 9  tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man who has worked out evil; of the Jew first, and also of the Greek.

mercy, peace and love
Kat

 

ranrae:
Thanks everyone, for your help. I think you are correct Craig. I planted the seed and God will do the growing, if it is meant for him to be in the first resurrection. It just amazes me that so many so called Christians believe tradition over truth! Just because great, great grand-pappy says so, they believe it and pass it on to the next generation and so on.

In Peace And Love!
Randy

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