Matthew 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
1) In Hebrews 8 it talks of the new covenant, Christ. The old one is dead because of him. God states that to those who trust in him he will remember their sins no more.
If God erases your sins from his mind with the acceptance of his Sons sacrifice who is it doling out this penance the Catholic church loves using to keep the flock feeling undeserving?
2) In Matthew 7 Jesus refers to people as dogs and pigs. The scripture you posted above states you go to hell for calling someone fool. Is it worse to call someone a fool or dog and pig, or is it you have no idea what the meaning of the scripture you posted? The bible is a big puzzle that all the pieces must fit together. You can’t walk around holding up random pieces and claiming you put it together.
The bible says God flies with the wings of an eagle; is he a bird? We are told if someone slaps us we’re to turn the other cheek. If a man enters your house hits you and begins to rape your wife are you to turn the other cheek and let him continue? Of course not, but if we were to take the scripture literally as you did above we would have to let it happen.
This is my last response to you. As I said above I don’t find sport in this and I end up saying things I shouldn’t.
As I said, you misunderstood my point. I am far from steeped in legalism. Had you been willing to discuss what I wrote and asked for clarification instead of hurling personal insults, we could have cleared this up long ago.
1) In Hebrews 8 it talks of the new covenant, Christ. The old one is dead because of him. God states that to those who trust in him he will remember their sins no more. If God erases your sins from his mind with the acceptance of his Sons sacrifice who is it doling out this penance the Catholic church loves using to keep the flock feeling undeserving?
I couldn't answer. Perhaps you should ask a Catholic. I would be considered of the protestant faith. If I were to hazard a guess it's because, like the Jews of Jesus' time, the Catholics worship the power that comes with the position instead of worshiping the God of their fathers.
2) In Matthew 7 Jesus refers to people as dogs and pigs. The scripture you posted above states you go to hell for calling someone fool. Is it worse to call someone a fool or dog and pig, or is it you have no idea what the meaning of the scripture you posted? The bible is a big puzzle that all the pieces must fit together. You can’t walk around holding up random pieces and claiming you put it together.
Nowhere in Matthew 7 does Jesus refer to all people as dogs and pigs. Rather, what he says is to refrain from discussing holy things with people who are unholy.
It's funny that you bring up Matthew 7, because at the very beginning Jesus admonishes us that we should not judge others because with what measure we mete out judgement, that measurement of judgement shall be used against us when we stand before the throne and our works, i.e.: with what was in our hearts when we performed the deeds done during this life.
You're right. The Bible is a big puzzle. And, as you point out, all the pieces must fit together in order to glean the true intent of both the OT and Jesus' lessons in the NT.
Why did God punish the Jews in the OT? Because despite his loving them, taking care of them and making them His chosen people, they repeatedly turned away from Him.
Why did Jesus come, and why will he return? To remind everyone that our first, and most important duty is to love God with all our hearts, all our soul, all our mind and all our strength.
Jesus saves us, not so we won't go to Hell. He saves us so we return home to our Heavenly Father.
The bible says God flies with the wings of an eagle; is he a bird? We are told if someone slaps us we’re to turn the other cheek. If a man enters your house hits you and begins to rape your wife are you to turn the other cheek and let him continue? Of course not, but if we were to take the scripture literally as you did above we would have to let it happen.
What you forget is that God presents us with many challenges. When you say, 'if this' or 'if that', what you omit is that God may be testing you, just as he tested Job.
God allowed Satan to wipe out Job's entire life and family merely to test Job's faith, did he not?
Are you now saying that your faith may not be similarly tested to find out whether you will trust in God to take care of you or whether you are a true disciple of Jesus Christ?
So, despite claiming to be a follower of Jesus, you are willing to ignore his admonishment to turn the other cheek to save your life.
What did He say? Something about he who chooses to save his life will lose it, but he who chooses to lose his life for His sake will find it? Are these words completely meaningless to you? Are they just words in an old and dusty book?
Or, are they words by which to live your short, mortal life to gain your Eternal heritage?
This is my last response to you. As I said above I don’t find sport in this and I end up saying things I shouldn’t.
I don't debate matters concerning God, neither do I insult another man's views because I know that behind every set of eyes, God looks back at me.
However, I am willing to discuss these matters, especially if it means I'll gain a greater understanding of God and His word.