[HarleyD]

I would take exception to this statement:

3. Why did God make us? God made us to show forth His goodness and to share with us His everlasting happiness in heaven.

God made us for His glory. Please consider:

Isa 43:7 Everyone who is called by My name, And whom I have created for My glory, Whom I have formed, even whom I have made."

Mat 5:16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

It is His believers that He has created and the works He performs through them that represents His glory. I would also point out another verse:

Isa 42:8 "I am the LORD, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another, Nor My praise to graven images.

Only through believers is the Father glorified. God does not take pleasure when people praise relicts which is expressly forbidden.

[narses]

So you believe that God does NOT want to show forth His goodness and does NOT want to share with us His everlasting happiness in heaven?

[maryz]

when people praise relicts which is expressly forbidden

What? Even if the widow/widower is a really, really good person? ;-)

[jo kus]

Only through believers is the Father glorified. God does not take pleasure when people praise relicts which is expressly forbidden.

Wrong, my friend. God is glorified by all of creation, not just believers.

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Ps 19:1

And how about this?

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Mat 5:14-16

Our response to God's gifts ALSO glorifies God, since it is God Himself who "lights the candles" within this "dark world".

Now, pray tell. Why does God offer salvation to mankind IF not to share with us His goodness and eternal happiness in heaven - which is why we were created?

So he can pull the rug out from under us when we realize how woefully short we fall from perfection???

Regards