Replies

13 posted on Fri Oct 12 2012 18:53:02 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time) by faucetman: “We should pray for them.............I pray they all go to hell.”

There aren't many times the ending of Psalm 139 is applicable to specific situations, but I believe it is in this case:

19 If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
20 They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord,
and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

I understand the feeling of revulsion against these brutal and perverted people, but hating THEM is succumbing to the error of failing to separate the sinner from the sin. We hate the sin, above all, because of what it is doing to the sinner: twisting him into a repulsive Gollum, enslaved by demons and alienated from the Father who loves him.

The vengeful wrath against enemies in the Psalms must be read in the light of the prophet Ezechiel who said,

Ezekiel 18:23 Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?
Ezekiel 18:32 For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!

and (remembering that Jesus Christ is THE Divine Revelation) understand everything in the light of Christ who said

Matthew 5:44 You have heard it said, "Love your friends and hate your enemies," but I say to you, Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you.

Show respect also for the Lord's Apostle Paul, who explained the Lord's intention:

1 Tim 2:4 He wills that all men be saved, and come unto the knowledge of the truth.