“That’s inaccurate, an example is: rejecting GOD and/or JESUS would be a sin not forgiven. Now, it’s possible to say that there is no sin bigger than what JESUS can forgive, but one would have to be true of heart in repentance, and it’s very important to note that repentance means to turn away and the intent to never go back.”

Yes, God is bigger than even this!

Love,
Caleb

Love
CAleb

Wait, you’ll say you have to “accept” the sacrifice, right? So, God sends someone to hell for not “accepting” Jesus. Doesn’t this mean that Jesus didn’t pay for the sin of unbelief, not believing in Jesus as the Messiah? So, in effect, you’re saying that “it is NOT finished” and that Jesus sacrifice did not secure salvation for anyone, but only made it possible for everyone. Think about it, study the scriptures.

Jesus died for the “whosoever will believe”, not everyone. How can God condemn the just, those that Jesus died for, the ones for whom he paid it all, forgiving their every sin? Rejecting Jesus is also a sin, didn’t he pay for that sin just like the others? Or are we “required” to add something to Jesus’ work to make it effective – our “acceptance” of him.

Ask yourself if you believe Jesus sacrifice was enough to secure the salvation of his elect, or did it only make it possible? Salvation is of the Lord, not by the will of man, but by the will of God.

It’s important to note that you must do more than simply accept what Jesus has done, but also turn away from all sins at that very moment; never to return to them again. Completely devoting yourself to GOD and JESUS.

You said: I am fully loved by God and nothing I can do can change that, my sin will NEVER be bigger than God’s love!

That’s inaccurate, an example is: rejecting GOD and/or JESUS would be a sin not forgiven. Now, it’s possible to say that there is no sin bigger than what JESUS can forgive, but one would have to be true of heart in repentance, and it’s very important to note that repentance means to turn away and the intent to never go back.

Again, you have to fully devote your life to GOD and Jesus, not just stopping one or two sins of twenty that you commit, but all sin must be permanently rejected by you.

One could certainly be punished by GOD during their life for sins they have committed, are aware of and not yet sought forgiveness for. That doesn’t conflict with any promise he’s made to us, and HE’s GOD; his will be done. Job thought that’s what was happening to him.

First off, no I don’t have children

Second, this…

“I believe he does discipline those he loves, into obedience. Just like a father does his child.”

I don’t think is quite accurate, the way it is stated highlights an underlying belief I think you (and not just you, but most Christians, including myself for MANY years) have…

And that is… “discipline those he loves, into obedience“.

God only has one way of inspiring obedience in us — through LOVE!

God doesn’t discipline someone until they turn away — turn back to Him. This is like punishment…

The prodigal son didn’t get a harsh disciplining when he came home — he didn’t even get to explain himself, or say sorry to his dad — his dad wrapped his arms around his son before he could say anything and started loving on him…

And it’s the same way with our heavenly father. Because He has perfect love, he can inspire obedience that way — unlike us human parents who have to resort to disciplining through other methods.

As far as the Hebrew verse in question (which the blog you referenced quoted) and I quoted before… the correct context has to be set for that verse.

Paul is referring to the trials and tribulations the early church is going through and referring to it as discipline given to them as a gift from God. Like a parent would give their child discipline.

None of the things that are happening though are “payment” (punishment/discipline) for “sins” these Christians have committed. This would be inconsistent with God’s perfectly just system.

The “discipline” Paul is speaking of here is the tough times the Christians are going through because it’s these tough times that are shaping them into the people they need to be. It’s definitely NOT a “spanking” from God because they’re messing up.

This is clear when you read the entire chapter 12 from the beginning, Paul is talking about not giving up because the times seem tough — that they’re just God’s allowing disciplining circumstances to occur…

Thanks for your comment!

With Love
Caleb

For God to punish us would be like slapping His Son Jesus in the face and saying “yeah, your sacrifice was good — but it wasn’t enough!”

And the message translation is fine because there isn’t a single translation that does translate the original languages word for word. The concordant literal new testament comes close… but they’re all “summaries” in one way or another.

With Love
Caleb

The Message is not an accurate translation. Not only does it not translate word-for-word. In fact, looking at Bible Gateway, it even summarises chunks of verses at the same time…