Does God Still Kill People (Ananias and Sapphira)?

[votivesoul]

Do you think God still kills people like He did with Ananias and Sapphira, or Herod?

I know a retired pastor who claimed several years ago that God killed Yasser Arafat and smote Ariel Sharon with an (eventually) fatal stroke. Of course, he thought that as a point to be made within his particular eschatological view.

But I digress. What do you think? Make the best case you can for your position.

(While it might appear academic in nature, to bandy the idea about, I'm actually looking for wisdom and insight and a chance to learn, coupled with some other reasons).

[Amanah]

I added the link below for research consideration:


<snippet>
God is recorded in the Bible as having personally killed a large number of people. While the majority of the divine assassinations certainly took place during God's time as the notoriously vengeful deity in the Old Testament, a few instances are also recorded in the (just slightly) more peaceful New Testament.

This page lists people personally assassinated by His hand or by His non-human minions; however, it is not entirely complete. It also does not include the vastly greater number of people which the Bible maintains were killed at His instruction, or in His name throughout recorded history, though those count towards his tally.

https://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Exampl...killing_people

[thephnxman]

His NAME is Jesus!

I tend to believe that everyone who dies [commits SUICIDE by God]!

"I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before
you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both
thou and thy seed may live:"
Of course, they who eventually chose life will be a part of the resurrection; while
they who rejected the gospel that saves will not see life.

Brother Villa

[Amanah]

Originally Posted by thephnxman

His NAME is Jesus!

I tend to believe that everyone who dies [commits SUICIDE by God]!

"I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before
you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both
thou and thy seed may live:"
Of course, they who eventually chose life will be a part of the resurrection; while
they who rejected the gospel that saves will not see life.

Brother Villa

[Michael The Disciple]

Yes he does. A very good reason to fear God.

[thephnxman]

His NAME is Jesus!

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

Yes he does. A very good reason to fear God.

We should be careful and follow context.
Yes, there are instances where we can define fear as being afraid: but to the
believer, we are they who revere and honor God, and not fear (as in afraid)
the One who does save. [Exam.] "Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his
hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear (honor; give reverence to) God,
give audience."

The world, in their natural understanding fear God, but NOT to the keeping
of his statutes and commandments. They believe in God's existence and His
power, but they fall short of believing His WORD and His promises!
And yet, there are those who might believe but are seeking a loopole to escape
His judgments. And of course, there are the naysayers and scoffers.

Brother Villa

[Esaias]

The fear of God is exactly that: FEAR OF GOD. It is a mindset that seeks to avoid making God upset, or angry, or doing anything that is displeasing to Him.

Do most people fear the police? Of course, which is why they slow down when the see a police cruiser - they are afraid of the consequences of doing wrong, knowing that officer is intent on catching and punishing lawbreakers.

Fear can be healthy. Is anyone here not afraid to stick their unprotected hand into a burning fire?

"Well, perfect love casts out fear." Yes, in the sense that matured affection for God produces obedience, and therefore eliminates apprehensions of punishment. But does such a perfected one have no fear of disobeying God? They are not anxious that they will disobey, but they are fearful of the consequences of disobedience. A man driving the speed limit isn't scared that he's going to speed (unless he's an immature and inexperienced driver). But he is certainly afraid of what could happen if he floored the pedal without regard to any speed limits, traffic conditions, etc. And thus, HE DOESNT SPEED.

The fear of God is to hate evil. It is also the source of wisdom in man.

[Michael The Disciple]

Originally Posted by Esaias

The fear of God is exactly that: FEAR OF GOD. It is a mindset that seeks to avoid making God upset, or angry, or doing anything that is displeasing to Him.

Do most people fear the police? Of course, which is why they slow down when the see a police cruiser - they are afraid of the consequences of doing wrong, knowing that officer is intent on catching and punishing lawbreakers.

Fear can be healthy. Is anyone here not afraid to stick their unprotected hand into a burning fire?

"Well, perfect love casts out fear." Yes, in the sense that matured affection for God produces obedience, and therefore eliminates apprehensions of punishment. But does such a perfected one have no fear of disobeying God? They are not anxious that they will disobey, but they are fearful of the consequences of disobedience. A man driving the speed limit isn't scared that he's going to speed (unless he's an immature and inexperienced driver). But he is certainly afraid of what could happen if he floored the pedal without regard to any speed limits, traffic conditions, etc. And thus, HE DOESNT SPEED.

The fear of God is to hate evil. It is also the source of wisdom in man.

Amen.

[votivesoul]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

Yes he does. A very good reason to fear God.

Do you mind substantiating the claim above through the Holy Scriptures? I would appreciate it. Thanks.

[Dordrecht]

Originally Posted by votivesoul

Do you think God still kills people like He did with Ananias and Sapphira, or Herod?

I know a retired pastor who claimed several years ago that God killed Yasser Arafat and smote Ariel Sharon with an (eventually) fatal stroke. Of course, he thought that as a point to be made within his particular eschatological view.

I am not surprised he's retired.
Guys like that should not be preaching.