Major Theme of the Bible

[onefaith2]

Originally Posted by Lafon

Yes, God did, indeed, conquer the devastating, and eternally insurmountable effect of death, but wouldn't it be more prudent to first determine what wrought the "necessity" for its "conquering"? Surely you would readily agree that it is quite impossible to "conquer" something which doesn't even exist, right?

If "death" did not exist, then God's "conquering" of it would become a non-existant thing, wouldn't you think?

If "death" had never entered into mankind's "life," then would there even exist a need for the Bible? Adam obviously enjoyed communion with God prior to the entrance of "death" which negatively impacted that personal one-on-one relationship which he had been privileged to enjoy, did he not? Did not "death" sever that relationship? Of course!

Therefore "if" (Oh! There's that small word which keeps coming to the forefront) "death" had never became a "reality" which ALL mankind must confront (and determine the manner in which its effects might be overcome), then would we really "need" the Bible? I don't think so, for we, much like Adam did in the beginning, would also be privileged to enjoy continuous communion with God! In the absence of "death" ALL of mankind would possess "eternal life."

Do these statements "make sense" to you, and perhaps help you to better grasp why I believe the "singular" word DEATH best defines the "Major Theme" of the Bible? I pray that they do.

I understand what you are saying but death is not from the beginning to the ending of the BIble. God had a relationship with his creation until death came about and then continued to have a relationship after death was destoryed.. So i would indeed compass the whole of Scripture to be relationship with man, his greatest creation. Everything seemed to stem from that.. do you understand my point as well?

[Lafon]

Originally Posted by onefaith2

I understand what you are saying but death is not from the beginning to the ending of the BIble. God had a relationship with his creation until death came about and then continued to have a relationship after death was destoryed.. So i would indeed compass the whole of Scripture to be relationship with man, his greatest creation. Everything seemed to stem from that.. do you understand my point as well?

Yes, I do, in fact, understand your point, for it is a valid one. However, as you noted, death is not from the beginning, yet I must ask: was it not death which gave birth to God's plan of redemption for mankind?

I would also be quick to add that the relationship with God which Adam enjoyed in the beginning, is yet to be realized "in its fulness," for such will not be accomplished until we are truly reconciled with Him in the kingdom of heaven. That can only happen after death, our last enemy, has been defeated. While the death of Christ Jesus at Calvary made it possible for mankind to overcome the eternal consequences of death, nevertheless we must still experience its immediate effect, that is to say, the experience of the death of our earthly fleshly bodies. It is an indisputable fact that Jesus' death, burial and resurrection was not intended to do that.

[onefaith2]

Originally Posted by Lafon

Yes, I do, in fact, understand your point, for it is a valid one. However, as you noted, death is not from the beginning, yet I must ask: was it not death which gave birth to God's plan of redemption for mankind?

I would also be quick to add that the relationship with God which Adam enjoyed in the beginning, is yet to be realized "in its fulness," for such will not be accomplished until we are truly reconciled with Him in the kingdom of heaven. That can only happen after death, our last enemy, has been defeated. While the death of Christ Jesus at Calvary made it possible for mankind to overcome the eternal consequences of death, nevertheless we must still experience its immediate effect, that is to say, the experience of the death of our earthly fleshly bodies. It is an indisputable fact that Jesus' death, burial and resurrection was not intended to do that.

I guess it would depend on how one viewed the relationship Adam had with God in the beginning. In my opinion, that was how God intended it to be. We as man with free will introduced rebellion which resulted in death. The rest of the Bible works toward restoring what we originally had with Him in the garden. Thats my personal opinion though. The second communion with God in the holy city will definitely be grand, but what would have happened if Adam had never sinned?

[Lafon]

Originally Posted by onefaith2

what would have happened if Adam had never sinned?

Now that is a million dollar question! And the only answer I am able to even venture to give is this......... it would be a whole lot different than anyone could have ever imagined!

I'm certainly thankful to God for making it possible for that relationship which He once enjoyed with Adam to be restored, and that He has given me the assurance that I shall have it (if I remain faithful to Him unto death, that is).

[onefaith2]

Originally Posted by Lafon

Now that is a million dollar question! And the only answer I am able to even venture to give is this......... it would be a whole lot different than anyone could have ever imagined!

I'm certainly thankful to God for making it possible for that relationship which He once enjoyed with Adam to be restored, and that He has given me the assurance that I shall have it (if I remain faithful to Him unto death, that is).

actually God has done half the work in remaining faithful as he put within you the desire to do His Will, so really half the work is down

[Godsdrummer]

Originally Posted by Lafon

Now that is a million dollar question! And the only answer I am able to even venture to give is this......... it would be a whole lot different than anyone could have ever imagined!

I'm certainly thankful to God for making it possible for that relationship which He once enjoyed with Adam to be restored, and that He has given me the assurance that I shall have it (if I remain faithful to Him unto death, that is).

No the million dollar question is: did not God restore the relationship with man that was enjoyed in the garden, after the cross? We seem to forget that when we leave this world the type of relationship Adam and Eve had will be lost as we will no longer dwell in a temporal body. The only difference we have that Adam did not have is that we still retain the knowledge of good and evil.

I have found in him (God) an increasing joy in this life, because of who he is, that I can only imagine, what it will be like when I leave this world. But while I am in this world I intend to get all that God intends for me to recieve of his Love.

The joy of raising a family, the joy of finding out all I can of this world God created just for me. The joy of fellowship with other Christians, the joy of sharing family time with God in our midst. I could go on the list is never ending, so I feel sorry for those that sit and look and wait for his second comming missing out on the joy God has for us today.

Now that is Love.