Quote:
Originally Posted by Timmy
Please explain to us exactly what that verse means. How literal is it to be taken, if at all?
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Timmy, the English word
”offence” in the KJV Bible derives from the Greek words
”skandalon, and skandakizo,” meaning,
”to entrap, snare, or entice to fall; a stumbling-block” (see Strong’s Concordance #4624 & 4625)
Please note that in Jesus’ statement He did NOT command that the one found guilty of having committed an
”offence(s)” is to be forcibly taken, a heavy obstacle hanged about his neck, and then he be cast into the sea to drown. He simply said that
”It were better for him” that such punishment be inflicted upon the one who is found to be guilty of having “snared, entrapped, or enticed” another to fall; implying that they have committed an act against another which is worthy of such punishment as that which He described (I suspect that drowning in the sea, if it be that it were an option, is preferable than being compelled to experience eternal torment in a lake of fire).
So, regarding your question whether we are to take Jesus’ words “literally”? Of course not! We are not the one who determines the punishment, or fate, of our fellow who may be guilty of having committed an “offence” against us, that is, they’ve done or said something that (might) serve as the “stumbling-block” that cause us to fall and thereby lose out on the wondrous eternal redemption that God has made possible for all mankind.
Concerning my remarks about Dan Segraves which prompted my reference to our Lord’s statement, it came about because I challenged his stand on the matter of “soul sleep,” and rather than enter into a dialogue with me about it, he replied that he did not believe that such was a scripturally sound teaching, and proceeded to counsel me to consult with a man whom I knew had refuted even Segraves’ teachings, calling the UPCI a cult.
That act by Segraves, to me at least, was considered as an “offence,” and served, not as something which might enhance my understanding of the matter, but could, had I accepted both Segraves and the defrocked Baptist minister’s opinions rather than that which the Bible states, served as a “snare” that would prevent me from enjoying an eternal reward which God has made possible for me.
Did Segraves’ act authorize, or give me the right to hang a heavy weight around his neck and forcibly throw him into the sea? Of course not! However, I would not want to “stand in his shoes” when he appears before the Lord on the last day, for it will be then that he MUST answer to Him, who is the Judge of all mankind, for the “offence” which he committed against me, and perhaps countless others as well.
I hope this explanation will suffice.
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