Quote:
Originally Posted by AbundantGrace
Hell is not too severe for any of us! It's what we deserve, but because of the great love, grace and mercy of God we have the amazing opportunity to be relieved of the horrible punishment that sin has earned us. Your point?
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Just to understand your take, that's all. (So far.
) Thanks for clarifying.
My take, of course, is very different. I have no problem saying yes, eternal torment is too severe, no matter what you may have done, or may have believed, or not believed. And I seriously doubt that God will inflict such a punishment on the vast majority of his creation. Some AFFers have reprimanded me for comparing God's fatherhood with human fatherhood, but what would you say about a parent that punishes his child for disobedience by holding the child's hand to a candle flame for a full minute? (I'd say throw him in jail!) Just his hand, not his entire body. Just for a minute, not forever.
As a Pentecostal, I remember feeling duty-bound to say God is God. He can do what He wants. We can't understand Him with our puny minds. He is just and He is merciful. He doesn't
send anyone to hell -- people send themselves. (That's a good one!) He made a way. Etc., etc. So I don't blame you for thinking eternal torment is not "too severe". Or that the only "crime" worthy of eternal torment is not believing that one, specific faith (better choose carefully), and not following its instructions (if you can figure out which interpretation is right) to the letter. You believe what you've been taught. That's commendable, I suppose, if what you were taught is actually right.
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