Originally Posted by
Der Gebirgsjager
I am quite positive that I did not say that you are an unbeliever. That is something I can not know-- only you can. And yet, if you are (or anyone else is) a believer, part of believing is faith.
God is the Supreme Being. He does not owe you, or I, an explanation for anything. In the Bible He says that "My thoughts are not your thoughts. My thoughts are high above yours." If one is a believer they must understand that we can not comprehend his methods or motives. But we do need to be very glad and grateful that he has included us in his plans, and have enough humanity and generosity to hope that many others will take him up on his offer of salvation, and then attempt to live according to his wishes.
I used to be a real Pit Warrior, but have backed off because like Char-Gar says such arguments or discussions reach a point of futility. I think it is appreciated that you keep your skepticism out of The Chapel, and those like myself who respond to the offered bait should exercise more restraint. I only chimed in because I hate to see my brothers stand up for their beliefs without support. I have found, again like Char-Gar, that I can make 5 or 6 points that are rather unassailable, and the non-believers will just pass over them and set up a straw man to argue against. Some of these folks are definitely religious trolls, seeking only to get a rise out of the believers. The same names always show up, over and over. Some profess themselves shocked that Christians use the scriptures as a defense. Kind of like being amazed that a dog uses its teeth to bite. After all, what is the basis of Christianity?
The Bible also says that all shall stand before the throne of God to give an accounting of themselves. Those who's names are found in the Book of Life will be justified or pardoned, as you wish to interpret it. It is also called Mercy. I know that I can use a whole truck load of that, as I wasn't always the best person, and still have glaring faults. But I'm working on it. I wonder what the non-believers will answer to Him. "Well, Great God, I did this and that because I didn't believe you existed.....despite the existence of the owner's manual you left for us to read, and countless people who told me that you did, and the many wonders you performed that were described as miracles, for which I wanted an explanation of how you did them, not being content and awed by the fact that you did do them. And...uhhh...."
So, this is my last contribution to this thread. I'd much rather concentrate on other areas of the forum, as I've already found Jesus, and can only hope that others will as well, but am not the best evangelist. May God bless you.
DG