I'm Not Religious But

I am not a fan of religion - not religion of any kind, including Christianity as it is most frequently promoted and practised.
Religions operate under formulas like:

Do this list of things and don't do this list of things and you will be happy here and rewarded in the future.
But if you don't follow those lists, you will .....

Clearly such religious formulas offer benefits and bliss, but actually produce control and fear, often breaking people.

I remember shifting into a new neighbourhood several years ago and meeting my next door neighbours. In our discussion, after discovering that I attended church, my neighbour quickly retorted with "I'm not religious" hoping to create a safe distance between us.
My response was "Neither am I; but I have a great relationship with God", which led to several interesting conversations over the following years.

My great relationship with God is the result of Jesus Christ freeing the whole creation from its slavery to sin through his death and resurrection about 2000 years ago.

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.
[2 Cor 5: 19  NIV]
God had Christ, who was sinless, take our sin so that we might receive God’s approval through him.
[2 Corinthians 5 : 21  GW]

As I have become aware of my relationship with God, I am able to be free from religious formulas and enjoy Christ's leading and provision in my life and be assured of my future, not matter what.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
[Galatians 5 : 1  NIV]

This was St Paul's advice to those who discovered their new relationship with God and encouraged them not to go back to their previous Jewish religion, calling it a yoke of slavery.

Although this new relationship with God is a universal truth for all of God's creation due to the achievement of Jesus, not too many currently know about it. But we all will, eventually, as Jesus fufils his promise to bring us all into intimate relationship with him, and therefore to know him and to appreciate what he has achieved for all of us.

When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to me.
[John 12 : 32  GNT]
God did what he had purposed, and made known to us the secret plan he had already decided to complete by means of Christ. This plan, which God will complete when the time is right, is to bring all creation together, everything in heaven and on earth, with Christ as head.
[Ephesians 1 : 9 - 10  GNT]

Yes, one day, we're all going to know and experience the freedom that Christ has given us, and to enjoy that relationship face-to-face - and there won't be a religion anywhere in sight.

Blessings, Barry

It's Christmas Time.

Billions of people around the world enjoy Christmas and Easter holidays.
And about a third of the world's population are Christians who are more likely to appreciate the significance of those seasons.

In a few weeks, on what we call Christmas Day, that third will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ into our world. The exact year of this miraculous event is not definitely known, but most biblical scholars and historians estimate that he was born between 4BC and 6BC, based on historical records, particularly the accounts of King Herod's reign and the biblical narratives.

But the reason for this event is much clearer, and gives rise to our enthusiastic celebration.
Jesus' life, death, resurrection and return to heaven were the events God arranged to reconcile the world to himself, and to no longer hold our sins against us.

Although this had been God's plan from before time began, and was forecast by the ancient Jewish prophets, it became a reality a bit over 2000 years ago when Jesus was born in Bethlehem; so beginning a whole new era in world history. 

The other billions in the world, who haven't yet realised their future is so secured by the execution of God's plan, will eventually do so because Jesus dealt with sin and death for everyone.
That's why I wish "Merry Christmas" to everyone, rather than "happy holiday" or "season's greetings", as all are included in God's plan - and that greeting is also a reminder that Christ is the reason for the season. 

One of my favourite Christmas carols is "Mary's Boy Child", sung by the Gaither Vocal Band. Its chorus has the words:

Hark, now hear the angels sing/ A new born King today/
And man will live forevermore/ Because of Christmas day/
Trumpets sound and angels sing/ Listen to what they say/
That man will live forevermore/ Because of Christmas day.

So I genuinely wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a great new year. 

Blessings, Barry 

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Other published Writings at https://www.ibtechservices.com.au

Response to Universal Reconciliation Opposition - Part 15

It's been a long time since publishing Part 14 as I was getting tired of writing from a critical perspective rather than continuing to explore the wonder and extravagance of God's love, mercy and provision for his entire creation.

However, I must complete this assignment as I plan to use this series of posts as the source material for an appendix to a second edition of "The Really Good News About God" in the next year or two.

This is the fifteenth (and final) in a mini-series of posts responding to the arguments offered by Dr Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum (Dr Arnold) against God's plan to eventually reconcile and save all His creation.

His arguments against Universal Reconciliation (UR) are offered under five headings, the fifth of which is e. The Contradiction to Scripture. (see a previous post "Opposition to Universal Reconciliation" here) 

Under the e. The Contradiction to Scripture heading Dr Arnold states that the fifth argument is that any form of universalism is directly contrary to Scripture and cites Matthew 25 : 46, John 5 : 29 and Revelation 22 : 11 - 15 to illustrate his assertion.

I find it interesting that anyone should say that the plan of the God of love and mercy to reconcile the world to Himself could be directly contrary to Scripture, when Scripture so clearly says things like:

(God our Savior,) who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
[1 Timothy 2 : 4  NIV]

That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.
[1 Timothy 4 : 10  NIV]

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
[Colossians 1 : 19 - 20  NIV]

So whatever is cited to make "the contradiction" point will almost certainly be not relevant to the topic, wrongly translated or wrongly interpreted. Let's look at Dr Arnold's verses.

Firstly, Matthew 25 : 46

"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." [NIV]

I have mentioned this verse and the whole teaching of Jesus that includes it (Matthew 25 : 31 - 46) in several previous posts and devoted an entire post to it here in 2013.
In brief, this verse does not contradict the universal reconciliation verses as it addresses the judgement of nations prior to the establishment of the Christ's Messianic kingdom (the Millennium) - not individuals at a "last chance" final judgement.

Secondly, John 5 : 28 - 29

Don’t marvel at this, for the hour comes, in which all that are in the tombs will hear his voice, and will come out; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life; and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment. [WEB]

As we have stated many times during this mini series, and most recently in Part 14, judgement is not the end of the road for anyone. It is a step on the way to "rehabilitation" and subsequent reconciliation to God.

Thirdly, Revelation 20 : 11 - 15
The most relevant verse in Dr Arnold's position is verse 15.

If anyone was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire. [WEB]

The lake of fire has been discussed in several previous posts and an introduction to the topic was here in 2010.

Malachi Chapter 3 describes God as being like a refiner's fire and launderer's soap used for refining and purifying, and Paul has a similar description in 1 Corinthians 3 : 10 - 15.  
In brief, and to be consistent with God reconciling all mankind to Himself, I see the lake of fire (actually fire and brimstone/sulphur) as a picture of the cleansing and purifying process God uses to prepare everyone for eternity.

Dr Arnold's "contradictory verses", if relevant to the universal reconciliation discussion at all, can be seen as complementary to God's ongoing process of "reconciling to himself all things", rather than negating it.

Blessings, Barry

Jesus Kingdom Parables

Even though Jesus directed his parables specifically to Israel in the first century AD, there is much that we can learn from them.
I appreciate there is great danger in creating theology from those parables, or his miraculous events. 

To illustrate this let's consider a farcical example.
Take two cases of Jesus' healing ministry as recorded in the Gospels.

He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man's eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, "Do you see anything?"
He looked up and said, "I see people; they look like trees walking around."
Once more Jesus put his hands on the man's eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.
[Mark 8 : 23 - 25  NIV]

and

After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes.
"Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means "Sent"). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.
[John 9 : 6 - 7  NIV]

Theological conclusion?
How about this?
If you want instant healing you must use mud.
Indeed we could go further and absurdly suggest that the first two Christian denominations could be created from such theology - the muddites and the anti-muddites.

Although we need to be careful not to use parables to create our theology, parables can be interpreted and applied in various ways.
Some people consider one way is the correct way and any other ways are incorrect.
However I suggest that most ways have value and show different aspects of the teaching Jesus is presenting in the parable.

A bit like looking at a mountain. You get different views when looking from different sides or looking up from the bottom or from half way up or from an aeroplane or an overhead drone.
All the views are different. Not one is right and the others wrong. But just different views - each giving a bit more information about the mountain.

Let's consider a different interpretation than is usual for a mini-parable Jesus told.
The disciples knew from Jesus’ teachings that He was constantly talking about the Kingdom of Heaven (or the Kingdom of God as some New Testament writers called it).

So they asked Him to tell them what the Kingdom of Heaven was like.
Matthew Chapter 13 records nine parables Jesus used to answer their question.
We’ll focus on the one described in verse 44.

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. [NIV]

May I suggest this mini parable (one verse) has at least two views.
The usual interpretation is that the kingdom of heaven is such a precious treasure that we, like the man, should give up everything we have to lay hold of it.
Of course, that’s absolutely true.
—but possibly that is not what Jesus was talking about on this occasion when answering the disciples’ question about what the kingdom was like.

What if this isn’t a parable about something we must do to possess the kingdom?
What if we are not the man in the parable.
What if Jesus is talking about himself?
What if Jesus is the one who finds the treasure and buys the field?
What if we human beings are the treasure?
What if the field is this world, as Jesus described it in an earlier parable?
And what if it is Jesus who gives up everything He had to purchase this world and reclaim it as His possession?
What if that’s what the kingdom of heaven is actually like?

Our Concept of Salvation Enriched
This second way of looking at the parable gives us another way of looking at the gospel of salvation.
Probably, for the first thousand years of Christendom this view was likely the more common way of understanding the concept of salvation.
It is sometimes described as Christus Victor (Christ the Victor).
 
Today the more common view of salvation is penal substitution: that is, Jesus died in our place to pay for our sins.
It’s not that Christus Victor is right and penal substitution is wrong.
They simply represent different ways of looking at the gospel.
God’s work of salvation is so great, like a huge mountain, that we must view it from many angles to gain a more comprehensive picture.

Interestingly, as Augustine put it centuries ago, Christ is both Victor and Victim.
By becoming the Victim and dying on the cross, he also became the Victor by defeating sin and Satan there, being resurrected three days later to conquer death, then ascending to the Father to establish his kingdom.
That used to be a more common way to understand the gospel of salvation.

Other Biblical Support for Christus Victor View
This view of the parable of the treasure in the field – that we are the treasure Jesus found and bought – is supported in other parts of Scripture.
Indeed, this short parable seems to condense several verses about Jesus’ death found in Hebrews and Paul’s letters:

.... is so happy that he goes ...

—“because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, ...”
(Heb. 12:2  GNB).

.... and sells everything he has ...

—“of his own free will he gave up all he had ...”
(Phil. 2:7  GNB).

.... and buys that field

—“You do not belong to yourselves but to God; he bought you for a price.”
(1 Cor. 6:19–20  GNB).

Just in passing, let’s note that Jesus didn’t just purchase the treasure, he bought the whole field – the whole world.
The kingdom of heaven contains the treasure and the rest of the field. Which again can also be supported Biblically:

“And Christ himself is the means by which our sins are forgiven, and not our sins only, but also the sins of everyone.”
(1 John 2 : 2  GNB)

“Through the Son, then, God decided to bring the whole universe back to himself.”
(Colossians 1 : 20  GNB)

Penal substitution is certainly one way to understand the gospel, but so also is Christus Victor. They both contribute to our understanding of the extent of God's love for this fallen world.

Blessings, Barry

Universal Reconciliation is Wrong IF

Universal Reconciliation is the understanding that the entire creation will eventually be reconciled to God.
This understanding is clearly wrong ...

IF Jesus did not die for the sins of the whole world.
But the Bible says that he did.

And Christ himself is the means by which our sins are forgiven, and not our sins only, but also the sins of everyone.
[1 John 2 : 2  GNB]

IF God is still planning to make us pay for our sins.
But the Bible says God no longer keeps account of our sins.

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them.
[2 Corinthians 5 : 19  NIV]

IF Jesus was always addressing eternity in his teachings.
But the Bible says he was solely focused on the kingdom.

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
{Matthew 4 : 23  NIV]

IF the disciples and the Jewish crowds were also into eternity-thinking.
But the Bible says they were also totally kingdom-focused.

He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
[Luke 9 : 2  NIV]
Then they gathered around him and asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"
[Acts 1 : 6  NIV]
"Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!" "Hosanna in the highest heaven!"
[Mark 11 : 10  NIV]

IF our English translations of the Bible really forecast eternal punishment.
But more accurate, literal translations of the Bible correctly speak of conditions in relation to the kingdom Age.

And these will go to the chastening of that Age, but the just to the life of that Age.
[Matthew 25 : 46  DBH]
And these shall go away to punishment age-during, but the righteous to life age-during.
[Matthew 25 : 46  YLT]

I'd rather believe the Bible, and especially an accurately translated one, which teaches that God's love motivated him to send Jesus to save us, not judge us.

For God did so love the world, that His Son—the only begotten—He gave, that every one who is believing in him may not perish, but may have life age-during.
For God did not send His Son to the world that he may judge the world, but that the world may be saved through him;
[John 3 : 16 - 17  YLT]

And since belief (or faith) is required, it will need to be given to everyone for God to achieve his revealed purpose - just as it has been given to many of us already.
(Believers in the current age are the firstfruits of the great harvest to come.)

How could God, who is love, which was demonstrated so clearly on the cross, want anything less for his creation than reconciliation of all? 

In a nutshell:

With all wisdom and understanding,
he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure,
which he purposed in Christ,
to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—
to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
[Ephesians 1 : 8 -10  NIV]

Blessings, Barry

How Certain Are You?

The majority of Christians have been taught, and therefore believe, that those who have not made a decision for Christ in this life will forever be excluded from the presence of the Lord.
Regular readers of this BLOG will know that I not only disagree with this conclusion but with the theology in the reasoning that produces it.

So I won't go over old ground again in this post ... BUT ... I have some questions for those who believe that conclusion, or a similar version of it.

How confident are you in your conclusion?

How certain are you ...

that the steadfast love of the Lord does cease at some point?
that God's mercies do come to an end?
that God's love does finally fail?

How certain are you ...

that God will not make all things new?
that everyone will not be made alive in Christ?
that God will not unite all things under Christ eventually?
that God will not reconcile all things to himself?

How certain are you ...

that Jesus does not seek and save all who are lost?
that Jesus did not destroy the works of the devil?
that Jesus is not the Saviour of the whole world?
that Jesus did not take away the sin of the world?
that every knee will not bow before Jesus?

I'll pause there to allow some breathing space to gather your thoughts rather than keep asking awkward questions. But you can take a peek below the line if you need some help forming your answers.

Blessings, Barry

BTW, if you have some awkward questions for me I am happy for you to ask them in the Comments section below.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;
[Lamentations 3 :  22 ESV]

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
[1 Corinthians 13 : 4 - 8  NIV]
-----
And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
[Revelation 21 : 5  ESV]

For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
[1 Corinthians 15 ; 22  ESV]

With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
[Ephesians 1 : 8 - 10  NIV]

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
[Colossians 1 : 19 - 20  NIV]
-----
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.
[Luke 19 : 10  NIV]

The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.
[1 John 3 : 8  ESV]

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
[1 John 2 : 2  NIV]

The next day John saw Jesus coming to him, and said, "There is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
[John 1 : 29  GNB]

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
[Philippians 2 : 9 - 11  NIV]

Does Our Faith Match Our Hope?

As a Christian, what do you hope for?
An interesting aspect of an answer to this question came to me recently when thinking about the definition of faith from the Book of Hebrews.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
[Hebrews 11 : 1  NIV]

Are all the things you have faith in, what you believe, are also what you are hoping for?
Let's see.
Do you believe (have faith) that Jesus died on the cross for your sins? Then this Hebrews verse assures us that this is what you are hoping for.

Do you believe that Jesus is to return to planet earth to take you to be with him forever? Then this is what you are hoping for.

Do you believe that all unbelievers will be endlessly tormented in a place called "hell" after Jesus rewards you? Then this is what you are hoping for.

Many Christians I know do believe in this horrid doctrine of "eternal punishment" but most of them have never expressed a hope in it, especially if some of their close family are unbelievers.

I avoided this conflict between belief and hope by abandoning "the horrid doctrine" that I was taught in my early church days and began to study the Bible for myself and see God's true heart and character and His plan to reconcile all of His creation.

Here are a few verses from the New Testament which contradict "the horrid doctrine".

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
[John 3 : 17  NIV]
And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."
[Jesus speaking, John 12 : 32  NIV]
He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
[1 John 2 : 2  NIV]
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them...
[2 Corinthians 5 : 18 - 19  NIV]

I therefore believe that God will reconcile all creation to Himself and this is what I am hoping for. I have this "assurance about what we do not see".

Does our faith match our hope?
Let's believe only those doctrines we can genuinely hope for.

Blessings, Barry

Response to Universal Reconciliation Opposition - Part 13

This is the thirteenth in a mini-series of posts responding to the arguments offered by Dr Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum (Dr Arnold) against God's plan to eventually reconcile and save all His creation.

His arguments against Universal Reconciliation (UR) are offered under five headings, the third of which is c. The Basis of the Final Judgement. (see a previous post "Opposition to Universal Reconciliation" here)

Under the c. The Basis of the Final Judgement heading Dr Arnold states that the third argument is to point out that the final judgement is based on deeds done in the flesh and not on what happens in the intermediate state and then lists several texts from the New Testament he hopes will illustrate his assertion.

The texts are Matthew 7 : 22 - 23; Matthew 10 : 32 - 33; Matthew 25 : 31 - 46; Luke 12 : 46 - 48; 2 Corinthians 5 : 9 - 10; Galatians 6 : 7 - 8; 2 Thessalonians 1 : 7 - 10.

There are three major judgements mentioned in the New Testament.
The first was on Israel and occurred in AD 70. 
The second will be on the Gentile nations prior to the Millennium
The third will be on the dead of all ages at the Great White Throne after the Millennium.

Dr Arnold has correctly discovered judgement in the verses he quoted, but incorrectly applied them to the final judgement - the one that best serves his doctrinal position of eternal punishment in hell for all who do not profess Christ during their physical lifetime on the earth - the final Great White Throne judgement in which "the dead are judged according to what they have done". [Revelation 20 : 12]

But as we will see, none of the verses quoted refer to this final judgement at all.

Jesus' teaching recorded in the Gospels was directed only to the kingdom age as this was the only future the Jews knew about. They knew nothing about the church age (the age of grace) and nowhere did He mention the eternal realm, even though most of our popular Bibles insert words like "eternal" and "everlasting" into the English text.

1.  Matthew 7 : 21 - 23

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ [NIV]

I have included verse 21, which Dr Arnold omitted, to show that the kingdom was the context of Jesus' remarks.

2.  Matthew 10 : 32 - 33

“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.
But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven." [NIV]

If we go to the beginning of this conversation of Jesus and His disciples, we will again see the kingdom context.

These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans.
Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.
As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’
[Matthew 10 : 5 - 7  NIV]

3.  Matthew 25 : 31 - 46
I won't quote this many verses here; please read for yourself. 

If you are reading one of our popular English Bibles, you will need to make corrections for "eternal" (as literal translations do) to see more clearly that this judgement is not the final one. (verse 41: eternal fire = fire of the Age; verse 46: eternal punishment = the chastisement of that Age; verse 46: eternal life = the life of that Age)

Again, the context is the King nominating those nations who qualify, by their good works, to inherit the kingdom.

Then the king will say to those on his right, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take the inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world."
[verse 34  NIV]

So the judgement being addressed is that on the nations after the Tribulation and prior to the commencement of the Age of the Messianic Kingdom.

4.  Luke 12 : 46 - 48

The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.
The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows.
But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. [NIV]

Prior to this description of punishments, verses 31 and 32 again demonstrate that Jesus was speaking to a Jewish audience, which included His disciples, about judgement relating to the kingdom age.

So each of the Gospel texts quoted relates to judgements on Israel or Gentile nations concerning the future Messianic kingdom, which occurs at least 1000 years before the final Great White Throne judgement inferred by Dr Arnold.

5.  2 Corinthians 5 : 9 - 10

So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. [NIV]

The context of this chapter is the Church Age Saints, their resurrected bodies and their judgement for rewards at the Rapture.
Paul also wrote to this church in his earlier letter giving a few more details about the process involved. [1 Corinthians 3 : 10 - 15]
Consequently, this judgement is also well before the final judgement and is only for the Body of Christ.

6.  Galatians 6 : 7 - 8

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. [NIV]

Once "eternal life" is replaced with the literal "life in the Age" it is clear that this is talking about life in the kingdom and is therefore well before the final judgement which will occur after the kingdom age.

7.  2 Thessalonians 1 : 6 - 10

God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well.
This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.
He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed.
This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you. [NIV]

 Several literal translations into English of the underlined words above reveal that the penalty involved is to be totally excluded from the Lord's presence while the Christ's kingdom age is in progress, not for eternity as our popular versions suggest.

Who, indeed, a penalty, shall pay -  age-abiding destruction from the face of the Lord ... - Rotherham (REB)
who shall suffer justice - destruction age-during - from the face of the Lord ... - Young (YLT)
Who will pay the just reparation of ruin in the Age, coming from the face of the Lord ... - Hart (DBH)
who a just penalty shall pay, destruction age-lasting, from face to the Lord ... - Diaglott (DNT)
who shall incur the justice of eonian extermination from the face of the Lord ... - Concordant (CLV)

This judgement will occur at the second coming of Christ - when He comes to judge and rule in blazing fire with his powerful angels - described in detail in Revelation 19.
Again, these verses do not refer to the final judgement which will follow the kingdom age.
 
Once we have clarified which judgement is being discussed, I then agree with the remainder of Dr Arnold's assertion that those judgements are based on deeds done in the flesh.
However, none of these texts refer to the final judgement, but to judgements relevant to participation or otherwise in the millennial kingdom age.

The final judgement at the Great White Throne and subsequent purifying process in the Lake of Fire ensures God will indeed be the Saviour of all and achieve His plan of having everyone know the truth.

... our Savior God, who intends all human beings to be saved and come to a full knowledge of truth.
[1 Timothy 2 : 4  DBH]
For we labor and struggle to this end, because we have hoped in a living God who is the savior of all human beings, especially those who have faith.
[1 Timothy 4 : 10  DBH]

Clearly, a proper reading of correctly-translated Scriptures will not support the common church doctrine that most of creation will be eternally lost because ...

With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
[Ephesians 1 : 8 -10  NIV]
For, even as in Adam, all are dying, thus also, in Christ, shall all be vivified.
Yet, each in his own class.
[1 Corinthians 15 : 22 - 23  CLV]

Blessings, Barry

Response to Universal Reconciliation Opposition - Part 12

This is the twelfth in a mini-series of posts responding to the arguments offered by Dr Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum (Dr Arnold) against God's plan to eventually reconcile and save all His creation.

His arguments against Universal Reconciliation (UR) are offered under five headings, the second of which is b. The Fixed State of the Unbelieving Dead. (see a previous post "Opposition to Universal Reconciliation" here).

Under the b. The Fixed State of the Unbelieving Dead heading Dr Arnold claims that the unbelieving dead are seen in a fixed state that cannot be altered and then quotes numerous punishment and judgement texts from the New Testament hoping to illustrate his assertion.

My discussion in Parts 7 - 11 demonstrates that the punishment and judgement verses he quotes, correctly translated, say nothing about fixed states.
And how could they?
If God's plan is to save His creation and bring unity to all under the headship of Christ, these punishment states cannot possibly be "fixed".

(God) intends all human beings to be saved and to come to a full knowledge of truth.
[1 Timothy 2 : 4  DBH]
With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
[Ephesians 1 : 8 - 10  NIV]

Indeed the Bible says that God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in His holiness

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. [Hebrews 12 : 11  NIV],

confirming the purifying purpose of the lake of fire for those whose names are not in the Book of Life at the final judgement.

Logic alone tells us that these punishments must just be temporary "stopping-off" places on the journey to God's final result, as all correctly-motivated punishments should be.

Also, how could they be more than temporary when ...

the Son of God appeared to destroy the devil’s work
[see 1 John 3 : 8b],
Christ appeared at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself
[see Hebrews 9 : 26],
and Christ must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
[see 1 Corinthians 15 : 25 - 26]

The only fixed state I can see in Scripture is represented by

God becoming everything to everyone (all in all).
[1 Corinthians 15 : 28]

Let's recall the underlying theme of God's creation, of which we are the highlight:

Everything comes from the Lord. All things were made because of him and will return to him.
Praise the Lord forever! Amen.
[Romans 11 : 36  CEV]

Blessings, Barry

Response to Universal Reconciliation Opposition - Part 11

This is the eleventh in a mini-series of posts responding to the arguments offered by Dr Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum (Dr Arnold) against God's plan to eventually reconcile and save all His creation.

His arguments against Universal Reconciliation (UR) are offered under five headings, the second of which is b. The Fixed State of the Unbelieving Dead. (see a previous post "Opposition to Universal Reconciliation" here)

Under the b. The Fixed State of the Unbelieving Dead heading Dr Arnold claims that the unbelieving dead are seen in a fixed state that cannot be altered and then quotes numerous texts from the New Testament hoping to illustrate his assertion.

(i) The Matthew texts, (ii) The Rich Man and Lazarus parable, (iii) the John texts and (iv)Two texts from 2 Peter were discussed in previous posts - Parts 7, 8, 9 and 10.

(v) Two texts from Jude describing so-called "eternal" dark outcomes for sinners.

In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal (Gk. eonian = age-during) fire. [Jude 7  NIV]
They are like the waves of a wild sea. Their sins are like the dirty water along the shore. They look like stars moving here and there. But the darkest place has been kept for them forever (Gk. for an eon = for an age).
[Jude 13  NIV]

Once again, the correct, literal translation of the Greek destroys the "traditional" doctrinal of eternal punishment and darkness.

I have written about this mischievous translation (eonian=eternal) on several occasions; even so, I am considering writing a series of posts concentrating on these wrongly translated texts exposing how they have been used to induce the fear of eternal torment by a loving God for all those who have not been given the faith to become members of the Body of Christ during their lifetime on this planet.

Clearly the correctly translated punishment and darkness verses do not over-ride God's promise of restoring all things and bringing unity and harmony to the universe as the Bible records and I have quoted so often on this BLOG site, but instead show that any loss or correction will be limited to the ages, to the realm of time.

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
[Revelation 21 : 5  NIV]
Heaven must receive him (Messiah) until the time comes for God to restore everything.
[Acts 3 : 21  NIV]
With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
[Ephesians 1 : 8 - 10  NIV]

Correct translations make all God's plans clear and unchallenged.
Those not called into Christian service in the Body of Christ in this age only miss out on the kingdom age.
They cannot miss out on eternity if God holds true to his promises - which he always does.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
[Romans 8 : 38 - 39  NIV]

Blessings, Barry

Response to Universal Reconciliation Opposition - Part 10

This is the tenth in a mini-series of posts responding to the arguments offered by Dr Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum (Dr Arnold) against God's plan to eventually reconcile and save all His creation.

His arguments against Universal Reconciliation (UR) are offered under five headings, the second of which is b. The Fixed State of the Unbelieving Dead. (see a previous post "Opposition to Universal Reconciliation" here)

Under the b. The Fixed State of the Unbelieving Dead heading Dr Arnold claims that the unbelieving dead are seen in a fixed state that cannot be altered and then quotes numerous texts from the New Testament hoping to illustrate his assertion.

(i) The Matthew texts, (ii) The Rich Man and Lazarus parable and (iii) the John texts were discussed in three previous posts - Parts 7, 8 and 9.

(iv) Two texts from 2 Peter declaring that the unrighteous will need to face judgement.

Dr Arnold states that these texts demonstrate that the unbelievers are committed to pits of darkness to be reserved unto judgement of the Great White Throne and the unrighteous are kept under judgement until the day of judgement.

For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell [Tartarus] and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment; ...
then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment,
[2 Peter 2 : 4, 9  NASB]

I totally agree with Dr Arnold. That's definitely what these verses say.
But Dr Arnold's inference is that judgement is inherently a bad result and therefore the end of the road for those angels and the unrighteous.

However, judgement is a decision or a verdict - not a sentence or a punishment - which may have a favourable or an unfavourable outcome.

Even in our human courts, we should expect verdicts to be reached fairly and penalties applied appropriately.
If a favourable decision is reached, the accused is not guilty as charged, so goes free.
If an unfavourable decision is reached - the accused is guilty as charged - and expects to be penalised in some appropriate way.

That penalty should be designed to produce a change in behaviour, and when served and the change in behaviour achieved, the accused is then as free as if he/she was not guilty in the first place.
Indeed, going to court, being found guilty and serving the relevant penalty is the only way an offender can be finally free.

So surely, the God of love, mercy and compassion would do at least as well as our human courts.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
[John 3 : 17  NIV]

And, if God claims to be the Saviour of the world, then freedom for all can be confidently expected eventually.

For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.
[1 Timothy 4 : 10  NASB]

The believers are special because they become aware of, and are given the faith to believe in, their salvation early - they are the firstfruits, using Hebrew harvest terminology.
They will live and be co-rulers with Christ in the millennium kingdom age; the remainder serve the penalty of not living and enjoying life in that kingdom age before facing their judgement and rehabilitation.

I have been extremely brief in my comments here, but "The Really Good News About God" has a whole chapter dealing with judgement and might be worth a re-read at this point.

I have just said sufficient to demonstrate that God's judgements are designed to produce good outcomes and are stepping stones on the way to universal salvation and reconciliation as revealed by Paul.

And all people will see God's salvation.
[Luke 3 : 6  NIV]
With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
[Ephesians 1 : 8 - 10  NIV]

Let me finish this post by quoting a favourite author of mine, Professor Thomas Talbot, from his book "The Inescapable Love of God". 
While discussing God's judgements as being remedial - a means of correction - he says, "It is eternal both in the sense that its causal source lies in the eternal God himself and in the sense that its corrective effects last forever".
 
Isn't it so exciting to know that God loves us all, Jesus died and rose for us all, and God has life in store for us all?
I find this a much more positive gospel (good news) to share than the one I grew up with.

Blessings, Barry

Response to Universal Reconciliation Opposition - Part 9

This is the ninth in a mini-series of posts responding to the arguments offered by Dr Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum (Dr Arnold) against God's plan to eventually reconcile and save all His creation.

His arguments against Universal Reconciliation (UR) are offered under five headings, the second of which is b. The Fixed State of the Unbelieving Dead. (see a previous post "Opposition to Universal Reconciliation" here)

Under the b. The Fixed State of the Unbelieving Dead heading Dr Arnold claims that the unbelieving dead are seen in a fixed state that cannot be altered and then quotes numerous texts from the New Testament hoping to illustrate his assertion.

(i) The Matthew texts and (ii) The Rich Man and Lazarus parable from Luke's gospel were discussed in two previous posts.

(iii) Two texts from John's gospel which announce that Jews not believing in the Messiah will die in their sins.
Dr Arnold says these verses state that unless one believes, he will die in his sins and there is no possibility of belief after dying in sin.

John 8 : 21 and 24 [NET]

Then Jesus said to them again, “I am going away, and you will look for me but will die in your sin. Where I am going you cannot come.”
"Thus I told you that you will die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am he, you will die in your sins.”

As usual, Jesus was talking with the Jews about the Messianic Kingdom and their need to believe He was the Messiah for them to join Him in it.
And, of course, this conversation occurred before Jesus had died for the sins of the world.
So instead of being able to come with Him, they would remain and die in their sins.

I agree with Dr Arnold's "that unless one believes, he will die in his sins", but where does he get "and there is no possibility of belief after dying in sin" from?
Because of Dr Arnold's prior belief, he reads into these texts the impossibility of belief any time after death.
An unbeliever who dies in their sin will certainly not see the Messianic Kingdom Age, agreed, but there is much more of God's plan to follow that Age for the unbelieving remainder of His creation, including the removal of death.

For Christ will be King until he has defeated all his enemies, including the last enemy—death. This too must be defeated and ended.
[1 Cor 15 : 25 - 26  TLB]

We have discussed this eventuality in previous posts, so I'll try not to repeat too much here.
However, let's look at what Jesus said to the crowds about "counting the cost of completing the course".

Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn’t first sit down and figure the cost so you’ll know if you can complete it?
If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you’re going to look pretty foolish.
Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: ‘He started something he couldn’t finish.’
[Luke 14 : 28 - 30  MSG]

This was Jesus' advice to those who might be considering discipleship.
Surely it is the same advice that God would follow Himself.
Whatever God is planning, surely He would have previously counted its cost, and would be "well-advised" to complete (so passers-by would not poke fun at Him) - wouldn't He?

Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we’re a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds.
And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free!
He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans He took such delight in making.
He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth.
[Ephesians 1 : 7 - 10  MSG]

Clearly, unlike those in the Advance Party serving Christ in the Messianic Kingdom, others don't have to believe anything during this age to benefit from God's eventual plan of salvation when it is completed at the end of the ages!

So, yes, unbelievers (Jews and Gentiles) will die in their sin (not knowing their sin has been taken care of) and miss the Kingdom Age.
But God has provided for everyone (Jew and Gentile alike) beyond that age through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ.

If salvation is such a done deal for all, where does faith/belief fit in?
I mentioned this in Part 3 here to refresh your thoughts on this question.

Note: I have written about the Advance Party on several occasions including here
and on the website here under "Believers" in the main menu.

Blessings, Barry

Response to Universal Reconciliation Opposition - Part 8

This is the eighth in a mini-series of posts responding to the arguments offered by Dr Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum (Dr Arnold) against God's plan to eventually reconcile and save all His creation.

His arguments against Universal Reconciliation (UR) are offered under five headings, the second of which is b. The Fixed State of the Unbelieving Dead. (see a previous post "Opposition to Universal Reconciliation" here )
Under the b. The Fixed State of the Unbelieving Dead heading Dr Arnold claims that the unbelieving dead are seen in a fixed state that cannot be altered and then quotes numerous texts from the New Testament hoping to illustrate his assertion.

(i) The Matthew texts were discussed in a previous post.

(ii) The Rich Man and Lazarus parable from Luke's gospel which is presumed to show the fixed state of "hell".
Dr Arnold uses this story to point out that the rich man could not pass from his place in Hell to Lazarus in Abraham's bosom; there was no crossing the line, and no future opportunity to do so, thus demonstrating a fixed state that cannot be altered.

I won't list the lengthy parable here, so please read it in your Bible - Luke 16 : 19 - 31.

First of all, let me note that a correct Greek to English translation would use Hades instead of Hell to describe the rich man's position. In any case, apart from being a poor translation, the word "hell" has some grisly connotations derived from centuries of fear-mongering, church teaching and is best avoided in serious Bible study.

Hades is the unseen realm of departed spirits - nothing more; nothing less. (Sheol is the Hebrew equivalent.)
Before the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus, this was the resting place for all who died.

Second, Hades could hardly be describing a fixed state as there are at least two resurrections to occur subsequent to this age, making Hades only a temporary place of residence.

Do not be amazed at this, for an hour is coming in which all those in the tombs will hear his voice, and those who have done good things will come forth into a resurrection of life, and those who have done evil things into a resurrection of judgement.
[John 5 : 28  DBH]

Although the gulf between the rich man and Lazarus is not able to be crossed at the time of the telling of this parable, it will be irrelevant at the time of the resurrections.

Third, some people conflate the Hades of this parable with the Lake of Fire described in Revelation 20, assuming that both are a description of the "hell of eternal torment" that has been taught relentlessly as the future for unbelievers.

However the Lake of Fire is called the Second Death in the Bible and, since death is to be abolished at the end of the ages, the Lake of Fire can't be permanent either.

Christ will rule until he puts all his enemies under his power, and the last enemy he destroys will be death.
[1 Cor 15 : 25 - 26  CEV]

So the conflation is not helpful (as well as being ill-conceived).

Fourth, using this parable to produce an eternal doctrine is also inappropriate.
Let's remember that parables are stories that use familiar earthly ingredients to illustrate spiritual principles or realities.
Let's also remember that Jesus was only sent to Israel for his earthly ministry,

"I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel"
[Matthew 15 : 26  NIV]
These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel."
[Matthew 10 : 5 - 6  NIV]

and the only two ages that Israel was concerned with were their current age and the Messianic KIngdom Age, which Christians often call the Millennium.

"As you go, proclaim this message: 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.'"
[Matthew 10 : 7  NIV]
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.
[Matthew 6 : 33  HCSB]

They didn't conceive of an eternity at all, and Jesus never addressed eternity with them, even though many English Bible translators put the word "eternal" in Jesus' mouth. (If you're not sure about that, check out a literal translation of the New Testament like Young's or Hart's or Rotherham's or the Concordant Version. You'll find that Jesus did not use the word "eternal" or "eternity" or "everlasting" or "forever" at all.)

So Jesus' parables were designed to convey spiritual meanings about the kingdom of God, the Messianic Age promised by Israel's prophets.
They had nothing to do with the eternal realm on which many Christians are focused.

Dr Arnold's opposition dissolves in the face of the kingdom circumstances of this parable - there is nothing in it that even hints of a permanence that extends into eternity.

We'll discuss the texts from John's gospel in the next part.
Blessings, Barry

Note 1
I have addressed Dr Arnold's objection using his assumption that the parable is being used to describe conditions in "hell" (Hades).
Many commentators agree with that assumption.
However, I think the parable is telling his Jewish audience something quite different and much more relevant to them at that time.
I could write a post describing my interpretation, if you're interested.
Let me know if you are and I'll get a separate post written in the new year.

Note 2
As an aside, I think that Jesus' audience would have had difficulty visualising this parable as a description of "hell" as their view had "hell" populated by people who were asleep and unable to speak or debate.

For the living know they will die; but the dead do not know anything, ... (this verse is the most frequently cited)
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going.
[Ecclesiastes 9 : 5, 10]
So man lies down and does not rise.
Until the heavens are no longer, He will not awake nor be aroused out of his sleep.
[Job 14 : 12]
Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt.
[Daniel 12 : 2]

These verses from the Hebrew Scriptures demonstrate their view that the dead know and do nothing because they are asleep and therefore unconscious until the resurrection.
So a parable describing inhabitants conversing and debating ... is unlikely to be interpreted by Jesus' audience in the way many Christian commentators do.

Response to Universal Reconciliation Opposition - Part 7

This is the seventh in a mini-series of posts responding to the arguments offered by Dr Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum (Dr Arnold) against God's plan to eventually reconcile and save all His creation.

His arguments against Universal Reconciliation (UR) are offered under five headings, the second of which is b. The Fixed State of the Unbelieving Dead. (see a previous post "Opposition to Universal Reconciliation" here)

Under the b. The Fixed State of the Unbelieving Dead heading Dr Arnold claims that the unbelieving dead are seen in a fixed state that cannot be altered and then quotes numerous texts from the New Testament hoping to illustrate his assertion.

I will address these cited texts in five groups:
(i) Four texts from Matthew's gospel describing Jewish unbelievers weeping and gnashing their teeth;
(ii) The Rich Man and Lazarus parable from Luke's gospel which is presumed to show the fixed state of "hell";
(iii) Two texts from John's gospel which announce that Jews not believing in the Messiah will die in their sins;
(iv) Two texts from 2 Peter declaring that the unrighteous will need to face judgement; and
(v) Two texts from Jude describing so-called "eternal" dark outcomes for sinners.

(i) The Matthew Texts.
These texts are used by Dr Arnold to argue that the unbelieving dead are in an unalterable fixed state of punishment.
They are part of the conclusions to parables Jesus was using to teach his Jewish audience.
(Parables are stories that use familiar earthly ingredients to illustrate spiritual principles or realities.)
Matthew 13 : 41 - 42

The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil.
They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [NIV]

Matthew 22 : 13

Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ [NIV]

Mathew 24 : 51

He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [NIV]

and Matthew 25 : 30

'And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' [NIV]

I certainly agree that the places and experiences described in these parable are extremely unpleasant.
In each case, Jesus has used strong hyperbolic images for severe chastisement to communicate to the Jews the serious cost in rejecting their long-expected Messiah and the kingdom He came to establish for them. 

However, none of these texts gives even a hint that the situation is an unalterable fixed state, as Dr Arnold claims.  
The punishment suffered is being locked out of the Messianic Age, the coming earthly kingdom often called the millennium, for which they will suffer agonising grief.

But that's not the end of the story - for them (or for anyone else for that matter).

I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited:
Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in,
and in this way all Israel will be saved.
As it is written:
“The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.
And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.”
[Romans 11 : 25 - 27  NIV]

So there is nothing permanent in the cited texts, nor is permanent torture or destruction or agonising grief consistent with God's plan for national Israel found in other texts.

Here's an example from one of their prophets, Jeremiah.

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord,
    “when I will make a new covenant
with the people of Israel
    and with the people of Judah.

It will not be like the covenant
    I made with their ancestors
when I took them by the hand
    to lead them out of Egypt,
because they broke my covenant,
    though I was a husband to them,”
declares the Lord.

“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel
    after that time,” declares the Lord.
“I will put my law in their minds
    and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God,
    and they will be my people.
 
No longer will they teach their neighbor,
    or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’
because they will all know me,
    from the least of them to the greatest,”
declares the Lord.
“For I will forgive their wickedness
    and will remember their sins no more.”
[Jeremiah 31 : 31 - 34  NIV]

We'll discuss Luke's parable in the next post.
Blessings, Barry