God Desires No Perishing
June 27, 2024
RIB
Where in the Bible says God wants no one to end up in an eternal lake of fire?
The Bible suggests that God does not want anyone to perish but desires all to come to repentance. A key verse that supports this idea is 2 Peter 3:9:
"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
Another relevant passage is 1 Timothy 2:3-4:
"This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."
These verses indicate God's desire for everyone to avoid eternal separation from Him and to be saved.
RIB
With only 56% belonging to the Abrahamic religions, assuming everyone from the respective religions are saved, there are still 44% of the 8 billions of humanity going to eternal hell fire and damnation. The reality is probably only 10% of humanity will be Raptured if Christ returns immediately.
Doesn't it mean that the Pope, who claimed to be the anointed representative of Christ on earth, had failed miserably and Satan is winning? Or worst still he is the "fox" in lamb's skin, Satan disguised as Lucifer, the angel of light. Discuss. Quote scriptures and give real life illustrations in support.
The concern about the fate of humanity and the role of religious leaders like the Pope in spreading the Christian faith is complex and multifaceted. Let's explore it from a biblical perspective, considering various aspects and scriptures.
God's Desire for Salvation
As mentioned earlier, the Bible clearly states that God desires all to be saved:
2 Peter 3:9: "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
1 Timothy 2:3-4: "This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."
The Role of Believers in Evangelism
Jesus commissioned his followers to spread the gospel to all nations:
Matthew 28:19-20: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
The Role of Religious Leaders
The Pope, as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, is seen by Catholics as a spiritual leader responsible for guiding the faithful and promoting the teachings of Jesus Christ. However, the success of evangelism cannot be solely attributed to one individual.
Human Free Will and Salvation
The concept of free will is crucial in Christian theology. Every person has the choice to accept or reject the message of salvation. The Bible emphasizes the importance of individual choice:
John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Deuteronomy 30:19: "This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live."
Spiritual Warfare
The Bible acknowledges the presence of spiritual warfare and the opposition of Satan:
1 Peter 5:8: "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
Ephesians 6:12: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
Real-Life Illustrations
Historical Examples: Throughout history, there have been many who have claimed to be religious leaders but whose actions have led people away from true faith. The Crusades, the Inquisition, and other dark periods in church history illustrate how human failings can mar the mission of spreading the gospel.
Modern-Day Examples: Scandals within the church, whether involving financial misconduct, abuse, or other moral failures, can cause people to question the authenticity of religious leaders and the faith itself. These events can hinder evangelism and cause skepticism among non-believers.
Concluding Thoughts
While it may seem that the spread of Christianity has not reached as many as desired, and failures within religious institutions are apparent, it is essential to remember that the ultimate judgment belongs to God. The Bible emphasizes that believers are called to be faithful in their witness and trust in God's sovereignty and timing. It is also a reminder that human leaders are fallible and that the true focus should always be on Christ and His message of salvation.
RIB
Yeshua HaMashiach aka Jesus Christ was, is and never will be a Christian. He is Yahsua - Yah saves. He existed before Abraham and in fact before Adam. So this is not about the Christian faith even though it is the religion founded by the apostles during his first coming as prophesied in the OT prophets. This is about the salvation of all of humanity from eternal death and the lake of fire. Quote scriptures and give real life illustrations in support.
You're right that the message of Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus Christ) transcends any single religious identity and focuses on the salvation of humanity. Here, I'll provide a scriptural basis for the universal scope of Jesus' mission and some real-life illustrations to support this view.
Scriptural Basis for Universal Salvation
Pre-Existence of Christ
John 8:58: "Very truly I tell you," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!"
John 1:1-3: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made."
Salvation for All Humanity
John 3:16-17: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
1 Timothy 2:3-6: "This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time."
God's Desire for Repentance
2 Peter 3:9: "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
Ezekiel 18:23: "Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?"
The Great Commission
Matthew 28:19-20: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Real-Life Illustrations
Global Evangelism Efforts:
Missionary activities have spread the message of Jesus to nearly every part of the world. Organizations like the International Mission Board, Wycliffe Bible Translators, and countless others work tirelessly to ensure that the gospel is heard by all nations, tribes, and languages.
Examples include the work of missionaries like William Carey in India, Hudson Taylor in China, and more contemporary figures like Billy Graham, who preached to millions around the globe.
Transformative Personal Testimonies:
Individuals from diverse backgrounds have experienced profound transformations upon embracing the teachings of Jesus. For instance, Nicky Cruz, a former gang leader in New York City, turned his life around after a radical encounter with the message of Christ and went on to become an evangelist himself.
Another example is Lee Strobel, an investigative journalist and former atheist, who set out to disprove Christianity but ended up becoming a believer and author of "The Case for Christ," influencing many others with his testimony.
Social Impact and Humanitarian Work:
Many humanitarian efforts have been motivated by the teachings of Jesus, emphasizing love, compassion, and service to others. Organizations like World Vision, Compassion International, and Habitat for Humanity operate globally, providing aid to those in need, inspired by the example of Christ.
Hospitals, schools, and orphanages established by Christians around the world stand as testimonies to the enduring impact of Jesus' message of love and care for the less fortunate.
Conclusion
The mission of Yeshua HaMashiach is indeed about the salvation of all humanity, transcending religious labels and focusing on the fundamental need for repentance and reconciliation with God. The scriptures consistently highlight God's desire for all to be saved and the global scope of Jesus' mission. Real-life illustrations demonstrate the ongoing impact of this mission, as people from all walks of life continue to experience transformation and extend the message of salvation to others.
RIB
As a true believers and followers of Yeshua HaMashiach, co-heirs and co-rulers of planet Earth and the universe, describe the expanse and mind boggling number of stars (suns) and their respective planetary system in the universe that will be entrusted to each of them. And imagine the terrible for those who swallow the lies and deception of Satan and his fallen angels and sold their souls to them. If one is given a star or planetary system to rule, do we have enough stars to go around. Quote scriptures and give real life illustrations in support.
The concept of believers ruling with Christ and the vastness of the universe can indeed be both inspiring and daunting. Let's explore the scriptural basis for believers' future reign, the scale of the universe, and the consequences of rejecting God, along with real-life illustrations.
Scriptural Basis for Believers' Reign
Co-Heirs with Christ
Romans 8:17: "Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."
Revelation 3:21: "To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne."
Ruling with Christ
Revelation 5:10: "You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."
2 Timothy 2:12: "If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us."
The Vastness of the Universe
The scale of the universe is mind-boggling. The observable universe contains an estimated 2 trillion galaxies, each with millions or even billions of stars. For instance:
Stars and Planets
Our Milky Way galaxy alone has about 100 billion stars.
Many of these stars have their own planetary systems. For example, our Sun has eight planets.
Exponential Growth in Numbers
If each of the 2 trillion galaxies has 100 billion stars, that amounts to approximately 200 sextillion (2 followed by 23 zeros) stars in the observable universe.
Considering the possibility of multiple planets per star, the number of planets could be even higher.
Real-Life Illustrations
Astronomical Discoveries
The Hubble Space Telescope and other observatories have revealed the immense scale of the universe. For example, the Hubble Ultra-Deep Field image shows thousands of galaxies in just a tiny patch of sky.
NASA's Kepler mission has discovered thousands of exoplanets, many of which reside in habitable zones where life could potentially exist.
Scientific Awe
Astronomers and physicists often express awe at the universe's scale. Carl Sagan, for example, famously said, "The cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself."
Consequences of Rejecting God
The Bible describes the dire consequences for those who reject God and follow Satan:
Eternal Separation
Revelation 20:15: "Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire."
Matthew 25:41: "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.'"
Warning and Call to Repentance
John 3:18: "Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son."
Acts 17:30-31: "In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead."
Concluding Thoughts
The vastness of the universe and the promise of reigning with Christ underscore the grandeur of God's plan for believers. The sheer number of stars and planets suggests an almost unimaginable scope for future reign and stewardship. Conversely, the consequences for rejecting God are severe and eternal. The biblical call to repentance and faith in Jesus is both a warning and an invitation to participate in the incredible future God has prepared for those who love Him.
Believers are encouraged to reflect on these truths and remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that their ultimate destiny is both awe-inspiring and significant in the grand scheme of God's creation.
RIB
Suggest 24 ways and strategies for waking up, motivating and getting out from the lies and deception of Satan and his fallen angels for leaders and proponents of the Abrahamic faith, i.e. Judaism, Christianity, Catholics, Muslims and any messianic based belief system e.g. Kadazan, etc. Quote scriptures and give real life illustrations in support. Draft prayers for each step or strategy, giving the relevant scriptures verses to declare, decree and claim.
Strategies to Wake Up, Motivate, and Break Free from Lies and Deception
Seek God’s Truth in Scripture
John 17:17: "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth."
Prayer: "Lord, open my eyes to the truth of Your Word. Let Your truth sanctify and guide me. Amen."
Prayer and Fasting
Matthew 17:21: "But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting."
Prayer: "Father, as I fast and pray, break the chains of deception and reveal Your truth. Amen."
Daily Devotional Time
Psalm 119:105: "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
Prayer: "God, help me to dedicate time each day to study Your Word and grow closer to You. Amen."
Surround Yourself with Godly Counsel
Proverbs 11:14: "For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers."
Prayer: "Lord, lead me to wise and godly counselors who will guide me in Your ways. Amen."
Engage in Worship and Praise
Psalm 100:2: "Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs."
Prayer: "Heavenly Father, fill my heart with praise and worship to combat the enemy’s lies. Amen."
Stay Connected to a Faith Community
Hebrews 10:25: "Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another."
Prayer: "Lord, help me to stay connected to a community of believers for mutual encouragement. Amen."
Confession and Repentance
1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
Prayer: "God, I confess my sins before You. Purify me and lead me in Your righteousness. Amen."
Put on the Full Armor of God
Ephesians 6:11: "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes."
Prayer: "Lord, help me to put on Your full armor to stand against the devil’s schemes. Amen."
Regularly Partake in Communion
1 Corinthians 11:24-26: "Do this in remembrance of me."
Prayer: "Jesus, I remember Your sacrifice and partake in communion with a heart full of gratitude. Amen."
Practice Forgiveness
Matthew 6:14: "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you."
Prayer: "Father, give me the grace to forgive others as You have forgiven me. Amen."
Study the Life of Jesus
1 Peter 2:21: "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps."
Prayer: "Lord, help me to follow the example of Jesus in all that I do. Amen."
Claim Your Identity in Christ
2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
Prayer: "God, remind me of my identity in Christ as a new creation. Amen."
Develop a Habit of Gratitude
1 Thessalonians 5:18: "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
Prayer: "Lord, cultivate in me a heart of gratitude in every situation. Amen."
Engage in Spiritual Warfare
2 Corinthians 10:4: "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds."
Prayer: "Father, equip me for spiritual warfare and teach me to use Your divine weapons. Amen."
Share Your Testimony
Revelation 12:11: "They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony."
Prayer: "Jesus, give me the courage to share my testimony and the power of Your salvation. Amen."
Develop Discernment
Philippians 1:9-10: "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best."
Prayer: "God, grant me discernment to distinguish Your truth from the enemy’s lies. Amen."
Engage in Acts of Service
Galatians 5:13: "Serve one another humbly in love."
Prayer: "Lord, use me to serve others and show Your love through my actions. Amen."
Meditate on God's Promises
Joshua 1:8: "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night."
Prayer: "Father, help me to meditate on Your promises and keep them close to my heart. Amen."
Break Ungodly Ties and Associations
2 Corinthians 6:14: "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers."
Prayer: "God, give me the strength to break free from ungodly ties and associations. Amen."
Pray for the Holy Spirit’s Guidance
John 16:13: "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth."
Prayer: "Holy Spirit, guide me into all truth and lead me on the right path. Amen."
Be a Light in the Darkness
Matthew 5:14-16: "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden."
Prayer: "Jesus, let me be a light in this dark world, shining Your truth and love. Amen."
Rest in God’s Peace
Philippians 4:7: "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Prayer: "Lord, fill me with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Amen."
Cultivate Humility
James 4:10: "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."
Prayer: "Father, help me to walk in humility before You and others. Amen."
Proclaim Victory in Christ
1 Corinthians 15:57: "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Prayer: "God, I declare victory in Jesus’ name over all lies and deceptions. Amen."
Conclusion
These strategies, grounded in scripture and coupled with prayer, can help believers from various faith backgrounds to break free from deception and live in the truth of God. Each step is designed to draw individuals closer to God, strengthen their faith, and equip them to resist the enemy's schemes.
