|
Punishment: penalty inflicted for an offense or fault; severe treatment. Sin- 1. a transgression of divine law. 2. a willful violation of a moral principle. 3. a serious fault or offense. Hell
It is written: "'My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.' ...Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplines us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, 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 12:5,9-11
Does man have the God given right to punish? [Jesus:] "... let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her. ... and then they began going out conscience stricken one by one, from the oldest down to the last of them, till Jesus was left alone with the woman... John 8:7,9 Amplified Bible "Produce fruit* in keeping with repentance." Matthew 3:8 * "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Against such there is no law." Galations 5:22, 23
"What shall we conclude then? Are we any better? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..." Romans 3:9, 23 No Soul Left Behind
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord." -Romans 6:23 Be Born Again
"Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them." -Romans 1:32
"[Jesus:] I tell you, many will come from east and west and sit at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons and heirs of the kingdom will be driven out into the darkness outside, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth." -Matthew 8:11, 12 Amplified Bible; Also see: [Isa. 49:12; 59:19; Mal. 1:11; Ps. 107:2,3]
“When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.” -Ezekiel 33:8-9
"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?" -Ezekiel 18:23
|
 Commentary by Thomas Millington: Punishment and persecution can be one in the same when there is conflict of religious beliefs, or clash of man made political laws. Understanding this issue comes when human actions are evaluated by Jesus' loving commandments. There are organizations, however, that may never agree with this truth. www.Ffrf.org
Life becomes the battle of the "gods"- the battle of ideology/philosophy. In Black's law dictionary, 6th edition, religion is defined as: "Man's relation to Divinity, to reverence, worship, obedience, and submission to mandates and precepts of supernatural or superior beings." Many blame "religion" for all of the wars and problems on earth; although, the reality and truth is that ALL people have freewill and can therefore act out his/her life in any manner. Christians must remember the goal is to conform to Jesus’ image, not man’s (e.g. Adolph Hitler tried to conform people to his image… think about it! It is written: "For those whom God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son (Jesus), in order that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” -Romans 8:29 The purpose of any court is to make judgments about human behavior, and, as a result, is dealing with psychology- the science of the mind or of mental state and process. Wherefore, there is always an object lesson to be learned, and an intended behavior modification (freewill) to be expected. Whosoever is labeled “guilty” is to conform (become similar in form or character) to some image (likeness). This image is either into the eternal loving God (read 3 John 1:11), or to the image of a beast (a cruel course person). Unequivocally, the former is necessary to heal and restore the person, and rectify issues that are plaguing and destroying mankind. "Well aware that Almighty God has created the mind free; that all attempts to influence it by temporal punishments... tend only to... {produce] habits of hypocrisy and meanness; ...that to compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves is sinful and tyrannical;...that truth is great and will prevail if left to herself..." -Virginia Statue for religious freedom (1786).Man’s created and legislated law does not conform to or supersede God’s law… no matter what law code, or the existing Constitution which is considered the “supreme law of the land”. God’s Holy Word is perfect (Proverbs 30:5, 6) and is complete and all sufficient Law in every situation- local and foreign policy. Remember, man cannot save man from his inherent flaw called sin! Fear is a key factor/component by which ruling authorities/elites use to "control" its subjects/citizens. If it is a carnal man wanting to be feared because he has the power to punish, then the fear is not of God. Threat, Duress, Coercion (TDC) These are not the tactics of Almighty God of the Holy Bible! It is written: "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." 1 John 4:18. What few people grasp is that your eternal soul is born into this earth in rebellion towards God, and therefore has need for personal conversion: "...Because the mind of the flesh- with its carnal thoughts and purposes- is hostile to God; for it does not submit itself to God's Law, indeed it cannot." Romans 8:7 Amplified Version. The GOOD NEWS is that "He [God], is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
|