From: mmcgreg@uswnvg.com (Mark McGregor)
Newsgroups: talk.religion.misc,alt.atheism
Subject: Re: Jesus & the Sin of the World
Date: 5 Sep 92 06:24:17 GMT
Followup-To: talk.religion.misc
Organization: U S WEST NewVector Group, Inc.
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> THE DOCTRINE OF SALVATION/DAMNATION IS INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE DOCTRINE OF
> A LOVING GOD.

This is one of the most asked and debated religious questions of all
times.

From a Christian perspective, based on the Bible (as I read it of course),
there is a tension here.  And this tension is maintained throughout the
scriptures.  The tension is that of the complex nature of God.  From a 
Biblical basis, yes, God is loving.  But that does not say enough.  That is
simply one aspect of God.  The Bible also portrays God as the just judge.
The God of the Bible is not portrayed as a flat, single dimensional thing
called love.  God is portrayed as multi dimensional (i.e. having many
attributes -- love, mercy, justice, righteousness, creativity, etc.).

So, this creates what I call a "tension" between these attributes, which
we sometimes perceive (in our opinions) as incompatible.

In the Old Testament, this tension is visible in the prophetic writings
where God has judged Israel and sent them into captivity, but during and
after this process was continually calling the nation to return to Him
and be healed and restored.  God chose and loved the nation of Israel, 
but still judged their relationship with Him.

My personal belief on the subject of SALVATION/DAMNATION is that they are
not incompatible with a loving God.  The just aspects of God call for
judgment of the sins of man.  The loving aspects of God offer the solution
to the demanded judgment.  According to the Bible the only solution offered
is Jesus Christ, who bore the judgment of God by dying on the cross, in
order that the judgment requirements of God might be fully met.  It is
in Jesus Christ that salvation and damnation meet.  For Christ is the
one who took the damnation and judgment and God, and who also offers
salvation.

I feel that SALVATION and DAMNATION go hand in hand.  They must.  My 
belief is that all men are justly condemned by God, but to go with this
DAMNATION is God's offer of SALVATION, which saves us from our
state of being condemned.  The love of God is seen in His offering a 
solution to the required judgment.  I feel that God's desire for man
is salvation, but this stands alongside of God's decreed judgment
against the sin of man.  This is where the Bible leaves the decision
to man to accept or reject God.

Perhaps I have not articulated by position well (it won't be the first
or last time).  Oh well, I'm still learning.

Theological musings are not easy.  It's hard to remember that (per the
Bible of course) we were created in God's image, and not God in our image.
Our images of God are at best shadow speculations on the real thing.

p.s.  Religious beliefs (or lack thereof) are just that -- beliefs, faiths,
      persuasions -- whatever you want to call it.
      They do not reflect stupidity, ignorance, brilliance, or genius.  

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Mark McGregor -- mmcgreg@uswnvg.com

Whoever loves money never has money enough;
   Whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.
      This too is meaningless.

Eccl. 5:10
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